How to Navigate Jeddah as a Woman

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is wealthy but follows a strict code of conduct according to Islamic laws. The port city of Jeddah located along the Red Sea has many attractions, plenty of seaside fun, and some of the best resorts in the nation. But when travelling as a woman to Saudi Arabia, there are a few rules you must be aware of; rules which are less relaxed in modern Jeddah. Here are some tips on how to navigate Jeddah as a woman.

1.Protocol for Women Arriving in Saudi Arabia

Keep in mind that women arriving in Saudi Arabia will not be allowed to leave the airport unless they are accompanied by a male. This male can be a husband, a relative, or a sponsor. The latter is in case you have taken up a job offer in the kingdom for a period of time, a common practice that allows expat women to live and work in Saudi Arabia for a certain period of time. Jeddah, as a commercial hub, is often chosen by expats for living and working. Thus, the city is a modern place where one can easily find suitable accommodation. For example, the furnished apartments for rent in Jeddah are well equipped with all modern amenities with Ascott Tahlia Jeddah and similar others offering the global traveller a luxurious home away from home.

2.The Role of Women in Saudi Society

As tough as it is for women from western societies to understand, there is a different set of rules for men and women in Saudi Arabia. A conservative nation following a strict code of conduct under Islamic laws, Saudi Arabia maintains age-old traditions. However, cities like Jeddah are fast-changing with many breakthroughs in terms of empowering women.

But for now, men and women cannot attend public events together. Most events aimed at women will be a female-only attendance where women attending will be free to remove their abayas and interact with other females there.

3.How Women Must Dress When Exploring Jeddah

Women must wear conservative clothing; ankle-length garments covering the entire body when out in public. And while it is no longer a rule to wear an abaya in public, most women still do wear the niqab or the abaya. Abaya is a long gown worn over your normal clothing. The capital Riyadh, especially, expects women to follow this rule. But Jeddah is more relaxed and allows conservative clothing.

But it is best to go prepared with an abaya, in case you don’t possess very conservative clothing. And unless you pack floor-length dresses, you will have to order an abaya and wait in your hotel room until one is delivered to your room. To make the entire process easy, you can order an abaya before heading out to Jeddah and take it along to be worn from the time you disembark in Saudi Arabia. You will also need a scarf to cover your head in public.

4.Dining Out as a Woman in Jeddah

Women who are not accompanied by a male must eat in the family section of a restaurant. There are some cafes in Jeddah that serve men and women in the same areas. However, keep in mind that during prayer time, all places will be closed. And in order to avoid starvation blues, you must be aware of these times. Check with local friends, as prayer times will change depending on the season. Or you can download an app called My Prayer in Saudi Arabia.

5.Getting Around Jeddah

Since 2018, women have been given the right to drive in Saudi Arabia. Thus, you can choose to rent a car, which is the easiest way to travel around Jeddah. Or you can use Uber to get about. Many women, especially expats choose this mode of transport, which is convenient. When driving, remember that speeding and running red lights are a big ‘no’. And laws are strict, plus there are street cameras that make avoiding fines virtually impossible.

Obey the rules and respect the culture, and you will have no trouble exploring and experiencing the best of Jeddah as a woman.