{"id":17392,"date":"2019-01-14T12:34:15","date_gmt":"2019-01-14T08:34:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=17392"},"modified":"2025-11-06T14:51:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T12:51:35","slug":"traveling-saudi-woman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-saudi-woman\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Misconceptions about traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-credit-@mal2at-riyadh-3.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-credit-@mal2at-riyadh-3.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-credit-@mal2at-riyadh-3.jpg\" alt=\"can a woman travel to Saudi Arabia alone\" class=\"wp-image-17401\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In the last few years, I have been traveling extensively <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-places-visit-middle-east\/\"><strong>across the Middle East<\/strong><\/a> and other Muslim countries, so it is not surprising at all that, every week, I receive tons of requests and questions from kick-ass women who wish to travel to the same places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since I am a man, all my articles tend to be kind of male-oriented, not on purpose though, but it is just that, sometimes, I forget that the experience for women may be totally different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I was posting all the photos and videos from my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-saudi-arabia\/\">visit to Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/strong> on my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/againstthecompass\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram Stories<\/a><\/strong>, people were actually amazed at all the places I visited and the people I met, as they were so many miles away from all the stereotypes the media has been showing us during the last decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those images really triggered the interest of many travelers who would have never thought of going there, and that included many women as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, since Saudi is known for being an extremely patriarchal country, I received more questions than I had ever received before, some of them asking about safety, while others if it was even possible to go travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As always, I can&#8217;t give an accurate response about solo female traveling but, luckily, during my journey, I met Nada from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nadal Al Nahdi<\/a><\/strong>, a 20-something-year-old backpacker who has traveled solo to some very cool destinations such as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/pakistan\/\">Pakistan<\/a><\/strong>, Afghanistan, <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-oman\/\"><strong>Oman<\/strong><\/a> and&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/sudan\/\">Sudan<\/a><\/strong>, and the coolest thing about her is that she is half-Yemeni, half-Indonesian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nada actually grew up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, so she knows the people and culture very well and has traveled around the country extensively, so who could be better than her to explain about <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/female-travel-iraq\/\"><strong>solo female travel<\/strong><\/a> in Saudi Arabia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, Nada takes us through the <strong>9&nbsp;misconceptions about traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"966cc0f59d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/966cc0f59d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/traveling-to-saudi-arabia-as-a-woman.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/traveling-to-saudi-arabia-as-a-woman.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/traveling-to-saudi-arabia-as-a-woman.jpg\" alt=\"traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman\" class=\"wp-image-17419\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:492px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some common misconceptions about solo female travel in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1 &#8211; As a female, I need a guardian to travel to Saudi and around Saudi.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-link-color wp-elements-31963bfed44e774dfbcc323995e5f7c5\" style=\"background-color:#dbe2da\"><strong>Remember to get travel insurance for Saudi Arabia<\/strong><br>Saudi Arabia\u2019s health care is extremely expensive, so insurance is a must.<br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=saudi_arabia_solofemale_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> offers different plans, for all budgets.<br>Get your <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=saudi_arabia_solofemale_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">5% exclusive discount if purchasing via this link<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No. No. No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This common misconception needs to be eradicated as soon as possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Women can travel to Saudi Arabia alone. I travel around independently all the time and, definitely, without a guardian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The &#8216;guardian thing&#8217; is more of a cultural thing, not the law. What I mean is that, in general, Arabs treat females as queens, something I am not complaining about, but the concept of females being independent is not something they can comprehend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am not saying they are close minded but it is a scene they are not used to. However, as things are opening up and changing, this is starting to slowly wear out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m going to share an incident that happened to me on 4<sup>th<\/sup> January 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I needed to travel from Jeddah <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-riyadh\/\"><strong>to Riyadh<\/strong><\/a>. The flights were ridiculously expensive, and I missed the bus, so I went outside the bus station to hop in any of the carpooling services which are called \u201cKadad\u201d. I got in one, slept comfortably throughout the journey until we reached the checkpoint to enter <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-riyadh\/\"><strong>Riyadh<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The police asked us to pull over, took our IDs and asked standard procedure questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Keep in mind that I was the ONLY female in a car of 7 men; the driver and 6 male passengers.