not married with kids brit - what is situation in Saudi Aribia or Egypt?

[ArkeNOTen]

I have Namechanged as will out myself otherwise

DP has got an interesting freelance contract and is working in UK on something that will happen in Saudi Arabia. There may be trips to Saudi and Egypt involved though - in pretty decent hotels.

We've been together 20+ years and we have 3 DCs aged 10 - 12 but we aren't married.. What would happen if we went with him to SA? Egypt?

I am assuming Egypt easier - and if he went we would all dearly love to fulfil lifetime desires to visit archaeological sites ( me and kids all) and go with him (by extending a work trip so we could sightsee).

No great desire to do KSA but would I be missing anything. We are all generally into art , landscape and culture and not interested in air-conditioned shopping. My western leftie feminism is making me v worried abut the morals and my own safety...

Anyone?

I've been to Egypt, no issues. Just be aware of the cultural differences like dress code, patriarchal society etc

Been to both for work. Egypt just once - which was enough. Attitudes to women, and a general disregard for the environment (rubbish everywhere) put me off.

Saudi is awful. Please do not give them the benefit of spending any of your money there. I have been several times - although hopefully I will not have to again. Whilst parts of the country are undoubtedly beautiful, there is an air of oppression almost everywhere, and I have felt unsafe in some places. on my last visit, the drive genially pointed out where executions take place. Lovely. And the place just feels unnatural.

Sorry I can't be more positive.

In Saudi as you're not 'husband and wife' I'd be surprised if you can even book a room together. I'd never try it. Horrid place anyway.

Thank you you have confirmed what I thought. It’s looking more likely Egypt anyway

You can’t spend time with him in Saudi unless you are married. If you both run a very real risk of being arrested and sent to prison for a long time. The same applies in some of the Emirates. Look at the FCO travel advice pages for full information.

Wurzelburga is right re the risk of being arrested and sent to prison. It really is that serious so in your case yes, Egypt is best.

Have lived in Saudi, and as unmarried you are not even allowed to sit in the front passenger seat of a car if he is driving, you wouldn't get a visa to enter anyway I doubt.
It's a very difficult climate for unmarried women.

Right ho
Definitely crossing that off the list!