uxb

hello folks I'm new here, I've been skimming for a while and I've seen you two are the top authorities, so I'll take advantage of your precious expertise. inshallah.
I'm an Italian single male, 40sh, due to spend some 18 months in Riyadh on a gov't assignment partly at the diplomatic quarter partly at King Saud University. I have been offered to stay within the diplomatic premises but my sources seems too agree life is dead bleak in there, and I am therefore inclined to seek accommodation in one of the western compounds, where I can hope to keep myself as happy and comfy as I can under the circumstances (I am aware it is definitely not going to be great fun anyways..) mix up in a friendly international environment and maybe have the opportunity to meet other singles.
what is your advice? what would be the best choice among the various options, (fal? najd?) given my requirements and the logistics involved (I have yet no clear notion of where is where in the city)? I have good money to spend.
I passionately thank you in advance. feel free to attach any other suggestion you might deem sensible in order to improve my quality of life ('stick tight to your jolly peninsula' not being an option..)

Blue Cat

I am sure the Dean will be along soon Hope it all works out well for you

uxb

Thanks a lot blue cat, I can always use some simpathy!

the bat

why do you need sympathy uxb.

Blue Cat

cos Saudi aint exactly a bed of roses

beebee

I think The dean said he was in the UK till the New Year, sure he will be back online when he is back in the boring kingdom.

Alexa

Go to Kingdom City Compound, best place in Riyadh.
They have very nice hotel suites or serviced apartments.

+ 966 1 2750275

benzonar

If you like playing golf then you may want to consider Arizona compound.

uxb

thanks everybody!
no golf I'm afraid.. more likely skiing and sailing. why, don't I want some sympathy?!
is that kingdom compound very far from everything?

maranelloman

Good luck with the new role. I stayed in the Green City Compound which was excellent. Location was superb and the place was nice, but the only thing I will say is that it was more of a family compound.

Arabian Homes is much more western style, and location was also OK, but not as good. I was looking for something less western and more Islamically orientated so went with Green City. Sorry I cant help more.

Alexa

Takes about 15 mins to go down to Olaya, hope that helps.

uxb

Thank you folks, thanks indeed. very nice lot, all of you. hope I find the same when I am down there.

The Dean

Kingdom? Full I'm afraid... so is Arizona, Eid, Najd......... Arabian Homes have built some new places but I have no idea about availability.

See my new thread for other info.

Have your new employers got any places they are hanging on to?

uxb

no they offer to set me up on dq but people say it's requiem after 5pm.
I've emailed kingdom but no reply. how long is the queue to get in there, your guess? and what would it cost? sorry about extranagging you pal but, whereabouts is najd located? is it any good? - can't spot it on googleearth plus they have no website that I know of - is fal very melting-pot oriented?
thanks! when I make it to kingdom pepsis are on me