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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Saudi Arabia: Life in the Desert >> 5 Star Luxury in Riyadh > Friday brunch
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22-MAR-2014

Friday brunch

I found this sign quite interesting and the cultural differences fascinating. I have only heard of Sunday brunch, but our weekend here is Friday and Saturday, and of course since alcohol is prohibited in the kingdom, a mocktail replaces a cocktail. (I have had “Saudi champagne,” though, which was actually quite delicious but expensive.) The cost for brunch is around $100 per person. The dress code refers to abayas (all-covering long black dresses) for women and thobes (long white robes) for men. I’m not sure if foreign women can wear “smart casual,” but I sort of doubt it. Women visiting here simply must borrow or buy an abaya because by law you can’t appear in public without one. Foreign women often try to skirt the headscarf custom, but must always have one with them in the event they get told to cover up or risk being asked to leave wherever they are.

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Karen Moen19-Dec-2015 04:24
Interesting how the signs read from right to left with the times also reversed. You are doing a great job of educating us in the customs of this part of the world. Voted.
Julie Oldfield04-Apr-2014 01:18
That is fascinating. It looks like an expensive city.
Gary A. Rich (GRainelev)02-Apr-2014 22:17
I guess that I wouldn't be allowed inside? My jeans and tennis shoes would be a big no-no. I like that you captured these little tid-bits for us. Well done. V.
larose forest photos02-Apr-2014 19:13
Fascinating to see this. I wonder what "smart casual" means? Not a cheap brunch by any standards! V
Bill Miller02-Apr-2014 18:39
I think brunch should be a daily occurrence :)
Martin Lamoon02-Apr-2014 18:16
And what do you get for $100?
Hope its good.
Jim Coffman02-Apr-2014 17:55
Interesting!!
Kim02-Apr-2014 17:08
I admire you for actually being able to follow these medieval rules!