Forbidden but Allowed: Anomalies of Saudi Arabia

Forbidden but Allowed is an intimate memoir of a British expatriate navigating life in Saudi Arabia from 1984 to 1998, an era when the Kingdom was a strict and closed society. At thirty, Bizzie Frost moved from Kenya to Jeddah with her two children to join her airline pilot husband, Richard. Struggling initially with depression because of the restrictions on women, she soon discovered unexpected opportunities. Making the most of each one, Bizzie built a successful career as a wedding photographer and journalist, gaining unique insights into Saudi traditions, culture, religion and daily life. The memoir captures the thrill of exploring the reefs in the Red Sea, and sleeping under the stars in remote mountains and deserts, at the same time reflecting on the cultural differences of each area. As the influence of the religious police grew and restrictions tightened following the Gulf War of 1991, Bizzie’s tolerance was pushed to the limit. Beyond a personal narrative, Forbidden but Allowed offers a vivid snapshot of a society in transition, balancing the challenge of restrictive norms with moments of surprising liberation. Blending adventure with cultural reflection, it provides a rare glimpse into a world that has since undergone significant change.