Saudi Gangnam Style

Dear Readers,

Hope you had a great Eid, I'm planning to do a EId highlights post, but at the mo, my whole family has the flu, and I'm trying to particpate in NaNoWriMo, more on that later, so don't hold your breath.
In the meanwhile I decided to share a parody of PSY's Gangnam style that a Saudi group made to sarcastically depict the annoying Saudi youth phenemenon known as 'the guy in the undershirt and thobe pants'.

Some guys insist on hanging out wearing just their under shirt and pants sans the thobe both at home and outdoors, which is equivalent to walking around in your underclothes.

What do you think of the video?

Enjoy!

14 Popular Destinations for Saudis during Summer Holidays

Dear Readers,

Most students in Saudi Arabia are finishing off there exams or waiting for results, and getting ready for the annual summer vacation.


As soon as the results are out expats and Saudis alike jet off to cooler climes to escape the blistering heat. This year people who like to spend Ramadan in Saudi (I think its the best place in the world to spend Ramadan,) have quite a narrow window of opportunity from June 6th till July 15th I think.


In the past the US of A has been a favourite, but due to visa issues, and other reasons, U.K has replaced it along with France, Switzerland and Spain, especially Marabella. This year with the Olympics to be held in London in July it may attract sports enthusiasts from Saudi to the much hyped event.

Those who prefer to head to the Far East: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand  (officially only for non-Saudis), for their beach vacation on picturesque island resorts, where it is less expensive and the Saudi riyal when converted still has quite a bit of purchasing power.

Berjaya Resort Langkawi, Malaysia

Still others like to vacation in the Middle East, popular destinations are U.A.E, which despite temperatures of up to 50 C, and very humid weather manages to attract a huge chunk of tourists from Saudi, with its Dubai Summer Surprises Festival favoured by families.

Egypt has been popular in the past, but recently due to the political climate andthe Saudi Embassy in Cairo  being shut down it is no longer a destination of choice.

Lebanon is also a local favourite due to great weather, a hospitable people, and it offers beaches, picturesque cottages on hillsides, shopping, plastic surgery, and wide variety of entertainment venues. Unfortunately this year the political climate has forced many to cancel their vacation plans.

Tunisia was another destination which has suffered due to political unrest.

Ever since Noor aired on MBC channels followe by a barrage of Turkish soaps, Turkey has attracted a huge number of Saudi tourists, despite language problems and in the beginning a rather frosty welcome to Arabs from the Middle East due to the historically hostile relationship between the two countries ( the Turkish Ottoman Empire was overthrown by the help of Lawrence of Arabia and the Bedouin tribes, which later gave rise to an independant Saudi Arabia or something like that I'm not a historian).

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As the wedding season will now be in full swing newlyweds will be off to their honeymoons, and Maldives secluded romantic resorts are the perfect fit.

I wonder what will be the most popular destination this year among Saudis, we'll know in a week or so when the stats start to come in.. Where are you flyng off to this summer, or if you are staying Saudi what will you be doing? Comment below, its free!

Saudi Arabia bans English and Gregorian Calender!

Dear Readers,

Up until now, most businesses in Saudi Arabia use both dates the Islamic Hjiri calendar printed by Um AlQura university and the Gregorian calender. Similarly English is used alongside Arabic, as there are many non-Arabic speakers in Saudi Arabia.

So when I read that English and Gregorian calender had been 'banned I was shocked.
The Gulf News reported that the use of the English language, widely used in business, has been banned, as has the use of the Gregorian calendar, according to a statement issued by a Saudi Ministry. The statement went on to explain the reason for the ban as an attempt to preserve the Arabic language and the Islamic calendar.

First of all I dont think Arabic is under any threat of becoming a 'lost' language, definitely not here in Saudi Arabia. Most Saudis and Arabs speak/read/write Arabic in fact sometimes it is a problem to find someone with similar fluency in English or both languages.

You have to use Gregorian dates dealing on all international business transactions, and on passports otherwise they won't know when to show up for a meeting, expect payment, or the validity of your passport.

Secondly, which elusive Saudi Ministry issued this edict??? The Ministry of Interior?, Surely they have more sense than this.

Thirdly, if this is another foolish attempt to improve Saudiization levels by making the lives of foreginers more uncomfortable, then it is a very stupid move, indeed. There's a better way of drastically improving Saudization levles and increading investment in the kingdom to boot: Grant citizenship or a green card or indefinite leave to remain to those who have been born here or have lived/worked here for more than 20 years, and allow them start busienss buy proeprties with sacred property rights. Now that initiative would be a win-win...

