Being away from your blood line who supports your back when everything falls into pieces might seem throwing all your hopes out of the window. It feels like your spine is breaking. That a special bond of endless love is cracking. Being alien in space surrounded by strangers for the first time is a whole new roller coaster of experiences.
I started to work in KSA since December 2011. Everybody wears different reason of coming across the other world to open a new door of opportunity. We went somewhere to met the need of our families and ourselves at the same time. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Arab State in Western Asia, geographically the fifth largest state in Asia and second-largest state in the Arab world after Algeria.
ABAYA is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, traditionally in black color. It covers the whole body except the face,feet and hands. It is the traditional dress in the kingdom. But behind this dress is a multitude of challenges. For more than four years, I enlisted some of what wearing Abaya is all about.
1. First thing first, you need to learn how to communicate in Arabic language.
2. Your IQAMA is your residence permit that should be with you at all times.
3.You have to know and pay respect about SALAH (prayer time).
4. Bear in mind that you cannot go out with a man unrelated by blood (primary) or marriage.
5. That Salam Alaykum is the standard greeting.
6. If you are non-Muslim you are not allowed to enter prohibited areas which are holy sites, e.g. Mosque
7. You should know that alcoholic drinks can cause great offense.
8. Do not walk on prayer mat or in front of any person at prayer and staring at them while praying is a sin.
9. During Ramadan, (the ninth month of Islamic calendar, and is a whole four weeks of fasting) don't eat, drink or smoke anywhere visible to Muslims.
10. That public display of affection is strictly prohibited even of the same gender.
11. That you are not allowed to ride a private car unless owned by a couple which happened to be your friends.
12. It's not always okay to take pictures on the street of KSA or uploading pictures on social media with Arab women exposing their faces.
13. Women are banned for driving.
14. That behaving properly is a must.
You cannot go anywhere outside home unless your Abaya is on. This meant protection. You have to protect yourself from unwanted attention. You will never want to paint provocative figures to Arab's mind (specially men). Take note, Abaya is worn with TARHA. A veil covering all the hairs. Exposing hair is also unacceptable. Apparently, you have to keep yourself guarded, Remember, you are living on someone else' land. Your character should be played well. It will served your weapon all throughout your stay. Abaya is more than a dress. It means you are in charge and in control of your life.
