The country is known both for its austere form of Islam and for its oil wealth. It is known as the birthplace of Islam and like all the other country’s it has a specific set of laws that govern people and tell them the rules that they should abide by and the things that they should refrain from. Recently, an online travel authorization system was initiated in which the male guardian can make these arrangements less bureaucratic. From Jeddah to Riyadh there are two highways: one for Muslims, another for “infidels”. The general rule in regards to the legality of something is that if it is suspected to be “haram” (forbidden or clashing with Islamic law or may lead people astray from Islam) then suspicion alone is grounds for banning it. Music is legal in Saudi Arabia and there is an active music industry. Saudi Arabia: Strange Things only for Women. Banned: Women traveling without permission. Saudi Arabia maintains its 1990 Fatwa prohibiting "women's driving of automobiles" as "a source of undeniable vices". Over in Saudi Arabia, women cannot travel alone without a specific form or an electronic authorization. In a standalone McDonald’s restaurant, however, there are two completely segregated sections so the men on their own would not mingle at all with the women and men on the other side. However, it did not permit women to drive or get licenses, either. Unfortunately, Sharia law creates an unequal environment for women in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia. Laws are in place to make sure society continues to run smoothly. Otherwise, families have to hire private drivers to take women to work and elsewhere if the men in the household have no time. The term “As God wills it” is a nicer way to say “No.” 2. 16 Strange Rules, Laws, and Customs to Consider When Traveling in Iran. This ban is only lifted when a woman turns 45. Islamic classes have lessons outwardly proclaiming that music is forbidden. It is considered an offense if a woman appears in public, unless accompanied by a male relative or guardian. As per the UAE’s cybercrime laws, VPN users can face fines ranging between 500,000 and 2 million dirhams (£107,855 and £431,421) if they are “using a false IP address or a third-party address by any other means for the purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery”. If an oil field is found in your garden you must report it to the state before digging a bore hole greater than 5000 feet. Many male family members are understanding and allow the women in their families full freedom in leaving or entering the country. Minnesota’s Strangest Law. However, a good proportion of society views freedom of mobility for women as something that could lead to immorality and thus strictly forbid women in their home from leaving the house, let alone the country. As of 2015 women were given the right to vote in Saudi Arabia. 5. Saudi Arabia, considered to be the strictest nation of the planet. Every February 14th entails the same procedure; flower shops and gift shops are prohibited from selling red roses, anything heart-shaped or red for that matter on that day by the “Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice” (CPVPV) otherwise known as the Religious Police. Over in Saudi Arabia, women cannot travel alone without a specific form or an electronic authorization. Business happens at a much slower pace with a huge emphasis on relationships, connections and local business practices. By Felicity Thistlethwaite PUBLISHED: 16:21, Wed, Oct 28, 2015 In Saudi Arabia there are no specific statutes or laws to govern by. For a while, private gyms for women were allowed to operate until the Religious Police decided to close them down for good. Despite all this, there is an underground culture of rock bands and concerts hidden away from the eyes of religious officials. Saudi Arabia is among the world’s top executioners, with dozens of people being put to death annually, many in public beheadings. It is against the law to possess any type of alcoholic beverage. These companies require employed women to cover their faces at all times while working. It is a country that considers all its citizens to be Muslim and any non-Muslim expats have to abide by its strict rules as well. In Saudi Arabia, if you are convicted of a crime, your punishment is often extreme. It is not polite to say “No”. As of 2015 women were given the right to vote in Saudi Arabia. Every few years movements rise up calling for women to be allowed to drive, mostly in the form of a protest in which women dare to go out and drive their cars – risking arrest and job security, among other things. Many other nations have similar laws restricting access to pork but they have never outright banned it, in order to accommodate their non-Muslim citizens and expats. Also on that day, schoolgirls are prohibited from wearing anything red – not even a red scarf. Visitors to Saudi Arabia should familiarise themselves with public decency laws. Many of these weird laws are unbelievably bizarre. From Jeddah to Riyadh there are two highways: one for Muslims, another for “infidels”. If a Muslim is accompanied by an “infidel”, both are required to use the highway for infidels. It is illegal to import any books featuring Christian symbols such as a cross. Religion pervades everything including the business culture and commercial environment. Sometimes though, laws can get a bit out of hand, weird even. Saudi Arabia is an Arab country