I'm waiting for a retraction and the person who issued this moronic statement to disappear.
English is the international language of business, and you certainly, can't ban it. It is a step backwards, and that's really the last thing Saudi Arabia needs right now, and I think everyone realises that.








So lets all sit and wait until some sort of clarification or retraction presents itself

How Not To Wear A Ghutra/Shemagh

Dear Readers,

This post is primarily aimed at readers outside of Saudi Arabia, and specifically those in Hollywood.You know how you are...you make those atrocious movies in which to depict an Arab you simply take any man with a swarthy complexion, and throw a random checked/plain piece of cloth on their head..and Ta da!  Lo and behold you have an Arab! The utter disregard to the quality of material, lack of starch and total haphazard way its done pains me. Don't even get me started on the negative stereotypical roles portrayed by Arab characters in Hollywood.

In reality, the ghutra/shemagh as worn by men in the Gulf, adds to their charm, and can look anything from sophisticated to trendy to functional- but never ever do you see them wear it in the ridiculous fashion showed on T.V.

Anyway, as incorrectly worn headgear/ghutra.shemagh/keffiyeh/checkered cloth on T.V is really a pet peeve of mine, I decided I simply had to illuminate the unwashed masses about how not to wear the ghutra. I was having difficulty finding the screenshots of movies where they trash the image of the pristine and noble garment that is the ghutrah-I'll update this post as and when I find them.

Until then here are a few examples of How NOT to Wear A Ghutra:

1) Dumb Dude: A I wanna dress up like a Arab/terrorist/ Lawrence of Arabia for Halloween, what do I wear, dude?
Dumber Dude: Oooh that's scary! Okay dude, put on a checkered piece of cloth/tablecloth on your head, and you're good, maybe wear a  white dress, haw haw haw. See result below-

:

The Halloween' style

2) Next up is the "napkin wig' style sported by Sadiq Hussain's character in an old Van Damme movie called ''Bloodsport", first of all he looks like a tan East Asian man, not Arab, and that has got be the shortest/smallest shemagh I'vee seen in my life. So here they took a red and white check napkin scrunched it on top of Asian guys head and secured with the ágaal, so that it looks bit like a wig. 

The napkin wig style

3) I'm torn on what to call the next style, the "I'm gay and I'm proud of it"- that's why I'm wearing a green thobe and matching keffiyeh, if you have problem with that-talk to the hand.
OR
"I'm really a Saudi girl, disugised as a guy coz I wanted drive/go to a football game" style, and so I decided to put on my matching olive green scarf to go with my olive green thobe/dishdasha, -white is just not my colour!.. I guess, 'I'm really a girl style' works  either way if you know what I mean?

I'm really a girl style

4) Another style insisting on blurring gender boundaries is the "Audrey Hepburn" style, quite self explanatory, drape the ghotra gracefully around your face,  style your bangs, and flutter your eyelashes, and voila!

An AmericanWannabe Saudi- Who'dve thought?!

Finally, I would like to leave you with a picture showing you how its really done. It depicts the many right ways of wearing the ghutra/shemagh, check out the Saudi Jeans post for details on each style.

Caption this picture !

 Please caption the picture above in the comments section!

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Curse You Dan Humphrey- Gossip Girl

Why am I cursing poor Dan Humphrey you may ask? Well, ever since I started watching Season 5 of Gossip Girl, I've been bitten by the writing bug. Well, to be honest, I've been infected by the malady for a while now; this blog itself is an amateur attempt to practise writing something-anything, which someone might find it worthwhile reading.

Now, I find that a close friend and I have been privy to lifestyles of certain individuals which some people would find captivating and maybe even entertaining, embellished by a touch of artistic license, of course. However, only if we go ahead and breach the confidence and trust which is a tacit part of most relationships. After watching Dan Humphrey’s 'Inside' become such a success on a similar premise, although with much more salacious content, I’ve literally got the writing itch.

Another factor which both compels me and hinders me from writing a book about my life in Saudi is the sort of literature currently available on Saudi Arabia. These books usually depict the 'magic kingdom’ in a draconian light, full of cruel sheikhs inhumanly abusing and locking up women; burdened by a vicious compound of culture and religion that deserves to be reviled. The characters are almost cartoonish caricatures of a few bad individuals that exist in every society. The writers seem hell-bent on twisting the facts to appeal to the tastes of an already brainwashed anti-Middle Eastern audience. 

