The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this modern country connected with antiquity, is always subject to myths and legends regarding culture, society, laws, and economy.
The Kingdom is often misunderstood by people who have never been there or bothered to explore it beyond series and soap operas. Therefore, this blog should aim to explore some of these myths and provide. The reader with a better understanding of Saudi Arabia.
Myth 1: Saudi Arabia is just a desert
Alas, perhaps the most prevalent myth about Saudi Arabia is that it is a vast desert that occupies the country’s territory almost entirely. Extending to the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian Desert, incorporating the Empty Quarter (Rub’al-khali), takes up quite a large chunk of the country’s landscape. Still, Saudi Arabian geography is not limited to deserts alone.
Some areas in Saudi Arabia include, the region of Asir within the southwestern area boasts of mountains with green vegetation and a moderate climate. Gassim lies in the central part of the region and has a sub-tropical climate, while Asir. The one with the lowest temperature in the country is the Rockies. On the Red Sea coastal area, for instance. Sees more of the coral reefs ideal for divers. The northeastern area consists of hilly plateaus and valleys. The central area of the Najd is Riyadh, the capital city. In the desert, surrounded by farms and some development.
Myth 2: Ladies, quite unfortunately, have no legal rights at all in Saudi Arabia, a country that has one of the highest ratios of women per capita in the whole world
The position of women in KSA is another aspect that has been frowned upon by the international community for quite some time. Although not widely recognised, women in the Kingdom have been limited in many ways. However, the situation is not static anymore. The Saudi Arabian government has recently introduced various changes to women’s rights and opportunities.
Muslim women can now transcend and function appropriately as active workers, watching sports events and engaging in workplaces. In response to Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman initiated a plan. Even, they can also perform Umrah with a Mahram. Well, according to the research, October is one of the best month for Umrah, because of the pleasant weather. Muslim women can take Umrah Packages October 2024 from any reputed travel agency and perform this worship. One of its aims is to enhance women’s status and employment in the labour market. There has also been a rise in women’s employment in various governmental, private, and women entrepreneurs.
However, challenges remain. Initially, women were under the so-called guardianship. Many activities were possible only with a man’s permission a husband, father or another relative; now, the system is less strict but still exists. This means social norms and cultural attitudes are constantly changing. Although there has been change everywhere, the rate and success rates differ from one place to the other.
Myth 3: This means Saudi Arabia is closed to tourists
It wasn’t until several decades ago that tourists could visit Saudi Arabia; visas were mainly issued for hajj, business, or specific professional purposes. However, this significantly shifted in 2019 with the unveiling a new tourist visa policy to develop the tourism industry, which falls under Vision 2030.
Today, the country tours the globe to share its historical background, cultural origin, and marvellous physical features. Tourists can opt to visit historical archaeological destinations like Al-Ula province, which has the Hegra (Madain Salih) site or Diriyah, near Riyadh and the birthplace of the KSA. The actualisation of the futuristic city called NEOM and the Red Sea Project are other mega-projects intended to attract more tourists in the future.
Myth 4: Saudi Arabia’s Economy Is heavily Dependent on Oil
True, it is across global oil-producing countries. Saudi Arabia’s economy has extensively relied on oil sales over the years. Nevertheless, the Kingdom is diversifying its economy and decreasing its dependence on oil with Vision 2030.
The tourism, entertainment, technology, and renewable energy sectors. The creation of NEOM, a smart city project that has been earmarked to cost half a trillion dollars on the Red Sea coast. Showcases Saudi Arabia’s desire to transform into a tech and sustainable innovation destination. The entertainment sector is also expanding fast. New cinema houses, music and cultural troupes, and art events are now frequently observed.
Furthermore, the Saudi stock market, Tadawul, has established a link to international markets. A significant focus has been placed on SMEs to diversify the economy and make it more resilient.
Myth 5: Saudi society is reserved and does not show hospitality towards foreigners
The other myth is that Saudi Arabian society is hostile to foreigners. Saudis are very hospitable and kind. Which stems from the Bedouin insides. People have often described the friendliness of the residents they interact with, beginning with the visitors.
It must be noted that Saudi Arabia has a large number of internationals. Residing in the Kingdom, working in healthcare, education, construction, and financial areas, among other things. Some of the most populated cities include Riyadh and Jeddah. Dammam harbours many expatriates and has progressing schools, clubs, and events relative to various international communities.
