{"id":82418,"date":"2018-11-15T07:30:17","date_gmt":"2018-11-15T07:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/"},"modified":"2023-11-12T12:34:41","modified_gmt":"2023-11-12T17:34:41","slug":"my-visit-to-saudi-arabia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/","title":{"rendered":"My Visit to Saudi Arabia &#8211; It&#8217;s NOT What I Expected!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Sunset-in-Jeddah.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset in Jeddah visit to Saudi Arabia \" class=\"wp-image-12685\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>At last, we received our visa for Saudi Arabia in Ethiopia and were on the next plane to Jeddah. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is our experience of Saudi Arabia before tourists could travel here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor: pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/#flying-to-saudi-arabia\" title=\"Flying to Saudi Arabia\">Flying to Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/#onboard-and-on-our-way-to-saudi-arabia\" title=\"Onboard and on our way to Saudi Arabia\">Onboard and on our way to Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/#arriving-in-saudi-arabia\" title=\"Arriving in Saudi Arabia\">Arriving in Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/#first-views-of-jeddah\" title=\"First views of Jeddah\">First views of Jeddah<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/#sightseeing-in-saudi-arabia\" title=\"Sightseeing in Saudi Arabia\">Sightseeing in Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/#friday-in-saudi-arabia-with-friends\" title=\"Friday in Saudi Arabia with friends\">Friday in Saudi Arabia with friends<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/#inside-a-saudi-home-and-shopping-malls\" title=\"Inside a Saudi home and shopping malls\">Inside a Saudi home and shopping malls<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/#eating-out-in-saudi-arabia\" title=\"Eating out in Saudi Arabia\">Eating out in Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/my-visit-to-saudi-arabia\/#time-to-leave-saudi-arabia\" title=\"Time to leave Saudi Arabia\">Time to leave Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"flying-to-saudi-arabia\"><\/span>Flying to Saudi Arabia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The screen showing gates for flights departing at Addis Ababa flicks and our gate for the flight to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia finally appears. We walk towards it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s after 2 am and the airport is fairly empty, only a few flights remain before the masses of people arrive for the early morning flights. &nbsp;We arrived at the gate and were immediately approached by the airport staff, we clearly must have the wrong gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The surprise on his face when we reconfirmed our destination is obvious. A visit to Saudi Arabia is not a common thing on everyone&#8217;s bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are not many western female travellers boarding a flight to Saudi Arabia. In fact, there are none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are being watched. There are only two types of people at this gate. &nbsp;Saudi middle-aged men dressed in their traditional clothes, returning home, most likely after a business trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other is a group of mostly young Ethiopian women, dressed in their colourful dresses heading to Saudi Arabia for work.&nbsp;The one thing I notice is how serious they all look, not a smudge of the joy and the zest of life we&#8217;ve experienced in the past two weeks in Ethiopia when interacting with women in this beautiful country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have read many articles about the working conditions in Saudi Arabia and the alleged abuse so my mind keeps wondering what awaits them in Saudi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"onboard-and-on-our-way-to-saudi-arabia\"><\/span>Onboard and on our way to Saudi Arabia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The flight is ready to board and both groups are asked to line up in separate lines. It\u2019s clear the division starts before we even get to Saudi Arabia. Somehow we are asked to stand with the men, as the staff is unsure what to do with us as we are still in Ethiopia. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ethiopia is a country where men and women sit together for hours during their morning coffee ceremony. It\u2019s also a place where half of the government is female.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are both wearing an abaya, the traditional dress required by all women in Saudi Arabia. We certainly attract some attention. &nbsp;The women look at us puzzled and the airport staff seems to be baffled by this too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We board the plane. But first, we get patted down by the plane staff and our bags get checked again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Food is being served. Of course, there is no alcohol available on this flight and prayer sounds before the take-off. I try to watch a TV episode while the food is served and another difference becomes obvious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any naughty scenes have simply been cut out of the movies and I am amazed to watch an episode of Friends, where Jennifer Aniston\u2019s fitted t-shirt also didn\u2019t pass the benchmarks and two blurry circles were placed over her chest.