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Central Command Relaxes Abaya Rule in Saudi Arabia
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Saudi law forbids women from driving in the kingdom, and American women are not allowed to drive off-base.

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
U.S. Central Command has relaxed the requirement that female service members wear the Muslim abaya when off-base in civilian clothes.

About 1,000 American service women are affected by the change. The command still "strongly advises" female service members to wear the abaya, a black cloak that Muslim women are required to wear by the Koran.

Central Command officials said the requirement was put in place as a force protection measure. Saudi Arabia is a conservative Islamic country and the home of Mecca and Medina, two of the holiest sites in Islam. The officials said the country adheres to a strict interpretation of Islamic religious law as put down in the Koran, the Muslim holy book.

The abaya in Saudi Arabia is a long black robe that covers the head and body. In other areas of the world, the abaya is a simple headscarf.

Officials said that wearing the abaya allows American women to blend in with the population better and shows American cultural sensitivity. It also helps women avoid the attention of the Saudi "religious police."

Men are also affected by dress rules. Off-base, they are required to wear long-sleeved, collared shirts and slacks. T-shirts and shorts are not allowed. While conducting official business, all personnel are authorized to wear their uniforms.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

Dan