Saudi In Transition
SimpleNation was blessed with the opportunity to sit down with a friend of the website and ask her questions about how life in Saudi Arabia has changed over the past decade. Yasmeen “Yas” Alfaris very kindly sat down with me to talk about how life is for young people in the Kingdom today, and what may be next for one of the most important countries in the Middle East.
What’s the biggest misconception about life in KSA? What do you wish was more widely known or understood?
That it’s dangerous or not safe for Western people, who run the risk of being discriminated against by locals, or that women are openly mistreated. Sometimes bloggers/influencers are asked if they’re crazy for going to the Middle East, without realising that Saudi has world-class hospitality, and that Riyadh is as safe as any Western city.
What has/have been the greatest change(s) to social or cultural life for average people in KSA over the last 10-15 years?
I would say treatment of and opportunities for women has improved a lot. The government is trying to bring society to a more equal standing between the genders, especially in employment and labour. The country is also becoming more relaxed with rules surrounding social interactions between the two - women are allowed to be more casual and friendly if working in a cafe, for example. People are beginning to get used to it too. By contrast, some men in past generations didn’t even know what their wives looked like before their wedding day. There’s still a long way to go but things are trending in a more relaxed direction.
How has life changed for minority groups, such as Shi’a Muslims?
It’s changed a lot. Ten to fifteen years ago, discrimination against Shi’as was rife, and getting a job placement or university spot for Shi’as was very difficult. People are much more tolerant and show curiosity more than anything nowadays, and the labour market is much more meritocracy-based. But Shi’a have always been part of Saudi culture and society, and cases of discrimination are individual acts - not mob violence.
What changes might still be wanted or needed, and what might be coming next (if anything)?
We’re changing so many things - there’s more tourists, women can drive and play sports, but some people are not keeping up with it all. The answer I had in my head for changes “needed” is for the perception of these changes to be more universal nationwide. I recently felt unsafe at a music festival in Saudi because I didn’t know how the locals in that particular region would perceive us for not dressing or acting modestly. Some people, especially older generations, just aren’t used to seeing the diversity in thought and actions.
Do you generally feel that life in Saudi has improved for people over the past 10-15 years? Do others feel the same way?
Absolutely, and the majority definitely feel the same way. Universities are improving, social life is a little more free, leisure opportunities are growing, and public safety is constantly getting better. Job opportunities have improved for the average Saudi too.
Is there anything else that hasn’t been mentioned that you’d like to speak about?
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Come visit Saudi and interact with the locals and see if your opinions are the same afterwards!
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Many thanks to Yasmeen Alfaris for her help with this article!
