Expat woman working in Riyadh

You just have to be very fluent in english, an expert at the subject your teaching and if you are a true caucassion that is license enough. Trust me, everything european or western is more acceptable to the locals and they may not say it but that is how they have become. Had you been from China or Angola then the story would be different.

Thanks for your answer. Could you help with few more things that are not quite clear to me: - I know I have to wear Abaya and scarf in the publick. Do they have to be only solid black or color dress/scarf is possible for non Muslims? How strict would the rule apply to foreign woman? - Can woman ride a car or go shopping with the hired driver (not relative)? cheers, Teah -

Hi Teah,

The concerns you mention are very normal for women moving to Saudi Arabia as trailing spouses.

Do you know where you will be living yet? Most expats moving to Saudi Arabia live on one of the large company-sponsered compounds. Here, the situation and rules are much more relaxed than in normal Saudi society. You will have all the facillities you need on the compund and you will be able to drive yourself around within the compound.

Beyond the Western compounds, women are required to wear the abaya, although expat women are not expected to cover their faces.
Generally the abayas worn by women in Saudi Arabia are black, some may have small coloured details and you might occassionally see someone wearing a more colourful abaya. However, its probably best to stick to black to avoid drawing attention to yourself.

For more information check out the Women in Saudi Arabia page to find out more about the issues facing expat women living in the Kingdom.

Shantalie

Hi Shantalie, Can you plz tell me the names of the best expat compounds in Riyadh? And is there a website that has all information I would like to knowabut Riyadh? Thank you. Jolie