AboutLauren Gilkey Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to local culture and daily living for Westerners (expats) and what they do for vacation within Saudi. I am limited to questions about the Western Coast, since I never visited the Eastern part of the country. I have knowledge about Yanbu, Jeddah, Medinah, and Abhah. I can also answer general questions about what it was like to live there, etc.
Experience I lived in Yanbu for 4 years and did some travelling in the country.
Expert: Lauren Gilkey Date: 7/11/2008 Subject: non-muslim men & women in jeddah
Question I'd like to know if there are motels in jeddah where men & women can go and spend the night, that is, for unmarried couple?
Is it true that, men and women can't go on dates? especially for non-muslim foreigners?
Have you heard of Al Bardy Paper FActory CO. Ltd.?
How far is it from the main city in bus and in taxi?
Answer Dear Jean,
Nowhere in Saudi Arabia is it appropriate for an unmarried man and women to spend time alone together. A hotel room would be, of course, the worst possible place for this to happen.
The good news is (I'm assuming you're not Muslim and not from Saudi...) that you won't have relatives who will turn you in or kill you if you're discovered.
The bad news: the religious police still have the right to inspect everyone, including foreigners, to check and see if they are husband and wife. Because Saudi is ruled by religion as much as civil law (if not more so), then any hint of indecency or action contrary to religious law is, well, very bad.
In restaurants, there is a "men's only" section and then a "family section." If you're in the family section, which is consequently the only area women are allowed, you are expected to be family. Brother-sister, husband-wife, father-daughter. Any male-female relationship beyond that is stretching it. I wouldn't recommend uncle-niece or cousin-cousin. So, if you can't prove you're married, then don't risk it.
So, no public dating in the Kingdom. Stick to your house, etc. if you want to date or have that special overnight hookup.
Sorry, I am not familiar with the Al Bardy Paper Factory Co.
