How do women live in Saudi Arabia? How they live in Saudi Arabia How many wives can you have in Saudi Arabia

Women of Saudi Arabia often perceived as oriental princesses from luxurious palaces, their lives are closed and full of secrets. And only a few photographs in glossy magazines can demonstrate how amazing beautiful saudi women. Their appearance, typical of oriental women, evokes admiration and even more questions - how do such beauties live, how do they take care of themselves, do they follow fashion?

Features of the appearance of Saudi beauties

According to the unchanging traditions and rules of this Arab country, Saudi Arabian women hide their appearance from prying eyes; only their parents (in childhood) or husband (after marriage) can admire their beauty. Like other residents of the country, beautiful Saudi women wear a traditional robe (abaya), which completely covers the body. Even the heads of beauties are covered; girls and women can leave only their eyes open. Girls are taught these rules from childhood and as adults they do not experience any particular problems with dressing up. But under the abaya a variety of outfits can be hidden - simple and inexpensive, luxurious and spectacular. I wonder what traditional clothes, covering the entire body, is worn not only by the wives of sheikhs and housewives who spend most of their time at home. Saudi Arabian women of various professions and occupations wear this outfit to work and to business meetings. Every year there is a growing number of business ladies in the country who also do not change traditions in clothing.

Exotic beautiful Saudi women They have an appearance, the main features of which are also characteristic of other residents of eastern countries. They have dark long hair. They have a beautiful silky shine. The eyes are also dark, brown or green, have a characteristic oriental cut, they are often very large and simply captivating with their gaze. The figures of Saudi women also have their own characteristics - they are very feminine, graceful, and have rounded shapes. Many women attract the attention of men with the beautiful shape of their bust and hips, but, unfortunately, the dark dense fabrics of the abaya most often hide feminine charms. In youth Saudi women They are slender and graceful, but rarely do any of them remain slim in adulthood - these are the features of the physique of Arab women.

See how attractive beautiful saudi women, you can see in photographs of oriental actresses or the most famous beauties of the country. This opportunity should be taken advantage of, because most often oriental princesses are hidden under a dark and thick veil. The color of the abaya is always only black, no other options are allowed, sometimes the robe is only decorated with embroidery or may have an interesting sleeve design. But such a strict outfit makes a woman a real mystery for men.

In the Top 12 most beautiful women Saudi Arabia included famous Saudi and foreign actresses, singers, TV presenters, a model, a representative of the royal dynasty, having Saudi roots through one or two parents, and also living in Saudi Arabia or abroad.

12. Dina Shihabi / دينا شهابي‎‎(born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) is a Saudi-Arabian actress working in the United States.

10. Lojain Omran(born 1982, Khobar, Saudi Arabia) - Saudi TV presenter, goodwill ambassador.

9.Asil Omran / Aseel Omran / أسيل عمران‎‎(born November 12, 1989, Khobar, Saudi Arabia) is a Saudi singer who is famous not only in Saudi Arabia, but also in other Middle Eastern countries after participating in the reality show "Gulf Stars and Heya wa Huwa". She was signed by the largest record label in the Arab world. Is the sister of a TV presenter Lojan Omran. Asil's childish appearance and young age made her Saudi Arabia's first young star.

7. Reem Abdullah / Reem Abdullah / ريم عبد الله(born February 20, 1987, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) - Saudi actress. She starred in the series "Tash Ma Tash" and in the film "Wadjda". The works received very bright and positive reviews from critics.

6. Heba Jamal / Heba Jamal/ هبة جمال (born 1990) - Saudi journalist and TV presenter. Was named as one of the most influential Arab women in 2012. In 2011, Heba was also included in the list "100 Most Influential Arab Women". She ranks 40th among women entrepreneurs, economists, and journalists who influence the business arena in the Arab world and the Middle East. Heba is the single youngest Saudi woman working in the media.

5. Nadine Al-Budair / نادين آل بدير (born 1989) - Saudi TV presenter, journalist on a news channel.

1. Princess Ameera Al-Taweel/ الاميرة اميرة بنت عيدان بن نايف الطويل العصيمي العتيبي‎ (born November 6, 1983, Riyadh) - Saudi princess and philanthropist. He is the vice-chairman of the Alwaleed Philanthropies charity foundation. Amira has spoken publicly in a number of US media outlets in support of women's right to drive in Saudi Arabia, as well as broader empowerment in Saudi society. Due to differences of views and bold statements, in 2013 Amira divorced her husband, Prince Al-Walid ibn Talal, who was 28 years older than her.

" and on the comments to her letter mu.

Yulia (Omsk): Life with a Christian man in Saudi Arabia. Hello, dear girls! First of all, I want to thank the organizer of the site! It’s great when you can turn to complete strangers with a question that’s bothering you and get support and advice. Thank you!!! Secondly, I have this question and really need help, so, dear girls, tell me what you can do, I suffer from a lack of information! I am Russian, I live in Siberia, Omsk. Now I am faced with the choice of whether to connect my life with the man I love, but I have many questions... [read letter]

Marina (Saudi Arabia): Saudi Arabia's rules of life are very different from the Middle East. Response to the letter "Julia (Omsk): Life with a Christian man in Saudi Arabia " and on the comments to her letter.

