In 1998 when I embarked on a month long sojourn to Saudi Arabia I had only some vague feelings that one day the region would become the topic of my dissertation. In many ways this journey shaped my early perception of the Arab women which later researches and in-depth studies only reinforced. Olyia High Street where I was staying was buzzing with activities. Along with the men delicately dressed in white robes Saudi women attracted my attention as they were a beautiful mix of tradition and modernity. Underneath the veil or the abaya were women dressed in western garments. This explained to me why there were so many branded stores in the Saudi capital selling western outfits. And there was another, frightening experience. One day when I was moving through the shopping malls a group of Mutawwa (religious police) approached me. 'Ghat, Ghat\ they demanded. They insisted that I cover my face. On subsequent journeys when I had more time for interacting with the Saudi females; visiting their homes and partaking of their kind hospitality my understanding of Saudi women deepened.

In 1998 when I embarked on a month long sojourn to Saudi Arabia I had only some vague feelings that one day the region would become the topic of my dissertation. In many ways this journey shaped my early perception of the Arab women which later researches and in-depth studies only reinforced. Ol...