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-12677 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/In-Saudi-Arabia.jpg\" alt=\"Visit to Saudi Arabia\" class=\"wp-image-12677\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our visit to Saudi Arabia &#8211; The two of us in Jeddah old town<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"arriving-in-saudi-arabia\"><\/span>Arriving in Saudi Arabia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We land in Jeddah and we both wrap our scarves around our heads to cover our hair. We do look ridiculous. Wearing trekking shoes, black abaya, green scarf and a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3wTJdUs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">40L carry-on backpack<\/a> on our backs with a small backpack in the front, we are a rare sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Surprisingly, going through a passport check is very straightforward, with no questions asked. &nbsp;Of course, the lines are separated for men or women and family only. I guess once you\u2019re lucky enough to get a visa for Saudi, you are good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are picked up by a friend and ready to nap. It\u2019s been a long night. The temperature is in the high 30\u2019s and it\u2019s only 6 am.<\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"l-section wpb_row blog-reusable-block-icon-text height_auto width_full\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-iconbox pretty-link iconpos_left style_default color_primary align_left no_title\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-icon\" style=\"font-size:3rem;\"><i class=\"fas fa-hotel\"><\/i><\/div><div class=\"w-iconbox-meta\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-text\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_content usg_post_content_1\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=8025726\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Booking.com<\/a> is an easy-to-use search engine. It offers the best selection of accommodation available all over the world. We find they offer the lowest prices and no fees. <em><strong>Our Tip:<\/strong> Search by price, and filter by best reviews.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"first-views-of-jeddah\"><\/span>First views of Jeddah<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We drive through Jeddah to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/sa\/fndq-tnmy-ldyf.en.html?aid=8025726&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;room1=A%2CA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our<\/a> hotel and we are both stuck to the window. You don\u2019t get to see Saudi Arabia every day. One thing is clear immediately: everyone drives here, everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are no pedestrians, which makes the fact that women were only just allowed to drive for the first time this year, resonate with us even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We check into our room and for a second you could be anywhere else in the world. But there are a couple of things missing. &nbsp;There are no miniature alcohol bottles in our hotel fridge. Alcohol is strictly forbidden. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The list of programs on the TV is of course mainly in Arabic and seems to be more focused on religious events and of course, there is the live stream from Mecca. Also, there is no bible in the top drawer as any other religious material is also banned.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-12675 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Corniche-in-Jeddah.jpg\" alt=\"visit to Saudi Arabia - Corniche\" class=\"wp-image-12675\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Corniche in Jeddah on our visit to Saudi Arabia<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<style data-type=\"us_custom-css\">#global-element-recommended-posts .header{font-size:1.3rem;font-weight:700;text-align:center!important}#global-element-recommended-posts .post-title{font-family:var(--font-h2);font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700}<\/style><section class=\"l-section wpb_row blog-reusable-block no-box-shadow height_small\" id=\"global-element-recommended-posts\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_taxonomy header style_simple\"><span class=\"w-post-elm-before\">Recommended posts about <\/span><span class=\"term-369 term-saudi-arabia\">Saudi Arabia<\/span><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"sightseeing-in-saudi-arabia\"><\/span>Sightseeing in Saudi Arabia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After a quick nap, we decided to venture out for lunch and see the famous Corniche, a walkway along the seaside. It\u2019s deserted and after a few photos, we decide on lunch in a nearby caf\u00e9. We find the caf\u00e9, but the main door is an entrance for men only. So we walked around the corner to find the family entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon entering, we are greeted by friendly staff and seated. It\u2019s interesting to see that some women wear a veil even in the family section, but then the staff is all men, and they&#8217;re mostly from the Philippines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The menu features only Western dishes, which is disappointing for us, but eventually, we order burgers. We sit back and observe.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-12679 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Male-Entrance-in-Jeddah.