Saudi Arabia ditches rules separating women and men in restaurants

Women will no longer have to sit behind partitions at restaurants in Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom gradually eases its conservative social restrictions.

For decades female diners have had to use separate entrances under the Gulf state’s hardline gender segregation rules.

Restaurants and cafes, including major Western chains like Starbucks are segregated by ‘family’ sections for women out on their own and a ‘singles’ section just for men.

Venues without enough space to uphold the strict religious law wouldn’t allow female customers in.

But the rule has been scrapped after the country’s Municipal and Rural Affairs Ministry quietly made an announcement yesterday.

The statement was published by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, buried among a list of newly-approved technical requirements for various buildings including schools, stores and sports centres.

It said the decisions were aimed at attracting investment and business opportunities in the country.

Yesterday’s announcement is likely to trouble more traditional Saudis who view gender segregation as a strict religious requirement, even though rules are not nearly as strict in neighbouring Islamic countries.

Some restaurants and cafes in the coastal city of Jiddah and upscale hotels in the capital of Riyadh had already allowed men and women to sit freely.

Although restaurants will no longer be forced to separate customers by gender, there is nothing stopping businesses from doing so if they wish.

Across Saudi Arabia men unrelated men and women not mixing in public has been the norm.

Most Government-run schools and public universities remain segregated as are most Saudi weddings.

But in recent years Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salaman has pushed for sweeping social reform.

Since August women have been allowed to travel abroad without a male guardian’s permission in August and to drive since June 2018. 

In recent years Saudi Arabia has allowed concerts, although ‘strict no-swaying rules still apply’, and cinemas have re-opened.

The first film to be screened in the country’s theatres in 35 years was The Emoji Movie.

Two years ago women were allowed to attend sports events for the first time in ‘family’ sections of stadiums.

Young girls in recent years have been allowed access to physical education and sports in school as well as boys.