About

Welcome Desert Moon's Diary.  With this blog I am sharing my experiences and perspectives as a South African Indian Muslim in Saudi Arabia.  I feel very fortunate that unlike many expats residing in the Kingdom, I have had the opportunity of experiencing a traditional Saudi way of life due to the many Saudi friends that I have. The fact that I am a Muslim woman following the Islamic faith has made my stay in the Kingdom quite a pleasant one. I did not experience a huge cultural shock that many of the other expats very often experience when setting foot for the first time in the ultra conservative Kingdom.Prior to me settling in Saudi Arabia on a permanent basis, I use to frequent the country with my family to perform umra (Umrah is a mini pilgrimage that can be performed throughout the year).I will elaborate further on the entire process in one of my blog posts.

Many of our Saudi friends do frequent South Africa also on a yearly basis. All of them feel comfortable in the country due to the fact that there is quite a large Muslim population. There are numerous Masaajids in South Africa along with Halaal restaurants and those Saudi women who do travel outside Saudi Arabia wanting to adorn their full face veil (niqaab)are at liberty to do so in South Africa.The South African government does not discriminate against any culture, tradition or religion and hence everyone is allowed to practice their faith freely and openly. The South African Muslim way of life is very similar to a Saudi way of life in terms of gender segregation that does exist in some staunch and religious homes. In South Africa it is also quite normal to see Muslim women adorning the abaya and headscarf.Through my blog I wish to highlight the many similarities and differences that do exist between my lifestyle back home in relation to a typical Saudi way of life.

Traveling is a hobby that I enjoy and as a result I have been widely traveled and exposed to many differing cultures, customs and traditions.

This blog is not intended as Saudi or Middle Eastern bashing.  I view the blog as an open diary writing candidly and openly about my experiences and observations on the customs, cultures, traditions and practices of daily life in Saudi Arabia as well as my experiences whilst frequenting other countries. Some views will be positive and others might be negative while some may be perceived as controversial.  From time to time I would also elaborate and tell you a little bit more about my roots, upbringing and culture. I’m still very much in tune with the happenings of my home country as my family still resides there and hence now and then I would comment and post articles regarding current affairs from back home.
Your input is also most welcomed and requested.  I want this blog to be an exchange of views and perspectives so that we can all learn from each other.We may be all living in different parts of the world, speaking different languages, eating different foods but as human beings we all go through the same trials and tribulations of life. 
I always welcome hearing from individuals who have viewed my blog. I would love to receive your comments, feedback and suggestions for additional topics for me to write about. Also if you have a question or something you’d like to address but not within a post, you can reach me via the following email address:

desertmoonsdiary@gmail.com