hi1091

Hello, I'm new here. I just have a few inquiries about life in Saudi Arabia for a 22 yr old female as I am moving to Riyadh in the very near future. I also don't want to bombard my employer with questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I've been looking at Abayas online because I'd like to have one before I leave and I found an abaya that I like with buttons on the front. Would this be acceptable or should I go for plain black with no decoration? Also, it is required that I be wearing my abaya and hijab when I step off the plane?

I will be travelling alone. In the absence of a male relative, who typically acts as guardian? Am I correct in saying I am not allowed to step outside of the compound without a male, so no grocery shopping, banking etc. without said guardian? Are there organized trips to take care of these things?

Thanks again for any help provided.

Kix

Jeez, and I thought moving with with wife kids and pets was stressful. Seriously, good luck, never lived in Saudi but a fair few people here have.

What's the job going to be?

hi1091

Yeah I'm gonna need all the luck lol

Teaching English to female students going into university.

Kix

There will be a lot of people on here who will advise you better but, before they're here I understand that basically from stepping out the airport to getting to your compound an abaya is needed, how you get there is somewhat a grey area, obviously you're not allowed under sharia to get a male driven taxi - and women can't drive in the magic kingdom, however I'm sure that is pretty much overlooked.

Aren't your employers providing the transport? That would be best.

Believe me, the first 24 hours are the worst!

After that it just goes downhill ;-) lol

omar saqib

hello

you need not worry too much

you can wear any abaya with buttons or not. any colour you like.
generally people wear black here, but many women from Lebanon / Egypt wear blue/ brown etc.

you need not cover your face with a veil, its not necessary

you can step out of your compound alone. you dont need any male guardian for that.
male guardian is only needed for Saudi Women travelling outside kingdom.
for expats it doesnt apply

you can do your shopping , grocery etc alone in any mall.

Compounds usually provide a organized shopping service weekly or bi-weekly.

best of luck for your job: thumbsup:

for any further info pls. email at : <snippysnip>

jam25mack

Omar's quick to pounce eh!

scot47

Saudi Arabia will be a life-changing experience. I taught there for many years but on the male side. You will gain many insights ninto liofe in a different society. Some bad, some good.

nonthaburi

Probably best to have an Abaya before you travel so you don't feel awkward . You can get them here for as little as 75 riyal though . My wife goes out on her own all the time and apart from a few problems with taxi drivers no problems . It's not as daunting as people make out and you might be surprised at how normal a lot of things are here . Your company should pick you up at the airport though . Good luck .

Spurss

WELCOME TO MY COUNTRY

M.ZIZO

you have allot of programs you can join and enjoy it in summer and winter just you have to be with one of the member

Bored_in_Riyadh

Hi there

Been in-country for 10 months now - happy to help answer any questions you may have.

Dx