Visiting Saudi Arabia as an American woman, what are some things I should know?

[Hillie]

I am third-generation Arab (my grandfather was born in Lebanon but moved to the United States at the age of five.) I consider myself, and would generally be considered, white (my grandfather is fairly light-skinned, he married a white woman and both of my parents are white so I really don't consider myself Arab at all.) Additionally, I am a Roman Catholic (my grandfather converted to Catholicism when he married my grandmother and everyone else in my family is Catholic, from Germany and Italy.)

I do however, have second (or third?) cousins living in Saudi Arabia. I'm a journalist (not for anything huge, just a paper that I won't name here in Philadelphia) and thought, how cool would it be to write a story on what life is like in Saudi Arabia since I have the opportunity (my cousins invited me to visit.) I've obtained my visa and will be staying in Saudi Arabia for three months, from February 27-May 24. I have affirmed to the Saudi consulate here in Philadelphia that I will be met by a male relative upon my arrival in Riyadh, which are the requirements for a woman visiting Saudi Arabia.

I'm very excited because I think it will be so interesting-I'll be visiting Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, and other attractions to the country. I don't know much about the culture, so I've been researching and watching some films and I can tell that Saudi Arabian culture is STRICTLY based on Sharia law.

What should I know before going there? Although I am not a Muslim and a foreigner, will I be required to wear the niqab (or hijab, there are so many different names for it lol.)

Will I have to follow the strict laws about being heard by men in public and also not being able to travel anywhere without a male relative or something?

How do Saudis feel about me taking pictures and videos?

Do they have the same kind of technology there-will I be able to get a temporary plan for my iPhone and get the proper conversion cables for my MacBook and such? (That being said, is the Internet heavily censured there and will I be able to access most of my American websites?)

The language barrier-I speak a bit of Arabic, conversational to lowly proficient at best, but would obviously be a lot more comfortable speaking English, it's my native language. Will there be an O.K. amount of Saudis who speak English there? I'm learning now and obviously hope to learn more in my three months of living there.

Thank you so much! (Shukran in Arabic, lol!)
I am allowed to visit Medina because I'm technically considered a Muslim being that my grandfather was born one. I'd also be travelling with a male, Muslim, Saudi Arabian citizen and from what I've researched we won't run into any problems entering Medina.

The Mecca thing is still questionable. The Saudi police are alot more strict about non-Muslims entering Mecca, and I'm not sure I'll be able to go. If I can't go to Mecca (my cousin is trying to find out in Saudi Arabia right now) we're going to Jeddah.

[Gray]

Buy a travel book.

[H]

As a non Muslim you won't be able to visit Mecca which you as a jounalist should know.
In public you are suppose to wear the Abaya but not he Hijab or Niqba.

Your relatives will take care of you, Don't worry about a thing.Just relax.

[Dave]

I'm not an expert on the country by any means, but I can tell you this: Exercise extreme caution in everything you do. When in doubt about something, do not do it. Better safe than sorry. Do not initiate conversations with male strangers. Travel with the male relative at all times; do not wander about alone. Wear the most modest clothing imaginable: dresses down to the ankles - no pants or shorts. Make sure the dresses have long sleeves to the wrists. Wear dark colors. Your head must be covered at all times!! I believe you have to wear a black cloak over your clothing as well. In general, keep your mouth shut. Certainly do not discuss religion, politics, etc. What you say (or read, or carry on your person) can get you in big trouble. No alcohol allowed, obviously. I would refrain from internet activity until you return home. Again, WATCH YOUR STEP. The laws there are strict. You might want to get a book with more details about their customs, etc. Have the greatest respect for their customs and laws while you're there, and don't deviate in the slightest !

[Mintee]

you will be fine.. its not as bad as you think.. and your relatives will explain everything to you and what you can or cannot do.. just follow their lead..
welcome to saudi.. come with an open mind.. and who knows.. you might find it a pleasant visit..

[I love my wife]

Your technically considered a Muslim because of your ancestry!

Do you practice Islam? Follow the guidelines of Islam, or are you technically a muslim because your grandfather was born one, does that still make you a muslim?

Sorry dear but i think your really confused or kinda stupid!!!!!!!!!

If your technically a Muslim you would know that Medina and Makka or not attractions.

Typical american attitude

[lisa]

No short skirts, low cut blouses or high heel shoes!

[wOrD of mOuSe]

>>I am allowed to visit Medina because I'm technically considered a Muslim being that my grandfather was born one. I'd also be travelling with a male, Muslim, Saudi Arabian citizen and from what I've researched we won't run into any problems entering Medina.<<

You simply can't enter Mecca/Medina without an affidavit stating you are a Muslim (i.e. converted or born one) . Ignore whatever that Saudi told you , he can't do that. But you (i.e. a male) can drive past Mecca to Jeddah or outer roads , but not technically enter Mecca.

Also didn't you just say : " I am a Roman Catholic (my grandfather converted to Catholicism when he married my grandmother ..." ... then, how is grandpa a Muslim if he converted ... moved to US at 5 years old? this is a joke right!
Even so, whatever religion your grandpa was is of no consequence.

>>I can tell that Saudi Arabian culture is STRICTLY based on Sharia law. <<

Not really , many things are of course, but many other things in Saudi culture are simply "cultural" and got nothing to do with Islamic law strictly speaking. More accurately many things in Saudi conform to "royal family" laws or things like ban on women driving which is commonly blamed on Sharia has nothing to do with Sharia law , it is just a social stigma compounded by "yes-men" around royals who wish to keep the social & political state as is for their own benefit..

Hijab means scarf around hair , while Niqab is face covering cloth

For net & Mac cables you can get all that stuff from places like Jarir , Tamimi, Panda , Carrefour etc. Whatever things you can't find in malls or big stores may be found in small shops at various markets.
Mainly the websites they censor are those containing pornography, anti-Islamic / hate stuff, and of course anti-royal family websites. Regular news & social media websites are not censored. Israeli websites may be blocked though.

EDIT

It seems you have been lying to everyone here ,here you say your father could be eligible for Isreali citizenship?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...832AAHyrgs

[optimus]

Try to reason out everything by logic . Interact with people. English is also spoken in saudi. And enjoy many things are myth about saudi arabia