Tips for Women in Saudi Arabia

Expat women moving to Saudi Arabia may find it a daunting prospect. You may have questions and concerns about personal freedoms such as dress, driving, and travel.

While these concerns are not without merit, most expat women in Saudi Arabia report a great deal of change in recent years. Many of the restrictions that once felt stifling to expat women are no longer in place, or apply only to local Muslim women.

Still, daily life in Saudi Arabia is considerably different from what most expat women are used to. Given some time, patience and practice, life as a woman in Saudi Arabia can start to feel less strange.

Restrictions on women in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian women were only granted the right to vote in 2015, and the right to obtain a driver's licence in 2018. This has allowed some freedom of movement, though other regulations maintain male control over female life.

Broadly speaking, life for Saudi women remains largely restrictive in terms of what they can wear and how they should behave. With laws gradually becoming more permissive, restrictions are not always based in the legal system, but rather are enshrined in cultural and social norms, especially for expats.

Restrictions on expat women

Public decency laws state that clothing must cover knees and shoulders, but there is no legal requirement for non-Muslim women to wear a headscarf or an abaya (a loose-fitting black or dark robe covering the clothes) in public. However, doing so can make it easier to blend in and avoid unwanted attention, especially in more conservative cities such as Riyadh.

This is less of a concern in more liberal cities such as Jeddah. At times, expats may be asked by strangers to cover their hair. Again, while not required by law, it is a sign of respect to oblige. Some expat women carry a headscarf in their handbag in case it is needed.

Restrictions on Saudi women

Saudi Arabian law dictates that Saudi females are always under the guardianship of a male relative. Under this system, women are required to obtain the permission of their male guardian, usually a father, husband or brother, to perform certain activities, such as studying, working and getting medical treatment. 

Although the male guardianship system is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabian society and culture, this system has been criticised for curtailing women's human rights and limiting their autonomy and freedom.

The Saudi Arabian government has made some reforms in recent years, such as allowing women to drive and participate in sports and entertainment events. Women over the age of 18 may marry and, from the age of 21 and up, women can apply for passports and travel abroad without a male guardian's permission. 

Though these are good signs of progress, women's rights still have a long way to go before Saudi Arabia reaches gender equality.

Find out more about Gender Equality and Women in Leadership in Saudi Arabia.

Tips for trailing spouses in Saudi Arabia

Trailing spouses who worked before arriving in Saudi Arabia may find their days suddenly filled with long hours of boredom. In patriarchal Saudi society, it's generally the women who stay at home.

Sometimes, there’s a lack of understanding from the working partner. Settling in is often easier for the working spouse, as they’re preoccupied with the workplace and continually meeting new people. At the same time, they may assume their partner has the better side of the deal because they get to stay home, despite the isolation and boredom involved.

These elements of culture shock can be unsettling, but many women enjoy living in Saudi Arabia despite initial difficulties. Locals tend to be friendly and hospitable, and for the most part, Saudi Arabia is a safe country. Getting involved in the community – whether through volunteering, joining an expat club or participating in group events – is a sure way to ease the transition and provides a much-needed break from the home.

Learn more about Local Culture in Saudi Arabia.

Overcoming culture shock as a woman in Saudi Arabia

Living in large company-sponsored compounds can make life much easier and more enjoyable for expat women than staying in an individual apartment or villa. It’s generally easier to meet people in compounds, and it doesn't take expat wives long before they find themselves making new friends and acquaintances.

Compounds have everything on site including, for example, restaurants, bowling alleys, dry cleaners, grocery stores, golf courses, salons, soccer fields and gyms. There are various activities to choose from that closely mirror what’s available in the Western world and, for the most part, people wear what they like.

Living outside the compounds among the locals, women may find themselves feeling isolated and void of all sources of entertainment. Saudis are quite private and tend to spend their time with family and close friends rather than inviting new people into their circles. It isn't impossible to make local friends, but it's often difficult.

Regardless of their housing situation, it’s important for expat women to get out and meet new friends with common interests. Leave the compound, walk among the locals, and start living life. Women who join expat social groups and expand on existing hobbies will be one step ahead in getting through the adjustment phase. Not to mention, once they're settled in and over the initial shock, expat women frequently find that they have a different kind of freedom here with plenty of time to pursue almost anything they'd like.