So I've took the plunge and moved over to the Middle East, Riyadh to be exact.
I have been here one month now and besides going the gym on my compound and the odd visit to the Golf Driving Range in Riyadh Golf club I am now looking for some other things to do to take my mind off leaving the girlfriend and friends back in Wales.

Are there any 5 a'side football teams in need of a decent player?

Is there anybody who fancies a game of squash/tennis or knows of an expat squash league? I must admit I havn't played for about 2 years.

Is there a decent athletics track I can use as I am getting bored of the tredmill!

Also, does anybody have any advice on what I should do when I get paid in terms of transferring money etc. My company is pretty flexible and will pay me how I like I just don't want to be ripped off before I can set up a Saudi Bank account.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Ste

Hi and welcome to BE, this thread was posted a few days back about football in Riyadh

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=685542

Hi Ste,

Welcome to the Board and to Riyadh. Judging by your post on another thread, you're on Granada Compound? It's not far from us ( Cordoba Compound ) so might be able to get you a game of 5 aside, soon to be starting after the Haj / Eid Break.

THere are few guys on here that play squash, so again, may be able to get a game.

No idea on the athletics though.

Have you got your iqama yet? You will need that to open up Saudi Bank Account. I get paid in £'s direct into a UK bank account, I can manage the money pretty easy really , as most UK bank have internet banking. AS I have several direct debits and the like, it just makes it easier to keep the UK account going.

Having a Saudi account though means not paying extra fees when you're withdrawing your money from ATM's - so I guess it depends on how you want to manage your money as to how you want to be paid? You will still be able to send money online back to the UK.

Good luck with Riyadh.

Hi,

Sorry I didn't catch your name but I appreciate the advice you have given me.

5a'side would be excellent, defiently count me in for that and please pass the word if anybody would fancy a game of squash that would be great aswell.
There are squash courts on my compound, Granada compound, but I haven't seen anybody playing at all and I have been here nearly a month now.

I haven't had my Iqama yet but I should have it by the end of this week as I am due to return to Wales at the end of this month to attend my brothers wedding. I think I am going to do what you suggested and have it paid directly into my UK bank account for the time being and then reasses the situation in a few months time. The company are pretty flexible to be fair.

Anyhow, again I appreciate your advice and keep me informed on the football/squash.

Cheers

Ste

PM sent.

Hey Guys,
My name is Kevin i am from Britain London to be precise. I have been in Riyadh for the last two months and am also looking to play 5 a side football. I am a English teacher at the King saud University and would be interested in meeting up to play 5 a side football. I am also interested in meeting a gym buddy who i can train with on a regular basis. Please count me in for the 5 a side football.

Hi Kevin,

I am actually working on the King Saud Uni extension, I noticed the track there, is this available to use or is it just for students?

Ste

Of course i will ask the university administration when i get back to work on Saturday are there not any compounds we can stay at please let me know.
Many thanks
Kevin

Sorry i mean play not stay my apologies.