Paper short abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to discuss doing fieldwork in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As a conservative Islamic society, there are limits to what researches can investigate but with an appropriate research model, the human experience can be better understood and explained to the greater public.

Paper long abstract:

Public secrets are embedded in parts of public life most everywhere. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is no exception. But if the goal of the anthropologist is about greater understanding the human experience, regardless of the constraints placed on the ethnographer, noteworthy work can result. Saudi Arabia is an enigma to much of the world. It is one of the wealthiest countries but also it is a conservative Islamic state. For over a billion people, it is the holy land. Simultaneously, many populist non-Muslim voices characterize Saudi people in very derogatory terms. This paper is not being apologetic for the policies of the Saudi government, nor does it argue in support or against Salafi, fundamentalist interpretation of Islam. Rather, examines the significant role anthropology can play in understanding 'conservative' Saudi society. This paper argues that anthropology must not fall into an orientalist trap but appreciate the society and it many voices on its own grounds. My fieldwork sheds some light on everyday life in Saudi Arabia even under the restriction posed by institutions and individuals. My research suggests, the type of research question posed frees the researcher in and around sensitive subjects and ethical concerns, whether it be "backstage" or "on stage". Even though doing fieldwork in Saudi Arabia can be a virtual minefield, this paper concludes that anthropology can contribute to a greater understanding of Saudi Arabian society and leave a visible and significant footprint on both outsider and inside Saudi Arabia.