located in Western Asia. The country is full of wonder, with five pristine UNESCO heritage sights, Red Sea beach resorts, and futuristic cities like Riyadh. The official system of law in Saudi Arabia is Sharia, which is derived from various Islamic texts and governs all members of the faith in the country. Since Saudi Arabia operates under Islamic law, all food entering the country must be “halal”. Many of these weird laws are unbelievably bizarre. If you are caught committing adultery, for example, you may be sentenced to death by stoning. In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal for any woman to drive a car. This gender inequality in Those who master singing or playing an instrument either teach themselves, are taught by a tutor or learn abroad. This ban is only lifted when a woman turns 45. Mall security would not allow a group of men or a single man to enter unless a woman is with them. Many actions that are considered illegal have no actual written laws to ban them – a lot of them are not even addressed in the Quran. The Saudi society has evolved over the years, their values and traditions from customs, hospitality to their style of dressing, are adapting with modernization. Any girl that shows up to school with a hint of red is barred from entry and is sent home to change whatever it is that is red. Saudi Arabia faces a ban from the International Olympic Committee for never sending out any female delegates and the Saudi Olympic Committee was only able to find two girls, one of whom was born and raised and trained in the United States. 7. Some of these strict rules in Saudi Arabia have started to change. Women are not allowed to do most of the jobs that men can do in Saudi Arabia. Aside from general police, Islamic codes of morality are enforced by the muttawa, an organization of volunteers an… Let's take a look at some of these weird laws from around the world to know about how unusual they are: 1. Never openly refuse a request from a friend. In Saudi Arabia justice system the arrested are often not informed the crime they are accused of or given access to a lawyer and are subject to torture if they don’t confess. It is against the law for non-Muslims to worship in public in Saudi Arabia and there are no houses of worship to cater to non-Muslims. The country makes up most of the Arabian Peninsula. As of 2015 women were given the right to vote in Saudi Arabia. It is illegal to have a bathtub in a private home in Ohio. Here's what to look out for. Saudi Arabia, an Islamic nation, practices a theocratic system of government in which much of its laws revolve around the rules set forth by religious code. This might come as something of a shock considering the bad press the nation gets, but it’s totally possible to travel to Iran, even in the current global environment. 4. Arabs are generally very socially-oriented people. 10 Weird Laws of Pakistan Which Will Make You Laugh Loud. The government also manage some weird rules in place to protect free mixing of sexes in public by this concern they ban public theaters, social mixing (except couples), and Valentine’s day. Banned: Selling or wearing anything red on Valentine’s Day. In girls’ schools and universities, there are no gym classes or sports teams, and therefore there are no professional women’s teams. 6. Someone once said that the world is wild at heart and weird on top. Being poor is against the law. Latest Saudi Arabia News & headlines on Arab News. The penalty for violating that rule would lead to the store being shut down. Male doctors may not examine women, and women doctors cannot examine men. Women who dared to drive were arrested and fined. Progress! Most Saudis follow a branch of Islam named Wahhabism, which is characterized for having the most conservative interpretation of Islam and the law of Saudi Arabia strictly follows it. Progress! If you are caught committing adultery, for example, you may be sentenced to death by stoning. Women under 45 must either travel with a husband or father or else hold a … It is illegal to engage in any religious practice other than Islam. In Saudi Arabia, if you are convicted of a crime, your punishment is often extreme. 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Industry-wise, the sole company that employs female engineers is Saudi Aramco, the largest oil company in the world. If a Mexican enters the USA illegally it then becomes illegal for him to return to Mexico. This is especially true mainly for Saudi men, while many non-Saudi men (especially Western expats) are allowed in with no problems most of the time. Many such rules are being followed in different parts of the world. And by families, they mean either women visiting a mall by themselves, or men who are accompanied by women. The culture of Saudi Arabia is defined by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade centre, and its Bedouin traditions. Stores in Saudi Arabia shut down for flouting COVID-19 rules Violations included failure to check customers’ temperatures Published: November 19, 2020 16:58 Ramadan Al Sherbini, Correspondent Nevertheless, one of the biggest changes in the Saudi community is in women's sports, with Mohammed bin Salman allowing and supporting women playing sports inside and outside their schools, and allowing women to attend stadiums. Women have only recently been allowed to work as store clerks or at department stores. Many such rules are being followed in different parts of the world. Women are officially forbidden to drive within Saudi cities, although this became a formal law only in 1990. Banned: Women traveling without permission. Because of this attitude, schools and universities do not teach music (curricula have to follow Islamic law). All of this is in an effort to prevent non-Muslims from sharing their ideas with Muslims and possibly converting them. Women have never been allowed to drive unless they drive in the desert or inside private compounds. With an area of 830,000 square miles, this country is the fifth largest in Asia, and the second largest Arab country, falling second only to Algeria. Any man not earning a “reasonable” income can be imprisoned. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), adult women must obtain permission from a … So the rule of thumb here is, when it’s Dubai, show your feelings for each other only through the eyes. It is illegal to turn right on a red light at any time. When it comes to women it imposes some more restrictions. But the kingdom's laws are complicated, and tourists can easily fall foul of them and receive a hefty fine, or worse. Last week, in a TV talk show, an historian defending this prohibition suggested that foreign female drivers be imported wholesale to avoid the shame that the rape ("not a big deal" for a woman) would bring to the family. Right now, it’s illegal for them to vote too, but King Abdullah declared that women will be able to vote and run in the 2015 local elections, as well as be appointed to the Consultative Assembly. To be clear, Saudi Arabia never explicitly formally banned women from driving. Saudi and foreign women are allowed to drive inside the foreign oil compounds. The law consists of 99 articles and will replace the … Links provide access to primary documents, legal commentary, and general government information about specific jurisdictions and topics. The general attitude for many religious people is that music is forbidden; malls and stores do not have music playing through speakers in order not to offend religious customers. Something which you may consider to be normal in your home country can cause offense in Saudi Arabia; landing you with a public flogging, jail time, deportation or even death. Saudi Arabia's vast oil reserves are owned by the Saudi government, in effect the Saudi royal family. Saudi Arabia is a country in which meetings, presentations and the news are opened in the name of God. Saudi Arabia is finally open for mass tourism after the launch of a new tourist visa on September 27. In 2009, Khamisa Mohammed Sawadi, 75, … Someone once said that the world is wild at heart and weird on top. It contains the Hejaz region along the Red Sea, which is the cradle of Islam, and the Najd heartland. As for restaurants, there are typically two sections: one for families and one for singles, according to the same designation as mentioned before. A BRITISH man has been released from prison in Saudi Arabia for possessing alcohol - but do you know the laws in the Gulf state. June 30, 2016 by Justin Andress View All On 1 Page. Here are 42 crazy laws. A number of women tried to obtain driver’s licenses, but were shocked to find out that the computers at license offices aren’t able to look up their information when their ID numbers are entered, as the database only includes men. Saudi Arabia. Some of these bans also occur in other countries, but this list is specifically about Saudi Arabia since I was born there and I grew up (along with millions of others) shackled by these laws. People who are relaxed and personable enough to establish relationships tend to be more successful. Sometimes though, laws can get a bit out of hand, weird even. This country almost bans everything for females including women driving, women at work, Roaming women, and No gyms for girls. Saudi Arabia prohibits mingling between members of the opposite sex unless they are immediate relatives. Most women work in either education or the medical field. Travelers should be aware of the following Saudi Arabia rules for women in order to avoid getting into trouble: Wear clothing which respects local customs – Although restrictions are being somewhat relaxed as part of the Vision 2030 initiative, women in Saudi Arabia are still required to wear either an abaya (a long robe, usually black) or a hijab, (headscarf). Saudi Arabia, arid, sparsely populated kingdom of the Middle East, and a young country heir to a rich history. For this reason, many Saudis who live close to the island nation of Bahrain drive over there on weekends to watch movies and drink, since alcohol is also prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Posted on by. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world where it is illegal for any woman to drive a car. Possession of drugs In Dubai and in the whole of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you can be jailed for drug possession even if a tiny amount of illicit drugs is found in your bloodstream or urine. The cultural aspect of Saudi Arabia is represented in the following: Saudi Arabia enjoys great culture and heritage, affirming the depth of its civilization as well as its historic presence through the ages upon which the country stands … Movie theaters are prohibited and they are only located within private company compounds, such as theaters at Saudi Aramco residential camps. The ultra conservative kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the most repressive countries in the world and has long been criticised for imposing some of the toughest restrictions on women. Other companies would not be allowed to hire women as engineers. At trial, there’s a presumption of guilt and the accused is often unable to present a legal defense. If an oil field is found in your garden you must report it to the state before digging a bore hole greater than 5000 feet. Stupid Laws Of Saudi Arabia: Funny, Dumb And Strange Saudi Arabian Laws Download 9233bc153f [People are crazy about the newest technological itemsoil corporate interests and the role played by Saudi Arabia." Saudi Arabia, where girls are married off in their pre-teens and covered from head to toe, is among the countries in the world with the highest rape cases. The country has a population estimated to be 33 million, making it the 40th largest country in the world based on population. 1. To successfully teach abroad in Saudi Arabia , you'll need to learn to read between the lines and … Fifteen percent are Shiite Muslims who practice mainly in the eastern provinces of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, the country that is officially called as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Arab state in Western Asia. In many malls in Saudi, only “families” are allowed. The usual reason given for banning them is that they allow for men and women to mingle unsupervised, leading to possible immoral actions outside the realm of marriage. If a Muslim is accompanied by an “infidel”, both are required to use the highway for infidels. One notable place of business where women are absent from is the lingerie store, which are still fully staffed by men. The State Department may not think it’s a great idea, but you can still travel there. In Saudi Arabia, Women not Allowed to Drive a Car. If anyone converts from Islam or abandons religion, they face the death penalty. In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal for any woman to drive a car. This Guide to Law Online Saudi Arabia contains a selection of Saudi Arabian legal, juridical, and governmental sources accessible through the Internet. Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has now approved the new government tenders and procurement law. The sole constitution that is used is the Quran, which all judges have to interpret conservatively. The ban is not just limited to places of worship but even extends to personal religious items such as religious books (Bibles, for example) and symbols, such as crosses and crucifixes. Pakistan is known for giving tough times to India but surprisingly the country spelling trouble across the world did gave a chance to the world to laugh out loud. The strictness of Saudi Arabia’s laws also varies based on an individual's gender, as gender roles are very distinct in Saudi Arabian culture and society. This is the most notorious ban involving Saudi women. The usual reasoning for banning anything red on Valentine’s Day is to discourage people from celebrating it (as it is not an Islamic occasion and it may lead people “astray”) and to prevent people dating or from having any contact outside marriage. Women under 45 must either travel with a husband or father or else hold a permission form signed by a male guardian. Let's take a look at some of these weird laws from around the world to know about how unusual they are: Don't Cut the Cactus Jumping Cactus in Arizona Source Read Saudi Arabia Newspapers including Saudi Arabia economy Top stories and breaking Saudi News online. If someone does a favor for you, return the favor in some way. Furthermore, because Saudi Arabia contains the two holy mosques, it considers having any pork inside the country desecration. Women were not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia until 2018. If a man asks a woman to go on a date she can not refuse him more. Read More. In a mall McDonald’s for example, there would be two separate lines for men and women. However, this colleague is not from Saudi Arabia and she admitted that she is not familiar with the rules of Saudi Arabia, only with what my daughter would be expected to wear in a Muslim culture. So far this year 40 people have been executed – almost four times the equivalent number for this time last year. However, there are no formal schools to teach music. Banned: Having a drink on the aeroplane en route to Saudi Arabia Do not arrive in Saudi Arabia under the influence of alcohol - and definitely do not have a drink on the plane. It is against the law to call any Welsh person “English”. It is always best to say “Yes.” Keep in mind that a “Yes” can also mean “Maybe.” 3. The main arguments for preventing women from driving are that it may cause women to leave their houses more often than they need to (which is frowned upon); they may have interactions with unrelated males and the need to uncover their faces. The main reason, yet again, is because the two holy mosques are located in the country and that is would be blasphemous for churches or other places of worship to exist there. Banned: The mixing of sexes at malls and restaurants. This means that their penal code includes some very hardcore punishments such … At the time of writing, a few hypermarkets have allowed women to work at checkout counters and some department stores have allowed them to work there as well. Officially, celebrating religious or your own birthdays is banned in Saudi Arabia.