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three policemen came to me one by one, asking where my guardian was and how could I travel without one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I simply answered: <em>I do not need a guardian and I can travel around without a guardian<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The police insisted that was an issue, so they wanted to hand me in and report me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I said: <em>What are you going to report me for? I did not do anything<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He was stunned and said that they would explain the procedure at the station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was NOT ONE BIT scared because I knew my rights and that that was not the law. This is just the culture he has in his house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Long story short, the higher rank guy came out and instructed the policemen who were questioning us to let us go as long as our documents were legal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There you have it, a proven and real-life situation with the man of the law that females do not need a guardian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">You may also be interested in: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-saudi-arabia-ethical\/\">Is it ethical to visit Saudi Arabia as a tourist?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-17397\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-credit-robertmichaelpoole-abha-rijal-alma-saudi-arabia-2.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-credit-robertmichaelpoole-abha-rijal-alma-saudi-arabia-2.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-credit-robertmichaelpoole-abha-rijal-alma-saudi-arabia-2.jpg\" alt=\"Travelling to Saudi Arabia as a single woman\" class=\"wp-image-17397\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Nada al Nahdi<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/robertmichaelpoole\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">@robertmichaelpoole<\/a> &#8211; Rijal Alma, Abha<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2 &#8211; I need to get a burqa aka ninja cover and a headscarf<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m going to let photos speak for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a photo of me in Jeddah:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-17403\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-jeddah-credit-morinasworld-saudi-arabia.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-jeddah-credit-morinasworld-saudi-arabia.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-jeddah-credit-morinasworld-saudi-arabia.jpg\" alt=\"Solo female travel Saudi Arabia\" class=\"wp-image-17403\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nada al Nahdi<\/a> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morinasworld\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">@morinasworld<\/a> &#8211; Jeddah<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is me in Al Ula:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-17399\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-al-ula-credit-alertthememory.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-al-ula-credit-alertthememory.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-al-ula-credit-alertthememory.jpg\" alt=\"can a woman travel to Saudi Arabia\" class=\"wp-image-17399\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nada al Nahdi<\/a> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/alertthememory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">@alertthememory<\/a> &#8211; Al Ula<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And when traveling to remote areas and going for activities such as hiking, climbing, and camping, abayas are not needed at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a photo of me <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unusualtraveler.com\/visiting-al-wahbah-crater-in-saudi-arabia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>hiking at Wabah Crater<\/strong><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-17405\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-wabah-crater-saudi-arabia_.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-wabah-crater-saudi-arabia_.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-wabah-crater-saudi-arabia_.jpg\" alt=\"can you travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman\" class=\"wp-image-17405\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nada al Nahdi<\/a> &#8211; <\/em><\/span><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Wabah<\/span><\/em><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em> crater -Saudi Arabia<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And don\u2019t forget to pack your bikinis! Yes, females can wear bikinis in Saudi when you are on a boat trip or at any of the private beaches. Private beaches can be accessed at a certain fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-17407\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-saudi-arabia-beach_.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-saudi-arabia-beach_.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-saudi-arabia-beach_.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-17407\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Saudi Arabia beach<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While in the city, all you need is decent and long outerwear. It can be of any color and pattern. We love colors, patterns and unique styles!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t be surprised when strangers come up to you and ask \u201cWhere did you get the abaya from?!\u201d I get that a lot too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for scarves and burqa, they are absolutely not required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the questioning I mentioned in point 1, the policemen asked me to cover my hair and, of course, I did not cover my hair because, one, it\u2019s&nbsp;not the law, and two, I didn&#8217;t have a scarf anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, this happens on the streets when random religious men yell out at you and ask you to cover. The best thing to do is to just ignore them and continue doing your thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, this is a culture, not the law. Please don\u2019t take it that if we don\u2019t wear a scarf is disrespecting the culture. It\u2019s a personal choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">Read more stories from kick ass <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/category\/solo-female-traveling\/\">solo female women in offbeat destinations!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3 &#8211; I need to be covered to avoid harassment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Harassment is an unfortunate worldwide issue that is specific to the person, not the country or culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6 years ago, I faced harassments here and there. In recent years, I have not experienced any harassment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The worst one I get these days is someone coming up to me and slowly whispering \u201cMumken Snapchat?\u201d which means \u201cCan I have your Snapchat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply say no and walk away and that\u2019s the end of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-visit-saudi-arabia-itinerary\/\">Places to visit in Saudi Arabia, a 15-day itinerary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4 &#8211; As a female, I cannot hang out or be seen with unrelated men.