Stupid quote of the week: “Women driving spurs premarital sex”
This article by the Associated Press made its rounds on the internet a few days ago and caused a lot anger amongst the Saudi women here. According to the article a “well known academic” (name was not given) was sent to the King’s council to advise them of the negative effects of women driving in the kingdom. One of his conclusions was that letting females drive will encourage mixing of the sexes and could promote sex. THAT IS HIS BIGGEST FEAR?!
I would assume things like saudinization and the economy would be in his report. Yes, Saudi women actually like to be chauffeured, who wouldn’t. But think of the benefits if you could eliminate some of the expat drivers. Saudi women can drive to work, which would decrease the unemployment rate and increase. Women who were unable to attend college due to the driving restriction, can gain an education and contribute to society. An educated mother will most definitely pass on those benefits to her children. Wouldn’t you want an educated society?
Speaking of education, Saudi has started to allow college to be co-ed (in a loose sense), but it is working. I have yet to see a negative impact, on the contrary, the girls are more mature and more active on campus than the guys. These are the same people that will be driving on the roads if the rules are changed, people I wold feel safe driving next to compared to guys driving on the roads today.
I’ll end my rant with this.
I cannot believe they would make such a strong statement and assumption of their own women. They basically labeled there women as untrust worthy and excuse my language whores.
The video below is a Saudi’s comic perspective on females driving in the Kingdom. I wish I could translate it for you, but the girl dreams of having a BMW she can drive to work and school. Unfortunately, the closed minded “prince charming” assumes she will go to Bahrain to party. LOL
Enjoy.
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I am Arab
Lately, I have seen many good advertisements on Arab television, the one below is just made it on my top 3 list. It is an advert for the upcoming Doha Arab Games (which I had no clue existed till today)and highlights the characteristics and strengths of all Arabs. Great words, Great shots.
Top 3 list (no particular order):
and the third is the one above.
Keep it clean people!
Classes are done, I am walking down into the parking lot when I overhear two student’s disgust at something. As I turn the corner I see the problem instantly. It was hideous and stood out like a sore thumb. There is a semi empty trash can and scattered around is trash and food from a recent lunch excursion by students. I will not even begin arguing how wrong it is to throw away food, when others less fortunate can benefit from it.
However, let me rant a bit about the mentality in the region in regards to trash. It is no secret that the society here relies heavily on others to get work done. Hopefully something that will be mended by a fair Saudiazation system. My theory is that a society cannot move forward if it cannot with its own hands take on jobs they consider to be below them. (aka trash collector or a worker at McDs)
How many saudi’s does it take to make a deposit?
I really wish I did not have to write this piece, however, my experience yesterday at the bank left me wanting to shout a thousand things to the manager. My apologies in advanced for my lack of humor in the title, but it got your attention right?
When Saudi Women Vote …
As hilarious as the irony in this picture is, I see real progress in Saudi Arabia in regards to women’s rights. Before, I continue, it should be made that overall Saudi and Arab women are not oppressed by their male counter parts as claimed by the west. As a matter of fact, my mother of Arab decent completed her higher education, raised a family, and went on to be a translator for the United Nations. Women in Arab society are held in high regard and usually considered something valuable to protect. It is this protection that is usually misunderstood by the west and called oppression. However, I believe the level of protection can be toned down to help ease the restrictions places on some Arab women.
TacoBell in Riyadh!!
Ever get that midnight craving? That gut girrgling (is that even a word?) craving? For me it is TacoBell! And I have been deprived from this unhealthy goodness for 5 years. Yea, even I admit TacoBell back home wasn’t exactly quality food, but it definitely hit the spot. It was our hangout spot in high school and our goto place at 2 am for food.
When news started circulating online about the potential opening of TacoBell and Wendy’s in the Kingdom, I could not contain my excitement, that was a year ago. It was not till last week when my friend sent me a message,
Bro! We just saw a TacoBell Truck!
Turns out, TacoBell opened two branches inRiyadh. One is located in the Kingdom Tower’s new basement Food Court, the other is set to open it doors in January, a stand alone branch on King Fahad road. I might be exaggerating a bit, but Riyadh lacks in Mexican food and TacoBell came in to save the day.
Welcome Back! Nomadic Lounge 2.0
Its been a while! The blog has since gotten a fresher simpler look, before it was unfocused and v1.0 was not cutting it. You may have also noticed that the logo has changed! This one is significant because it shows the reverse effect Saudi Arabia had on me, pixel me ( I always wanted a pixel version of myself) is wearing a thobe and hold the red, white, and blue flag.
v2.0 hopefully will be more entertaining and constantly updated. I decided to re-focus the blog around three categories: the blog, eats, and a photoblog. The big difference is going to be my weekly v-blog called “Breaking Riyadh” It is currently in production and it will be a few more weeks of footage and editing before episode 1 launches. I will be video blogging my adventures with my crew (hopefully not getting arrested), hosting special guests, and showing you a different side to Saudi Arabia!
Let me know what you think of the new changes in the comment section below!
Planning on opening a business in Saudi? Think again.
The Middle East has been a hotspot for new business opportunities and Saudi Arabia was not going to miss out on the economic success of its Gulf neighbors. Saudi has been working round the clock to build up it massive economic city near King Khaled Airport and is easing its regulations for Saudis and foreigners alike to obtain business licenses. I should mention this is a huge step forward, it used to be that non-Saudis had to have a Saudi partner to open any business. No need to mention that system did not work well and kept investors at a distance.
So what kind of market does Saudi have? Well, it seems no matter how many clothing stores or restaurants open in this country people are willing to spend on something new. Not only that, but the shear demand for products not available in the Kingdom opens the way to new services and business opportunities. This no doubt leads to more spending which leads to economic growth in all sectors. However, I am not here to teach economics. I barely got through macro-economics in college.
Skyline of Riyadh
The skyline of Riyadh has changed dramatically since I arrived 5 years ago. These a few shots I snapped up-top the balcony of the 11A restaurant in the Fasiliah Tower during the Eid firework show.
The Saudi Couple
I already miss my friend Ziad who has moved to Ireland for a year to complete his studies. You might be wondering what does this have anything to do with this post. Not much really, we had a tradition to eat at a chinese restaurant every Wednesday after classes. During our last Chinese outing before his departure, we noticed these cute center pieces (salt and pepper shakers) in all Gulf Royal Restaurants. A Saudi man embracing his love, a Sadi lady draped in the traditional veil.
