Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

interesting comments.....i knew the KSA was a nightmare to live in, especially for females (locals and expats alike) but i had no idea it was such a nightmare for the male expat population.

yes i know that alcohol is not permitted but i know enough expats who are out there who find easy ways to get their booze and if one wants a night of pure debauchery you just drive over to Bahrain.

you guys out there earn a frigging packet, so quit complaining, either shut up and put up or move the hell out.

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

after the recession hit the world the saudi companies cut salaries offered across the board as they knew there were plenty of expats desperate for jobs out there. unfortunately this means that they are still lower than what they really should be considering the living conditions and you end up living in hell for no more money than what you can get in UAE. the only difference is you can't spend any of it in saudi so you end up saving more..

and yes saudi is crap for everyone, just more crap for women!

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

Fair point :thumbup:

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

Can I add something here. Brits don't realise that many expats don't enjoy life in UK either:sneaky:. I have a british passport and I can't wait to leave the UK to Riyadh, I consider UK as a boring place for none-alcoholic. I am not saying it in a bad way, I just think people don't know foreigners feel in their country. Even though I look english myself, but I have a hair-cover which seems to be considered as a sin. For me, English people are the most difficult to make friend with, ....and despite having the best CV in my field, I am not able to move any further....:sneaky:
Sorry for the rant, I needed to find somewhere to blow off some steam until I found this post- sorry guys! :wub:

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

i can understand that it swings both ways, but that doesn't make it easier for a westerner to live in ksa. however, i am very much of the opinion that if you hate a country then you need to reconsider why you are there in the first place.

in terms of 'best cv in field' and not being able to move further that seems to be a common occurrence amongst arabs. i don't understand why exactly, but i guess possessing a good personality, showing initiative, and being flexible are just some of the qualities that are appreciated and valued in the western world which a lot of people in this region don't seem to have. also the sense of entitlement seems to run very high and i know for a fact that this a sure-fire way to get shifted to the bottom of the 'candidates for promotion' list..

by the way i have never met anyone who considers covering your hair a sin in the uk. that is a very strange thing to say...

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

And of course some people are acquainted with the saying ... same sh!t, different place.

The number of people I have come across (not aimed at you) who left the UK thinking that their new life abroad would be nirvana is amazing. I can only assume though if you thought the only thing to do in the Uk was alcohol involved, you haven't looked too hard :D

As a foreigner in another country I too feel I am treated a little unfairly sometimes ... it's not just the UK :);)

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

The UK is secular but tolerant of people of faith, and its principles of freedom of speech and expression means there are many ways people choose to live their lives, whether this is in a hedonistic pursuit of the bottle and a good time, or a less racy, and for some, religious manner. There are plenty of people and places at both ends of this cultural spectrum, and there are no excuses if you can't find a comfortable place within it. If you can't find friends in the UK, don't expect that it will be any different anywhere else.

In contrast, the absolute monarchy/theocracy of KSA has a one colour cultural palette, take it or leave it.

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

I'm quite enjoying life in Riyadh to be honest - I wanted a complete change from life in the UK and I got one!
Getting away every 4-5 weeks is a good idea to let off a bit of steam though.

Al - feel free to pm me if you've got any specific questions (I don't know Riyadh Village compound)

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

just spent 18 months in Riyadh. Compound living is quite enjoyable. My wife hated the restrictions but loved the community. We met many people who have been in Riyadh for years. The only negative vibes we have had are from posts on this board, but those posting are not in Riyadh. all the people we met enjoy the social life, hate the restrictions and tolerate the frustrations at work. It is their country and if they want to perfect it as a 3rd world country then that is up to them. If they were not useless then they would not need to employ us and we would all be out of work.

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

I agree, far too much negativity. I'm going to have been stuck in a crappy hotel for 4 months but I'm still smiling. I actually like the non-alcoholic beer (lemon Barbican), can talk with home any time on skype and watch TV. I don't think I've ever felt restricted here but then again I've emersed myself with other people in our position on various compounds and done Riyadh before the apparent giddy heights of the UAE.

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

* link posted already *

Re: HELP - Need Honest feedback on Riyadh
 

This is very interesting and sensitive subject , let’s talk honest + facts here, we are giving advice to someone and this may change his/her whole life ,

For me I noticed standard of living is very low, and guess the dogs owned by Xwife been treated better than best man standards in Riyadh

If you are seeking arab culture, there is no existing to Arabian culture in Saudi…they are not arab??? Most Arabic origins left either to north or north west…the existing creatures are mix of Persia , Africa + india , pakistan

I walked on the street and mazed how this place still exists? Most likely due to oil revenue and Uncle Sam’s policy in the region, otherwise it should be gone and disappeared from this planet

I feel very sorry for the locals specially the young ones , risky place, head and limb chopping, praise king all day night –even they sing him , daily restrictions , close everything at salat/prayer time , food quality -yuk , environment-dust and muggy , driving skills –very nice, shouting culture, communication attitude-nice, visa rules- slavery, + cattle market rules , …etc. it is a dungeon with extended fences,

By the way , booz and women are available and better than Thai, …Pimps are many, most are locals..i am sure you’ll be approached by some and very soon..
try to digest things pretty quick and do not accept money as the prime reason for your torture.

Cheers and pm me if need good links there -