TL;DR: Since 2018–2019, three changes reshaped everyday life: the Anti‑Harassment Law (criminalizes harassment and protects victims), women’s right to drive, and passport/travel reforms (women 21+ can obtain a passport and travel without guardian permission). Pair those with workplace protections (maternity leave, nursing breaks, anti‑discrimination) and practical etiquette (modest dress under the Public Decency rules). We show you what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how to handle edge cases calmly—with scripts you can copy/paste.
What changed (2018–2019) — your rights at a glance
Anti‑Harassment Law (2018). Saudi Arabia enacted a criminal law against harassment to protect privacy, dignity, and personal freedom. It applies in public, private, and online spaces; witnesses may report incidents. Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment; aggravated cases carry higher penalties.
Women driving (2018). By royal decree and subsequent implementation, women are permitted to drive; licensing began in June 2018 (including conversion of valid foreign licences at designated centers).
Passports & travel (2019). A 2019 amendment to the Travel Documents Law allows women aged 21+ to obtain a passport and travel abroad without guardian permission (Umm Al‑Qura/SPA and Law Library of Congress coverage). Practical note: travel permissions still apply to minors and dependents, handled via Absher e‑services.
Reality check: Family law and personal‑status matters have their own procedures. This guide focuses on day‑to‑day practicalities and links you to official portals for anything sensitive or case‑specific.
Identity & travel — passports, dependents, Absher tips
Passports (Saudi women 21+): The Travel Documents Law now uses gender‑neutral language (“passport may be granted to any Saudi citizen”), removing the previous requirement for guardian permission for women 21+. If your spouse/child is Saudi, this is relevant to family planning and paperwork. Save PDFs of the relevant Umm Al‑Qura/BoE pages in your folder.
Traveling with children: For dependents and minors, permissions are managed in Absher (e.g., “Travel Permits for Family Members”), which controls whether a child may exit/re‑enter and how long the permit lasts. Keep your Absher email/phone current and store screenshots of any active permits.
For non‑Saudi female expats: Your residency ID (Iqama) and passport govern bank, telecom, and government e‑services. Always update your ID details after renewal across banking apps and employer HR systems to avoid accidental freezes.
Work & maternity — contracts, leave, nursing breaks, anti‑discrimination
Contracts & equality: Article 3 of the Labor Law states that citizens have equal rights to work without discrimination based on gender, disability, age, or other forms—a principle that influences employer policies (ads, pay, promotions). Keep a signed contract and HR policy handbook in your folder.
Maternity leave: 10 weeks (70 days) fully paid, at your discretion, typically split across up to 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after birth, as certified by a medical report. You may not work during the six weeks following delivery; you may add one extra month unpaid. Put the planned dates and medical note in writing to HR.
Nursing breaks: After returning, you’re entitled to up to one hour per day of paid nursing time, counted as working hours and without wage reduction. Coordinate timing with your manager and document the arrangement by email.
Workplace harassment policies: The Anti‑Harassment Law covers workplaces and technology‑enabled harassment. MHRSD also issued controls on behavioral aggression—procedures employers must have (clear policy, confidential case files, an investigation committee). Ask HR for the policy location and reporting channel.
Practical HR moves: Keep copies of (a) employment contract, (b) maternity letter with dates, (c) nursing break agreement, and (d) harassment policy URL/screenshot. If you change departments, reconfirm these in writing.
Daily life & public spaces — dress, photography, prayer‑time rhythm
Public Decency rules: The regulations require modest dress and prohibit indecent clothing or offensive slogans/images in public places. They also protect privacy in public. For expats: think shoulders covered, knees covered in most public venues; carry a light scarf/shawl for mosques or conservative settings.
Do I need an abaya? VisitSaudi states that abaya/hijab are not mandatory; modest attire is expected. Many women still choose abayas for comfort or style—your call, venue‑dependent.
Photography & privacy: Ask permission before photographing people (especially families). Avoid filming accidents, security sites, or government buildings. When in doubt, put the phone away and enjoy the moment.
Prayer‑time rhythm: Since 2021, many shops may stay open during prayers; brief pauses still happen. Plan a small buffer into errands and be patient with staff rotations. (Full etiquette in our Culture & Daily Life guide.)
Driving & mobility — licences, insurance, ride‑hailing, checkpoints
Licences: As of June 24, 2018, women are allowed to drive; eligible drivers can convert certain foreign licences at designated centers or test for a local one. Expect standard eye tests, medical checks, and appointments via official portals. Insurance & Ejar address: Third‑party car insurance is mandatory; store your insurance e‑card and registration in your glovebox and phone. Keep your residential address updated in apps for delivery and rescue services.
Ride‑hailing: Uber and Careem are widely used; favor well‑lit pick‑up points, share trip details with a contact, and double‑check the license plate before entering.
Checkpoints: Lower music, be ready with residency ID and driver’s licence, and follow instructions calmly. If you need help in English, ask politely; many officers can accommodate.
If there’s a crash: For non‑injury insured accidents, use Najm (app/web/WhatsApp) to file and await routing to insurers. For injuries, call 911/999 and 997 (ambulance). See our Safety & Security guide for step‑by‑step flows.
Safety & reporting — harassment, domestic violence, emergency help
Harassment: The 2018 law criminalizes harassment and protects victims; witnesses may report. Save a short note template on your phone describing date/time/location, what was said/done, any witnesses, and media. Report via official channels.
