All Articles with the tag #Women

A Saudi woman shops for abayas at a clothing store in Jeddah. While wearing the abaya is no longer legally required, many women in Saudi Arabia continue to choose it in various styles and colors as part of evolving modest fashion norms.

Do I Have to Wear an Abaya or Hijab in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s dress code has long been a topic of curiosity and misconception. While much has changed in recent years, the question of whether women must still wear an abaya or hijab remains one of the most frequently asked. The answer, as always, depends on context—cultural expectations may speak louder than laws.

Jul 2, 2025

Saudi men and women working together in a modern office setting, wearing headsets and engaging at computer desks, symbolizing the changing dynamics of Saudi Arabia’s labor force.

Saudi Women Have Moved On. Has the World?

Saudi women no longer fit the old narratives. As social and economic change reshapes daily life, the world is slow to catch up.

Jun 1, 2025

A Saudi woman in a black abaya drives a car in Riyadh, with the iconic Kingdom Centre Tower visible through the windshield.

Saudi Women Before and After the Reforms: A Life Transformed

Few topics in Saudi Arabia ignite as much conversation as the evolution of women’s roles. Once defined by restrictions on mobility, work, and public life, Saudi women are now at the forefront of the Kingdom’s transformation. From driving their own cars to running their own companies, they are not just participants in change—they are shaping it. This article explores what life looked like before the reforms, how it feels today, and what these changes mean for the future.

Apr 12, 2025

Désirée Kaiser discusses Saudi Arabia's socio-economic transformations and changing German perspectives.

Inside Saudi Arabia's Transformation: Insights from Middle East Consultant Désirée Kaiser

Désirée Kaiser, an expert in international politics and socio-economic research, offers insights into Saudi Arabia’s modernization and empowerment, highlighting women’s roles and the Kingdom’s ambitious transformation.

Jul 13, 2024

Saudi legal reforms clarify Sharia, granting women greater rights in divorce, child custody, and finances.

Saudi Lawyer Creates App for Women's Rights

In 2016, Saudi lawyer Nasreen Alissa launched a mobile app to educate women about their rights under Sharia law. Her work highlights both the challenges and progress in women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, where misconceptions about guardianship often overshadow the real protections enshrined in Islamic principles.

May 21, 2024

BBC Radio interview discussing Saudi women’s independent travel and empowerment under Vision 2030. (Source: Shutterstock)

Saudi Women’s Independent Travel: Insights from My BBC Interview

The recent policy shift in Saudi Arabia granting women the freedom to travel independently represents a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s journey towards gender equality. This change, discussed on BBC Arabic Radio’s Alkhalij Haza AlIsbugh, raises important questions about Saudi society's readiness to fully embrace these reforms.

Aug 25, 2019