AboutDee O'Brien Expertise I can answer questions in general about life in Saudi Arabia, people, customs, expat lifestyle and travel both in Kingdom and within parts of the Middle East - Bahrain, UAE
Experience Currently living & working in Kingdom - since 1996, firstly in Riyadh and now in Eastern Province
Education/Credentials RN
BA(hons) Law & Managagement
Question QUESTION: Is it acceptable for women teachers to wear smart, conservative black trousers to work in a girls university in Riyadh?
ANSWER: Hi Jonica,
Women in Saudi are free to wear whatever clothing they want - but while in any public areas where there may be men present you will be expected to cover completely with an abaya - generally a black coloured full length, long sleeved and loose fitting cloak... If you happen to have a secured work-place where men are properly excluded you may well be allowed to not wear the abaya while working but this would be unusual, esp in Riyadh where the rules / laws are most strictly enforced... Hope this answers your question sufficiently. Please let me know if I can help with any further info... Take care,
Deirdre
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for your quick and clear response. I am going to work in KSU girls university - separate, secure building - no abaya indoors. Local teachers have informed new recruits ( via recruitment website) that trousers can never, ever be worn. I thought this sounded quite odd in terms of coverage.
Thanks again
Jonica
Answer Hi again Jonica,
Having just spoken to one of my work colleagues here I'm told that in Riyadh alone, even in female only secured work areas trousers are still banned, as they are deemed too form hugging and are only for men to wear... so yes, I'm afraid it's likely that you will have to get a work wardrobe of ankle length skirts for your stay in Riyadh... seems crazy I know but apparently it is quite ridgedly enforced at the entrance ways to the Uni's. Also another word of warning - you are likely to have any mobile phone with an in-built camera confiscated at the entrance as well... you can certainly have them and use them in Kingdom - but at female only gatherings you will often be restricted to camera-free mobiles... Enjoy your adventures - despite the restrictions, it's a really worthwhile place to visit - and I've stayed 12 years so far so it can't be all that bad... take care,
