RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
Nov 10th 2008, 6:28 am
#16
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Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Riyadh.
Posts: 1,899
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
The only two places in the Gulf I'd consider leaving for would be Oman or Bahrain. If not the Gulf - I'd perhaps fancy a move to the Far East somewhere.
Otherwise, we're all quite happy in Jeddah!
In terms of the OP's questions re Saudi, I think most of the other replies have covered it, so can't of anything else to add.
I'd also endorse the services of Harley Medical, we used them for my wife to get her medical and visa, and they were very good - helpful, informative, friendly. Tel No is 0207 636 7333. Ask for Jane Bower.
Last edited by nottmbantam; Nov 10th 2008 at 6:37 am.
Nov 10th 2008, 8:18 am
#17
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 872
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
Leave to go where? Simple answer would be no.
The only two places in the Gulf I'd consider leaving for would be Oman or Bahrain. If not the Gulf - I'd perhaps fancy a move to the Far East somewhere.
Otherwise, we're all quite happy in Jeddah!
In terms of the OP's questions re Saudi, I think most of the other replies have covered it, so can't of anything else to add.
I'd also endorse the services of Harley Medical, we used them for my wife to get her medical and visa, and they were very good - helpful, informative, friendly. Tel No is 0207 636 7333. Ask for Jane Bower.
The only two places in the Gulf I'd consider leaving for would be Oman or Bahrain. If not the Gulf - I'd perhaps fancy a move to the Far East somewhere.
Otherwise, we're all quite happy in Jeddah!
In terms of the OP's questions re Saudi, I think most of the other replies have covered it, so can't of anything else to add.
I'd also endorse the services of Harley Medical, we used them for my wife to get her medical and visa, and they were very good - helpful, informative, friendly. Tel No is 0207 636 7333. Ask for Jane Bower.
Nov 10th 2008, 3:19 pm
#18
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Joined: Sep 2006
Location: The Island of love
Posts: 882
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
Would I leave tomorrow ? Depends on what is on offer.
Things I love about Riyadh - that I actually feel like I am in the Middle East, I am finally learning the language seriously after 15 years out here, the warmth and generosity of the Arabs I have met, I spend a lot more time with my children (not sure they see this as a bonus!), the way the women out here can have such fun and party so hard without a drop of alcohol passing their lips, the money, oh and have I mentioned their warmth and welcoming generosity ? Oh and the fact that ex-pats talk to each other if they meet in the malls, at the supermarket checkout etc. Like the 'good old days' in Dubai !!
Things I hate - the whingeing ex-pats, the racism (I have never met such blatant racism from Westerners as I have in Riyadh - I am truly shocked at what comes out of some of their mouths!), not being able to drive ( I hate the fact that I have to be driven by idiots when I am a much better driver than they are), er, not a lot else.
All I can say is give it a go - if doesn't rock your boat you can move on. It could be the best move of your life or the worst - only you can say.
Another yes for Harley Medical Services.
Cheers
N
Things I love about Riyadh - that I actually feel like I am in the Middle East, I am finally learning the language seriously after 15 years out here, the warmth and generosity of the Arabs I have met, I spend a lot more time with my children (not sure they see this as a bonus!), the way the women out here can have such fun and party so hard without a drop of alcohol passing their lips, the money, oh and have I mentioned their warmth and welcoming generosity ? Oh and the fact that ex-pats talk to each other if they meet in the malls, at the supermarket checkout etc. Like the 'good old days' in Dubai !!
Things I hate - the whingeing ex-pats, the racism (I have never met such blatant racism from Westerners as I have in Riyadh - I am truly shocked at what comes out of some of their mouths!), not being able to drive ( I hate the fact that I have to be driven by idiots when I am a much better driver than they are), er, not a lot else.
All I can say is give it a go - if doesn't rock your boat you can move on. It could be the best move of your life or the worst - only you can say.
Another yes for Harley Medical Services.
Cheers
N
Nov 10th 2008, 5:49 pm
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,553
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
Would I leave tomorrow ? Depends on what is on offer.
Things I love about Riyadh - that I actually feel like I am in the Middle East, I am finally learning the language seriously after 15 years out here, the warmth and generosity of the Arabs I have met, I spend a lot more time with my children (not sure they see this as a bonus!), the way the women out here can have such fun and party so hard without a drop of alcohol passing their lips, the money, oh and have I mentioned their warmth and welcoming generosity ? Oh and the fact that ex-pats talk to each other if they meet in the malls, at the supermarket checkout etc. Like the 'good old days' in Dubai !!
