Bahrain Shopping
Saudi Arabia
The Mutawwa'in reportedly detained young men for offenses that included eating in restaurants with young women, making lewd remarks to women in the shopping malls, or walking in groups through family-only sections of shopping centers. Women of many nationalities were detained for actions such as riding in a taxi with a man who was not their relative, appearing with their heads uncovered in shopping malls, and eating in restaurants with males who were not their relatives. Many such prisoners were held for days, sometimes weeks, without officials notifying their families or, in the case of foreigners, their embassies. ... [Read More]
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a monarchy without elected representative institutions or political parties. King Fahd bin Abd Al-Aziz Al Saud suffered a stroke in 1995, and Crown Prince Abdullah has been the de facto ruler since that time. As custodian of Islam's two holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, the Government bases its legitimacy on governance according to Islamic law (Shari'a). The Basic Law sets out the system of government, rights of citizens, powers, and duties of the State, and provides that the Koran and the Traditions (Sunna) of the Prophet Muhammad are the country's Constitution. Neither the Government nor Saudi society, in general, accepts the concept of separation of religion and state. The King serves as Prime Minister and appoints the crown prince. The Crown Prince is First Deputy Prime Minister and heir apparent. The appointed Majlis al-Shura debates, rejects, and amends government-proposed legislation, questions some government officials, ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: USTR Zoellick Says Service Industries Help Developing Economies
When I read The Washington Post this past Saturday, I saw a column by Marcela Sanchez titled "Fair Trade, A Click Away." Ms. Sanchez's point was that new online shopping offered opportunities this holiday season to buy coffee from small farmer cooperatives in Latin America, crafts from Haitian artisans, and cocoa from growers in Brazilian rain forests. Great ideas. Yet Ms. Sanchez also enthused over how this new shopping network did not need trade negotiators, big business, or the other accoutrements of the world economy. ... [Read More]
Saudi Arabia
The Mutawwa'in reportedly detained young men for offenses that included eating in restaurants with young women, making lewd remarks to women in the shopping malls, or walking in groups through family-only sections of shopping centers. Women of many nationalities were detained for actions such as riding in a taxi with a man who was not their relative, appearing with their heads uncovered in shopping malls, and eating in restaurants with males who were not their relatives. Many such prisoners were held for days, sometimes weeks, without officials notifying their families or, in the case of foreigners, their embassies. ... [Read More]
United Arab Emirates
The Constitution provides for freedom of religion in accordance with established customs, and the Government generally respects this right in practice; however, there were some restrictions. The Federal Constitution declares that Islam is the official religion of the country. There was some change in the status of respect for religious freedom during the period covered by this report; government policy continued to contribute to the generally free practice of religion. In August 2003, the Government closed the Zayed Center for Coordination and Follow-up, an Abu Dhabi-based think tank that published and distributed literature, sponsored lectures, and operated a website. This center was accused of providing a platform for some anti-Semitic individuals. In October 2003, the Dubai Evangelical Church Center (DECC) opened in a large compound of Christian churches just outside of Dubai. In April the e ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Higher Education OpportunitiesLast Updated: 11/2/2004 6:57 AM The American University of Kuwait opened its doors Fall 2004. AUK is comprised of a College of Arts and Sciences, a School of Management and Business Administration, and a Continuing Education Center. It has an agreement with Dartmouth College for curriculum development. It is actively recruiting graduates of the American School of Kuwait. AUK is located in a ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Saudi Arabian religious and social customs prescribe that Muslim women cover themselves completely in public. Western women, therefore, should dress conservatively when shopping in downtown Al-Khobar or Dammam and suburban markets. At a minimum, dresses should have a high neckline and sleeves that cover the elbow, and should be well below the knee. Many Western women wear long-sleeved, floor-length cotton shirtwaist dresses while shopping. Alternatively, slacks with a long overshirt can be worn. Tight-fitting slacks and dresses, miniskirts and shorts should not be worn in public places. To do so risks attracting unpleasant public attention and even arrest or reprimand by the Saudi religious police. ... [Read More]
Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa
August 2001 The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. When this material is reproduced, the Department of State would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/P, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818. [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
With the exception of fresh fish, some chicken, and seasonal, locally grown produce (cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, etc.), all food consumed in Doha is imported. Several large, Western-style supermarkets exist and it is possible to get most name brand U.S. goods at any time of the year, albeit at higher prices. Local equivalents, generally of decent quality, are also available at cheaper rates. Dairy products, including fresh and "shelf life" milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, and butter, are available at most local retail outlets. Both imported and locally manufactured soft drinks are available at reasonable prices. All food stores also have a wide selection of Middle Eastern foods, making for an eclectic variety of food choices. In addition to the large supermarkets, numerous small food stores dot the city. These stores have a more limited selection and do not sell fruits or vegetables, but there is usually an accompanying fruit and vegetable shop nearby. For those who enjoy open air shoppin ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Fabrics and sewing supplies are plentiful and moderately priced. Tailors are good at copying patterns and models, but most do not create or design clothing. Modern malls offer expensive ready-made clothing of varying quality from Europe and the U.S. but one can find some good bargains at local stores. An alternative is catalog shopping using the FPO. ... Shoe shopping presents a problem, especially for women. While shoe shops abound, finding a simple good quality shoe at reasonable price is difficult. Only the latest European styles are available at local boutiques. ... [Read More]
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