Good day,I wanted to write a commentary on the letters about Saudi Arabia, but I realized that it would be too long and put it in a separate letter. I couldn’t remain silent, because... It seems that out of everyone who discussed the topic, I am the only one who has seen (I see) Saudi Arabia with my own eyes. In no case do I want to enter into an argument or heated discussion with anyone, I just have some additions and clarifications to what I read. I will share them. Saudi Arabia, with its rules of life, is very different from both the near-foreign East and the far-abroad, therefore, in discussions “about the East”, it is not entirely correct to bring it under a common denominator with other Muslim countries. Perhaps my story will be of interest not only to Yulia from Omsk, who is asking for advice about Saudi Arabia.1. It is IMPOSSIBLE to enter Saudi Arabia at the invitation of a man, being a girlfriend, fiancee, girlfriend, friend, etc. ONLY by the official wife. Fiancée visa, etc. - does not exist. The rule is the same for everyone: say, an American working in a local office of an American company cannot invite his American partner to stay here (or even visit for 2 weeks) if they are not officially registered. Even if he occupies a very high position in his company and on weekends drinks cognac at the embassy with one of the Saudi princes. Entry for a woman on a business trip is also quite complicated. To send a woman on a business trip to Saudi Arabia, she really must be an irreplaceable employee (in the sense that it is impossible to replace a male employee). A narrow “trickle” of people who come here to work (I mean the countries of the “first” world) not as “wives of their husbands” - these are embassy employees, the Red Cross and organizations like it, medical workers, teachers for women's educational institutions, teachers for work in local international secondary schools: British, American, etc.2. Just a couple of years ago, Saudi women received the official right to work. True, they have the right to work, firstly, only after receiving official permission from their husband or father, and secondly, they can only work in PURE women’s teams (as, by the way, do women of other nationalities). There are few such places even in Riat (the capital) - so the law is quite speculative.3. Get an education (whether high school or university), a Saudi woman also has the right only with the permission of her husband/father (or another close relative, if there is no husband/father). A lot of people are studying to become doctors, lawyers, and economists. There are much fewer people who use their education. For the reasons described above. Universities are purely female. Saudi women (and girls of other nationalities who decided to get an education here) do not sit at the same desk with male students. And they are not in the same building. The teachers are only women. 4. A woman in Saudi Arabia does not have the right to drive a car. The rule is for everyone - both for citizens of Saudi Arabia, and for residents, and for tourists/business travelers. A woman (or group of women) has the right to use the services of an official taxi, but has the right to sit only in the back seat. Those. if four girlfriends decide to take a taxi, then they will have to spend money on paying for two cars. By the way, for non-locals, especially those of “European appearance,” using an unfamiliar taxi (even one with “checkers”) is dangerous. It is recommended to use only those recommended (sorry for the tautology). There are many cases of missing women. Therefore, there is no need to tempt fate once again and demonstrate independence. It is illegal to sit alone in a car (i.e. without your husband or immediate family member) with a non-relative. If they stop you and check your documents, the price for this “liberty” will be at least several days in prison. Both for you and for your “driver”. And let this man be your husband’s colleague, your family’s best friend, or your friend’s husband who agreed to give you a ride. This does not change the rule and again applies to everyone: both Saudis and residents. There are no public buses here at all. Those. the only opportunity for a woman to get to her place of work, study, to the doctor, to go shopping, etc. - this is a taxi or a close male relative (compounds have their own buses for female residents of the compound - they run on schedule in different directions, shopping centers, mainly). This point is also an obstacle for many to obtain higher education. Even if the husband/father is not rabid supporters of Sharia, he physically cannot spend his day driving around the female half of the family. A personal driver (this is allowed, oddly enough, because it’s a stranger, not family) and a taxi on a daily basis are also not affordable for everyone. Saudi Arabia is a rich country and the local poverty line is somewhat different from the poverty line in many other countries. And yet, not every family here owns an “oil fountain.” Most Saudis (and maybe all) are clothed, fed, etc., but imagining that ALL of them are millionaires or very wealthy is as naive as thinking that America is a country where only Donald Trumps live. Surely many Saudi women would be happy to enter a separate bus door (as in Iran), but this “luxury” is not provided for them. But seeing a child driving a car is not uncommon here, and the law turns a blind eye to this. A ten-to-twelve-year-old boy driving and a mother and sisters (even eighteen-year-olds) sitting next to her is the norm here. And the norm is even greater outside big cities. So what to do? We need to move around, but the head of the family is at work. How they drive is another sad story. Those who survive take their license at the age of