American Bedu

So Who Exactly Says When Ramadan Begins?

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?

 American Bedu

Unrealistic Expectations in Saudi Marriages

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.

 American Bedu

Saudi Arabia: The Muttawa Embrace Social Media

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.

 American Bedu

Jeddah Rapist Wreaks Horror on Children

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.

 American Bedu

At Last: A Saudi Ban That’s GOOD News for Women

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.

 American Bedu

Google Incites Muslim Women to Throw Off Veil – Claim

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…

 American Bedu

How do you Accurately Define a Muslim?

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.

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Alternate View: Driven Women Privileged in Saudi

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.

 American Bedu

Saudi and Marriage: Match Not Made in Heaven

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.

 American Bedu

Saudi Arabia: Are Times of Prayer Abused?

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.

 American Bedu

Note to Saudi Ministry of Planning: ‘Please Plan’

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?

 American Bedu

Al-Qaida’s Alternative to Cosmo Magazine

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.

 American Bedu

The Saudi Compound: Where Westerners Live

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…

 American Bedu

Now More Than Ever, It’s Time to ‘Reach Out’

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.

 American Bedu

The Art of Pouring, and Receiving, Coffee in Saudi

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.

 American Bedu

Can a non-Muslim visit a Mosque in Saudi Arabia?

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.

 American Bedu

Saudis Will Resist Women Drivers, Legal or Not

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.

 American Bedu

Saudi Arabia: Aids, and the Opening Up of the Kingdom

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…

 American Bedu

The Very Hidden Talents of Saudi Arabian Men

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…

 American Bedu

Wanted: Honorable Men in Saudi Arabia

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…