NaughtiousMaximus

some people and kids are allergic to dog hair so i think people need to be congicent of that and not assume everyone is ok with dogs.

dxbjazzi

Maybe they shouldn't touch dogs or go near them then if they are allergic. They shouldn't force their ideology into others.

christmasoompa

A lot of airlines won't fly snub nosed breeds, not sure where you're coming from, but that's something to check as well.

NaughtiousMaximus

i've never heard anyone call allergies an ideology before. allergies can trigger extreme anaphylaxis needing hospital admission.

i love dogs too but im aware of the need to consider others especially when living in close quarters on a compound etc.

HelpfulExpat

Generally in the Middle East it seems more onus put on individuals to manage their exposure to allergies.
It's very apparent when travelling to Europe/US/Australia how many times we're now asked about various allergies at restaurants. It feels quite odd when not used to such requests.

In any case, their are enough cotton wool policies at Neom to prevent forced exposure to pets. For example, pets are not allowed in play areas, or to be left tied up outside, like you may find in any city. We have a lot of open space and there aren't any corridors or internal areas where pets are allowed, apart from cabins. Owners walk pets on the roads, paths, beaches or dog park.

The only possible place for contact would be the airport and planes. Many people travel with their cats, and I assume small dogs under the size limit. I haven't seen frenchies, but have seen pugs. Not sure they're classed the same.

expatalex

Using Fabinho (ex Liverpool player) experience, apparently the French Bulldog has been deemed a violent dog by the Saudi government therefore certain exemptions can be made to bring them in. However definitely check with your onboarder and get something in writing to confirm you can bring your pup!

expatalex

Random q, has anyone found adjusting to the desert life and climate difficult moving from more temperate climates such as the UK (jokes right now)? Does the dry heat feel different than the 30+ humid weather that we get here? Any tips and tricks on adapting? May be overthinking this a bit on my end...

BMH77

Hi. At some point, hot is hot. You do get used to it, though. I will also say that to me, a drier 43 is better than a humid 35. I got here in November of last year from a cooler climate and adjusted well. Having the spring to get used to it helps, but it wasn't impossible.
Bring light clothes and remember you will spend most of your time in air con.

Hope that helps!

expatalex

Very helpful! Thanks so much mate. Just hoping you don't begin breaking a sweat from the office to the dining hall! Are there showers in the office by any chance? Further hoping the temperature cools down around 7PM so you can partake in tennis, basketball, etc...

BMH77

Hi. There aren't any showers in the office but you can usually make it without getting too frothy. :-)
And yes, it does cool off when the sun goes down, so you will be good to hit the court.

NaughtiousMaximus

best to leave the mankini at home then?

HelpfulExpat

I find it quite difficult to explain the heat since its different to elsewhere in the region. It's one of the attractions of developing this area.

Its not directly comparable to the temperatures in UK where it can feel very hot at 25°C, whereas in Neom that is cool and probably starting to wear a sweater. Even in 40°C plus it can be comfortable to wear trousers and a shirt outside in the shade, whereas in Riyadh or Dubai it could be unbearable.

I'm already sitting outside for most lunch and dinners and it's quite comfortable. The winters are quite long and very pleasant outside in jeans and sweater.

I'm not aware of showers in the offices. If you're at NC1 it can be very sweaty walking from cabin to office, hence most people have a bike or electric scooter. In middle of summer it's still hot hot at 7pm but bareable for sports if you don't mind sweating a lot. Can start playing earlier as winter approaches. For example playing tennis now from 6pm is fine and barely sweat.