VISITORS WELCOME
What we noticed was an open, pleasant nation that welcomed guests. We blended in in addition to any foreigners would in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, and we didn’t spot the much-feared spiritual police. In Medina, we unintentionally roamed into the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque, not understanding that it was for Muslims solely. When a policeman requested us to go away, his tone was apologetic.
In only a few years, leisure choices have ballooned in a nation the place the median age is barely 30. Maybe due to the desert warmth, nightlife there’s booming. From Riyadh’s Boulevard Metropolis – a sprawling industrial growth that features an amusement park, out of doors cinemas and retail shops – to Jeddah’s Crimson Sea waterfront, folks crowded into the streets, singing, dancing and hanging out in cafes and hookah lounges effectively into the evening.
Feminine drivers at the moment are commonplace. And whereas most Saudi ladies are nonetheless sporting lengthy, flowing abayas in addition to face coverings, fashionistas have tossed off their hijab and are sporting their abaya like a cloak. Nobody judges or casts disapproving glances.
What about males? We took loads of Uber rides and talked to Saudi drivers. One laughingly quipped that site visitors in Riyadh obtained loads worse since ladies started driving.
A 69-year-old in Jeddah stated he was okay that two of his 5 grownup youngsters have been single. One 22-year-old stated he was an enormous fan of American rapper Eminem, who will carry out in Riyadh subsequent month. And other people simply assumed we have been within the Kingdom for enterprise, as if profession ladies have been a truth of life.