Things I hate - the whingeing ex-pats, the racism (I have never met such blatant racism from Westerners as I have in Riyadh - I am truly shocked at what comes out of some of their mouths!), not being able to drive ( I hate the fact that I have to be driven by idiots when I am a much better driver than they are), er, not a lot else.
All I can say is give it a go - if doesn't rock your boat you can move on. It could be the best move of your life or the worst - only you can say.
Another yes for Harley Medical Services.
Cheers
N
Things I love about Riyadh - that I actually feel like I am in the Middle East, I am finally learning the language seriously after 15 years out here, the warmth and generosity of the Arabs I have met, I spend a lot more time with my children (not sure they see this as a bonus!), the way the women out here can have such fun and party so hard without a drop of alcohol passing their lips, the money, oh and have I mentioned their warmth and welcoming generosity ? Oh and the fact that ex-pats talk to each other if they meet in the malls, at the supermarket checkout etc. Like the 'good old days' in Dubai !!
Things I hate - the whingeing ex-pats, the racism (I have never met such blatant racism from Westerners as I have in Riyadh - I am truly shocked at what comes out of some of their mouths!), not being able to drive ( I hate the fact that I have to be driven by idiots when I am a much better driver than they are), er, not a lot else.
All I can say is give it a go - if doesn't rock your boat you can move on. It could be the best move of your life or the worst - only you can say.
Another yes for Harley Medical Services.
Cheers
N
You'll notice the racism VERY quickly - at the passport queues at Riyadh airport when you arrive..........
I once flew back in from a business trip to Kuwait with a (very senior) Indian colleague............ I was ushered to the front of the 'white queue'.........
Need I say more??
Nov 11th 2008, 5:50 pm
#20
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Joined: Nov 2008
Location: In surrey
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Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
Bahrain = BLT (Boring Little Island) 
Or so our friends reckon . . . .
Hi, What to say about living in KSA? Can't say I have ever received unwelcome looks or been made to feel unwelcome here by the Saudis. I meet many Saudi through my work and they are pleasant and polite like everyone else. My daughter has struck up conversations with Saudi ladies in the malls about travel, London, Paris, clothes etc. I feel no less safe here than I did in Dubai. Yes, there are areas you wouldn't go to - but that is the same in most large cities in the world. Compound living does give you a better sense of security, but I know people (Westerners)n who live off compound who have no problems at all. We find the Arabic people here, of all nationalities, warm and welcoming. It's a great place to meet people from different cultures and countries.
Best compounds are (in no particular order) apparently Al Hamra, Kingdom, Arizona, Arabian Homes, Cordoba. Depends on whether you want a private garden (Kingdom), golf course (Arizona), proximity to school (Al Hamra). Al Hamra is green and has quite a large percentage of Brits due to the British School being next door. Kingdom has a b**, Arizona parties apparently - the Dean might know more about that ?
Cost of lving for a couple ? Not sure, I have two hungry and expensive teenagers, but it is cheaper than UK. And cheaper than Dubai. But not as cheap as it was. Not much help there - sorry. However, there is little here in entertainment so you save by not going out - and if you do go out for a meal it's cheaper than at home as there's no alcohol (assuming you drink).
As a woman you can't drive out here so have to use a driver to get about, but you can go to the mall alone or with other women - and only with a man you are related to or married to. You have to wear an abbaya, but I have never been told to cover my hair and we very rarely see the muttawa in the malls at the moment. My family and I wander round Riyadh with no great concerns, have never felt threatened, unsafe or at risk. We have a wheel cover that obviously belongs to a Westerner and did wonder if we would get the car scratched etc. when parked in town, but to date no problems.
It's not the easiest place to live, nor the hardest. I always think the place you live is as good as the people you know and the friends you make. Some people love it, others hate it and others, like us, are somewhere in between.
Do you work in UK ? It can be a huge shock going from being an employed, independant person to a non-working trailing spouse . . . However, it is possible to work here - many women work in schools, nurseries, banks, and medical (if you have the right qualifications). Others get involved in voluntary work, coffee mornings (awful), golf, horse riding, homne crafts etc.
Anyway, hope this helps somewhat, a bit rambling . . . sorry.
Post any questions, queries etc.