eighteen.5. In public places, all women (both Saudis and foreigners) MUST wear a long black robe dress (in Arabic it is called “ibaya” - I apologize in advance to those who find the word dissonant). Color - only black. Neither dark purple, nor brown, nor anything else. Embroidery, decoration with rhinestones and even diamonds (if you can afford it) are allowed. The shape of the sleeve is perhaps the only part of this outfit on which designers have the right to exercise their imagination. In any case, the sleeve should cover the bone. Upon arrival, this “camouflage robe” should be put on immediately after leaving the plane, before going through customs control. If you don’t have a “robe,” there may be problems already at the airport, even if you are dressed exclusively in modest, dark, closed clothing. About three years ago, an official law was passed according to which non-Muslim foreign women have the right not to cover their heads on the streets and in public places. Therefore, now you can meet a woman here with her head uncovered quite often. All of them, I repeat once again, are non-Muslim foreigners. A Muslim woman (even if she is a foreigner and even a British citizen) MUST cover her head in Saudi Arabia. The Religious Religion is indicated on your Resident Identification Card (which you must carry with you at all times). If the mutafa (religious police) stops and checks the documents (first of all, he will stop if the girl/woman has an “oriental” appearance), the husband of a Muslim woman who does not cover her head faces, as an official punishment, beating with whips (100 blows, if I’m not mistaken) and a large money penalty. And it doesn’t matter that this husband holds a senior position in the Saudi branch of a British company. Neither a position nor acquaintances will save you. In general, talk about free choice Muslim women don't have much. As the “British Muslim woman” who told me about this nuance joked: “When I’m angry with my husband for something, I promise him to walk down the street with my head uncovered.” In England and on the territory of the compound, by the way, she dresses completely European. Despite the fact that the Koran requires covering only the head, Saudi women cover their entire face. Some have uncovered eyes (such a kind of “embrasure” in the “curtain” - I won’t bore the reader with Arabic names). Depends on what the husband allows. Rarely does a Saudi husband allow his head to be covered. At least I have never seen with my own eyes in public place Saudi woman with an open face. Plus, the girl is explained from infancy that if she does not cover her face, then this is very bad and she will not go to heaven. In general, by the age of eighteen, the desire to go to heaven among Saudi women becomes sincere and quite conscious. A girl should start covering her head with the appearance of her first menstruation; the “curtain” comes into her life a little later. Little girls - i.e. from newborns to 9-11 years old they dress like all other children on the planet. Usually brightly colorful (they don’t like things that don’t stain, apparently they know they’ll still have time).6. A woman in Saudi Arabia (both a citizen and a resident/tourist) DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT to walk down the street alone. Prohibited by law. Only accompanied by husband/close relative. Any time of the day. The maximum permissible distance for a “single walk” is two hundred to three hundred meters, maybe five hundred (moving from one shopping center to another) and only in a busy place. In a non-living environment, it is also dangerous. If they calculate that, say, on Mondays at three fifteen you walk alone along this street every time, they could easily steal it. For what? To rape. Then the body will be buried in the desert and it will be useless to search. The whole country is one big desert. Why many local men are so wild (I emphasize, not all) I will probably put in a separate paragraph. By the way, if you think that this is scary tale, which some expats tell other expats, then you are wrong. It was a local resident who told me about the fact that they can “calculate” and steal. His wife also does not walk alone along deserted streets and alleys. And, as far as you understand, not because he is a domestic tyrant. Although it is a fact that he does not allow her to walk alone.7. No country in the world has such segregation of men and women as in Saudi Arabia. For a Saudi man, any contact with a woman (in the sense of a conversation, a walk, sitting in a cafe, etc.) is possible only if she is his wife. They get married very early. And, indeed, some have several wives. But not everyone can afford four wives. Expensive. Many people can't afford one. For years, decades. There is no prostitution here - those who can afford it financially go to neighboring Dubai or Bahrain for these pleasures. But there are also those who cannot financially afford either a wife or sex tourism. This makes some people go crazy and this leads to cases of atrocities against women (gang rape, etc.). For such men, a woman is a desired object. And they go to any lengths - they look at a woman like a drug addict last stage for drugs. Again, I emphasize that I am not generalizing or trying to explain to you that ALL Saudis are like this. It is much easier for Saudis to obtain drugs than alcohol. It even seems that drugs are less prohibited here than alcohol. A car here costs less than a wife (wedding costs). Therefore, the only joy of many young people here is racing along the highway without rules in a stoned / chipped state. For the same reasons of “scarcity of women,” homosexuality flourishes here. And he is not at all as “elegant” as in Hollywood films and American soap operas. All these