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is again not true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s in the city or remote areas, unrelated men and women, basically, a group of mixed gender, can mingle and hang out whenever, and wherever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a photo of my friends and me in Jeddah, along with a tourist\/travel blogger <strong>@<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morinasworld\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">morinasworld<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-17409\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-Jeddah-Friends.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-Jeddah-Friends.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-Jeddah-Friends.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-17409\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nada al Nahdi<\/a> &#8211; Jeddah Friends<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>and here in Jizan, mingling with locals while exploring the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-17411\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-credit-mustafa-sahloli-jizan-11.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-credit-mustafa-sahloli-jizan-11.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-credit-mustafa-sahloli-jizan-11.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-17411\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nada al Nahdi<\/a> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mustafa_sahloli\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">@mustafa sahloli<\/a> &#8211; Jizan&nbsp;<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"966cc0f59d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/966cc0f59d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5 &#8211; The Religious Police are everywhere and monitoring women<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The religious police do not have any authority, hence they cannot act on anything without being accompanied by the officials. Moreover, I have not seen religious police in the last 2 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#dd3333\"><strong>Skip all content and get ExpressVPN<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns px-5 mb-0 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:80%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-normal-font-size\">Get unrestricted access with the fastest VPN for Saudi Arabia country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/go.expressvpn.com\/c\/2203603\/1462855\/16063?subId1=saudiarabia_solofemale_en&amp;partnerpropertyid=1965781\" style=\"border-radius:0px;background-color:#dd3333\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">defeat censorship here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6 &#8211;&nbsp;Women cannot rent a car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, we can. I\u2019ve rented cars in different cities in Saudi with absolutely no issues, as long as you have a valid driving license for those issued in Saudi\/GCC and international driving license for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7 &#8211;&nbsp;It\u2019s not safe to travel to Saudi Arabia as a solo female<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-link-color wp-elements-31963bfed44e774dfbcc323995e5f7c5\" style=\"background-color:#dbe2da\"><strong>Remember to get travel insurance for Saudi Arabia<\/strong><br>Saudi Arabia\u2019s health care is extremely expensive, so insurance is a must.<br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=saudi_arabia_solofemale_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> offers different plans, for all budgets.<br>Get your <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=saudi_arabia_solofemale_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">5% exclusive discount if purchasing via this link<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first point, I mentioned that females are seen as queens and, therefore, must be protected and looked after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only thing you need to worry about is being fed way too much food and being introduced to all the family members, relatives, and neighbors, who will keep you for a never-ending conversation because they want to make sure you get the best hospitality.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another potential danger might be being offered some camel milk.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-17413\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-credit-mal2at-al-ula-6.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-credit-mal2at-al-ula-6.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-credit-mal2at-al-ula-6.jpg\" alt=\"How to travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman\" class=\"wp-image-17413\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Nada al Nahdi<\/a> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">@mal2at<\/a> &#8211; Al-Ula&nbsp;<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8 &#8211;&nbsp;Saudi is not for everyone.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Actually, it\u2019s quite the opposite. Saudi IS for EVERYONE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you seen Saudi on the map?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s HUGE! It\u2019s actually the fifth largest country in Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From those who love to lounge by the sea to those looking for adventures, Saudi is for any kind of female traveler, really. Moreover, the culture in Saudi is so diverse that only 1:10 of my friends are purebred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The traditions and cultures within the region itself are&nbsp;also very diverse. The northernmost part of the country has similarities to the Levant Arab countries, like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-palestine-travel-west-bank\/\">Palestine<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/jordan\/\">Jordan<\/a><\/strong>, while the southernmost part of the country resembles <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/yemen-travel\/\"><strong>Yemen<\/strong><\/a> so much that it makes me feel like home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Saudi Arabia has amazing historical sites such as Madinah Saleh, Rijal Almaa and many others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-17415\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-credit-mal2at-al-ula-5.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-credit-mal2at-al-ula-5.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Nada-al-nahdi-credit-mal2at-al-ula-5.jpg\" alt=\"is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia as a woman\" class=\"wp-image-17415\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nada al Nahdi<\/a> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mal2at\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">@mal2at<\/a> &#8211; Al-Ula&nbsp;<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Saudi Arabia is surrounded by the Red Sea, hence a perfect diving spot for divers, snorkelers or simply lounge by the beach or on a boat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, of course, the great desert landscape! Saudi Arabia got you covered with black, brown and red sand dunes! And there are much more than just the desert and the sea. There are many unexplored caves, unclimbed mountains, and stunning valleys!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-17417\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-credit-mustafa-sahloli-jizan-wadi-lajab-saudi-arabia-2.