Etiquette

good questions...

Regarding shaking of hands:

I think it is better to err on the side of caution (having worked in other part of the Middle East). If you're a male, it is better/safer not to initiate the handshake with a female.

Question for anyone:

How would a male politely and respectfully decline a handshake initiated by a woman? Does this happen at Aramco?

I think UmmRiyam pretty much covered it.

If you 'prop your feet up' and show the bottom of your feet, its rude. Simply crossing your legs is usually accepted.

I have had muslim women (non Saudis) shake my hand, but they were usually European or American, and they initiated it. As was stated, you do not touch a person of the opposite unless they are family.

I have had Saudi friends over, a lot depends on the people. Some of the Saudis you meet are very 'westernized', many who work here lived in the US for years, and in those cases they may act very similar to us when in the home. There are others who are much more conservative. It is considered polite to invite them over, but I would discuss such topics with the husband beforehand to make sure there are no misunderstandings.

UmmRiam, what a clever strategy And thanks everyone. It would be interesting to hear more cross-cultural tips if anyone has any to add ~

Thanks! Another question I have is about the issue of guardians. It is my understanding that as a non-Muslim or foreigner, I wouldn't have to have one. As I understand, permission of a guardian is needed for Saudi women to travel, studying abroad, marriage, etc.

I am under the impression that one way for Saudi women to get around is via drivers. Is it expected that they still have the guardian's permission in some way if they go to local places without the presence of a male relative/husband? If so, do the guardians write a note? They are allowed to go places (e.g. shopping) without male relatives present, right?

Even if I don't need a guardian or guardian's permission, is it generally safer to carry some kind of generic note from my husband around if I go to local places by myself, or at least if I end up flying out of Saudi Arabia by myself? Are there many Aramco (or dependent) women who sometimes (more-than-rarely)/often go here and there (e.g. malls, shopping off-compound, walking around in the nearby cities) by themselves? Are there certain basic off-limit places that wouldn't necessarily be obvious? Also, is it better to generally carry around a marriage certificate if you're married just in case someone wonders if you're married to the person you're walking with?

Thank you ~

I am not sure exactly how the permission works now, but in the past, it was a signed permission letter that you had to get from the government. We had to have that letter with us one time when my husband and I took his younger brother and sister with us to Bahrain.

You don't need any sort of permission letter in Saudi Arabia, especially as an expat who is not married to a Saudi. As for off-limit places for women...yes, there are some places that women really shouldn't go alone. For example, it would be extremely awkward for a woman to walk into a shawarma or falafel shop alone or any other small restaurant that doesn't have a family section. Also, all the little shops on the side streets with electrical things, hardware, small computer shops, etc. If you don't see any other women around, then better for you to avoid going there alone.

Ladies I know are welcomed in the little hole in the wall, on the alley coffee shop in Khobar. No singles section. I think it will depend on the shop and who runs it. Same with the hardware/electrical shops in Khobar. The salesmen are very helpful to women who enter their shops. This may not be so in other areas besides Khobar. Khobar shops are used to expat women coming into their shops.