The People/Culture of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian culture is very different from what you may be used to in most western countries. Almost all residents are Muslim, with the majority being Sunni Muslims. Because of this, Islamic principles are a large basis for the government and life in general within the kingdom. Both men and women wear traditional garments consisting of a white or checkered Ghutrah, a kind of headdress, secured by a black Agal along with a white Thawb, or robe for men (Pictured right), and women wearing a black Abaya or robe which covers the entire body below the neck, with most women choosing to also cover their head (Pictured right). This dress code is required of women within the country, regardless of religion or if they are a tourist, and failure to do so can result in arrests (Wikipedia Contributors). |
The Beauty of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is mainly a desert climate, with most of the country consisting of the Arabian desert. There is also an area of highlands in the western area of the country, with a much cooler climate and more rainfall, partly because of the monsoon winds. Within the Arabian desert lies the worlds largest sand area, the Rub' al-Khali or "Empty Quarter", covering over 250,000 square miles. Saudi Arabia is the cradle of Islam, containing Mecca, the birthplace of Mohammed and the holiest city in Islam. Because of this, Saudi Arabia is largely Islamic and the governing principles are based on the Wahhabi interpretation of Sunni Islam. Following the discovery of oil in the country, Saudi Arabia quickly became very wealthy and cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah became large urban centers (Encyclopedia Brittanica). |
Challenges in Saudi Arabia
A large challenge facing Saudi Arabia is the diversification of its economy away from a dependence on oil. As the US and Russia, major markets for Saudi oil, expand their own production, oil has become potentially unsustainable as the main export of the country (oil products accounted for 90% of exports in 2012). In the labor realm, young people under 25, a large percentage of the population, are in high unemployment levels, with many high-paying jobs taken by foreign workers. Finally, education is another source of concern in the country. For women, education is severely limited by islamic law, requiring that classes be segregated by gender and forbidding females to have male teachers unless separated by some means such as a video chat. Also, the better schools in the country are private schools that charge large sums for attendance, further limiting opportunities for many students (Howells). |