Good luck
Nic
Or so our friends reckon . . . .Hi, What to say about living in KSA? Can't say I have ever received unwelcome looks or been made to feel unwelcome here by the Saudis. I meet many Saudi through my work and they are pleasant and polite like everyone else. My daughter has struck up conversations with Saudi ladies in the malls about travel, London, Paris, clothes etc. I feel no less safe here than I did in Dubai. Yes, there are areas you wouldn't go to - but that is the same in most large cities in the world. Compound living does give you a better sense of security, but I know people (Westerners)n who live off compound who have no problems at all. We find the Arabic people here, of all nationalities, warm and welcoming. It's a great place to meet people from different cultures and countries.
Best compounds are (in no particular order) apparently Al Hamra, Kingdom, Arizona, Arabian Homes, Cordoba. Depends on whether you want a private garden (Kingdom), golf course (Arizona), proximity to school (Al Hamra). Al Hamra is green and has quite a large percentage of Brits due to the British School being next door. Kingdom has a b**, Arizona parties apparently - the Dean might know more about that ?
Cost of lving for a couple ? Not sure, I have two hungry and expensive teenagers, but it is cheaper than UK. And cheaper than Dubai. But not as cheap as it was. Not much help there - sorry. However, there is little here in entertainment so you save by not going out - and if you do go out for a meal it's cheaper than at home as there's no alcohol (assuming you drink).
As a woman you can't drive out here so have to use a driver to get about, but you can go to the mall alone or with other women - and only with a man you are related to or married to. You have to wear an abbaya, but I have never been told to cover my hair and we very rarely see the muttawa in the malls at the moment. My family and I wander round Riyadh with no great concerns, have never felt threatened, unsafe or at risk. We have a wheel cover that obviously belongs to a Westerner and did wonder if we would get the car scratched etc. when parked in town, but to date no problems.
It's not the easiest place to live, nor the hardest. I always think the place you live is as good as the people you know and the friends you make. Some people love it, others hate it and others, like us, are somewhere in between.
Do you work in UK ? It can be a huge shock going from being an employed, independant person to a non-working trailing spouse . . . However, it is possible to work here - many women work in schools, nurseries, banks, and medical (if you have the right qualifications). Others get involved in voluntary work, coffee mornings (awful), golf, horse riding, homne crafts etc.
Anyway, hope this helps somewhat, a bit rambling . . . sorry.
Post any questions, queries etc.
Good luck
Nic
Thank you so so much for your feedback, so sorry I havent been in touch sooner but I have been away on business. As I mentioned previously it seems quite daunting to us but I must admit exciting too. Having not lived outside the UK before I am sure anywhere in world you have the opportunity to reside in you would have to consider the pros and cons - but KSA - I think it is just the unknown and culturally it is so so different to what we are used to - unfortunately we do drink!!!
We have taken into account what you and the Dean have mentioned and we have put it forward to my husbands company the fact that the compounds seem to be full and the problems with waiting lists (or lack of them) to be honest having not visited the kingdom before this is the only form of accommodation I would be happy to live in. I do work in the UK but I am happy to have a break and do some studying .... infact having a bit of a career break would suit me just fine at the moment-so as much as coffee mornings may not be my thing, I would be quite happy to do some voluntary work ..... and generally have a bit of me
time.Coincidentially there was a programme on KSA on saturday night - that was quite an insight and we are warming more and more to the prospect of moving out there.
Does the cost of the rental generally include the utilities? In your opinion how likely do you think it would be for us to secure a property on own of the compounds - ideally 2 bedroom?
I have so many questions but I feel awful asking I was wondering if you could recommend any sights with current information that I could do some research.
Thank you once again for the info, it really is so much appreciated Nic.
Best wishes x
Nov 11th 2008, 5:52 pm
#21
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Nov 11th 2008, 5:53 pm
#22
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Location: In surrey
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Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
Leave to go where? Simple answer would be no.
The only two places in the Gulf I'd consider leaving for would be Oman or Bahrain. If not the Gulf - I'd perhaps fancy a move to the Far East somewhere.
Otherwise, we're all quite happy in Jeddah!
In terms of the OP's questions re Saudi, I think most of the other replies have covered it, so can't of anything else to add.
I'd also endorse the services of Harley Medical, we used them for my wife to get her medical and visa, and they were very good - helpful, informative, friendly. Tel No is 0207 636 7333. Ask for Jane Bower.
The only two places in the Gulf I'd consider leaving for would be Oman or Bahrain. If not the Gulf - I'd perhaps fancy a move to the Far East somewhere.