There is a blog based on the book, Desperate in Dubai, and although you can immediately tell its been written with the commercial aspect in mind, I don't think I could write a whole book in that strain. Correction: I could, but I wouldn't. Firstly, thank God, this is Saudi, and secondly I don't want to propagate that false gold plated Swarosky studded vodka drinking on a drug-high, sleeping around image. I'm sure there are few of those types here as well, but then I know a few of those characters exist in every country regardless of culture and religion, be it Hong Kong, Mumbai, Brunei, Singapore, Milan, Riyadh, Dubai, or Gossip Girl's New York City- Upper East Side to be exact..

When I joined the Amazon Associates program I chose the option that adverts should be shown according to the content of my blog, I was expecting some Middle Eastern themes, but as I tend to write reviews of Western literature, I thought those books would most likely be advertised on my blog. Instead, I had to deal with titles like Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil, by Jean Sassoon (Argh!).  I would have never thought possible a book could spread so much misinformation and bad PR.  

I want people to know what Saudis are really like. A very small percentage lives as Bedouins living in tents and riding camels! They are not all evil or all saints, but like most of us, somewhere in between. The stupendous rise in wealth and modern conveniences in a very short time from the seventies to eighties has no doubt created a society with curious eccentricities, which can be understood, if not always justified. I wish to lift the veil of mystery, and mistrust that shrouds Saudi Arabia and shed light on a generally hospitable people. The urban culture of the larger cities has gone through immense changes since the eighties, so the stories of old seem even more irrelevant.

That’s not to say that everybody or everything here is the same as NYC, London, or Paris, or even Dubai, although the people I socialise consider at least one of these cities their second home. Saudi Arabia has its unique flavour, and but keep your mind open and expect the unexpected.

If I feel brave enough to accept the challenge, I may share anecdotes from the lives of local residents with a bit artistic license, of course ;-)

xoxo

Edge of Arabia:We Need to Talk- Art Exhibition

Dear Readers,

The Edge of Arabia: We have to talk, is an exhibition by Saudi contemporary artists, at the Fursiya Marina (next to Park Hyatt Hotel, Corniche) in Jeddah. The exhibition is open to all, from 9am till 11pm every day except Friday. It contains photography, and abstract sculptures, even videos.  Some art pieces are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, while others may provoke a discussion, and othersstill, may leave you scratching your head.

Photography is permitted so without further ado I will add photos of some of the exhibits, unfortunately I forgot to note down the names of the artists, all credit goes to the artists, I’m just trying to promote their talent.

Be sure to check out the exhibition yourself, and later you can chill out at cafe on the Marina.

Installation made of many many mics, you can listen to music using the headsets

Fetus connected to a game controller via umbilical cord

Musbah/Rosary beads with names of women? I think

Petrol Pump to a Gun pointed at your own head

Bring change slowly through reform not through violence

No comment- but I completely understand

Sorry, the pic isn't that clear, a lady wearint Bedouin styleheavily decorated veil, witha safety helmet/hard hat, and with a tag Safety First

Jahl Azulam- .Illiteracy is darkness

(Saudi) Postman ;-) :-P

Yes give us an outlet for our energy !!!

Lady wearing flag/ veil with kalima

Attitude to Work- Japanese vs Middle Eastern

I've posted this while running the risk of stereotyping, but anyone who has worked in the Middle East will tell you how often it is true.

'Wallahi' can roughly be translated into I swear by God, it is overused as an oath and thus loses its intended value to emphasise truthfulness or sincerity. In this context, it can be taken to mean for God's sake.

'Ya' translates to O, it is used before a person's name, for e.g 'O Misha, open the door' , or 'O sister, open the door'. 

'Habibi' translates to dear in the masculine form, it would habibti, if you were referring to a female; in this context it is used in a patronising manner. In which case, you usually want to reply don't habibi me, I'm not your habibi- much like how you would say don't call me baby- I'm not your baby ala Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada.

This just reminded me of Madison Avenue's song of the same name, which I've linked to above. I know this isn't the most well-thought out post, but hey I'm just practicing putting stuff out there. Hopefully, it will get better with time. As always reactions and comments are welcome.

A special shout out to a very sweet reader and blogger who made my day today Izdiher, thank you so much, and I love you too!xxx

*Update*-This is one my most read post, people ususally arrive at this post searching for differences between Middle Eastern and Japanese attitudes to work. Why would you want to search for that? Is it part of some Human Resource Management/ Organisation Behaviour  assignment given to students all over the world? I'm intrigued, please lift the veil from this mystery by commenting on why you were searching for the above/or how you arrived at this post- it'll be immensely satisfying to my insatiable curiosity. Thanks in advance!