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-credit-mustafa-sahloli-jizan-wadi-lajab-saudi-arabia-2.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/nada-al-nahdi-credit-mustafa-sahloli-jizan-wadi-lajab-saudi-arabia-2.jpg\" alt=\"Traveling in Saudi Arabia as a woman\" class=\"wp-image-17417\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nada al Nahdi<\/a> &#8211;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mustafa_sahloli\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">@mustafasahloli<\/a> -Wadi Laja, Jizan&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9 &#8211; This is an exaggerated post and it\u2019s not what it\u2019s like in reality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Please have a look into these Instagram accounts based in Saudi that will also show you the reality of Saudi Arabia as a Saudi woman and a non-Saudi woman.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nadaalnahdi\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">nadaalnahdi<\/a> \u2013 Yemeni\/Indonesian living in Saudi<br>@<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/blueabaya\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">blueabaya<\/a> \u2013 Finnish married to a Saudi and living in Saudi<br>@<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/esraarayes\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">esraarayes<\/a> \u2013 Saudi<br>@<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mearch_\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">mearch_<\/a> \u2013 Saudi<br>@<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nirvana.abdul\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">nirvana.abdul<\/a> \u2013 Yemeni married to a Saudi<br>@<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/saraomar_travels\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">saraomar_travels<\/a> \u2013 Saudi<br>@<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mykindofridays\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">mykindoffridays<\/a> \u2013 Saudi<br>@<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/redseacitizen\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">redseacitizen<\/a> &#8211; Saudi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any more questions about traveling to Saudi as a woman, don&#8217;t hesitate to contact Nada&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">through her blog<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also follow and contact her on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nadaalnahdi\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Instagram<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/lexypinky?ref=br_rs\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Facebook<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also recommend reading these 2 articles from her:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/what-you-didnt-know-about-pakistan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What you didn&#8217;t know about Pakistan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaalnahdi.com\/an-impulsive-visit-to-afghanistan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">An impulsive visit to Afghanistan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More information for solo female travel in Saudi Arabia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More solo female travel guides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/female-travel-iraq\/\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraq<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/solo-female-travel-iraqi-kurdistan\/\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraqi Kurdistan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/solo-female-travel-jordan\/\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Jordan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/tips-for-solo-female-travel-in-lebanon\/\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Lebanon<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-oman-woman\/\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Oman<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/solo-female-travel-pakistan\/\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Pakistan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-solo-female-traveler\/\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-sudan-female-traveler\/\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Sudan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">After receiving so many emails from really kick-ass female travelers who want to wander around some of the most off the beaten track countries in the world, I decided to open a&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/category\/solo-female-traveling\/\">Solo Female Traveling<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;section&nbsp;on my blog, to help women get to know the reality of traveling solo in these countries. Don\u2019t hesitate to contact me if you think you have a nice experience to tell!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More guides to Saudi Arabia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-saudi-arabia\/\">Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-riyadh\/\">Travel Guide to Riyadh<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-riyadh\/\">Where to Stay in Riyadh<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-saudi-arabia-ethical\/\">Is it Ethical to Visit Saudi Arabia as a Tourist<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/hitchhiking-backpacking-saudi-arabia\/\">Hitchhiking and Backpacking in Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/vpn-saudi-arabia\/\">VPN for Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-visit-saudi-arabia-itinerary\/\">Saudi Arabia Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/3.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/3.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/3.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-17423\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:544px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the last few years, I have been traveling extensively across the Middle East and other Muslim countries, so it is not surprising at all that, every week, I receive tons of requests and questions from kick-ass women who wish to travel to the same places. Since I am a man, all my articles tend [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17401,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[257,156,225],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17392","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-saudi-arabia","category-middle-east","category-solo-female-traveling"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17392","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17392"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17392\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49372,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17392\/revisions\/49372"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17401"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17392"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17392"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17392"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}