Basic Information
Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an Arab state in Western Asia. It is the largest country in the Middle East and the second-largest Arab nation in the world, with a population of over 34 million people. The country is bordered by Iraq, Qatar, and Jordan to the east; Yemen and Oman to the south; and Kuwait and Bahrain to the west. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state that follows strict Sharia law. In Saudi Arabia, it is unlawful for unmarried couples of the opposite gender to be in public together, and any relationship outside of marriage is illegal. For this reason, having a girlfriend in Saudi Arabia is not allowed.
Legal Status
Under Sharia law, it is illegal for unmarried individuals, of any gender, to have a romantic or sexual relationship. According to the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, premarital relationships are forbidden. Saudi Arabia offers very little room for individuals to display public displays of affection toward those of the opposite or same gender. The punishments for such unlawful acts vary, with monetary fines, caning, jail time, and deportation being the most common punishments.
Social Pressures
Social pressures are another factor that prevents many Saudis from having a girlfriend. It is a common belief in the country that any attention to or association with the opposite sex outside of marriage, even for something as simple as holding hands, is a reflection of a person’s morality. It can be seen as a source of shame to one’s family and can lead to social ostracization. Saudi society is highly conservative, with traditional gender roles that are strictly adhered to. This means that even if the laws of the country were to be changed, it would take a very long time for the society to accept and adjust.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a girlfriend in Saudi Arabia is illegal and is heavily frowned upon by society. The punishments for engaging in any type of romantic or sexual relationship outside of marriage are severe, and there is a great social stigma that comes along with such acts. While Saudi Arabia may be slowly changing, it is still a long way off from allowing such behavior. In the meantime, those living in the country must abide by Sharia law and the traditional gender roles that are instilled in many aspects of Saudi society.
Women In Saudi Arabia
Despite the strict laws in Saudi Arabia, the women living in the country have been making strides in recent years towards gaining more freedoms. Women have been granted the right to drive, open businesses, seek employment, and hold high-level positions in government. In 2019, women accounted for 30% of the total workforce in the country and women’s wages now make up an average of 55% of the total wage earned in the country. This is an incredibly significant step forward and shows the potential for more progress in the future.
Same-Sex Relationships
Same-sex relationships are still highly taboo and illegal in Saudi Arabia. Despite the increasing acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community in most Western countries, it remains a crime to engage in homosexual acts in Saudi Arabia. Those convicted of such acts can face punishments of up to seven years in prison and even the death penalty in some cases. This makes it impossible for individuals in same-sex relationships to live openly and without fear.
Risk of Punishment
The punishments for engaging in any type of relationship outside of marriage are severe, and those convicted of such acts are usually subject to heavy fines, caning, jail time, and even deportation. The public nature of such punishments makes it even more difficult for young people to take risks when it comes to romance, as the fear of being exposed and facing severe penalties is very real. This is likely to remain the case until such laws are changed, and the stigma surrounding such behavior is reduced.
Future Changes
While the current laws and social norms in Saudi Arabia make having a girlfriend nearly impossible, there is still hope for the future. The country has started to make strides in terms of granting more freedoms to its citizens, particularly women, and there is potential for further changes in the near future. The criminalization of any kind of premarital relationship is still seen as a necessity by many in the country, but changes could be made in the future if attitudes towards relationships start to shift.
Love and Relationships
Despite the strict laws, there are still those who find ways to express love and affection in Saudi Arabia. Whether it is through social media, messaging apps, or discreet meetings, couples find ways to connect. Although the risks are high, some are willing to take the chance to pursue love and happiness, and there is a growing industry of matchmakers and relationships experts in the country that assist those looking for romance.
Alternative Paths
Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives for those looking to enjoy a romantic relationship without the fear of legal or social repercussions. In recent years, online dating sites and apps have become more popular in Saudi Arabia, allowing users to connect with others without having to meet in person. Additionally, there are a number of apps and services that allow users to communicate anonymously and privately, making it easier to explore relationships without fear of exposure.
International Connections
Increasingly, Saudi nationals are forming relationships with individuals from other countries, where laws are far less restrictive and the social stigma around premarital relationships is far less severe. This has allowed many young Saudis to explore relationships without the fear of prosecution or social ostracization. Such relationships often develop online, and many young Saudis are willing to take the risk to explore such opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Having a girlfriend in Saudi Arabia is still illegal and highly discouraged. Despite this, there have been recent improvements in certain areas of the country, particularly for women, which offers hope for the future. Additionally, more and more Saudis are looking to foreign countries to form relationships, or are taking to the internet to explore and connect with potential partners. For now, however, the only true way to enjoy a relationship without fear of prosecution or social ostracization is to look abroad.