The latest trend towards tourism and foreign investment also means that hospitality and the exchange of culture have become even more relevant. Over the years, the Saudi government has introduced several measures to enhance tolerance, interaction with foreign visitors, and employment of expatriates.
Myth 6: Conclusively, it can be said that Saudi Arabia is a homogenous society
Nevertheless, despite the general assumption that the Saudi Arabian population consists of people of Arab ethnicity, Saudi Arabia is rather diverse and comprises individuals with different ethnic origins and cultural and religious backgrounds. The Kingdom also comprises citizens of different tribal groups, regions, and ethnic origins, including the Bedouin, Hejazi, Asiri, and many more.
For instance, the whole eastern part of the country is majorised by the Shia Muslim population, making the country’s religious base relatively diverse in the context of Sunni domination. Also, the expatriate population is more significant in the Kingdom, so more cultural differences are seen. These expatriates hail from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, Europe, etc. They contribute to, or should I say, enhance Saudi Arabian culture in many ways, including their unique cultural practices.
Myth 7: According to the article, Saudi Arabia is culturally isolated
Saudi Arabia is also regarded as a culturally introverted country that aggressively upholds the norms of the desired culture. The scribe, you see, is not that stupid. Despite the tradition-oriented mentality in which Saudi Arabian people value their culture and religion so much, Saudi Arabia also embraces the features of the modern world.
However, a rapid cultural shift in the population, especially the youth, is occurring. The internet and social media use have put young Saudis in contact with other cultures, opinions, and lifestyles worldwide. This has made Saudi Arabia a mix of tradition and modernism, with most Saudi people embracing tradition in dressing, music, entertainment, etc., while embracing the modern world.
The Kingdom’s leadership is also striving to take initiative in issues of culture. The Ministry of Culture’s formation and the Saudi Seasons’ initiation. Series of festivals introducing Saudi and other countries’ art and music. Foods are all elements of creating an open and vibrant cultural society.
Myth 8: No Jogging, Bed Head, and Informal Clothes Allowed
The country is quite conservative and restricts women’s dress code by insisting on them wearing the abaya, a long black robe. However, dress norms in the Kingdom have been changing as well. Currently, there are general liberalisations of these regulations, especially for foreigners.
Since 2018, Saudi and foreign women no longer have to wear the abaya or other similar body-concealing clothing, given that it has become optional. However, many women still prefer to be covered or continue to put on the abaya or other fully accommodating clothes for religious or courteous reasons. Instead, men must wear decent clothes, meaning that women only need to cover their skin. And this could perhaps mean just wearing bras and panties. Generally, males decide to wear long trousers and not wear sleeveless T-shirts outside, and there is no traditional national garment for men in Thailand.
The dress code is slightly liberal in private compounds and hotels. Some sections are mainly associated with expatriates and tourists, as evidenced by changes gradually becoming prominent in many parts of the world.
Myth 9: Few Things To Do
This point of view is no longer valid because Saudi Arabia is slowly changing before people’s eyes, and leisure activities are increasing. In the previous few years, there has been a noticeable improvement. In large part the development of entertainment and leisure facilities in the Kingdom. The prohibition of cinema was lifted in 2018, and currently. You can find movie theatres throughout large cities.
KSA has also been seeing more cultural and sporting events. Concerts of global singers, the Dakar Rally or the Formula E championship. Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season are among the initiatives. That comprises the entertainment drive under the Saudi Seasons project. Entertainment events may include music concerts, theatrical performances, and food bazaars.
New theme parks, shopping malls, recreational centres. Facilities are slowly being established for the people of this country. Other clients who may wish to visit this country.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia is one of those ‘in transition’ countries that cherishes the rich Arab legacy while simultaneously striving to be a progressive nation rapidly and radically reforming itself. Thus, informational myths and misconceptions concerning the Kingdom remain today. At the same time, the latent model is much more complex and multifaceted.
Saudi Arabia is more than the dreadful news readers can come across; geography is as vast as its range of sundry landscapes and the dynamics of its society. It is the country that tried to diversify its economy and actively develop its entertainment industry. The Kingdom expands internationally in welcoming the world into the Kingdom. So, local and international people will also learn the genuine Saudi Arabia traditions intermingled with modernity.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.