Hi
I am moving to Riyadh end of September. I am a bit apprehensive as I suffer from anxiety and having to be without my family for a month or so is playing on my mind.......is there any anxiety support groups in Riyadh that anyone knows of? Also where is a good compound to meet other british expats, especially families as I have a young 2 year old daughter and would love a family orientated compound
Many Thanks

No idea about support groups, personally I doubt it though. Just doesn't seem like that sort of place to me. I might be totally wrong. Any compound would be a good place to meet British expats and families. Riyadh isn't a good place to be sitting at home on your own moping around. It's up to you to make some kind of life for yourself. Why limit yourself to British expats though? there is a big mix of nationalities on compounds and in Riyadh generally.

The reason for British expats is so my wife doesn't feel homesick as she will be stuck in the compound with the non driving rule. We actually don't care about nationality of friends we meet, I just want to make good friends with some things in common.
I

@ASIFR

Could you please share your experience on 'moving to Riyadh'
I will be moving to as well end of October. I also got two cheeky girls (eldest 4) to accomany with me soonest.

Please share your experience. Thanks

Come to KSA with an open mind and you'll be fine, I have found people in the compounds to be pretty much a very friendly bunch and getting to know people is easy...you begin with an immediate common ground of being expats living in a compound.
I'm here alone with a family back in the UK and my kids are older, but I would not have hesitated to bring them here when they were small...compound life seems great for younger kids, reminds me of growing up in the UK in the '70's, kids are safe roaming round the compound, riding bikes...etc.
Just a thought on the support group, are there any online groups you could meet with via Skype?

Get yourself onto a decent compound, but you'll pay. And you'll meet lots of English speaking expats, that is what you meant when you said British. Or are you being very fussy! Your two year old can go to preschool the wife will meet the compound ladies via this route. Much like in the UK you need to make an effort and get out there. Good luck with the anxiety. Hippa

As the previous other replies have pointed out - Compound life for younger kids is great, they'll have a fantastic time. Most compounds here are aimed at the 'Western ' lifestyle, so Europeans of all nationalities - all English Speaking.

Once you get out here, you'll need to get your Residency Permit first ( iqama ) and then you can apply to bring the family out - either on a visit, or on a permanent residency visa.