khitan004

I consider myself to be fortunate to be moving into a compound on Friday when I return and have made several excellent contacts through these forums. I still see lots of people on here who do not have that privilege and struggle on their own in crummy hotels for weeks on end.

I was thinking whether we should make a concerted effort to organise gatherings etc. on here rather than relying on individuals making individual contacts.

S

Desert Shaikh

I totally agree with you this, we need some sort of a British Expat community where we can meet and socialise. At present, one can only meet other fellow Brits by going on Hashes or at Embassy gatherings which are not always open to all.

I know of previous gatherings which had taken place in compounds however people with names linking them to a particular ethnic/ relegious groups were not welcome due to compound manager rules.

We need a gatherings taking place at regular intervals at places every British Expat can attend. I am open to suggestions and willing to spend time in organising something.

khitan004

Arrived back very early this morning. Will get back into this when my faculties have returned after work today.

khitan004

OK, shit sorted.

Any ideas people?

I was going for something along the lines of meeting at an outside (non-compound) venue. Single sex so as not to fall foul of the law. Meet-up, network for a bit, get to know the happi-haps of compound and embassy parties etc.

iamthestig

Ten pin bowling under the Al Faisaliah Tower shops, its no problem for mixed groups there.

Desert Shaikh

Sounds good.

This would probably narrow things down to resturaunts or cafes, unless anyone else has more out the box ideas or venues?

We can do a post on BE, for meetup on a weekend as a starter for 10 and see how it goes.

khitan004

Primarily, and the mission statement, it is to get those unfortunate souls stuck in hotels (as I was not so long ago) together to network. I don't know if we can start a group or if those people in hotels are regular forum members. How do we get the message out?

LynneArmstrong

Hey all, this sounds absolutely wonderful!!

I am a british woman over here alone with only a couple of male colleagues to kepe me sane (and they just ain't interested in doign anything!)

I would love to find a way to meet other people - went hashing and was good fun but some of the 'events' of the evening were not really for me!! I am just looking for something to do to fill some time during my very lonely weekends!!

Anything that is with other women or a mixed group would be brilliant. I am one of those stuck in a hotel - not really worth trying the compound route as only here for 6 months total and done 2 of those already, so getting out and about a little at weekends would be great!

Would welcome any contact from anyone who wishes to have a buddy to do stuff with - even if only for a coffee and a wander round the shopping mall!!

Nice thought to try to get something going, well done to you!

Dominic82

Dear All,

Been here a week and am stuck in the centre of Riyadh. Nice place but having worked all day with the locals would love to get out and about and meet new faces.

Many Thanks,

Please PM me and ill get back to you.

Dom

Desert Shaikh

I think we can plan something for this weekend I guess, a meet up say in Olaya. There are plenty of resturaunts and cafes with seating areas on Thalateen Street.

Do you want to put a posting here or you want me to do one?

I guess I can PM everyone who is interested my mobile number so I can centrally co-ordinate with all.

Desert Shaikh

Have you tried putting a posting on here to perhaps get to know wives of any expats here or other females in compounds or in similar situation as yourself? I think that would probably be your best bet.

khitan004

We need a central location or group where people can join and we can get messages out. Don't know if you can do this on here. How do you set up a 'meet-up'? Can people attach themselves to the 'meet-up' group or is it just an advertisement?

Dominic82

Id be keen to do something this weekend.....

Many Thanks

khitan004

Probably not going to happen this weekend but should be something organised for next weekend. Keep an eye out.

khitan004

http://britishexpats.com/forum/calen...2011-11-19&c=1

Testing out the meet-up function. Follow the link to be included on any future PM mailing list etc.