Aya Yesentayeva
Luxury Hotelier | Travel Enthusiast
Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Women? Let’s clear the air.
While many Western perceptions of Saudi Arabia remain rooted in its conservative past, the kingdom has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, particularly regarding women’s safety and rights.
The implementation of Vision 2030 has catalysed unprecedented changes, challenging long-held assumptions about female mobility and independence in the country.
From the establishment of specialised women’s security units to the introduction of progressive legislation, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in creating a secure environment for both local and visiting women. These reforms represent not just policy changes, but a fundamental shift in social dynamics within the kingdom.
Recent Developments
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has brought significant changes to women’s rights and safety in the kingdom. This ambitious reform programme has introduced several landmark policies that have transformed the landscape for women’s mobility and independence.
One of the most notable changes has been the lifting of the driving ban for women in 2018, marking a historic shift in Saudi society. This reform has greatly enhanced women’s freedom of movement and their ability to participate in the workforce independently.
The government has also modified the male guardianship system, allowing women over 21 to:
- Travel abroad without male permission
- Apply for passports independently
- Register marriages, divorces, and births
- Serve as legal guardians for their children
Public spaces have become more accessible to women, with the relaxation of gender segregation rules in restaurants, entertainment venues, and workplaces. The establishment of the Family Affairs Council has strengthened protection against domestic violence, while new harassment laws carry strict penalties for offenders.
Employment opportunities have expanded significantly, with women now working in previously restricted sectors such as retail, hospitality, and security services. The percentage of women in the workforce has nearly doubled since 2016, reaching over 35% in recent years.
The modernisation efforts have also led to enhanced safety measures in public spaces, with improved surveillance systems and dedicated women’s sections in many venues. Special police units have been created to handle women’s safety concerns, demonstrating the government’s commitment to protecting female citizens and visitors alike.
Historical Context
Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system has historically placed significant restrictions on women’s freedoms and movements. Under this system, women were required to obtain permission from male relatives – typically fathers, husbands, brothers, or sons – for many basic activities.
Before recent reforms, women faced strict limitations in their daily lives including:
- Requiring male guardian approval to work
- Needing permission for medical procedures
- Being unable to rent apartments independently
- Having limited access to education without guardian consent
- Facing restrictions on opening bank accounts
The dress code was strictly enforced, with women required to wear full-length abayas and head coverings in public spaces. Gender segregation was rigorously maintained in most public areas, including workplaces, restaurants, and educational institutions.
Travel posed particular challenges, as women could not leave their homes or travel domestically or internationally without male guardian approval. This severely limited their personal and professional opportunities, often making them dependent on male relatives for basic mobility.
The legal system also placed women at a disadvantage, with their testimony carrying less weight than men’s in court proceedings. Divorce rights heavily favoured men, while women faced significant hurdles in obtaining custody of children or filing legal complaints.
These historical restrictions created a complex social framework that limited women’s autonomy and participation in public life. However, recent years have seen substantial changes to these long-standing practices, marking a significant shift in Saudi society’s approach to women’s rights and freedoms.
Cultural Considerations
When visiting Saudi Arabia, women should be mindful of the country’s distinct dress code and social expectations. The standard dress requirement for women in public spaces is an abaya - a loose-fitting, full-length dress typically in black.
While head coverings are no longer strictly mandated for foreign visitors in most areas, carrying a scarf is advisable for visits to religious sites or conservative neighbourhoods.
Social interactions follow traditional customs that visitors should respect:
- Maintain appropriate physical distance from men
- Avoid direct eye contact in conservative settings
- Refrain from public displays of affection
- Use women-only sections in restaurants and cafes where available
- Enter through designated women’s entrances in some establishments
Business interactions have evolved with recent reforms, but certain protocols remain:
- Professional attire should be conservative and modest
- Handshakes between men and women are not customary
- Mixed-gender meetings are now common in major cities
- Women can participate fully in business discussions
Public behaviour expectations include:
- Speaking in moderate tones
- Using designated family sections in shopping centres
- Respecting prayer times when businesses may temporarily close
- Following local customs during Ramadan
While social norms are gradually modernising, particularly in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, it’s important to note that standards may be more conservative in smaller towns and rural areas. Many hotels, shopping centres, and restaurants now offer mixed-gender spaces, but separate sections for women and families remain common throughout the kingdom.
