What do we really know about our Saudi Arabian sisters? We know what we watch, hear and feel?

Are they really oppressed or are they women just being women and living a normal life, painting their nails, washing their hair, brushing their teeth, buying the next available DISCOUNTED designer wear and the obvious one, spending time with their friends and family?

Well, you are very lucky as I had the chance to spend some time in the Northern province of Saudi Arabia to learn more about our Saudi sister’s from the past, present and future.

So what did I observe? Our Saudi sisters love their makeup, YES, they take passion in looking after their skin, nails, hair and everything else YOU women do around the world. AHEM!

From going to their regular beauty salons, having professional Arabian massages, to pedicures and having fabulous and elegant haircuts, they are proud to be posh, confident and very beautiful.

Excited about what was to come next, I decided to visit a local families house and after riding a rather “free spirited” horse, I was ready to speak with the families eldest member, their grandmother! How sweet right? Yes, sitting on a smooth marbled floor with the whole family (women only) and eating their traditional food “kabsah” I had to pop the question that was lurking in my head. What did our Saudi grandmothers do during their youth and how has this changed over the years? With her chin up and with the greatest smile I have ever seen, their grandmother replied: “Dancing but the modest Islamic style and I still do it today ha!”

Similarly, being a European I am used to having a little cheeky dance once in a while, going shopping and having 100’s of coffee’s with my friends after work and even going to the cinemas.

In the local area of Sakaka, all of these choices are also possible as a local woman in the shopping mall spoke: ” I drink Arabian coffee with my friends, we put mendhi (henna) on our hands, try out outfits, listen to Islamically related Arabian music” and with a sneaky giggle she added ”and GOSSIP!”

COME ON, we have to be honest with each other, as women we do love to b****, right?

I mean I even spotted an Arabian woman working in the beauty section of a huge shopping store, whispering to another woman and then smirking at each other.

Although I couldn’t see their faces, they appeared to be very happy with the opportunity of being able to work. Then the sweetest thing ever happened.

One of them approached me and was trying or shall I say persuading me in Arabic to buy the Saudi foundation.

When I looked at some of the brands they had, well, well, well, I immediately realized my skin was too dark for their light shaded colors, so I played safe and bought a green and gold nail vanish to sparkle my nails.

But I must say their perfumes were very special as a British worker living and working in Saudi Arabia agreed.

More fascinating was the talks I had with the local female students who informed me about the more adventurous side of their culture.

Some women according to them, go to the desert for a day out and even camp sometimes with their families. Other women like to go to the local park, have picnics, pray and devote their time to God (SWT).

There are a high number of single and married women who like to spend their time at home, cooking, drawing, knitting and even horse riding because this is what they enjoy.

Sounds like these Saudi sisters are talented and the leaders of the new generation.