scot47

My experience over a long period was that people react very differently to this sort of life. Some cannot stand it and want out ASAP. Others adapt quite well.


Finding it difficult lo live in KSA without your family would not make you a failure. I did it because I needed the income.

NorthernLad

I'd be impressed if you lasted a year in KSA without going bonkers.

Some people somehow adapt to it, I'd rather flip burgers in blighty than live there.

nonthaburi

Seriously?!

Living in KSA has got to be one of the most stress free places to live. Very relaxed.

Good lifestyle, good holidays, not much work, a lot of family time.

I listen to what some of you guys in the UAE mention for your working hours etc, and that would drive me bonkers.

The only things that really bother me here are the driving, and lack of cinema.

People are very nice, friendly, and hospitable.

Life here is no different to other places in the world for me. And I don't do anything different here to other places either.

Sabi Star

Has anyone known then of someone who has gone anywhere in Saudi and had a mental breakdown? I think sometimes this happens to people who are prone to mental instability anyway - ie they may be on medication for depression etc before but have to go because there is nothing else available or even think a complete " break" is a good idea.
However, if you want/need to upgrade in London to a larger house in your area - even if you earn a very good salary the tax is such that you will never be able to do it.

mission

I gotta kind of agree...I have never lived in KSA....but a handful of expat friends (all westerners) who do live in KSA say it isn't as bad as most people make it out to be.....they say it all depends on what your expectations are....and if you get in with the 'right' crowd you can have a ball with all the 'underground' parties.

nonthaburi

Probably because most people haven't spent any considerable length of time there.

You can have a great time here.

All the things that people don't like about KSA, really don't have any effect on the expat life.

comfortablynumb

Hi

I'm a newbie in Riyadh.. and I've come over on my own too,my wife and 3 yr old daughter would make occasional visits.

Daily video calls have made it it a little bit easier for us though it looks like a lot of these providers have been barred recently..

I guess it's different for each person/spouse/ family ,but a strong relationship and constant reminders of why one moved here in the first place should help..

northbadawi

Agree with everything, maybe except female driving.
Mine is doing for fun outside city and main highways (while removed abaya and covering blond hairs under baseball cap). And use taxis during my working hours for shopping/coffeeing trips. But the issue that for each even small movement (e.g. to cross some main streets like Malek or Medina roads) they need to catch a taxi.

FriendlyExpat

Would you live in a good compound (which costs 220k SAR - 350k SAR a year)? Do you enjoy adventure? Are you happy to be away from the family? Would you triple your net salary (or more)? Would the savings be high enough that a few years would make a big difference to your life? If the answer to most of these is yes (especially salary) then it can be a good option for some people.

Bahtatboy

Yep. I think for most its about the savings aspect of the salary. Whether your salary increases two, three or more-fold is less important than by how many times your nett savings increase. For some (perhaps many) its an infinite times more, since they'll not be saving anything at all before going (assuming they're not living in some other income-tax-free environment). Once your salary breaks well clear of your necessary costs plus discretionary-but-necessary-for-reasonably-comfortable-living costs, then all the excess is saveable. It's certainly a balm.

fatimah

How was ur stay in Nigeria?

iggle

I have a Polish Cabin Crew friend (Blonde, blue eyed pretty girl) who changed from Saudi to Etihad. She is adamant she prefers life in Saudi. So much so her twin sister had the choice of Etihad or Saudi and she moved to Saudi.

I can't comment on a personal note as I have never lived there, or want to.

scot47

Some people cannot handle KSA. Others make the necessary adjustments.

Marvellous Marve

I am here without my family. I make video calls everyday and I travel back for a weekend a month. I like Saudi (I used to live in Dubai) and it is a more real place. Of course it has its challenges as it has been the most resistant to change but it is starting to move a bit. I find it a friendly place and there is plenty to do if you are not the kind of person who holes themselves up in their compound! In fact I am currently looking at off-compound accommodation.

mission

Saudi's luv that sh*t...she was probably having a wail of a time.