Saudi Arabia first Impressions

First impressions of Saudi Arabia

Getting closer to Riyadh the cityscape changes. Slowly, slowly more women, dressed in Hejabs, walk the streets. The Hejab consists of the abaya, the ubiquitous long flowing black cloak the woman wear over their day to day clothes when in public, their tightly wound black scarves and the Niqab, the face-covering leaving only the eyes to be seen.
Once I arrive in Riyadh City I am immediately stopped by four working women in their hejabs and donned with green safety vests. “Selfie, selfie!!!” they demand excitedly. These working women now tell me how happy they are to see me driving independently. In my own car! From so far and with a dog! And all of this without a man! Thumbs up and another “Hamdullillahah!” for good measure.

Walking through the streets of Riyadh I see a few women dressed more liberally, wearing the modern Abaya, which does not need to be black and is shorter than the traditional style, but without headdress; at the gardens of a university I meet a woman in western clothes, Jeans, a long sweater, open hair. She tells me that she was officially allowed to dress that liberally so long as the dress is modest; however, she does not feel comfortable to do so outside the campus grounds.
Today I saw two SA women in western clothing and open hair.
Saudi Arabia appears to be moving forward with big steps towards a more liberal society.

I had to visit the dentist today. Chipped tooth.
At the practice all the assistants were male: at the reception as well as in the treating rooms. My dentist was a woman, I saw several other female dentists all assisted by males. I would have loved to be treated by one of the male doctors dressed in the sheik garb. Very exotic. But no such luck! I forgot to ask if females can be treated by men?

Walking my cat hating dog in this city is near impossible. This is a cat empire! Cats everywhere: sleeping curled up on lawns, park benches, behind walls, in bushes, on trees, under cars, in gutters, alley ways! Everywhere!!! My dog is totally frantic, pulling on the leash like a maniac! Get me out of here!

When standing on the edge of the street waiting to cross the cars stop! Just so! No pedestrian crossing, no traffic light, they just stop! No idea why! I am baffled! This is amazing!
21.2.20 I have to make am amendment to that last observation: that must have been a coincidental that the cars stopped just so. This didn't happen again.Læs mere