Key Measures Taken by the Government
The Saudi government has implemented comprehensive reforms to enhance women’s safety and independence through various legal and social initiatives. A landmark achievement was the establishment of specialised courts handling domestic violence cases, providing women with dedicated legal channels for protection and justice.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched several programmes supporting women entrepreneurs:
- Interest-free loans for business startups
- Mentorship programmes connecting experienced businesswomen with newcomers
- Subsidised workspace in major cities
- Training workshops on business management and digital skills
Working mothers have received significant support through new labour laws:
- Mandatory paid maternity leave extended to 10 weeks
- Flexible working hours for mothers with young children
- Requirement for large companies to provide childcare facilities
- Protection against pregnancy-based discrimination
The government has also strengthened workplace safety measures by:
- Implementing strict anti-harassment policies
- Creating dedicated reporting channels for workplace issues
- Establishing women’s committees in large organisations
- Mandating security cameras in female-only workspaces
These initiatives are complemented by the “Qiwa” platform, a digital service facilitating women’s employment and business registration. The platform streamlines processes for work permits, business licenses, and employment contracts, making it easier for women to enter the workforce or start their own enterprises.
Local municipalities have enhanced public safety through improved street lighting, surveillance systems, and women-only security teams in public spaces, demonstrating the government’s commitment to creating a secure environment for women.
Testimonials or Experiences of Female Tourists
Sarah Thompson, a British travel blogger who visited Riyadh in 2023, shares: “I was pleasantly surprised by how safe I felt walking around the major shopping districts. The locals were incredibly hospitable, and many Saudi women approached me to offer assistance when I looked lost.”
American business consultant Jennifer Martinez recounts her three-month stay: “As a woman travelling alone for work, I experienced nothing but respect and professional courtesy. The modern infrastructure and dedicated women’s facilities made me feel secure, especially in corporate settings.”
Australian tourist Emma Chen notes her experience:
- Round-the-clock security in hotels
- Helpful female staff at tourist information centres
- Well-lit streets and monitored shopping areas
- Reliable ride-hailing services with female driver options
“I visited historical sites in Al-Ula and Jeddah,” says Canadian photographer Maria Roberts. “The tour guides were knowledgeable and respectful, and I felt completely at ease exploring these remarkable locations. The presence of female security personnel was particularly reassuring.”
Swedish entrepreneur Lisa Andersson shares: “Having visited both before and after recent reforms, the transformation is remarkable. Women can now freely enter cafes, museums, and sports events. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in comfort and accessibility for female visitors.”
These experiences reflect the changing landscape for women in Saudi Arabia, though visitors still emphasise the importance of respecting local customs and dress codes. Many highlight the benefit of connecting with local female residents through social media groups and expatriate networks for current advice and support.
Practical Tips for Female Travelers
When planning your trip to Saudi Arabia, preparation is key to ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. Here are essential tips to help you navigate the kingdom confidently:
Before Your Trip
- Apply for your tourist visa through the official Saudi eVisa portal
- Pack modest clothing including several abayas
- Download essential apps like Uber and WhatsApp
- Save emergency contact numbers, including your embassy
- Book accommodations in reputable areas or international hotel chains
Safety Measures While Traveling
- Use official transport services or hotel-arranged drivers
- Keep copies of important documents in secure cloud storage
- Share your itinerary with family or friends
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas after dark
- Carry a portable power bank for your mobile devices
Available Resources
- Women’s help desk at major airports
- Tourist police hotline (989)
- Women-only floors in premium hotels
- Female taxi services in major cities
- Local women’s support groups on social media
Many hotels now offer dedicated services for female travelers, including:
- Female room attendants
- Women-only gym facilities
- Secure access floors
- Female concierge services
For business travelers, most modern offices provide:
- Separate prayer rooms
- Private meeting spaces
- Female security personnel
- Designated break areas
Remember to respect local customs while enjoying the increasing freedoms available to women in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom’s transformation has made it significantly more welcoming for female visitors, though maintaining cultural awareness remains important for a successful trip.
Looking Ahead
The transformation of women’s safety and rights in Saudi Arabia represents one of the most significant social reforms in the kingdom’s modern history.
While traditional customs and cultural expectations remain important, the comprehensive changes in legislation, infrastructure, and social norms have created a markedly safer and more accessible environment for women, whether residents or visitors.
The continued implementation of Vision 2030 initiatives suggests further positive developments on the horizon.
As Saudi Arabia balances modernisation with cultural preservation, the experience for women in the kingdom continues to evolve, making it an increasingly attractive destination for female travellers and professionals alike.
Learn more about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with us at SaudiTravelandleisure.com
