Saudi Arabia -> French Polynesia🌴

If there were no monarchy, it wouldn’t swing in either direction. People would just vote for the most religious and conservative candidates and keep the system exactly where it was. Saudi society isn’t really suited to liberal democracy at the moment because most people don’t actually want it. The only reason these reforms happened is because someone with enough power was able to push them through despite conservative opposition. Could a future ruler reverse some of it? Sure. But without the monarchy, I don’t think we’d have gotten these reforms at all. I’d rather take the risk of occasional backsliding than guarantee no progress whatsoever.

I’m Saudi, and honestly, if it weren’t for the monarchy, particularly the Crown Prince, we never would have seen the reforms we’ve had, at least not this quickly. The monarchy’s absolute power has been used to bypass conservative religious institutions that had stalled social progress for decades.

Because the leadership doesn’t have to navigate legislative gridlock or worry about election cycles, it can push through massive, transformative changes almost overnight: granting women the right to drive, curbing the sweeping powers of the religious police, opening the country to tourism, entertainment, and cinemas, and launching major economic reforms and giga-projects.

As a woman, I can walk around the city without covering my hair and not be bothered by anyone. Around ten years ago, I could have been arrested for that. That’s where the appeal lies for me.

Of course. I’m young, I don’t work, and I have to look out for myself. I already received a substantial mahr when I got married, which I gave to my family to invest since I’m not knowledgeable about that kind of thing. I also had it written into my marriage contract that my husband must deposit a set amount into my personal savings account every month, among other provisions. Saudi Arabia is a man’s world, women have to be smart if they want to thrive.

I really want to buy a house so I can have a place of my own that’s in my name only. That way, if I ever get divorced, it would still be mine. After the honeymoon, I’ll start looking into it, and my husband will pay for it.

I met him for the first time last March, and he proposed the following April. We spent time together and talked regularly from then until we got married, but there was always a wall between us, nothing romantic or physical. So I wouldn’t say I know him incredibly well on a personal level, since it’s only now that we’re able to interact without restrictions. I definitely like him and I’m attracted to him, but I don’t think love has really had a chance to develop yet. I have as much contact with my family and friends as I want, and I do have married friends and relatives I can talk to.

I got a 2 million riyal mahr last Friday upon marriage. Permanent vacation mode. 😌

I’ve never had sex, been in a relationship, or had male friends - life in Saudi. I’ve also never spent significant time away from home without my family. So many new things are incoming. 🤠