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance for male only at Jeddah restaurant\" class=\"wp-image-12679\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our visit to Saudi Arabia was an experience &#8211; The entrance for male-only at Jeddah restaurant<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<style data-type=\"us_custom-css\">#global-element-airalo-esim{box-shadow:10px 10px 0 0 var(--color-alt-content-overlay);border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.25)}#global-element-airalo-esim .esim-global-cta-header{font-size:1.5rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:500}#global-element-airalo-esim .children-no-margin>*{margin:0}<\/style><section class=\"l-section wpb_row blog-reusable-block height_small\" id=\"global-element-airalo-esim\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-hwrapper children-no-margin valign_middle wrap align_justify\" style=\"--hwrapper-gap:2rem\"><p class=\"w-text us_custom_d35f7ba0 esim-global-cta-header\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Get Connected with eSIM<\/span><\/span><\/p><div class=\"w-image us_custom_2774bef1 align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"59\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/very-hungry-nomads-airalo-horizontal-logo-transparent-200w.png\" class=\"attachment-us_200_120 size-us_200_120\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/very-hungry-nomads-airalo-horizontal-logo-transparent-200w.png 200w, https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/very-hungry-nomads-airalo-horizontal-logo-transparent-200w-95x28.png 95w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><strong>Get connected easily on your travels\u2014buy an eSIM!<\/strong> An eSIM works like an app: buy it, download it, and get connected in minutes! It\u2019s easy, affordable, and convenient. Keep your original phone number,&nbsp;too!<\/p>\n<p>Click below and view which eSIM data plan you need for your next adventure. Use our referral code: <strong>RACHEL5045<\/strong>, to <strong>get $3 off your first purchase<\/strong>!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_center\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_4 us_custom_b4198c51 icon_atleft\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/airalo.pxf.io\/DVm76G\" rel=\"noopener\"><i class=\"fas fa-mobile-alt\"><\/i><span class=\"w-btn-label\">Buy an eSIM for your next trip!<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"friday-in-saudi-arabia-with-friends\"><\/span>Friday in Saudi Arabia with friends<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our evening is spent with friends of a friend. This is when we truly get the insight we have been looking for. We head to the old town of Jeddah just before prayer time and walk the tiny alleyways; we try sugar cane juice and listen to the call for prayer as our friends duck into the mosque to pray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At that moment, our visit to Saudi Arabia reminds us of our travels to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/destinations\/oman\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oman<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/destinations\/bahrain\/\">Bahrain<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After travelling the world, one thing is clear. There are 50 shades of Islam, and the followers of the same religion practice it in different forms across the world. They pray, eat and behave differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there are 50 shades of Islam then black would be the colour for Saudi Arabia. Here, the teaching of Islam is observed in the strictest form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After prayer, we drive across Jeddah, a city that combines old rickety buildings in the Old Town, with somewhat dusty-looking buildings of the &#8217;90s and the shiny new modern structures you see across Dubai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"inside-a-saudi-home-and-shopping-malls\"><\/span>Inside a Saudi home and shopping malls<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We arrive at our friend&#8217;s house, and it\u2019s a real honour to be welcomed into their home. They are eager to chat about our travels as we sip coffee. At some point, we&#8217;re encouraged to take off our abaya and make ourselves comfortable. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We have to admit to them that we are not wearing any underlayers. Because it was so hot outside when we went for walk earlier, we figured fewer layers would be better to stay cool. Of course, this causes laughter and confusion as women wear abayas as an overcoat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We didn\u2019t get this memo, and it\u2019s hot out there, so naturally, we wear it as a dress. We decide to head out again \u2013 shopping mall and dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shopping mall is huge, and everyone from Jeddah is there. There is plenty of bling going around and if it wasn\u2019t for the local attire you could be anywhere in the world. We tried a new type of coffee called Arabica coffee, it\u2019s a yellow colour and has a butter-like texture. We leave the mall, and we\u2019re ready to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-12676 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Dinner-in-Saudi-Arabia.jpg\" alt=\"visit to Saudi Arabia Dinner in Saudi Arabia\" class=\"wp-image-12676\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our dinner in Saudi Arabia &#8211; One of our highlights from the visit to Saudi Arabia<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<style data-type=\"us_custom-css\">.global-elements-five-tips{background:var(--color-alt-content-overlay)}<\/style><section class=\"l-section wpb_row blog-reusable-block no-box-shadow global-elements-five-tips height_small\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_dd97e781\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><ul style=\"margin-left: 1rem;\">\n<li>\ud83d\udd25 <strong>Hot Tip:<\/strong> Book accommodation in advance on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=8025726\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Booking.