Monday, August 2, 2010

abaya free zones

hello hello! Well I am back from a trip and want to thank any of you who were worried that I stopped blogging because I had killed myself. Besides. My preferred method involves a car and a closed garage, neither of which I have access to at the moment.

...okay ANYWAY. I've been meaning to post about this for a while because for me any time I get to take my abaya off, it makes me feel that much more at home. When I first showed up I thought that I had to wear it any time I was outside the compound walls. And actually even this was a little matter of confusion for me: what exactly constitutes "outside the compound"??? Compounds typically have an outer gate and an inner gate, and "outside the compound" generally means "outside the inner gate" - and if you choose to disrobe or fling your buttons open (you hussy!!) between the outer gate and inner gate, you may have to prepare yourself for some confrontation with the guards.

Out in public, it may surprise you to learn that you are free to take off your abayas at restaurants, albeit you have to be inside a booth in the family section with the curtains drawn. Although A/C is usually so powerful in this country that you may want to keep it on. One unwritten rule is that in certain ritzy hotels and their restaurants, you may be able to take your abaya off, but the safest thing to do is ask management first, though I would recommend keeping your shoulders and knees covered. For international departures and arrivals, there is also leniency. And if you are a golfer, you are also expected to leave your abaya in the car. Please don't quote me on these things as hard and fast rules, but these are just general guidelines, and if a muttawa shows up and asks you to cover yourself, I have a hunch that he will not be interested in hearing what you read on the internet.

14 comments:

Lavender © said...

The Cigar Lounge in Faisaliya, and actually most of their restaurants are Abaya free zones as well :) I am no longer welcome there as I have kids in tow (no children allowed in the cigar lounge.. lol) But you go and have some fun... Its really a nice experience :)

E said...

Hi, I am a swedish expat living in Riyadh. I love redaing expat blogs and I really like yours. I just recently started my own blog to share all my thoughts and impressions in this country. There is so much to say... http://iriyadh.blogspot.com/
Regards, E

sambabes said...

Hello there, I am new to your forum but have spend several days reading all your posts. I found it really interesting and truly from a housewife perspective. I must thank you for the wealth of info on this forum.
I am a Canadian from Newfoundland and recently my husband accepted an offer with SABIC research and Technology center in Riyadh. His package include accommodation in a western compound. However, knowing that Sabic R&T is located in the outskirt of Riyadh in the industrial city area, we were wondering if you could suggest a compound this is within reasonable distance to this area which is also not too far to American school. As I am two kids (3 and 6 yrs) I learnt from previous posts that compound would be most suitable.
Any info of close by expat compound with reasonable distance to americam or another good school would be highly appreciated.
PS: I have posted this comment to your compound rundown post, but tot I should repost here as this is the latest post.

IA said...

hi Sambabes,

funny thing is I am from toronto and have accepted a position in SABIC as well. I am guessing we have a lot to catch up on. If you want, drop me a line at c_imran AT hotmail dot com so we can continue this dicussion. I am intending to join SABIC in august. Just waiting for my VISA.

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