Otherwise, we're all quite happy in Jeddah!
In terms of the OP's questions re Saudi, I think most of the other replies have covered it, so can't of anything else to add.
I'd also endorse the services of Harley Medical, we used them for my wife to get her medical and visa, and they were very good - helpful, informative, friendly. Tel No is 0207 636 7333. Ask for Jane Bower.
Nov 11th 2008, 6:27 pm
#23
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Joined: Nov 2008
Location: In surrey
Posts: 10
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
Leave to go where? Simple answer would be no.
The only two places in the Gulf I'd consider leaving for would be Oman or Bahrain. If not the Gulf - I'd perhaps fancy a move to the Far East somewhere.
Otherwise, we're all quite happy in Jeddah!
In terms of the OP's questions re Saudi, I think most of the other replies have covered it, so can't of anything else to add.
I'd also endorse the services of Harley Medical, we used them for my wife to get her medical and visa, and they were very good - helpful, informative, friendly. Tel No is 0207 636 7333. Ask for Jane Bower.
The only two places in the Gulf I'd consider leaving for would be Oman or Bahrain. If not the Gulf - I'd perhaps fancy a move to the Far East somewhere.
Otherwise, we're all quite happy in Jeddah!
In terms of the OP's questions re Saudi, I think most of the other replies have covered it, so can't of anything else to add.
I'd also endorse the services of Harley Medical, we used them for my wife to get her medical and visa, and they were very good - helpful, informative, friendly. Tel No is 0207 636 7333. Ask for Jane Bower.
If you could think of anything else that may help a potential "newbie" I would love to hear from you. Thanks again, have fun in Jeddah, best wishes
Nov 11th 2008, 7:52 pm
#24
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Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Riyadh.
Posts: 1,899
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
You comment is really encouraging thanks for posting it and for passing on Jane Bower contact details, I will be calling her tomorrow.
If you could think of anything else that may help a potential "newbie" I would love to hear from you. Thanks again, have fun in Jeddah, best wishes
If you could think of anything else that may help a potential "newbie" I would love to hear from you. Thanks again, have fun in Jeddah, best wishes
Like you, just before getting here, I was searching everywhere for information and devouring just about any books / web sites on Saudi I could find. I can still seem very daunting coming to Saudi, as you will have heard so many contrasting stories.
From my own experience, the simplest way I can describe it is when you deal with the authority figures ( Embassy, passport office, visa office etc ) , the process can be very very beauracratic ( sp? ) and a total pain in the back side. You almost become fearful of the country due to all the rumours and all the hassle the paperwork creates.
But once you are here, the generousity and the warmth of the local Saudi's make you think you're in a different country to what you expected.
Having said that, I'm sure others have already said, you must arrive with an open mind, respect the values and customs and show willing to get along.e.g learn some very basic arabic words - they will go far.
Best of luck. I've been recommending Harley Medical to shed loads of other people- I should be on commission!They specialise in Saudi visa's, and were great.
Nov 12th 2008, 8:50 am
#25
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 872
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
but will be arriving in Riyadh on the 29th anyway. am actually really looking forward to it (it's been a very long process but due to exceptional circumstances rather than the norm).i'll keep you posted on first impressions (and boring the regulars stupid with them!)
Nov 12th 2008, 5:30 pm
#26
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Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
yes, am still unsure but will be arriving in Riyadh on the 29th anyway. am actually really looking forward to it (it's been a very long process but due to exceptional circumstances rather than the norm).
i'll keep you posted on first impressions (and boring the regulars stupid with them!)
but will be arriving in Riyadh on the 29th anyway. am actually really looking forward to it (it's been a very long process but due to exceptional circumstances rather than the norm).i'll keep you posted on first impressions (and boring the regulars stupid with them!)
I must admit over the past couple of days I have really warmed to the idea - and feeling a bit envious it is not us going out there on the 29th. How long has the process taken for you?
Did you watch the programme about Saudi on saturday night (shown on bbc2) - a friend told me about it on sunday so I downloaded it from the bbc website, it maybe of interest to you??
I was too busy at work today to phone Jane, that coupled with the fact that no one is aware as yet of our plans so it makes it ultra difficult to have conversations. I really would like to know more about the medical and whats involved so I must call her thanks again for the lead.
Are you going to a compound? if so was that difficult for you to organise?
Anyway, good luck once again and please do keep me updated on your progress.
