Gender Roles Perhaps the most baming aspect of Saudi culture to many outsiders is the expected role of people by gender . Based largely on a Koranic prescription whereby daughters receive only half the inheritance that sons receive , females are placed in a separate and often subservient position . Their role has been to be virtuous , marry young , and have offspring . In turn , males are responsible to be protectors of females and breadwinners for the family . Not only is female virtue required , but also the appearance of it . Because of family importance , a negative perception of one member reflects on all . These beliefs have led to a number of practices , eg , women cannot obtain driver 's licenses , travel abroad without permission of a male relative , and study abroad without a male relative escort on 2011 a group of women drove autos in protest , with little intimidation Further , women were granted future rights to vote and hold political offices ) Basically , non - hin males and females may interact personally only in " open areas , " or in " closed areas when females are accompanied by a male relative . However , applying this restriction may seem a bit confusing to outsiders . For instance , restaurants are considered closed areas , and proprietors must maintain separate dining rooms and entrances for men without female companions . However , the food malls at most shopping centers are considered open areas where members of both sexes intermingle , A 2008 royal decree lifted a ban on mixing men and women in the workplace , but the situation is complex Male and female employees within the public sector work in separate buildings . When they must meet together , they do so within meeting rooms in the Governor 's office , in which males and females must use separate entrances . However , within the private sector , males and females may work together , but there are other limitations .