First Public Dining Place For Women
Saudi Arabia has strict rules against gender mixing – aka sex segregation. Although sex segregation is not practised in most Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia enforces this rule very strictly. And now, taking advantge of this sex segregation rule against gender mixing, a new restaurant has opened for business, and it’s strictly for women diners only.
Businesswoman Who Saw The Market Opportunity
Saudi women are forced to follow the sex segregation rule in avoiding situations when they could potentially be found in the presence of men who are not related to them. But for one enterprising Saudi businesswoman, this situation is just perfect for a niche business.
Businesswoman Hind Abdul Aziz saw the opportunity to tap into an unfulfilled market demand, and so she ventured to set up what is now believed to be the first public dining restaurant catering strictly to women diners only.
And what is the response from the public? Hind Abdul Aziz said: “The restaurant has quickly become the talk of the town.”
But how did Hind Abdul Aziz know that there is a demand for a women-only restaurant? Hind Abdul Aziz explains: “I have set up this project following intensive courses in such business and the society’s need for a restaurant restricted to women.”
In short, Hind Abdul Aziz did a thorough market study, and then prepared herself by taking intensive courses on running a restaurant.
Why There Is Demand For A Women-Only Restaurant
The new restaurant in the central province of Qaseem provides Saudi women the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful meal without being harassed by the religious police checking on whether they are dining in the company of unrelated males in contravention of the sex segregation rule against gender mixing.
Difficulties Encountered
But Hind Abdul Aziz encountered many obstacles to secure a license for her women-only restaurant. In the end, Hind Abdul Aziz still had to rely on her husband (and relatives) to secure the needed license. That itself is a different problem – one involving another of Saudi Arabia’s strict rule on male guardianship.
Think About It
How long more can Saudi Arabia hold on to its sex segregation rule against gender mixing? Is this a requirement in the Quran? If so, why are other Muslim countries not practising it?
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