Poll: Are Women Safe in using Public Taxis in Saudi Arabia?

So tell me what you think… if you are a woman and in Saudi Arabia, would YOU use a public taxi (as compared to a private taxi or limo service) as in a taxi from the street where you’ve likely never seen the driver before nor know where he may even be from.

I’ve Met a Saudi Woman but What Can I Talk to Her About?

So many expat women in the Kingdom would welcome the opportunity to get to know Saudi women. For some women there are obstacles placed in the way of getting this to happen whether it be the expat woman is a dependent spouse, lives on a western compound and therefore has virtually no contact with Saudi women. Or perhaps an expat woman does find herself at a function which includes some Saudi women but then only to find there are language barriers. Then thinking positive the expat woman is able to meet some Saudi women but apprehensive on what are the appropriate topics to discuss so as not to make any inadvertent cultural offensives or faux pas.

 

I posed this question to a Saudi woman whom I know. This particular Saudi woman is well traveled, speaks excellent English and has worked professionally most of her life. She is now semi-retired and in her late 50’s. She has many expat women among her friends as well as having an American sister-in-law.

 

She agreed with my views on the difficulties of getting Saudi and expat women together. In her view, once they are together the greatest barrier can usually be language. And if a Saudi woman comes from a more conservative or less-open background she may very well be quite shy herself and have the same fears as the expat in not wanting to make a faux pas.

 

According to my Saudi friend, “safe” topics to discuss when just getting to know a Saudi women are as follows:

• tv dramas – most Saudi women regardless of background enjoy the Arabic tv dramas. Even if as an expat you may not know about these shows or are able to follow them, ask the Saudi woman to tell you more about them and why she likes them. This can lead to a lively dialogue about distinctions and similarities between Saudi and Western television dramas.
• Fashion – Saudi women take pride in their fashions, particularly when they are out socially with other women. An expat woman can find a new friendship flourishing asking the Saudi women about the fashion styles of Saudi Arabia. Ask about the differing types of ladies thobes, their fabrics, their designs. Who are the best designers and why? Where are the best places for fashion shopping. Do not limit the discussion to ladies thobes only. Saudi women will know many hidden shopping treasures!
• Food – Saudi food whether a main course or sweets differs from the western food. All Saudi women also have their special and favorite dishes which they like to make. A Saudi woman will usually not be shy to introduce and explain typical Saudi foods and dishes to a female guest.
• Maids – Housemaids are prevalent throughout Saudi Arabia and every Saudi woman will have a story about her housemaid, good or bad. She will likely have plenty of advise to offer on acquiring and training a housemaid.
• Drivers – Having a driver or lack thereof is a widespread phenomenon. And just like housemaids, there are the good and the bad stories. The woman who has her own personal driver will develop a unique relationship with that driver. Many Saudi women will be happy to share their experiences and views on the subjects of drivers and driving in Saudi Arabia.
• Family – The Saudi woman is very family oriented. Her children are whom she lives for and she is also very close to the rest of her family as well – mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. She likes to be asked and talk about her family.

 

The above topics can keep an expat woman and Saudi woman engaged in dialogue for hours and allow for the building of a strong and lasting friendship.