Buzz
Saudi Arabia follows no specific written laws or statutes. The only constitution in practice is the Quran, which judges interpret with a conservative approach. Many actions deemed illegal have no clear legal framework to prohibit them, with some not even mentioned in the Quran. While similar bans exist in other nations, this list specifically addresses Saudi Arabia, a place where I was born and grew up, experiencing these laws that impact millions. The general principle is that anything perceived as 'haram' (forbidden by Islamic law or leading people away from Islam) is automatically considered illegal, even in the absence of written laws.
10. Valentine's Day Celebration
Prohibited: Selling or wearing red on Valentine’s Day
On every February 14th, flower shops and gift stores are prohibited from selling red roses or anything red, including heart-shaped items. The 'Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice' (CPVPV), also known as the Religious Police, enforces this rule. Any store caught breaking the law risks being shut down. Additionally, schoolgirls are forbidden from wearing anything red, including scarves. If a girl arrives at school with any red items, she is sent home to change. The reasoning behind the ban is to discourage the celebration of Valentine’s Day, which is seen as un-Islamic and potentially leading people 'astray' by encouraging romantic relationships outside of marriage.
9. Social Interaction
Prohibited: Interaction between the sexes in malls and eateries
In numerous Saudi malls, only "families" are permitted entry. In this case, 'family' refers to either women visiting alone or men accompanied by women. Mall security will deny entry to groups of men or single men unless a woman is present. This rule is particularly enforced for Saudi men, though non-Saudi men, especially Western expats, generally face no issues with entry. For restaurants, there are often two sections: one for families and another for singles, based on the same criteria. At a McDonald's inside a mall, for instance, lines are separated for men and women. However, at a stand-alone McDonald's, the seating is fully segregated, ensuring that men on their own will not interact with women or other groups.
8. Cinema
Prohibited: Movie theaters
Movie theaters are banned in Saudi Arabia, with the exception of those located within private company compounds, such as the theaters found at Saudi Aramco residential camps. The primary justification for this prohibition is the potential for unsupervised interaction between men and women, which could lead to immoral behavior outside the boundaries of marriage. Consequently, many Saudis who live near Bahrain travel there on weekends to watch films and enjoy alcohol, since both are prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
7. Bacon!
Prohibited: Pork
As Saudi Arabia follows Islamic law, all food entering the country must be 'halal.' The nation considers all of its citizens to be Muslim, and non-Muslim expatriates are also required to comply with these strict regulations. Additionally, because Saudi Arabia is home to the two holiest mosques, the presence of pork is viewed as sacrilegious. Although several other countries have similar restrictions on pork, they have not enacted a full ban to accommodate non-Muslim residents and expatriates.
6. Music School
Prohibited: Music education in public schools
Music is legally permitted in Saudi Arabia, with a thriving music industry. However, formal institutions dedicated to music education are nonexistent. Many religious individuals view music as forbidden, and as a result, malls and shops avoid playing music to respect religious sensitivities.
Because of these religious views, music is excluded from the educational system, as curricula must adhere to Islamic law. Islamic studies include teachings that emphasize the prohibition of music. Those who wish to pursue music, whether through singing or playing an instrument, typically learn through self-teaching, private tutors, or by studying abroad. Despite these restrictions, an underground rock scene and private concerts exist, hidden from the scrutiny of religious authorities.
5. Women-Only Gyms
Prohibited: Female participation in sports and gym activities
For a period, private gyms for women were permitted to function until the Religious Police intervened and shut them down permanently. In girls' schools and universities, gym classes and sports teams do not exist, resulting in the absence of professional women's teams. Saudi Arabia risks suspension by the International Olympic Committee due to its failure to send female delegates, with the Saudi Olympic Committee managing to find only two women, one of whom was raised and trained in the United States.
4. Deity Diversity
Prohibited: Practicing other religions
In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal for non-Muslims to worship publicly, and there are no places of worship designated for non-Muslim faiths. The main rationale behind this is the presence of the two holiest mosques in the country, and it is considered sacrilegious for churches or other places of worship to be established there. Individuals who convert from Islam or renounce their faith are subject to the death penalty. This prohibition extends beyond worship spaces to include religious items like Bibles and symbols such as crosses, aiming to prevent the spread of non-Muslim beliefs among Muslims.
3. The Female Driver Debate
Prohibited: Women behind the wheel
This is one of the most well-known restrictions for women in Saudi Arabia. Women have always been prohibited from driving, unless in the desert or within private compounds. If the men of a household are unavailable, families must employ private drivers to transport women to work and other destinations. The primary justification for this ban is the concern that allowing women to drive might encourage them to leave their homes more frequently than necessary, which is considered improper; it could also lead to interactions with unrelated men and necessitate the uncovering of their faces.
Every few years, movements advocating for women's right to drive gain momentum, typically manifested through protests in which women brave driving their own cars – risking arrest, job loss, and other consequences. Several women have attempted to acquire driver's licenses, only to be surprised when their information could not be retrieved in the system, as the database is designed only to store men's details.
2. Women on the Move
Prohibited: Women traveling without consent
In Saudi Arabia, women are not permitted to travel alone without obtaining a specific form or electronic approval. This restriction is lifted only when a woman reaches 45 years of age. Women under 45 must either be accompanied by a husband or father or present a permission form signed by a male guardian. A recent online travel authorization system has been implemented to make the process more efficient, allowing the male guardian to handle these arrangements. While many male family members are supportive and grant their female relatives the freedom to travel, a substantial portion of society views a woman's freedom of movement as a potential moral threat, resulting in strict limitations on women leaving their homes or the country.
1. Women in Employment
Prohibited: Women in certain careers
In Saudi Arabia, women are restricted from taking on many professions that are typically reserved for men. The only company that hires female engineers is Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company. Other companies are not allowed to employ women in engineering roles. The majority of women work in education or healthcare. Women have only recently been allowed to take up roles as store clerks or in department stores. A few hypermarkets now employ women at checkout counters, and some department stores have followed suit. These workplaces require women to cover their faces while working. One notable exception to female employment is the lingerie store, which continues to be staffed exclusively by men.
