Verification into blogburst

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More On Names

In the Arab world one will frequently hear (or even read comments by viewers of this blog) who may have Abu or Umm placed in front of their name.  This is meant as a sign of respect and tradition.  For example if someone is addressed as Abu Abdullah or Umm Abdullah that means the individual [...]

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What Exactly do Women Wear Under the Abaya?

After writing the post on What do Men Wear Under Their Thobes http://delhi4cats.wordpress.com/2008/02/17/what-is-worn-under-a-thobe/

I received some queries in turn about what do the women wear under abayas.  Naturally according to Islam, the muslim woman at least should be dressed modestly at all times, even while wearing an abaya.  In Saudi Arabia it is expected for all [...]

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Lack of Railways in the Kingdom

When an expat arrives in the Kingdom I always wonder how long it will take for him or her to realize they rarely if ever see any railroad tracks?  For example in the United States, travel by train whether for business, pleasure or to carry goods and supplies is a standard mode of transport.  Just [...]

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Numbers You Need to Know

In the United States individuals are taught as children in the case of an emergency dial “911” as the universal number for help.  The Kingdom also has some of its own numbers:

  
999 – equivalent to 911.  This number can be used for a medical emergency, fire or any other situation requiring assistance.

 
998 – number to [...]

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Saudi Perspectives on the US Presidential Campaign

As the presidential campaigns in the United States continue to heat up and more of the original candidates have dropped out of the running, this becomes a greater topic of discussion in the Kingdom.  Fellow Americans, expats and Saudis enjoy discussing perspectives of the Presidential campaigns and sharing their views on who would be the [...]

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Penetrating the Men’s Branch of the Bank

The other week I had to conduct a few transactions at my bank.  Given that the banking hours for women are from 0930 – 1600 hours and my working hours are much longer, I had to take time off from work in order to conduct my business.  Now this was a time sensitive matter and [...]

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Married to a Saudi? Be Flexible…

If you are a foreigner (especially Western) and married to a Saudi, be flexible…very very flexible!  While you may think you have made many great sacrifices by leaving your family and your country to be with your spouse in the Kingdom, don’t expect him to fully appreciate the gesture.  Do not expect any special gratitude [...]

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Saudi Air Show

I recently had the opportunity to attend an air show just outside of Riyadh at the King Khalid Conservation Park.  Within the park among many things is an aviation club.  The air show was open to the public as well as free of charge towards promoting the aviation club.  In compliance with the cultural traditions [...]

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Saber Rattling - Part II

This is a continuation of yesterday’s post about the recent aggression on the part of the Muttawa.  Today’s post provides some information on what to do if you are a woman and confronted by a muttawa.

Some of this information has been extracted from a reputable newsgroup and other data I have added based on experience here:

A  [...]

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