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08/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Ladies of Leisure

The lives of women in Saudi Arabia are explored by Felicity Finch in a women-only hotel.

Felicity Finch examines the lives of female guests in Saudi Arabia at the women-only Luthan Hotel and Spa in Riyadh. From 2009.

With its own bell-women and female management team the hotel aims to take advantage of a new rule allowing women in Saudi Arabia to stay in hotels without a male chaperon. For the women it's a chance to relax in a women-only setting and as they do so, Felicity explores their lives and experiences. 

Some see Saudi Arabia's first women-only hotel is a sign or progress - a place where women can conduct business without interference in a male dominated society. 

Until recently women couldn't check into any hotel unless accompanied by a male family member or with permission from a male guardian. But others say the new hotel simply reinforces gender segregation in a nation which doesn't even let women drive. 

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.

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