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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its transformation. The Ministry of Municipalities announced Sunday, December 8 the end of the obligation to separate young men from the rest of customers in restaurants. The kingdom thus continues one by one the lifting of the conservative rules that hitherto ruled the life of the Saudis.
From our correspondent in Riyadh , Angélique Ferat
There was the authorization for women to drive , then the disappearance in the streets of the religious police who, one year ago, arrested those who were not going to pray or covered their head badly. Today, we are witnessing a new easing: restaurants and cafés had to have two entrances to separate young men from the rest of consumers, henceforth, it is no longer an obligation.
At the Gourmet Café, a suburban facility in Riyadh, the news is rather well received by young people. Young men are for. Except some who refuse to comment.
The family section keeps many followers
Lamis is a student. She wears a scarf from which her long hair escapes and her abbaya is open. " I'm for, my parents are not really happy ; for them, it is not good that young men and women are in the same space. "
At another table, two young mummies duly veiled are less enthusiastic. Kholoud, 28, prefers the family section. " Me, it does not bother me I still prefer to eat in the family section, I'm not comfortable sitting with young people . "
Other flexibilities could follow. Gas stations and pharmacies would not have to close during the five daily prayers.