rules apply to non-Saudis as well. Those. a woman can sit in a restaurant in the company of her husband and his male colleagues, but without her husband with these same colleagues is prohibited. If they check the documents and find it, the punishment is prison (at least for several days) and a fine.8. Restaurants (most, but not all) have a separate entrance for couples and women, and a separate entrance for men only. The men's room looks like an ordinary room in any restaurant in the world, the “family-women's” room consists of many booths with curtains, partitions or separate rooms. The glass facing the street in the “family-female” part is opaque or has a darkening effect (so that it is not visible from the street). There are a couple of restaurants in the capital (they are the most expensive and luxury ones), where the hall is, as it were, common, without partitions. In some coffee shops (particularly Starbucks), the “family rooms” are also as similar as possible to those outside Saudi Arabia. Banks also have a separate entrance for women (and are serviced by women). The zoo and some museums have a system of “even-odd” days. According to the first, women with children (boys under 12 years old) are allowed in; according to the second, men with sons are allowed. Those. The Saudi family is deprived of the pleasure of going to the zoo. The same system applies to “amusement parks” - by the way, there are a lot of them here.9. An exit visa is required to leave Saudi Arabia. A woman receives a visa ONLY with the permission of her man (husband/father). The rule is for everyone: for Saudis, and for expats, and for guest workers. The visa procedure takes about a week. You can have a multiple exit visa. Such a visa for six months costs about 100 euros. A multiple visa is issued after you have left and re-entered once on a single visa. If something, God forbid, happened to your family in another country (say, in Russia) and you URGENTLY need to fly out (God forbid, of course, but, say, for a funeral), and you don’t have a multiple visa, then there is no chance of flying out urgently . Obtaining a visa for expats is a formality, which, moreover, is handled by the company; for “thoroughbred Saudis” it is also, in general, a formality. For other categories, this procedure may take time and effort. How does an average Russian citizen obtain a Schengen visa? And this is if the husband/employer is not against leaving. If you are against it, then you are hostage to the country/system.10. ALL religions except Islam are prohibited in Saudi Arabia. There are no cathedrals, no churches, no Buddhist temples. The import of crosses and other Christian religious symbols is prohibited. Of course, they import everything for small things (I also brought in my gold neck cross), but if they saw it at customs, they would have every right to confiscate it. Wearing a cross openly around the neck (even if it is purely decorative) is PROHIBITED. By law. The consequences, if they see it, are still the same - fine, rod, prison. All together or separately and in what quantity, I won’t lie, I don’t know. For one thing, all attributes of Christmas and, accordingly, the New Year are officially prohibited. No Christmas trees in shopping centers, no decorations on the streets (although in the capital everything is illuminated in the evenings). Not only Jesus is prohibited here, but also Santa Claus, deer, Christmas gnomes and, in general, all Christmas crap, including the Christmas tree, Christmas tree decorations, and home decoration with Christmas lights. All this is available in the compound territories. In the same quantities as in Europe - Christmas trees in the restaurant, Christmas music, etc. And. etc. If you live in a villa outside the compound, Christmas decorations on the outside of the house are punishable by law. During the Christmas period, some restaurants in five-star hotels had a special Christmas menu, but again the word “Christmas” was not on the menu, it was written “special menu for December 24,25,26.”11. The situation with photography in Saudi Arabia is extremely funny - photography is PROHIBITED. By law. Not only people, but also buildings, landscapes, streets, etc. You cannot film inside any public places - post office, shopping center, restaurant, etc. The buildings are hidden, if no one sees, you can theoretically remove them, and I took several pictures. But if the police come up and take away the camera, then there is no use in swearing, just say thank you for not sending me to prison for a couple of days. Those rare photos that appear in the press were taken with the permission of the ministry. If you don’t have a certificate from them, do it at your own peril and risk. They explain this as a threat of terrorism, but this is stupid - all spies have long had cameras the size of a wedding ring. Just a couple of years ago Cell phones with a photo/video camera were officially prohibited in Saudi Arabia.12. Also in Saudi Arabia, theaters, cinemas, any musical concerts, any public shows (circus, for example) are prohibited. I heard that there is a Saudi singer who lives and works in Lebanon. Her family has branded her with disgrace and if she enters Saudi Arabia, her family promises to kill her. The Lebanese told me this story. The singer is the most ordinary and quite modest looking. Like, for example, Shakira or J. Lo, she doesn’t dress up or dance. All her sins - she sings songs and does not cover her face.13. Is it difficult for a European woman to live in Saudi Arabia? After all the passions that I told you, my answer will seem paradoxical and shocking to you. The life of a European woman here can be quite pleasant and comfortable. Within the compounds, life flows in an absolutely European mode. The