This is a scene from a mall entertainment area. Most malls have a family friendly area where rides and games are available. Most children in KSA wear typical kid’s clothes worn around the world. Women at the mall are almost always dressed in the black abaya and most cover their hair. Many men wear the traditional long white thobe and the red and white checked or plain white scarf, or they can wear Western clothes if they wish, which is not an option for women. Going to a shopping mall is one of the few activities that families can do together when out in public. I have heard that some malls in Riyadh restrict single men from entering, to prevent contact between men and women who are not related to each other.
By the way, women generally are not employed in malls, however in this mall entertainment area, you can see two women working at the service desk on the left!
About This Blog, and About Me: Susie of Arabia
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is KSA's 2nd largest city and is located on its west coast, right on the Red Sea. I moved here in 2007 with my Saudi hubby. This journal reflects the things that I see here, life through my eyes, my lens.
Please be sure to also visit my other blog, SUSIE OF ARABIA (formerly SUSIE'S BIG ADVENTURE), which relates my experiences, thoughts, and observations about living in Saudi Arabia.
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JEDDAH DAILY PHOTO 
Excellent site, keep up the good work
I’m wondering, can a woman wear white abaya’s. Black seems so hot.
White wouldn’t be so awful.
If not, why not…it seems a covering is a covering.
Also, what if a woman were dressed as a Catholic nun:
would that be considered modest enough?
d.
Dina – A properly attired nun would fit right in here. In fact, I feel like a nun when I go out. My husband has suggested that I have a white or light colored abaya made. However, all the women here wear black for some strange reason (which makes no sense whatsoever in the heat), and I don’t want to bring any more attnetion to myself than my pink cheeks already do!
well, if I ever have the pleasure of visiting the kingdom(and it would be nice to at least visit once, after Rome, the Mediterranean and Isreal) I would where white…the black looks too suffocating.
Thanks for the reply!
🙂
Your photos and cultural difference explanations are like eating chocolate cake!
Leif – This comment is one of the nicest compliments I have ever gotten – thanks! Chocolate cake is my absolute favorite!
I am constantly amazed by the difference in our cultures. You must seem like you are on Mars at times coming from the West.