So Who Exactly Says When Ramadan Begins?
AMERICAN BEDU: The official declaration of Ramadan follows a visual sighting but who is the person tasked with ‘spotting’ the Ramadan moon?
Unrealistic Expectations in Saudi Marriages
AMERICAN BEDU: A two day discussion between Saudi men and women on the expectation and subsequent reality of marriage in the Kingdom unearthed some familiar themes.
Saudi Arabia: The Muttawa Embrace Social Media
AMERICAN BEDU: Unfettered by the restrictions applying to mainstream Saudi media the ultra-conservative community are going online.
Jeddah Rapist Wreaks Horror on Children
AMERICAN BEDU: As if the crime itself wasn’t sufficiently appalling the victims of a serial rapist in the Kingdom have to deal with family shame.
At Last: A Saudi Ban That’s GOOD News for Women
AMERICAN BEDU: Men can no longer sell lingerie to women in the Kingdom. A big deal? Very much so due to the possible implications for women.
Google Incites Muslim Women to Throw Off Veil – Claim
AMERICAN BEDU: When Google decided to celebrate dancer Martha Graham’s birthday with an animation little did it understand the furore it would cause in Saudi…
How do you Accurately Define a Muslim?
AMERICAN BEDU: It’s a topic that seems, more often than not, to generate more heat than light but here’s my attempt to define a Muslim.
Alternate View: Driven Women Privileged in Saudi
AMERICAN BEDU: According to one woman interviewed by Saudi News it’s ‘magic carpets’ rather than ‘cars’ that Saudi women need.
Saudi and Marriage: Match Not Made in Heaven
AMERICAN BEDU: It’s official – Saudi Arabia has the highest divorce rate in the world despite the fact that, contrary to popular opinion it’s not so easy to secure a divorce in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia: Are Times of Prayer Abused?
AMERICAN BEDU: My comments are in no way meant to be disrespectful or an “attack” of taking the time for prayers. It is to highlight how some entities take advantage of excess prayer times.
Note to Saudi Ministry of Planning: ‘Please Plan’
AMERICAN BEDU: With a rapidly growing population there’s an urgent need for two million new homes in three years. Has the Ministry left it too late?
Al-Qaida’s Alternative to Cosmo Magazine
AMERICAN BEDU: Al-Shamikha, meaning ‘Majestic Woman’ in Arabic is a women’s magazine which Al-Qaida has combined elements of Soldier of Fortune and “Cosmopolitan” magazine.
The Saudi Compound: Where Westerners Live
AMERICAN BEDU: A western compound may not be a suitable accommodation for a western born Muslim. Some compounds prohibit Muslim women from covering their faces…
Now More Than Ever, It’s Time to ‘Reach Out’
AMERICAN BEDU: With regimes falling, and a new order being created out of disorder, there has never been a better time to promote better understanding across faiths.
The Art of Pouring, and Receiving, Coffee in Saudi
AMERICAN BEDU: While all young Saudis will naturally absorb the protocols of serving and receiving coffee as they grow up, visitors and expats need a bit of help. Here are the key pointers.
Can a non-Muslim visit a Mosque in Saudi Arabia?
AMERICAN BEDU: Are mosques open for non-Muslims? The answer is ‘yes’ but respect for certain protocols must be shown.
Saudis Will Resist Women Drivers, Legal or Not
CAROL FLEMING: The movement to allow women to drive in Saudi appears irresistible. There’s lots to be done, however, to improve male attitudes.
Saudi Arabia: Aids, and the Opening Up of the Kingdom
AMERICAN BEDU: Things are changing and opening up in the Kingdom: Aids, for example, had been one of the subjects that was not discussed…
The Very Hidden Talents of Saudi Arabian Men
AMERICAN BEDU: A Saudi man may want every woman to think that when he comes in the door all that’s expected of him is to take off his shoes, put his feet up and turn on the TV, but…
Wanted: Honorable Men in Saudi Arabia
AMERICAN BEDU: Widows in Saudi Arabia rarely remarry. This is often down to a skewed view of what is acceptable within Saudi society…