average compound (there are many of them in Riata, I've been to several) looks like a Southern European four or five star hotel with an area the size of a small European city or a large European village. Here, on the territory of the compound, there are swimming pools, sports clubs, beauty salons, cafes, restaurants, shops. However, there are many restaurants, cafes and beauty salons outside the compound. And also golf clubs (there is no segregation in them), sports centers (separately for women, separately for men), museums (not many, but there are). Thanks to a taxi, a driver or, in the evening, a husband, all these benefits are within reach. By the way, the restaurants here are very good and cheaper than in Europe. The shopping here is great too. Saudi Arabia is a country with zero tax on everything. And there are sales here. The presence of satellite television and the Internet allows you not to experience hunger for information. The compounds host parties with dancing and music. The import of alcohol into the country is prohibited, but many people import ingredients and make very good wine and beer at home. Drinking alcohol within the compound is not prohibited, and the problem is not to bring alcohol into the compound, but what if it is suddenly found outside the compound. Then - oh, what will happen (everything according to the scheme - rods, fines, prison). Parties are also held in embassies. With real good alcohol, embassies are not prohibited from importing it into the country. For those who want not only to think about the beauty of their nails, but also to be a smart person, there are also many opportunities. Polish foreign language or learn a new one (language courses at embassies provide a lot of opportunities), take courses in painting, ceramics and other types of creative arts and crafts, take culinary courses, expand professional horizons - for example, get distance education, take distance courses. Universities in many countries provide this opportunity (including getting an MBA). Medical education and advanced training can be obtained here in Riat (internationally quoted diploma). Owners of a number of professions (language teacher, medical worker, hairdresser, fitness trainer and a number of others) who want to maintain themselves in professional tone find work here. Either on the territory of compounds or in “women’s groups”. Working among men (even in the same office of an international company where the husband works) is prohibited by local law. Of course, to someone from the outside, all this may seem like a golden cage (so many restrictions). But, you must admit, if it’s heaven in a hut with a sweetheart, then in a golden cage with a dear (beloved husband) you can not only survive but also live. With pleasure. Legally, a woman (and a European woman too) is COMPLETELY dependent on her husband (whether local or European) in Saudi Arabia. But when there is harmony and love in the family, this dependence is not felt (neither here, nor in Europe), and is not perceived as a “shackle.” Besides, if you know that you can leave at any time. Some Europeans, Americans and other representatives of “first world” countries come here for a few months, some for a couple of years, some live here for years, or even decades. There are very good international schools for children here (by the way, some of the Saudi princes study at American school). Education in them is expensive (as is a villa in a compound), but for the majority (in the sense of the category I’m talking about), all this is paid for by the company. The fish looks for where it is deeper, the man - where it is better. And for some, this “better” turns out to be in Saudi Arabia. Being in Saudi Arabia “outside the golden cage” is another story. Both the beginning and the end of this story for a European woman will not be so rosy. But why start this story? I don’t undertake to give advice to Yulia from Omsk, there are too many unknowns in her equation (story). I can say one thing, in the event of an unfavorable development of events, here, unlike Europe (Europe is not a geographical, but a “mental” concept), the committee for the protection of human rights is on vacation. If a European (or Russian) woman in Europe has somewhere to run away from her husband (police, crisis centers, etc.), then all this is NOT here. Saudi Arabia is a country with many opportunities. But even here they (as throughout the world) are not for everyone. Not for all locals, not for all visitors. Not only highly qualified white-collar workers from Europe, America, etc. come here to work (on business trips). countries (for high salaries, tempting social packages and zero income tax), but also residents of “unprivileged” countries. They often work here in very hard physical labor under hard labor conditions for pennies, but they hold on to their jobs because... in their own country (for example, Bangladesh) they cannot earn even that. “Kopek” is a relative concept. Saudi women? They probably shouldn’t be pitied “en masse” either. Those who have drivers, and servants, and shopping in London, and a spiritually rich life (be it professional or as a hobby), and a full house, and a loving, beloved, caring husband. There's really no need to worry about them. As well as for residents of Europe - owners of the same “set”. If fate turned out to be not so favorable, then, quoting Suzanna from “The Most Charming and Attractive” (and at the same time Michurin), in Europe a woman has a real opportunity “not to wait for favors from nature, but to take them from her.” A Saudi woman has much less of these opportunities. For some of them they are reduced to zero.I would be glad if someone found my letter interesting or helped in making decisions.Best wishes. Marina

