Originally Posted by Nic1

We are on Kingdom Compound which everyone says is one of the best . . . . Arizona is nice as it has a golf course, but was unsuitable for us as we brought our dogs and cats with us and they would eat the goats, deer etc. that are onthe course, plus they don't have enclosed gardens - essential with 5 dogs! I also like Al Hamra - some of the houses have basements - great for games room for the kids.

One up point about being here is that we are saving money - it is way, way cheaper than Dubai in general and with little to do our outgoigs are much lower than they were. Of course, that is then off set by R&R jaunts to Dubai and Bahrain . . . . . .

Cheers
Nicola

Originally Posted by Nic1

Sorry, don't know anything about Sedar Village - do a search on yahoo and see if they have a website (if you haven't already). No real problems when shopping, some people complain about being stared at and having stuff whispered to them but we've never had that - must say too busy shopping/talking etc. to notice if anyone is looking at us!!! I go shopping alone in the main malls, and also just with the children with no problems. I just do my thing and ignore people around me.

We don't feel threatened out here at all.

Cheers
Nicola

Originally Posted by Nic1

Sorry, don't know anything about Sedar Village - do a search on yahoo and see if they have a website (if you haven't already). No real problems when shopping, some people complain about being stared at and having stuff whispered to them but we've never had that - must say too busy shopping/talking etc. to notice if anyone is looking at us!!! I go shopping alone in the main malls, and also just with the children with no problems. I just do my thing and ignore people around me.

We don't feel threatened out here at all.

Cheers
Nicola

Originally Posted by Nic1

Hi, yes, David played for years (until he got too old and the injuries got too painful!!)! Would be great to meet up - do call when you arrive. Will pm my address and extension.

Cheers
Nicola

Re being spat at I've never in 14 years in the Gulf been spat at. I know people who have - mainly in Doha many years ago - often due to inappropriate dress. Nor have I ever felt frightened, felt a bit uncomfortable once when we were in the old souk in Dubai the day after they invaded Iraq - we were the only Westerners in sight - all the TVs were showing the invasion . . . . But no trouble or spitting, just a few stares. I feel safer in ME than in UK.

Having said that I've not ventured into the souks here yet due to the heat - perhaps it will be different then. But having commuted in London for years, being mugged, groped on the tube, avoiding the loonies, etc. this isn't too bad!! LOL.

Cheers
Nicola

Originally Posted by The Dean

Maranelloman - women most certainly do NOT have to cover their faces. Some non-Saudi/expat women don't even cover their hair (although they all carry a scarf with them to put over their heads if the muttawa get uppity).

The big stores (including good old kosher M&S) mostly have 'women only' floors these days so that they can walk around freely, trying on clothes etc, without an abaya at all. The M&S at Kingdom Tower is one such place.

The authorities have clamped down on the muttawa lately, so there is a bit of a breathing space in that sense. More people are standing up to them, including Saudi women.

You asked about work. Since I assume you are not going to be working on the check-outs, you will no doubt come into contact with some well-educated Saudis and others of Arab persuasion. The Saudis are the best of the lot, hands down, thumbs up. They are more willing to learn, they show more respect for your 'Western' experience, and if you have your family with you they respect you even more (as THEY know how tough it can be for expat women). I've worked in every GCC country except Qatar - as far as locals are concerned, you can keep the lot of them, especially the Emiratis and the Kuwaitis - the Saudis will do nicely.

And if you make an effort to learn and absorb some of their culture, the sky is the limit. I'm proud to say I did that, and more. On a number of occasions I was invited to the family homes of Saudi colleagues to share Friday lunch with them and their families - unusual honour for a Westerner.

I've been back (for the fourth time) for exactly two weeks - and it feels like I've never been away. It sounds strange to those who haven't experienced it, but there is something about the place that drags you back. I gave up Dubai to be here.

Compound life? It's fine, as everyone knows everyone else is in the same position, so they all seem to try harder for each other. I am still in regular (albeit only e-mail) contact with people I met when I first went there in 1992 - and they are now scattered everywhere from NZ to Sweden.

The hardest thing to get used to in some ways is........ no easy way to say this........ the machine-gun posts, which are now scattered everywhere that is considered a 'Western' location. They have had them outside compounds for years, but this time I notice them outside hotels and government buildings. They are also outside the bank where I work. I'm used to them now, so I just wave at the sentries and drive through, smiles all round.

It seems to be working, as there hasn't been any 'trouble' for some years.

Still, I can't decide for you - but you might also want to bear in mind that there's nothing to spend your money on, so you'll come back wealthier than when you went in.

Originally Posted by andrewgreenway

Seder Village is one of the better compounds for socialising. They have a purpose built bar where you can obtain drinks most nights of the week, and have regular parties. The more expensive compounds seem to lack the atmosphere that Seder has. The quality of the accommdodation and facilities is not the best, but habitable.

I found Riyadh a great place to live as a single 24 year old male. I stayed for 2 years before moving to Dubai in January 2007. I have just accepted a job offer back in Riyadh (for less money than Dubai) and hope to start early October.

I've heard it's much easier for families than single guys as you already have a social network to take with you, and I'm sure you wife and kids will be happy with the on-compound social facilities..

Good Luck!!

Originally Posted by maranelloman

Expenses per month

Car Insurance -1,000


Thanks.

Originally Posted by Fairydust

Obviously banking on a nice car then

Originally Posted by andrewgreenway

Seder Village is one of the better compounds for socialising. They have a purpose built bar where you can obtain drinks most nights of the week, and have regular parties. The more expensive compounds seem to lack the atmosphere that Seder has. The quality of the accommdodation and facilities is not the best, but habitable.

I found Riyadh a great place to live as a single 24 year old male. I stayed for 2 years before moving to Dubai in January 2007. I have just accepted a job offer back in Riyadh (for less money than Dubai) and hope to start early October.

I've heard it's much easier for families than single guys as you already have a social network to take with you, and I'm sure you wife and kids will be happy with the on-compound social facilities..

Good Luck!!

Originally Posted by The Dean

Bumped back to the top for the nenefit of Reecefam..........