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\ud83c\udf9f <strong>Book your attractions and tickets online:<\/strong> We recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/awclick.php?gid=389065&amp;mid=12572&amp;awinaffid=220931&amp;linkid=2635743&amp;clickref=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Viator<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/tp.media\/r?marker=180915.TravelResourcesPage&amp;trs=159841&amp;p=3965&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fgetyourguide.com&amp;campaign_id=108\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GetYourGuide<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\udd0b <strong>Stay charged:<\/strong> This <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3JTWtQN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Belkin Power Bank<\/a> is essential!<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\udcf8 <strong>Join a Group Tour:<\/strong> Find some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/?utm_source=partner-very-hungry-nomads&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=travelresourcespage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">amazing Group Tours here<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u2705 <strong>Get Connected with an eSIM:<\/strong> Fast, easy and affordable! <a href=\"http:\/\/airalo.pxf.io\/DVm76G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View easy eSIM options here<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"eating-out-in-saudi-arabia\"><\/span>Eating out in Saudi Arabia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We asked our friends to take us for a traditional meal, and they decided on a place that makes the best manti \u2013 slow-cooked lamb served on a platter covered with rice. It\u2019s so delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are seated in the family section, and we are closed in a small box for privacy. It has walls and a door, and the waiter comes in and out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I think of the social way of eating in Europe, where squares are turned into outdoor seating with music and ambience and people watching is the trend, this sure seems to be a different way to enjoy a meal. We chat more about travels, and our friends rave about how much they loved Prague, Paris and other parts of Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The dinner is over, but our friends have one more suggestion \u2013 shisha and music! Hello, is this for real? Live music is not something we expected from our visit to Saudi Arabia! We drive to a nearby place, and here it is! There is live music! We order shisha and some tea and hang out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More friends join us, the women are exceptionally dressed, and they are not wearing headscarves as it\u2019s not compulsory. They all seemed to be super proud that this is now a Saturday night for young Saudis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We snack on dates and talk more about this country and, of course about our travels.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-12682 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Selfie-in-Saudi-Arabia.jpg\" alt=\"visit to Saudi Arabia selfie\" class=\"wp-image-12682\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A selfie on the empty streets of Jeddah at midday<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div data-vi-partner-id=P00052628 data-vi-widget-ref=W-f908c5fd-0f63-44c0-a5e7-a3a40351b71c ><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/www.viator.com\/orion\/partner\/widget.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"time-to-leave-saudi-arabia\"><\/span>Time to leave Saudi Arabia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s now after 1 am and we have had two hours of sleep so we are ready to call it night. We are dropped off at our hotel and it really feels odd to say goodbye to our friend with just a handshake as he is a male. It would be unacceptable for us to hug on the streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our visit to Saudi Arabia was an eye-opening experience. It is a country that is certainly different from anywhere else we have been on our trip to visit every country in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/how-to-get-a-visa-for-saudi-arabia\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"82474\">Getting a visa<\/a> wasn&#8217;t easy either. But once we&#8217;ve arrived, the people we met have once again proven that people are all the same; and that people, in general, are good. The government and its actions seldom reflect its people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We would have loved to stay longer, but perhaps if the visa policy changes, we might one day return. And by then, we really hope Saudi Arabia will abolish their controversial guardian law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At least then, all our sisters in Saudi can be a step closer to the rights of women in the Western world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Update 2020: Evisa for tourists is now available for anyone planning a visit to Saudi Arabia. They even launched a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitsaudi.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Saudi Arabia Tourism website<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<style data-type=\"us_custom-css\">#global-element-travel-insurance{background:var(--color-alt-content-overlay)}<\/style><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_0ecce3cf blog-reusable-block pretty-link no-box-shadow height_small\" id=\"global-element-travel-insurance\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-iconbox iconpos_left style_default color_contrast align_left no_title\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-icon\" style=\"font-size:4rem;\"><i class=\"fas fa-shield-virus\"><\/i><\/div><div class=\"w-iconbox-meta\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-text\"><p>Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/heymondo.com\/?utm_medium=Afiliado&amp;utm_source=VERYHUNGRYHUMANS&amp;utm_campaign=PRINCIPAL&amp;cod_descuento=VERYHUNGRYHUMANS&amp;ag_campaign=INSALERTBOX&amp;agencia=KubopDeWz7IkZbjpjyvOPthTImGf3Z2Cg8YqQNja\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Heymondo<\/a><\/strong> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/safetywing.com\/nomad-insurance?referenceID=VeryHungryNomads&amp;utm_source=VeryHungryNomads&amp;utm_medium=Ambassador\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>SafetyWing<\/b><\/a> Travel Insurance.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/heymondo.com\/?utm_medium=Afiliado&amp;utm_source=VERYHUNGRYHUMANS&amp;utm_campaign=PRINCIPAL&amp;cod_descuento=VERYHUNGRYHUMANS&amp;ag_campaign=INSALERTBOX&amp;agencia=KubopDeWz7IkZbjpjyvOPthTImGf3Z2Cg8YqQNja\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here<\/a> and get 5% off Heymondo from us!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Travel Tips<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you enjoyed reading about our visit to Saudi Arabia, you may enjoy this post about our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/women-of-afghanistan-lunch-afghan-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lunch inside an Afghan home with women of Afghanistan<\/a>&nbsp;or one of our favourite travel memories &#8211; Enjoying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/women-of-tajikistan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lunch with locals in the fields of Tajikistan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re travelling in this part of the world, I recommend you visit Oman. What a surprising country! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/road-trip-in-oman-best-7-day-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Perfect 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary in Oman<\/a>&nbsp;is all you need to have an amazing time. If you&#8217;re not convinced, these&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/10-reasons-why-you-should-visit-oman\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10 reasons why you should visit Oman<\/a>&nbsp;will do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For our best travel advice, tips and things we love and use on the road, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/travel-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Travel Resources Page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style data-type=\"us_custom-css\">#newsletter-cta-with-image .w-image{margin-bottom:0}<\/style><section class=\"l-section wpb_row blog-reusable-block height_small\" id=\"newsletter-cta-with-image\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_2 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_middle type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-image us_custom_2774bef1 align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/very-hungry-nomads-logo-narrow.svg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 0; font-weight: 500;\">Subscribe to our newsletter!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Expert travel tips, resources and exclusive discounts worldwide<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-html\"><script async data-uid=\"ae4cc49dcd\" src=\"https:\/\/veryhungrynomads.ck.page\/ae4cc49dcd\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A visit to Saudi Arabia was almost impossible for any tourists prior to the Saudi E-visa in September 2019\u00a0launch. <\/p>\n<p>In fact, as two women travelling together, we were told a visit to Saudi Arabia was impossible. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":82420,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[972],"tags":[],"country":[369],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82418"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82418"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82418\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":93342,"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82418\/revisions\/93342"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/82420"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=82418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=82418"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.veryhungrynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=82418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}