max666

Yeah you should be perfectly fine, the people are friendly too. Just the weather there in the summer, it's terrible

AM81

Hi,

My husband and I are about to move to Riyadh, the company has placed us Fal compound, do you know anything about it, what it is like to live there? We have a toddler so want to be in a community that is friendly and has different family friendly stuff going on.

zalzalahbuttsaab

Hi

It's good to know there's someone out there to help with transferring to another country. Could you let me know how to get a job in Mecca cleaning the K'aaba?

herowing

Hi, Imi7:

Thank you for your generous help.
I am wondering if you could give me some advice on choosing banks in Riyadh.
I heard that banks in Saudi do not give interests. How do people usually handle the salary? wire back home? offshore banks?
Which offshore banks are safe?
Also, what is the best and cheapest way to wire money back home (US and UK).
Thank you.

Swansea

Hi how is Fal compound many westerners there??
Also do you happen to know the rent for a two bed flat?

Dave46

Hi, i am new to the forum, and new to working abroad... scary, i will be deploying to Buraydah ( not sure how it is pronounced) in early November, will be in Las Palma compound. Has anyone any advice on this area? local Amenities? etc. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance

scot47

The Wahabi Heartland of Nejd. A tough posting.

super_hans

As above, it certainly wouldn't be my first choice. Hopefully a buzzing compound and a fat pay packet.

Dave46

Not a choice i have as its paid for by the company, and colleagues will be based there, I've never been to this part of the world and just wanted some advice as to what to expect, at this point i see its going to be a lonely existence rather than comfortable living.

super_hans

Buraydah is the most conservative city in KSA, a mate got pulled for having his car radio on during prayer time. But, the place is what you make it and if you've got colleagues in the same compound you'll soon get a social life going. Get your OSN hooked up, a solid VPN and something brewing and the weeks will fly by (relatively speaking).

Dave46

Super_Hans, thanks for the advice, it really is much appreciated, at least i have some idea what lies ahead, Getting my Laptop sorted with VPN, but what is OSN? I have heard stories about the 'Tea' that is brewed. Thanks again.

super_hans

OSN is the satellite tv provider for the region. Pretty good, not censored and very similar to Sky, if you want live premiership you'll also need a subscription to Bien sports.

sicklyman

sounds "good" but it's actually Bein Sports

Beakersful

You won't be 'perfectly' fine if you travel too extensively and make yourself a target of opportunity. Take all personal security precautions you feel are necessary when in a country where there are too many firearms and attacks (stabbings, shootings and bombings) have occurred. Realise that the message is being delivered in mosques that extremism is unacceptable, and the main populous will not support such behaviour, but that daesh are 'everywhere'. Last time I was there daesh were trying to go No.1 for the MoI families.

Bitzer

Buraidah is fine. Dull, but fine. Yes it's more conservative but being mindful of the local culture makes for an easy time. LaPalma is pretty well kitted out and has a lot of expats, most in education. Some locals too - so it's not quite like a Riyadh compound - it's not a sealed bubble cut off from the outside - so careful with the 'tea' topic. VPN mandatory to stream the RWC as the lounge area has BEIN only! (OSN carries all the matches). PM me if you need more detail.