Bershka in Arabic

Scene from a mall in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.  

Sweets in Saudi

There seems to be a lot more sweets shops and bakeries here in Saudi Arabia than I've noticed back home in the US.  Saudis definitely like their sweets!  From cookies to cakes, from macaroons to donuts, from baklava to fruit tarts - you can find it all here.  

Resort Like Living - in the Compound

One of the draws for many workers from other countries is the lifestyle offered here in Saudi Arabia. Many expats live in compounds, which are walled-in communities where life is quite different from outside its wall.  Women do not have to wear the abaya inside the compound walls and in some compounds, women can even drive.  

Many compounds have resort-like swimming pool areas, exercise classes, tennis courts, bowling alleys, golf courses, restaurants, beauty salons, theaters, and grocery stores. They also offer easier access to transportation and a variety of events to keep residents as busy as they want to be.  

Mall Merry Go Round

One of the smallest merry-go-rounds I've ever seen - at a local Jeddah mall.  Just about every mall in Saudi Arabia has an entertainment area for children.  Malls are packed on the weekends and during school breaks.

Saudi Boy's Traditional Wear

Above:  Traditional Saudi boy's wear.  Awkward headless mannequins wearing headgear on their shoulders.

Traditional Saudi men's clothing store.  On the left is a sample of more formal men's wear, for weddings or special occasions.  

Our World: Supermarket Bakery

Bread here in Saudi Arabia is one of the most inexpensive products in the country.  I have been told that there is a government subsidy for flour so the lower prices for products containing flour are passed on to the consumers.

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Incense Shop

Stores that sell only incense and incense burners are plentiful here in Saudi Arabia.  It's quite a big business here.