How to report quickly:
Kollona Amn app (Public Security) accepts reports with photos/video/audio; track your case in‑app. Use only if safe to capture evidence.
Emergency lines: 911/999 for police, 997 for ambulance; 112 works without a SIM. Store on your phone’s lock‑screen via Medical ID. (Full list in Safety & Security.)
Domestic violence service: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development operates a reporting service and helpline (1919) for abuse cases (Arabic/English support; routing to protection services).
If detained or questioned: Stay calm and respectful; request an interpreter if needed; ask for a case/reference number; avoid signing documents you don’t understand. Contact your employer/HR and embassy/consulate if appropriate. (Process varies case‑by‑case; this is not legal advice.)
Health & family — choosing providers, female clinicians, 937 hotline
Choosing providers: Map two ERs (home/work) and one maternity hospital. In most cities you can request female clinicians where available—ask at booking. Keep insurance e‑cards handy and confirm your network before visits.
937 hotline (MOH): For 24/7 medical guidance, referrals, and appointment help, call 937; the team can route you to appropriate services. Save it in your phone.
Pregnancy planning: Book early with OB‑GYN; line up maternity letters for HR (see template below), plan newborn paperwork (birth registration, insurer add‑on), and pre‑install a car seat. After delivery, coordinate nursing breaks and any unpaid extension per law.
Travel with children: For minors, use Absher “Travel Permits” e‑services and keep printed confirmations when flying.
Money & admin — bank accounts, e‑services, compliance rhythms
Banking: Open your own account with your residency ID and passport; keep two banks (primary + backup). Update ID on all accounts immediately after renewal to prevent freezes.
E‑services: Verify email/phone in Absher, Tawakkalna Services, and any municipal or court portals you use; keep SMS‑OTP active (don’t swap numbers right before travel).
Compliance rhythm: Each quarter, export bank statements, Absher log‑ins, and any travel permits; store in your folder. Evidence discipline saves time if a review arises.
Community, sports & wellbeing — where women connect
Gyms & studios: Women‑only and mixed facilities exist; check class timings and family hours.
Sports: Running groups, padel tennis, swimming, and hiking meetups are common (compound clubs, public parks, and coastal walks).
Volunteering & networks: Schools and community groups organize events, charity drives, and skill‑sharing circles. Bring ID for compound access when invited.
Checklists & scripts
A) Quick checklists (save to phone)
Everyday carry: Residency ID, small scarf/shawl, water, phone battery, modest cover‑up for unexpected venues.
Driving: Licence, registration, insurance e‑card, Najm app login.
Maternity folder: Doctor note, HR letters, insurer contacts, baby‑add form.
Travel: Passport(s), Absher travel permits for minors, insurance, guardianship/consent docs if required by your airline for unaccompanied minors.
B) Scripts you’ll actually use (EN/AR)
Maternity leave notice — EN
“Dear HR, my expected due date is [date]. I plan to start maternity leave on [date] for 10 weeks per the Labor Law, with [X] weeks pre‑delivery and [Y] weeks post‑delivery as per my doctor’s report attached. Kindly confirm receipt and update payroll.”
إشعار إجازة أمومة — AR
«عزيزتي/عزيزي الموارد البشرية، تاريخ الولادة المتوقع هو [التاريخ]. أرغب في بدء إجازة الأمومة بتاريخ [التاريخ] لمدة 10 أسابيع وفق نظام العمل، مع [X] أسابيع قبل الولادة و[Y] أسابيع بعدها حسب التقرير الطبي المرفق. نرجو التأكيد وتحديث كشوف الرواتب.
Nursing‑break agreement — EN
“Following my return on [date], I’d like to schedule my one‑hour nursing break from [time] to [time]. Please confirm this is recorded as paid working time per Article 154.”
اتفاق فترة الرضاعة — AR
«بعد عودتي إلى العمل بتاريخ [التاريخ]، أود تخصيص ساعة رضاعة من [الوقت] إلى [الوقت]. نرجو التأكيد أن هذه الساعة تُحتسب ضمن ساعات العمل المدفوعة وفق المادة 154.»
Harassment report — EN
“I’m filing a report regarding harassment at [location/time]. I have [photos/video] if needed. Please confirm receipt and the case number. I request updates by SMS.”
بلاغ تحرش — AR
«أتقدم ببلاغ عن تحرش وقع في [المكان/الوقت]. لدي [صور/فيديو] إذا لزم الأمر. نرجو تزويدي برقم البلاغ والتحديثات عبر الرسائل النصية.»
Travel with child — EN
“Before our flight on [date], I’ll generate the child’s Absher travel permit and bring the printed confirmation.”
تصريح سفر للتابعين — AR
«قبل رحلتنا بتاريخ [التاريخ]، سأصدر تصريح سفر للتابعين عبر أبشر وأحمل نسخة مطبوعة عند السفر.»
Permanent folder structure (for peace of mind)
ID/(passport, residency, family book if applicable)Employment/(contract, policy manual, maternity letters, nursing‑break email)Insurance/(medical, car, life)Driving/(licence, registration, Najm case PDFs)Absher/(travel permits for dependents, screenshots)Health/(labs, vaccination cards, pediatric records)Finance/(statements, payroll slips)Evidence/(harassment report notes/photos, case numbers)