Exciting times ahead for you, my very best wishes to you.
Nov 13th 2008, 7:42 am
#27
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 872
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
Please do keep in contact would love to know how you are getting on and good luck, as we are in the first throws of organising it all, do you have any advice, dont worry if it is too much trouble - it must be a busy time for you right now. Could you recommend any website links with current information that will be worth looking at.
I must admit over the past couple of days I have really warmed to the idea - and feeling a bit envious it is not us going out there on the 29th. How long has the process taken for you?
Did you watch the programme about Saudi on saturday night (shown on bbc2) - a friend told me about it on sunday so I downloaded it from the bbc website, it maybe of interest to you??
I was too busy at work today to phone Jane, that coupled with the fact that no one is aware as yet of our plans so it makes it ultra difficult to have conversations. I really would like to know more about the medical and whats involved so I must call her thanks again for the lead.
Are you going to a compound? if so was that difficult for you to organise?
Anyway, good luck once again and please do keep me updated on your progress.
Exciting times ahead for you, my very best wishes to you.
I must admit over the past couple of days I have really warmed to the idea - and feeling a bit envious it is not us going out there on the 29th. How long has the process taken for you?
Did you watch the programme about Saudi on saturday night (shown on bbc2) - a friend told me about it on sunday so I downloaded it from the bbc website, it maybe of interest to you??
I was too busy at work today to phone Jane, that coupled with the fact that no one is aware as yet of our plans so it makes it ultra difficult to have conversations. I really would like to know more about the medical and whats involved so I must call her thanks again for the lead.
Are you going to a compound? if so was that difficult for you to organise?
Anyway, good luck once again and please do keep me updated on your progress.
Exciting times ahead for you, my very best wishes to you.
i've included a couple of websites below that have been really helpful, but to be honest, this place (BE) has been very useful, especially to verify information from other sites.
the process has been a long one (started in April '08), but my circumstances are a little out of the ordinary. (am not a citizen of the country I reside in and hence had to process my visa offshore... blah blah blah... if you've got a similar situation, let me know and i'll ping you a couple of pointers... but otherwise it'll bore you stupid)
unfortunately haven't seen that doco yet but will try and get it this w/end to have a look. sounds very interesting and i'll be keen to see if it's in anyway reflective of what it's really like out there. (sorry, am a media cynic).
in terms of the medical, if you do it in the UK it consists of;
- full check-up (blood pressure, reflexes, hernias, urine sample)
- blood test (HIV, Hep) --> NOTE: ask for a HIV certificate, they don't come as a default, may not be needed, but if they are, you've got to go get a second blood sample as they have to be asked for at the time
- chest X-Ray (for TB, i think...)
am not sure about what they're like in the magic kingdom, have read some horror stores and someone else may have a couple of pointers on it...
don't have a compound yet but have a hotel from the company for a few weeks. i know that this is described as an absolute no-no and has me a little concerned, but as i'm only looking for a single place so am hoping
that they're a little more readily available. more to come...
Nov 15th 2008, 3:16 pm
#28
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
Hi all,
I'm new the forum and have been reading some of the posts. Good to read some positive views of Saudi.
I am a 28 year old female and will be moving to Riyadh next month. Am both aprehensive and excited.
Any tips or advice would be great.
I'm new the forum and have been reading some of the posts. Good to read some positive views of Saudi.
I am a 28 year old female and will be moving to Riyadh next month. Am both aprehensive and excited.
Any tips or advice would be great.
Nov 15th 2008, 4:08 pm
#29
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 872
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
good luck!
Nov 16th 2008, 5:38 am
#30
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Posts: 882
Re: RIYADH - WHAT IS IT LIKE OUT THERE?
Hi, You have to do your medical before you get your entry visa to the Kingdom so no worries re getting stuff done here. The medical system is patchy at best - any major problems and we would go elsewhere but OK for basic stuff. Ask around when you arrive for recommendations of doctors, they are a mixed bunch.
If you go to Harley Medical Services you will automatically get an HIV result as it is a requirement here.
In Dubai we had to redo our HIV test every time we renewed our residence visas. not sure if that is the case here ? The Dean do you know ?
Welcome NK28.
N
If you go to Harley Medical Services you will automatically get an HIV result as it is a requirement here.
In Dubai we had to redo our HIV test every time we renewed our residence visas. not sure if that is the case here ? The Dean do you know ?
Welcome NK28.
N