Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Many women imagine that travel on the Peninsula is a lot more difficult and traumatic than it actually is. Unaccompanied
women will certainly attract curious stares and glances, and occasionally comments, too, but they will receive hospitable
treatment almost universally. It is essential to dress modestly in loose clothing in order to avoid giving offence and attract-
ing trouble (
Click here
for advice on what to wear).
Gender Segregation
It's important to be aware that there are 'men areas' and 'women areas' and that this is something that is enforced mainly
by women, not by men. As such, it can be quite uncomfortable for both sexes if a woman sits in a male area; in some in-
stances, it could compromise a woman's safety.
Traditional coffeehouses, cheaper restaurants, budget hotels, the front seat of taxis and the back seats of buses all tend
to be men-only areas and it's culturally sensitive to avoid them - at some budget Gulf hotels, unaccompanied women may
be refused a room. Women areas include family rooms in better restaurants, public beaches on certain days of the week
and the front rows of buses.
Harrassment
Sometimes women may be followed (particularly on beaches) or find unwanted visitors in a hotel but this is far less pre-
valent than in other parts of the Middle East where there is more exposure to tourists. Sexual harassment in some Penin-
sula countries is considered a serious crime and the incidence of rape on the Peninsula is extremely low (far lower than in
the West). Verbal harassment and sexual innuendo are more common.
KEEPING WOULD-BE SUITORS AT BAY
Engaging with locals is always a highlight of travel in the Middle East and it's easy for women to strike up conver-
sation if they're travelling alone. The key, when interacting with local men, is to realise that initiating conversation
can be misinterpreted. Here are some tips to deter would-be suitors:
»
Master the art of detachment - remaining aloof in a conversation rather than animated - local women are masters
at this.
»
Keep the eye contact to a minimum - unless delivering the killer cold stare if someone oversteps the mark.
»
Approach a woman for help first (for directions and so forth) rather than a man.
»
Ask to be seated in the 'family' section if dining alone.
»
Avoid sitting in the front seat of taxis and the back seat of buses.
»
Invent or borrow a husband if the situation feels alarming but beware this may lead to uncomfortable questions
about abandoning the home and kids.
»
Retain your self-confidence and keep a sense of humour in compromising situations: this is far more effective
than losing your temper or showing vulnerability.