Women of Saudi Arabia are often perceived as oriental princesses from luxurious palaces, their lives are closed and full of secrets.

And only a few photographs in glossy magazines can demonstrate how amazingly beautiful Saudi women are. Their appearance, typical of oriental women, evokes admiration and even more questions - how do such beauties live, how do they take care of themselves, do they follow fashion?

According to the unchanging traditions and rules of this Arab country, Saudi Arabian women hide their appearance from prying eyes; only their parents (in childhood) or husband (after marriage) can admire their beauty. Like other residents of the country, beautiful Saudi women wear a traditional robe (abaya), which completely covers the body. Even the heads of beauties are covered; girls and women can leave only their eyes open. Girls are taught these rules from childhood and as adults they do not experience any particular problems with dressing up. But under the abaya a variety of outfits can be hidden - simple and inexpensive, luxurious and spectacular. It is interesting that traditional clothing that covers the entire body is worn not only by the wives of sheikhs and housewives who spend most of their time at home. Saudi Arabian women of various professions and occupations wear this outfit to work and to business meetings. Every year there is a growing number of business ladies in the country who also do not change traditions in clothing.

Exotic, beautiful Saudi women have an appearance whose main features are also characteristic of other women from eastern countries. They have dark long hair. They have a beautiful silky shine. The eyes are also dark, brown or green, have a characteristic oriental cut, they are often very large and simply captivating with their gaze. The figures of Saudi women also have their own characteristics - they are very feminine, graceful, and have rounded shapes. Many women attract the attention of men with the beautiful shape of their bust and hips, but, unfortunately, the dark dense fabrics of the abaya most often hide feminine charms. In their youth, Saudi Arabian women are slim and graceful, but rarely do any of them remain slim in adulthood - these are the physique features of Arab women.

You can see how attractive beautiful Saudi women are in photographs of oriental actresses or the most famous beauties of the country. This opportunity should be taken advantage of, because most often oriental princesses are hidden under a dark and thick veil. The color of the abaya is always only black, no other options are allowed, sometimes the robe is only decorated with embroidery or may have an interesting sleeve design. But such a strict outfit makes a woman a real mystery for men.

The Top 12 most beautiful women in Saudi Arabia include famous Saudi and foreign actresses, singers, TV presenters, models, representatives of the royal dynasty, having Saudi roots through one or two parents, and also living in Saudi Arabia or abroad.

12. Dina Shihabi / دينا شهابي‎‎ (born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) is a Saudi Arabian actress working in the USA.

11. Wardah Khan (born 1989) - British model, her father is a Saudi businessman, and her mother is Kashmiri.

10. Lojain Omran (born 1982, Khobar, Saudi Arabia) - Saudi TV presenter, goodwill ambassador.

9. Asil Omran / Aseel Omran / أسيل عمران‎‎ (born November 12, 1989, Khobar, Saudi Arabia) is a Saudi singer who is known not only in Saudi Arabia, but also in other countries of the Middle East after participating in a reality show "Gulf Stars and Heya wa Huwa". She was signed by the largest record label in the Arab world. She is the sister of TV presenter Lojan Omran. Aseel's childlike appearance and young age made her Saudi Arabia's first young star.

8. Waed / Waed / Hanan Baker Younis / حنان بكر يونس (born August 9, 1976, Saudi Arabia) is a Saudi singer and entertainer in the Middle East. She is widely known by her stage name Waed, which means "promise" in Arabic. Her father is Saudi and her mother is of Iraqi origin.

7. Reem Abdullah / Reem Abdullah / ريم عبد الله (born February 20, 1987, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) - Saudi actress. She starred in the series "Tash Ma Tash" and in the film "Wadjda". The works received very bright and positive reviews from critics.

6. Heba Jamal / Heba Jamal / هبة جمال (born 1990) - Saudi journalist and TV presenter. She was named as one of the most influential Arab women in 2012. In 2011, Heba was also included in the list of "100 Most Influential Arab Women". She ranks 40th among women entrepreneurs, economists, and journalists who influence the business arena in the Arab world and the Middle East. Heba is the single youngest Saudi woman working in the media.

5. Nadine Al-Budair / Nadine Al-Budair / نادين آل بدير (born 1989) - Saudi TV presenter, journalist on a news channel.

4. Suha Nowailaty / سها نويلاتي (born 1992) - Saudi TV presenter on the MBC Group sussette channel.

3. Nermin Mohsen / Nermin Mohsen / نرمين محسن (born March 18, 1993, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) - Saudi actress. Her debut took place in 2010. Has Saudi-Iranian roots.

2. Muna Abu Sulayman / Muna AbuSulayman / منى أبو سليمان (born May 16, 1973 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) - an influential Arab-Muslim media personality originally from Saudi Arabia. As a public figure, she often spoke out on women's rights. In 2007, she became the first Saudi woman to be appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador. In 2009, Muna was named one of the most influential Muslim women in the world.

1. Princess Ameera Al-Taweel/ Princess Ameera Al-Taweel يبي‎ (born November 6, 1983, Riyadh) is a Saudi princess and philanthropist. He is the vice-chairman of the Alwaleed Philanthropies charity foundation. Amira has spoken publicly in a number of US media outlets in support of women's right to drive in Saudi Arabia, as well as broader empowerment in Saudi society. Due to differences of views and bold statements, in 2013 Amira divorced her husband, Prince Al-Walid ibn Talal, who was 28 years older than her.

Al-Mamlayaqatu al-Arabiiyatu al-Saudiiyatu - this is exactly the name of the kingdom, which its inhabitants call among themselves briefly “al-Saudiyya”.

Religion as a way of life

Saudi Arabia is a country where Islam is based not on fear, but on an internal understanding of the “word of Allah”; it is located in the very heart of the Islamic world, bordering Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, and the Emirates. This is the homeland of Arab tribes who, back in 622, after the victorious campaign of the Ottoman Sultan Selim II, accepted Islam as the only possible religion. It was from here that the spread of Islam to the East began, displacing the Jewish faith.