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Saudi Arabia Five Funny Things I Just Don’t Get

*Disclaimer: I love Saudi Arabia and its wonderful people; this post is not meant to be offensive, or judgemental about anyone or their culture. It is written for the purpose of light hearted entertainment, and if someone reads it they might be able to shed some light on the matter ....*

WHY?

1. When a couple dines out, more often than not they sit next to each other, rather than opposite each other. I always thought it would be easier to talk if you are facing one another, (Please get your mind out of the gutter; overt p.d.a is not an option in Saudi.) Although you see less of this seating arrangement now, it still happens.

2. When someone bumps into you by accident etc, instead of saying ‘Sorry’ or انا اسفه / انا اسف, people often say ma3lesh which basically means it’s okay-no problem/no harm done, for a while this used to really aggravate me: Excuse me! I will be the judge of that, I’m the ‘victim’ or aggrieved party here. But as it’s said with a smile, and some (hey chill out dude) gestures, you get used to it and just accept it, as instead of sorry, but deep down you know that it doesn't really mean sorry, although some people including Google translate it as forgive me, you know. It is a malady that can affects the whole culture and create a somewhat irresposible attitude to things, it can be found in Egypt as well.  Again, I’ve noticed the younger set has switched to the English- "Sorry" or its Arabic equivalent. 

3. When strict segregation of sexes is practiced everywhere but  male gynaecologists are common. You would think all the male ob-gyns would be unemployed.

4.We have male lingerie salesmen, see above-thankfully this is slowly being phased out.

5. Bedouin women, who live in the villages/desert can drive-yes, they can and do; while urban women can’t. It seems they are far more modernised. It has been said that they can take care of themselves, as they carry guns. I guess it’s high time designers such as Gucci, LV, and Burberry introduced their own line of revolvers, and pistols,  the empowerment of urban Saudi ladies depends on it! Until then will a BB gun do?

 Remember if you are here, please drop me a line to let me know, what you think of this post or my blog in general.

Morrocan Maids:Magicians or Man Magnets? From a Saudi Women's perspective

Recently, there has been a bit of an uproar amoung Saudi women, and no, its got nothing to do with driving; Saudi women have been protesting the import of Morrocan women as domestic helpers in lieu of Indonesian and Phillipine women.

Previously, most domestic helpers were from either Indonesia and the Philipines and after a growing number cases of unpaid wages and abuse these two countries decided to put a ban on sending their domestic workers to Saudi Arabia, and I think other Gulf countires until a better wages and rights for their workers. The governments were n't able to come ot an agreement and there has been a shortage of maids ever since, with families struggling to find help, and having to do without in Ramadan (when there is a high demand for maids as ironically cooking and parties increase).

So, when it was announced that Saudi Arabia would getting maids from Morrocco, you would think Saudi women would breathe a collective sigh of relief. Instead, this was received like a stab in the back, a sprinkling of salt on the wound.

Why, you may ask? Well, it is a well known fact that Saudi men, tend to vacation in Morroco-alone. It is how should I put it politely... considered an adult playground. I once went to a travel agent with a sibling to plan our summer vacations, we'd been thinking of Tunisia/Morocoo/Jordan and wanted more information so that we could decide. You should've seen the travel agent's face when my brother asked about Morroco, he first froze, glanced  slightly in my direction, then looked back at my bro, and as my bro was still looking at him naively for an answer -quietly said its not appropriate for families. Needless to say, we were very embarassed and almost afraid to ask about any other country in case we made a similar mistake!

That's not all, Saudi women feel threatened due the unfortunate reputation the country has developed for practising Black Magic (as Muslims we believe in it to be real and it uses Jinns(spirits) to cast spells), and often Saudi men are said to have been deceived into marrying them. It helps that they are considered pretty and full of feminine qualities and 'know the way to Saudi man's heart'.

Some Saudi women have threatened to quit their jobs and stay at home to do the housework if the alternative is to hire Morrocan maids-or they could continue working and do the housework as well like women all over the world. And what about those who don't work but cannot even fetch a glass of water without a maid let alone take care of their kids? I think its a devilish plan concocted by Saudi men, its a win-win situation for them, if their wives don't hire the maids they will save the salary spent on the maid, and if they do-at least they will have some one pretty and sweet to look at :-). It would be funny, if this step ended up turning many Saudi women into domesticated and caring non-creepy version of Stepford wives.

Personally, I don't like the idea of live-in help unless absolutely crucial, as it creates numerous problems regardless of nationality. Would you be willing to hire a live in Morrocan maid?