Saudi Arabia has loosened its strict dress code for female visitors, but the country still has strict guidelines against offending the region’s religious and social sensibilities.
In one such incident, Saudi Arabian law enforcement officers detained an Egyptian man for wearing an abaya and high heels to a mall in Khobar’s Eastern region.
On social media, a video of a man reportedly of Egyptian descent wandering around in an abaya and high-heeled shoes went viral. Later, a mall guard had him removed due to the offence.
Although the man’s motive for the bizarre action has not been made public while the investigation is ongoing, Saudi police have continued their inquiries.
A Saudi provincial spokesperson claimed that the incident distorted the image of the Kingdom, which is known for having good morals in terms of appearance and behaviour. The incident made headlines in some parts of the region.
In Saudi Arabia, it is unacceptable to dress traditionally associated with the opposite gender, and doing so can result in serious penalties, including jail time.
Despite the widespread practise of cross-dressing, Kingdom views it as a criminal offence that carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison. Five people were detained in the Northern Borders province two years ago after they uploaded a video of themselves wearing women’s clothing and shared it online.
