‘Diploma Mill’: Easy Qualification for Some Saudis
AMERICAN BEDU: It’s a determinant of salary and position in many organisations but how useful is a university degree for Saudi citizens?
‘Drifting Into Danger’: Young Saudis’ Cult
AMERICAN BEDU: Driving in Saudi Arabia is hazardous at the best of times but young Saudi men have introduced an extra element of danger
It’s Wedding Season in Saudi: So What Happens?
AMERICAN BEDU: The month before Ramadan tends to be a hectic one for weddings in the Kingdom.
“You Could Be My Cousin”: Abandoned Children Seen
AMERICAN BEDU: They have names that are familiar to families in Saudi Arabia. Who are their families?
“Story of a Saudi Slave”: The Cruelty and Abuse
AMERICAN BEDU: Filmed some time ago the film highlights the continuing flaws in the system …
Fear of Women: Endemic in Saudi Society?
AMERICAN BEDU: It has one of the highest divorce rates in the world and separation of the sexes has led to utter alienation.
Pregnant and Abandoned: What Should You Do?
AMERICAN BEDU: Many foreign women who have had relationships with Saudi male students find themselves in great difficulty.
‘Destroy All Churches’: Will The Edict Be Followed?
AMERICAN BEDU: The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia has made a startling call. What will King Abdullah do?
Conserving Beauty: The Majestic Arabian Oryx
AMERICAN BEDU: It’s not the first creature that comes to mind when Saudi Arabia is mentioned but the Oryx is a feature of many desert trips
Is It Time for Disneyland Saudi Arabia?
AMERICAN BEDU: GCC residents and in particular Saudis are great fans of all things Disney. Will we see one of their parks here?
‘Hissy Fit’ Lands Saudi Student in Big Trouble
AMERICAN BEDU: What will earn you a few ‘tuts’ on a Saudi plane will land you an appointment with the FBI in the U.S as a student has just found out.
Western Women: The Perils of Marrying a Saudi Man
AMERICAN BEDU: It seems obvious but the main reason many Saudi men marry Westerners is because they’re not Saudi.
My Perfect Abaya: Making a Statement
AMERICAN BEDU: It’s got to be appropriate, practical and allow me to make a statement. Here is what my ideal abaya would look like.
Makkah: Pace of Commercialisation Quickens
AMERICAN BEDU: Several thousand families will have their homes razed for villas and apartments in central Makkah. Has commercialisation gone too far?
Al Farabi: Making Sweet Music in Saudi Arabia
AMERICAN BEDU: It’s an issue that is constantly debated – whether music is haram according to Islamic principles. A new fusion of poetry and musical instruments is, however, making waves.
‘The Eyes Have It’: How Saudi Women ‘Speak’
AMERICAN BEDU: ‘The eyes are windows to the soul’ and if you have any doubt about the range of expression they are capable of just spend some time with Saudi women
How Arranged Marriage Works in Saudi Arabia
AMERICAN BEDU: It’s a myth grooms and brides have no say in their choice of partner. Not so. In fact the process can involve many members of each party’s family.
The Question: Where Were You On 9/11?”
AMERICAN BEDU: I was in CIA Headquarters in Virginia and my soon-to-be Saudi husband was in Pakistan on the day the whole world remembers.
Relationships: The Art of Flirting in Saudi
AMERICAN BEDU: I have often watched how young women subtly signal their interest in a member of the opposite sex who may be visiting their home.
Iftar: A Brief Etiquette Guide for non-Muslims
AMERICAN BEDU: It is an honor to be invited to share the rites of Ramadan with your Muslim friends but it’s important to observe a few points of protocol.