Some Popular Myths on Solo Saudi Female Traveling

I am going to unfold some important aspects of Solo female traveling to the repressive or once ultra Conservative Islamic kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is an Islamic territory that is revered and loved by Muslims all over the world for their Holiest ritual places in Mecca and Madinah.  The enormous throngs of Muslims turn towards these two Arabian holy cities to perform their two significant Islamic events named Hajj and Umrah respectively.

Moreover, it is the birthplace of the Muslims’ beloved Holy Prophet and his companions. Therefore, Saudi Arabia wholeheartedly welcomes Muslims to get their physical and spiritual contention.

However, this Islamic territory has boastfully kept pace with the new postmodern trends in all fields of life. This Islamic land enjoys an appreciable territorial diversity with its beautiful rural and urban landscape, ultra-modern architecture and construction with superb lively and awe-inspiring spots which are waiting to embrace all touristy and adventurous folks.

Popular Misconception about Saudi Female Tour

You are a woman Go Europe.

Don’t rush for over-extremist Islamophobic outskirts. You would be in hot waters.

An Inspirational en route to my Dream Destination

Landing my feet at Jeddah airport all alone was the first step to experience the welcoming Saudi culture with my own open eyes. As long as I kept rambling in Saudi streets I continued breaking all the irksome and troubling stereotypical outlooks about this fabulous Arabian land.

My eyes had captured the whole scintillating and embracing Saudi Arabian culture within my traveling span of 10 days. I really wonder how my fantabulous Saudi days ran like a wild horse. I had collected amazing and inspiring memories to cherish my whole life forever.

Keep Respecting your Host Islamic Culture

Before moving on to unfold my exciting trip story as a solo woman traveler, let me tell you one thing which is respect and acceptance of your host culture. If you deliberately flout their organized rules and regulations, you would end with a mess.

However, the welcoming news is that the Saudi Arabian State welcomes the fair Sex Non-Muslim movers with considerable ease in the once-strict visa and dress code policy. So no need to get the dress strictness on nerves.

I would like to smash some age-old Myths of Saudi Solo Female traveling and encourage my adventurous sistas to bag back, get a Saudi visit visa after fulfilling the authentic Arab requisites and bedazzle by the dazzling beauty of the Saudi Muslim culture.

Just imbibe how my Solo Saudi Visit broke the Old Disturbing Myths about this superb country

As A Female You Need a Male Guardian

No, not at all. It is utterly false.  Women can definitely travel alone in Saudi Arabia without any male guardians. This is what I did throughout my 10-day trip. I kept myself rolling with busy strolling on Saudi streets alone. The Guardian thing or Bodyguard is a mere culture not a law in fact.

Let me tell you my side of the story. I had to go from Jeddah to Riyadh. Instead of going through the expensive flights. I went to a bus station and hopped in a bus filled with men in the Arabi robe. I had a comfortable journey till the bus entered in Riyadh outskirts.

When I reached Riyadh, our bus was stopped by the official policy on the border and they started interrogation. The Police checked my ID, Visa, and other docs. Two of them asked about the male guardian and asked how could I travel without ‘HIM’.

In answer to this question, I boldly replied that “I am all in all” I am an independent woman tourist. I don’t need a man.

My blunt answer infuriated the policemen who were going to report me. But at last, they set me free after getting the orders from the higher-ranked police officer. The senior sensible officer let me go after declaring my docs legal and certified.

Saudi Men are Monsters for Fair Sex

No, not at all. Saudi Men regard their women with the utmost respect. They call their women like queens. Therefore, they like to keep them veiled from the glaring eyes of strangers. Remember that I was alone a woman traveler in a bus filled with the majority of male Saudi gentlemen.  They were kind to me. One of them offered his own berth to me to sit.

You Have to Face Harassment in Saudi Arabia

No, Not really.  I didn’t face any harassment on Saudi land. Let me tell you one thing that Harassment is the worldwide evil seen everywhere in the world. Indeed, some cases of harassment had been reported in Saudi Arabia in the past few years. However, I was fine with my alone Saudi stroll.

The Saudi males were quite distant from me. Even in the malls, I found the Saudi salesmen and souk owners quite regarding me with considerable respect.

A little disturbing incident happened to me just once when a man appeared before me whispering Mumkin Snapchat? Can I have your Snapchat, please? To this, I replied with a straight No.

I had to Veil Myself While Rambling

Let me clarify that the Saudi Arabian Kingdom is quite conservative in women’s dress codes. So you have to be modest in this regard. But not too much at all. I remained in decent covered and long outerwear throughout my stay in the Arabian Kingdom.  I didn’t have to veil myself in loose black Abayas. I kept flaunting my blonde hair throughout my rambling in Saudi streets.

However, a policeman directed me to cover my hair with a scarf. But I didn’t do this because it was not the law. It was a mere cultural thing. But he went away. So faced no further disturbance ahead.

Moreover, when you go traveling to the faraway areas for vibrant activities like hiking, climbing, camping, Abayas are not needed at all. When I went hiking at Wabah Crater, I didn’t need any Abaya there.

Moreover, dearie ladies, you can also pack your slim suits or bikinis in your bag. Yes, you can have them on women-only private beaches in Saudi Arabia. You need some extra money to pay a certain fee to get on the private beaches.

The Saudis Force You to Accept Islam

No, not at all. I had no such experience there. It is not an Islamophobic and religiously fanatic State at all. Your religion is your own private will, property or a sort of belief. Nobody there can force you to change your religious stances.

However, don’t talk openly about your Non-Islamic religion there. Just go for thrill fun and amusement there. Go shopping buy scintillating Saudi presents for your fellas, create memories and come back to the pavilion.

As a Solo Female, You Cannot Go Public with Male Fellas

This is also untrue in my case. I had an exuberant get together with my male traveler buddies at Jeddah. We videoed together and made selfies. We also had quality time together at Jezan. It was a splendid time.

The Islamic Arabian paradise is open for everyone. It welcomes you with its beautiful urban and rural landscape.  It is much more and more than the Desert and the Sea. It is a decent place with all the perks you wish to have in your tours. You can go with your friends, families, fellows whomever you like.

Just follow modesty.

Summary:

it is about the Popular Misconceptions about the Solo Female traveling to Saudi Arabia. How a solo Female Westerner shatters these misconceptions?

Sebastian

Sebastian was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Saad Mushtaq has contributed to many online publications including the PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Saad Mushtaq earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Saad Mushtaq follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.Thanks