RBurns

Ladies & Gents of the forum,

I've recently been told about a project that I may be involved in, within Riyadh, and I have been on here for the last few weeks reading lots, and happilly laughing lots, mostly at posts The Dean has made (I especially liked the websites for the Escorts in Riyadh!)

Now,

Just to prove I'm not planning on asking the same old dumb questions I'll tell you what I do know.

My wife will not be allowed to drive and will have to wear an Abaya outside of the compound. My children, all girls and under 10, will dress normally.

It is forbidden to talk to a woman in public if they are not your wife or blood relative.

Alcohol is banned, however Riyadh has a rugby club (I'm not sure how one exists without the other....but apparently it does).

I must if offered the job ensure my work sorts out my accomodation in advance, as it's hard to get into a good compound.

So,

Here's my stuff.

I would be coming to Riyadh to work on the new metro system we are building for the university.

No information on salary, package or anything yet, as it's not certain yet, but for this post lets assume it's all perfect.

Questions now are:-

1, I led to believe the women within the womens university do not wear Abaya's. Will we be permitted to work in the area whilst they are around? or would they have to cover up for the 2 years we are there?

2, What is driving like? Is it a permanent rush hour, is it easy to drive around outside peak times? Should I just not bother trying to drive?

3, When my wife has to wear the Abaya, does she need to wear the full one covering everything but eyes, or on the robe & hood version? I have seen various threads saying different things.

4, Anyone been to the rugby club? How does it work without beer? Is the rugby any good?

5, Are there any other trains in Riyadh? (i.e. is there a train between Jeddah, Riyadh, etc..).

Thanks all.

RB

Blue Cat

no idea, but welcome to BE, once your daughters start their periods it is cover up time!

LofA

For what it's worth
1. Not sure about the women's university, but if there are men about, or likely to see them, then they have to cover up.

2. Saudi is a terrible place to drive with more fatalities per capita than anywhere else in world (I'm reliably informed). You do get used to it though...

3. Needs to cover her body (abaya) and hair (scarf), in some more cosmpopolitan places like city center malls she should be able to get away with not covering her hair, especially if dark-haired. But be aware there is always a risk she will be loudly told to "cover up", but should be nothing worse than that

4. Rugby club Ok, Beer can be obtained, you may be pleasently surprised

5. Don't get on the trains - if you need to get to Jeddah from Riyadh, fly. It's quick, cheap and hassle free

6. And finally, as you have kids, don't forget school fees when you come to negotiate your package

The Dean

new metro system we are building for the university

The what???? Tell us more..............

RBurns

LofA:-

Thanks for the answers, I'm assuming that we'll be able to get into the main compound where the british school is, our company is being contracted by the BinLaden group, and I believe they are VERY influential. (Proof will be in the pudding I suppose). I'm expecting the company to pay for almost everything, and if they don't I'll be hard pushed to leave my cushy life her in Aus for 2 years.

The Dean,

I am informed that the Women's University in Riyadh is massive, so big infact that they are investing in it's own insular metro system. Obviously not a large one like a city would have, but big enough to get around.

The job will be for 2 years, and whilst I'm quite excited at the prospect my wife is less enthusiastic and still needs to be convinced, she will probably post her concerns later for the ladies of the board to answer nice and honestly for her.

That help?

coffindodger

At this moment in time the only train service is running from Riyadh to Dammam about twice a day each way.
However there are plans to set up a whole rail network here within the kingdom.
certainly between Riyadh and Jeddah and also Yanbu.
Compound life is what you make it some like it some dont, having been here now for just over 6 months after 3 1/2 years in Taif.
Driving here its like a mad house crazy locals all over the place even worse when its end of work going home time every one in a rush to get every where.
If your family think that driving in any major UK city is bad or if they are a nervous traveller !!!
Shopping is ok plenty of Shopping malls and also some nice local history as well in the old town.
Eating out can be rather cheap, plenty of food stores panda, carefour, al sadhan etc.
Most expat ladies do not cover there face,
I suppose wearing the abya for a lady is just like wearing a long outdoor coat back home same type of thing.
shame aboiut the temp its about 45c out side !!.
Hope this helps a little.

LofA

[QUOTE=RBurns;7814210]LofA:-

Thanks for the answers, I'm assuming that we'll be able to get into the main compound where the british school is, our company is being contracted by the BinLaden group, and I believe they are VERY influential. (Proof will be in the pudding I suppose). I'm expecting the company to pay for almost everything, and if they don't I'll be hard pushed to leave my cushy life her in Aus for 2 years.

The British School compound is AlHamra and I believe it's full with a waiting list - but like many things here in the Kingdom I'm sure an opening can be arranged for the right connection.
Best of luck