Religious views are reinforced here historical facts, it is known for certain that the Prophet Muhammad preached for many years on the territory of the Caliphate, during his reign the infidels were expelled from the Hijaz. To this day, non-Christians are strictly prohibited from living in the territory of the holy Mecca and Medina.

Locals live according to the “letter of the Koran”, there is, of course, a judicial power, but it is based on the norms of Sharia. Here they cut off a hand for theft, a head for violence. There is a religious police here, which not only monitors Muslims, but also infidels, who are prohibited from practicing religious worship in the country, demonstrating their religious preferences, etc.

Time passes slowly in this country. Arabs are leisurely; they can afford to spend an hour or two in an outdoor cafe, and then go to work. being late for a meeting with a foreigner is also not scary, but a foreigner who is delayed on the way is unlikely to be forgiven for this.

Enterprises and stores also do not have fixed operating hours, with the only exceptions being administrative bodies and life-saving organizations. No one works on Friday - it is a day of prayer.

You are unlikely to find toys in the shape of animals in stores. The Koran believes that they cannot be created, because otherwise a person will try to become like Allah. It’s funny, but in cities, men are not allowed to walk their pets, but women can.

Women of Islam

There is a lot of talk about the situation of women in Saudi Arabia, noting their insecurity and powerlessness. Indeed, the woman is completely subordinate, but this is not as bad as it seems, because she is “entrusted to him by Allah,” which for a true believer means the need to protect her. And men really take care of their women. Especially from prying eyes.

All women are required to cover their heads, conceal their faces and wear special clothes outside the house. Each of them has her own “guardian” - an older man who monitors the correctness of her actions; it is he who decides whether the ward can receive an education, apply for medical care, visit public places, etc.

Girls are not free to choose a husband; they are given out at the age of 10 by prior agreement between families. It is not necessary for the bride to be at the wedding.

Meanwhile, women work and lead active lives, but, however, only between women. It is forbidden to visit them, sit at the same table with them, and even more so enter into an argument.

Women are not allowed to have a driver's license, so only men drive. The bans also apply to foreign women, so you won’t be able to walk around the capital in European dress.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest state on the Arabian Peninsula. Surely you know that this country has a number of very strict laws, including death penalty, and no one takes women into account here at all. According to 2009 data, the country ranks 130th out of 134 countries in terms of violation of women's rights. Despite numerous restrictions and rules, the women of Saudi Arabia do not stop fighting for their place in this life and do everything possible to be considered as full members of society as men.

Car driving

Traditions: In the 21st century, the kingdom remains the only place on the planet where there is a ban on females driving a vehicle. Residents of the country, while abroad, do not miss the opportunity to get behind the wheel. But even having an International Driving Permit in their own country does not qualify them for a driver's license.

Changes: In the summer of 2017, the book “Dare to Drive: The Young Saudi Woman Who Defied the Kingdom of Men” by one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent activists, Manal Al-Sharif, was published. The publication was preceded by Manal's nine-day arrest for driving last year. She not only got behind the wheel of the car, but also filmed it on video, and later added the video to YouTube, marking the beginning of a grandiose act of disobedience among other compatriots who followed her example. As Manal herself says: “The struggle is not about driving. It's about about becoming the driver of your own destiny.”

Participation in open sporting events

Traditions: In girls' schools and universities little attention is paid to sports, and attending open sport competitions the fair half of Saudi society is completely prohibited.

Changes: Only in 2012, Sarah Attar and Vijdan Shaharjani became the first representatives of the Saudi Arabian women's team at the London Olympics. They competed in sports such as athletics and judo. And although the girls’ athletic results were not impressive, their names have already gone down in history.

Guardian Consent

Traditions: It seems crazy, but a woman in Saudi Arabia cannot get married or file for divorce, get an education, work or travel on her own. Even to rent a house, open a bank account or undergo surgery for medical reasons, according to the country's norms, one must first obtain the permission of a mahram - a male guardian.

Changes: Aziza Al-Yousuf is another well-known figure among Saudi women who fight for their rights. Last year, she took an active part in the movement to abolish male guardianship. The campaign quickly gained momentum online, and more than 14,000 of Aziza's compatriots signed a petition demanding the abolition of the guardianship rules.

The country's leadership made concessions. By decree of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud dated April 17, 2017, it was decided that the guardianship system will finally be revised. According to the royal order, government agencies must, within three months, issue new laws to abolish guardianship and provide the most simplified list of procedures in which the consent of a man will still be required. It is still too early to judge how large and deep the changes will be.

Sex segregation rules

Traditions: To appreciate the severity of the laws in Saudi Arabia, it is enough to know that a woman can be punished simply for talking to a male member who is not a close relative of her.

