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When the organizers of the Dakar Rally announced earlier this year that the 2020 event would take place entirely in Saudi Arabia, some wondered how an event that includes female competitors and at least one high-profile racer from Saudi enemy Qatar would go off in a country known for strict laws and no tolerance for dissent.
Competitors and members of their teams are now getting an idea of what to expect after the Saudi General Sports Authority recently issued a 10-page "Practical Guide" with tips on what to do and not to do while in the land ruled by the House of Saud. While much of the document is intended to be reassuring and helpful with basic information, it also includes some warnings. Let's just say that racers and especially crews will be unlikely to mistakenly think they're back in Argentina.
Here are excerpts of some of the tips (unedited for syntax or grammar):
- Both men and women are asked to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images to respect the local culture. Women should cover shoulders and knees in public.
- If the wearing of abaya and hijab are no longer compulsory for expat women, we recommend that they wear the loose fitting abaya and the hijab headscarf in public to avoid causing offence.
- Whatever your sexual orientation, Saudi Arabia remains a largely conservative country where public displays of affection can cause offence to public decency and can lead to arrest.
- Drugs are strictly illegal and use or supply could leave to arrest and severe punishment, including the death penalty.
- The import and consumption of alcohol and pork are formally prohibited in Saudi Arabia and are subject to legal proceedings.
- Do not wear or display any political message (whether on a t-shirt or as an item in your car).
- While segregation [of men and women] still remains in some local restaurants, in many international hotels it is perfectly permissible [for women] to eat and have meetings with male colleagues.
- Couples can now share a room.
- Keeping in mind cultural sensitivities, tattoos that do not depict explicit images/phrases will be tolerated within reason.
- Unless stated otherwise, images of scenery and places are allowed, but individuals (particularly females) should not be photographed to to avoid any problems.
- Access to the Internet is unrestricted, but certain websites are blocked as they go against local customs (explicit content).
- Phone calls via WhatsApp are blocked. But Skype, Facetime or Hangout calls are working perfectly.
Just a thought for whoever wins Dakar this year. Wait until you get home to celebrate. It's really not worth going to a Saudi prison just to hug your mechanic.
