1. SAUDI ARABIA

2. GENERAL INFORMATION SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. The country experienced a massive economic boom in the 1970s and 1980s due to enormous revenues from oil exports. Saudi Arabia holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, accounting for about one-fifth of global reserves. This wealth has fueled rapid modernization, transforming the country from a developing nation into a modern state.

To support its development, Saudi Arabia imported large numbers of foreign workers, ranging from highly skilled professionals to laborers performing simpler tasks. Historically, women were not permitted to drive, but this ban was lifted in June 2018. Nevertheless, women are still subject to the country’s guardianship system, in which a male guardian—usually a father, husband, brother, or adult son—has legal authority over many aspects of a woman’s life. While women no longer require guardian permission to work or study by law, many employers and universities continue to request it.

Water scarcity is a major challenge in Saudi Arabia. To address this, the country has developed the world’s largest single desalination program, providing most domestic and industrial water needs. Limited underground aquifers supply potable water, and significant energy and infrastructure have been invested in dams and water-recycling plants.

Under Islamic law, banks are prohibited from charging interest. To navigate this, Saudi banks instead levy fees for lending and pay commissions on deposits. Foreign workers make up nearly 25% of the population.

During our visit in 2010, women were still not allowed to drive. With our right-hand drive motorhome, we were frequently stopped by police who assumed that Clary was driving. Our trip was limited to four days, covering the route from Jeddah to the Jordanian border, which left us no time to visit any sites other than the city of Jeddah. Attempts to enter Mecca were denied, as the city is restricted to Muslims only.

Saudi Arabia has begun opening up to foreign tourists, and notable changes are taking place. Since June 2018, women can drive, and hotels now allow unmarried foreign couples to stay (though couples must still prove marital status in certain circumstances). However, the country remains politically restrictive: there is no free speech, no alcohol, limited interaction between the sexes, and ongoing concerns about human rights.

Our experience was confined to Jeddah, but it provided a glimpse into a country in transition—balancing modernization and tourism with traditional laws and social norms.