Abaya Free Zone in Riyadh
I've been working here in Riyadh for almost a year. And the unsettling traditional wearing of abaya for women anywhere I go keeps the feeling of being too conservative.
I've been working here in Riyadh for almost a year. And the unsettling traditional wearing of abaya for women anywhere I go keeps the feeling of being too conservative.
1. The so called "KAMSA-KAMSA"
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| A mini-castle just right for picture-taking |
This place was named Kamsa-Kamsa (five-five) since the entrance fee is only 5sr. However, many expats love to visit here especially on the weekends, they decided to increase its fee to 10sr. Others call it now as Ashra-Ashra which means 10-10.
Once you enter the main gate, you can take off your abaya and have a walk freely. The place is huge. There's a soccer field, a mini-billiard hall and a cafeteria. Also, there are many open cottages where you can stay. People usually bring their own sound system and make bbqs while having fun. You can also try their quadbikes around the vicinity.
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| Mini-billiard hall beside the cafeteria at the background |
Women are much likely very preserved here in the Kingdom, but we tend to searched places that we can jump into and get to sports. And luckily, we were able to find one. The place is located in Al-Khozama Hotel. At first, we went to the 3rd floor of the building but unfortunately the receptionist told us that the place was for "MEN Only", informing us that somewhere in the parking area where women are allowed to play bowling.
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| 8-Lane Bowling Center |
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| Getting ready for the game. |
Per game it cost 15sr provided with their bowling shoes, just bring your own socks. And if you're prepared enough, you can pay only 10sr with your own bowling shoes. Also, there's a little room for billiards in the place.
The place is just beside the Al-Faisaliah Tower.
3. RED SAND AND HIDDEN VALLEY
Since the place is far off in the desert, women are safe to take off their abayas. Most expats loves to visit the place especially during winter. Women can drive quadbikes around the Red Sand and mostly have lunch / picnics at the Hidden Valley.
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| Quadbiking at the Red Sand |
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| Hidden Valley |
Quadbike rent cost 40sr for an hour.
4. ISTIRAHA
which loosely translated as a place of relaxation. This is an exclusive place where most people gather together to have fun and to relax. Families can rent the place with its private swimming pool, housing along with a living room and kitchen.
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| The living room |
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| Private Swimming Pool convenient for kids. :) |
5. COMPOUNDS
Most compounds that are exclusive for Non-Saudis are not allowed to wear abayas. Rationale? Children might get scared when they see people wearing those. Also, Muttawas ( religious police ) are not allowed to get inside the vicinity. When you want a total freedom, you got to live in a compound.
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| Kingdom City Compound |
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| Night Party at the Kingdom |
One of the best compounds in Riyadh is the Kingdom City Compound. It is a western style compound with a focus on lifestyle. The compound is equipped with a bowling alley, four swimming pools, a mini shopping centre and even a healthcare clinic for an easy and leisurely stay.
The Compound is located near Kingdom Hospital.
Safety and security in all compounds are assured. Visitors are only those people that are registered and invited by the residence and should submit their Iqama (Resident IDs) before entering the place.
6. RESTAURANTS
There is an endless number of restaurants to choose from here in KSA. But most expat women preferred to dine in at an Abaya free zone restaurant. I know one place named Peking Restaurant.
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| Outside Peking Restaurant |
In the family section, an exclusive cubicle for every family who dine in and women can remove their abayas the entire stay.
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| Wine-tossed for a birthday celebration |
