What can you tell me about Saudi Arabia? That it’s a strange and controversial middle-Eastern country? Oh, you don’t know the half of it. While the Western world treats it as an ally, you can see some basic human rights being violated right in front of your nose, especially when it comes to women’s rights. But, either way, it’s their country, their culture and ultimately their decisions, no matter how barbaric and bizarre they may seem to the Western world. So, here are a few curious facts about Saudi Arabia you may have never heard.
1. Did you know that Mecca and Medina are the most holy cities of Islam, and that non-Muslims are not allowed to set their foot on these holy grounds? So much for your summer plans, am I right?
2. If you carry and drink alcoholic beverages in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna get whipped. And no, that’s not a euphemism, you’ll get a number of whip lashes. Another bummer for that perfect vacation, I see. But wait, there’s more!
3. Homosexuality and the excessive display of non-Muslim religious beliefs will get you even more lashes and maybe even a swift death in Saudi Arabia.
4. Sex segregation, while commonplace in Saudi Arabia, is still the most ridiculous of their archaic customs. Also, pro-tip: If you are a guy and you see a woman on the street, you are not allowed to accompany her under any circumstances. Just walk the other way.
5. Personal privacy is very important in Saudi Arabia, which is why you must never EVER point your camera at women. Men are cool if you take their pics but ask first, or you’ll lose a bit more than an expensive camera.
6. Now let’s address the elephant in the room – the death penalty is still commonly used in Saudi Arabia. In 2013, for example, 69 people literally lost their heads, but nowadays it seems that being a “swordsman” isn’t as lucrative or prestigious, so they’ve come up with an alternative method of dealing with criminals – firing squad… Seriously?
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