Suz
Member
Posts: 44
|
Post by Suz on Feb 22, 2014 15:06:12 GMT
My husband has been applying to jobs at Aramco and of course, we're hoping that he gets one. Since we're exploring this option...I've been doing a lot of reading and thinking on the head scarf and personally, I think that while out and about, I would prefer to wear a head scarf in order to fit in better and because I think it would give me a sense of safety. That's just me. I realize that many people would prefer to wait until they are corrected or asked to put it on and reach for it in their purse....since it may only happen twice a year or not at all. But, I'm the opposite. Although I'm a devout Christian, I would prefer to wear one for the reasons that I've stated above. I have read that some expats do so, even though it's not common. My question....if an expat chooses to wear one, does it cause friction or controversy among other other expats or is it truly up to the individual to do what she thinks is best for herself?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
|
|
Suz
Member
Posts: 44
|
Post by Suz on Feb 22, 2014 15:49:49 GMT
Lots of views....but no feedback. Would love to get some input.
|
|
|
|
Post by BigDog on Feb 23, 2014 5:07:44 GMT
From a Uk and male, but I think it is up to the person and having lived in the middle east now for 5 years, it shows that you respect there way of life and willing to adjust to blend in more, safety is you number one reason and this will also be good. You can be stopped outside the compound and then you will get more people looking at you, but this doesn't always happen unless you look Asian or middle eastern where it does happen more to them. You will not go wrong. I am also waiting to start by the way.
|
|
|
|
Post by GroveWanderer on Feb 23, 2014 8:16:57 GMT
As far as I know, it is indeed "up to the individual to do what she thinks is best for herself."
|
|
Suz
Member
Posts: 44
|
Post by Suz on Feb 23, 2014 11:58:33 GMT
Well, thank you both for your feedback! Thank you for taking the time to write and respond. I truly appreciate it!
|
|
|
|
Post by Hadia on Feb 23, 2014 16:03:14 GMT
I'm a western expat who always covers outside camp. We are a Muslim family, but I am not Arab and I do not cover all the time. I wear the hijab out of respect for my host nation, and to avoid being confronted about being uncovered. My husband is Arab, I am brunette, and I don't want any embarrassing incidents at the mall. My young daughter does the same, purely by her choice.
I have received more compliments than I can count from Saudis and Muslim expats about my physical show of respect. In fact, just the other day, a lovely Saudi woman, her aunt and kids came over to us out of the blue at a restaurant. She wanted to meet us, ask if we were enjoying our time in Arabia, contact her if I ever need help, insisted on exchanging mobile numbers. They specifically complimented us on our (colorful!) hijabs. Another lovely Saudi store clerk complimented me on wearing a scarf. Even men have inquired about us--not being out of line or anything, just curious about where we're from, etc. Very sweet.
Oddly enough, when I wear a scarf outside camp, very few western expats talk to me. Maybe they think I don't speak English or that they shouldn't initiate a social exchange, I don't know.
Even when it is ghastly hot, I wear a scarf outside the camp. It makes me feel respectful, less conspicuous and safer, and apparently is a great conversation starter. The ladies especially like seeing me and my daughter together with our abayas and pretty hijabs. You should do what feels right for you. Don't let any fellow expats form your opinion for you.
|
|
Suz
Member
Posts: 44
|
Post by Suz on Feb 23, 2014 17:04:45 GMT
Thank you so very much for all of that information and your kind response! My reasoning for doing it would be exactly as you stated in your stories....to show respect to the country hosting us and of course to feel safer. And I so appreciate your encouement to do what is right for me!
|
|
|
|
Post by gareth0127 on Feb 25, 2014 15:37:18 GMT
I totally agree about personal choice and if you choose to wear a headscarf that's fine but you say you want to wear to fit in better? In my opinion there is a very large percentage of women that you see out and about in khobar for example that do not wear one, so it wouldn't be a case of 'not' fitting in if you chose to leave your hair uncovered.
In 3.5 years my wife (who always wears an abaya) has never been told to cover her hair or felt uncomfortable. Most people who stare, simply stare because you are female.
|
|
Suz
Member
Posts: 44
|
Post by Suz on Feb 25, 2014 15:51:42 GMT
Gareth0127, thank you very much for that information and your input. It helps to hear all kinds of information! I appreciate it!
|
|
Wutz
Senior Member
Posts: 143
|
Post by Wutz on Feb 27, 2014 3:15:09 GMT
Suz,
The headscarf is not something that any (western) expat woman really needs to worry about before coming. For the most part in the areas around the camp where expats go often, wearing or not wearing a headscarf is your option. You can make your own choice (and change it if you want to!) after you come.
But you should not assume that every Saudi woman will appreciate your wearing a headscarf. Some would rather have the choice themselves (rather than have it imposed on them), and they see expats covering that do not need to as delaying the day when Saudi women will be able to choose for themselves. That being said, most will see an expat woman wearing a headscarf as intended - as a sign of respect for their culture.
|
|
Ram723
Advanced Member
Posts: 69
|
Post by Ram723 on Mar 6, 2014 20:34:17 GMT
I suggest you do as you like and feel comfortable.
|
|
|
|
Post by GroveWanderer on Mar 9, 2014 7:27:09 GMT
Just for what it's worth, I was out shopping yesterday in the Rashid mall and in a totally unscientific and not necessarily representative survey, I noticed several women wearing the full niqab, a couple with head cover but the majority (western and asian) were with uncovered hair.
|
|
Suz
Member
Posts: 44
|
Post by Suz on Mar 10, 2014 13:24:33 GMT
Thank you very much GroveWanderer! : )
|
|
Ram723
Advanced Member
Posts: 69
|
Post by Ram723 on Mar 12, 2014 20:26:22 GMT
If you decide not to cover when going off-camp, just in case you are told to cover (which might happen at one of the malls) and want to acquiesce, you might want to bring a scarf or wear a scarf around your neck. An advantage of wearing a scarf around your neck is that it provides extra covee.
|
|
Suz
Member
Posts: 44
|
Post by Suz on Mar 13, 2014 13:48:35 GMT
Okay, thank you. I was just curious about all of this, "if" we moved over there. I wanted to know what to do if this opportunity came. But, I am getting very discoued in the application process. My husband has applied and applied and hasn't even gotten an interview. So, the way things are looking...we probably will never move. But, thank you for the feedback! If we do, I feel confident that I will be well informed on this issue and many others thanks to this wonderful website!!!
|
|