Public places and institutions in the country are divided into men's and women's areas. Separate training is provided in educational institutions, and clear demarcation is observed in restaurants, cafes, shops and offices. Even international companies such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Starbucks provide separate areas for men and women in the country.

Changes: Development social networks made it possible to bypass existing prohibitions and choose a circle of at least virtual communication independently, while showing some caution. And the opening in 2009 of the first joint university for the education of boys and girls gives hope for the liberalization of the existing order in communication between the sexes.

One of the figures on the Forbes list, the CEO of the Saudi financial company Olayan and a well-known activist in the struggle for women's rights, Lubna Olayan, was the first to talk about the abolition of gender segregation, arguing for the need to build a developed economy in the country. Although the share of the employed female population is 17%, every second working woman has a higher education. For comparison: among men, only 16% can boast of a higher education diploma. Women use every opportunity to get an education, be it distance learning or studying abroad, which has become possible since 2008 with the consent of a guardian.

And in May 2017, the daughter of the American president, Ivanka Trump, widely known for her active stance on female employment issues, held a meeting with Saudi women leaders, later noting on her Instagram: “The need to empower and include women transcends borders and cultures. Whether in the United States or Saudi Arabia, we must recognize that women's empowerment is a key driver of economic transformation."

Marry by choice

Traditions: Although 2005 brought the abolition of forced marriages to the kingdom, an agreement between the father and the future husband of the bride is still mandatory. In such circumstances, when a woman does not take part in negotiations about her own destiny at all, there can be no talk of any independent choice of a spouse.

Changes: The issue moved forward a little in 2016. The woman now receives a copy of the marriage contract and the opportunity to defend her rights, including during a divorce. I would like to believe that the changes will not stop there and in the near future every woman in Saudi Arabia will be able to choose her life partner, guided only by one's own desire and the call of the heart.

Right to early release from prison

Traditions: In Saudi Arabia, there is a long-standing tradition in which a prisoner can be released early if he memorizes the Koran or receives a pardon from the king on religious or public holidays. However, Saudis serving sentences in prison cannot count on their memory or the mercy of the king. A woman can only be released with the permission of her male guardian, who often insists on extending the sentence.

Changes: Women's only weapon in this case is to achieve publicity and attract world attention to their cause. Sometimes this mechanism works and the long-awaited release occurs. “I think it's our job to fight for our civil rights. The authorities are moving in this direction and are carrying out many reforms, but we ourselves need to develop as civil society, develop non-profit organizations,” says Princess Amira al-Tawil, an influential Saudi woman, vice-president of the Alwaleed Philanthropies charity foundation, who has repeatedly publicly spoken out in foreign media for expanding the rights of her compatriots.

Dress code

Traditions: According to the law, a representative of the fair sex can appear in a public place, covering all parts of the body with the exception of the oval of the face, hands and feet. In 2011, it was ordered to hide the eyes from strangers.

Changes: Women would not be women if they did not strive to assert their right to dress according to their own taste and the trends of the times. Following local style icons, Saudi women are increasingly venturing beyond the black abaya (traditional long dress), experimenting with colors, styles and embellishments in their wardrobes. Princess Dina Abdulaziz Al-Saud, thanks to her delicate taste and skillful combination of oriental flavor and western innovations in her style, is known far beyond the borders of her homeland. Dina, who took over Vogue Arabia last July, has become an inspiring example for the kingdom's millions of female audiences, and Christian Louboutin even named one of his pairs of shoes in her honor.

Custody of your children

Traditions: The Family Code is another point where the female half of the population of Arabia is infringed upon in their rights. The legislative framework The Saudi Kingdom assumes that children who have reached the age of seven are completely under the authority of their father. During a divorce, joint custody of the children is out of the question if the father expresses a desire for the children to remain with him.

Changes: Thanks to the efforts of women who gained the right to enter the legislative council in 2011, domestic violence has been treated as a criminal offense since 2013. That same year, women were officially allowed to work as family lawyers. Such, albeit minimal, changes towards increasing women's rights give hope that the legal status of wives and mothers in the country will become more secure. And the fact that the number of divorces on women's initiative has increased over Lately, indicates women’s greater confidence in their abilities and readiness to face the difficulties associated with divorce proceedings and life without a husband.

Witchcraft, magic

Traditions: Islam is the official and only permitted religion in the state. Moreover, in the “land of the two holy places”, in addition to the body supervising compliance with Sharia norms, there is also a special police department for catching “witches”. Any activity to predict the future, fortune telling and conspiracies, witchcraft and magic is prohibited. And no matter how funny they sound modern world These charges and the punishments for them are quite real - from prison time to execution. Since 2009, more than 500 people have been detained under these articles. Two Saudi women were convicted only because talismans were found in their possession.

Changes: Not yet.

Life does not stand still, and Saudi Arabian activists are using every means possible to bring closer the day when they will be able to enjoy all the rights and freedoms that are given to every person from birth - regardless of gender and country of residence.