Disclaimer: This post in not meant to be a downer, just an assessment of the past few years based on indicators that I have been watching since 2003. It was obvious in 2003 that the global financial markets would collapse within 5-10 years. By 2006 it was clear that 2008 was going to be a [...]
Posts from ‘December, 2008’
Racism and "Real Men" in Saudi Arabia
Segregation of men and women in KSA in restaurants, schools, universities, work areas (even if not required by the government) is explained on religious grounds- that men and women who are not “mahram” for each other should not be alone with each other (different countries and societies deal with the issue of “khulwa” differently- the [...]
Expiration date
Unfortunately it is not uncommon that food and medicines sold in grocery stores and pharmacies will be past their expiration date. This happens at virtually EVERY outlet either through carelessness or because the stores are trying to make money and do not pull the expired items off the shelves.
As there is virtually no consumer [...]
Marriage in Islam
Marriages in Islam are social contracts and have to be understood in two separate ways: the mechanics of the actual marriage contract and the responsibilities/rights associated with the marriage.
There are many cultural practices that are common however there are only a few that are religiously required (as per traditional interpretations- I won’t be dealing [...]
Dash
yet another crazy “self-analysis” quiz result
You Are a Dash
Your life is fast paced and varied. You are realistic, down to earth, and very honest.You’re often busy doing something interesting, and what you do changes quickly.You have many facets to your personality, and you connect them together well.You have a ton [...]
Divorce in Saudi Arabia
The official divorce rate in KSA is stated to be more than 30% while other sources claim it is upwards of 50%. Despite the variation in reports, this is high by any standard, and especially so considering the conservativeness of society. Something is clearly not working in the society. Mandatory classes are being considered to [...]
Images of Riyadh: Burger King
A sign announcing that the meat is all “halal” and compliant with Islamic traditions. These signs are also visible in countries like Singapore where they are certified by the government.
Types of marriages in Saudi Arabia
Since coming to KSA, my awareness of different types of marriages has increased considerably. Other than normal marriages and the oft-quoted multiple wives (polygyny) there are also misyar, misfar and shigar marriages.
Disclaimer: This post is about marriage as people or news have described it. This does not claim to describe the norm in KSA [...]
Blog update
Today is cleanup day! All food related and personal posts have been moved off to their own blog. Categories have been consolidated and removed as needed.
updated: Jan 18, 2009
