OK Folks..I'm just back from a two month visit in Saudi..and I LIKE the place..so here's my version...
Flying schools..apparrently there's at least one going to be set up soon in Jeddah. Don't know about Riyadh.
Alcohol..BIG "NO NO"
Sure it's available in certain places but don't get caught.
Instant night in jail +deportation.
Man + woman who aren't married...not allowed.
Night in jail +deportation may be possible.
To be caught having sex and be unmarried is just unthinkable...DON'T do it !
Women MUST be covered up...including their hair, at all times in public.
Eating out...there are sections in many eating places for single people (male) only, and familiy sections. You can't go to a cafe or restaurant and meet the opposite sex.
Illegal drugs...head chopping offence.
Speakers blast out chanting about 5 times per day sounding the beginning , and about 20 mins later, the end of prayer time.
All shops and restaurants shut during these times..but don't worry if you happen to be in Macdonalds and other eating places when this happens..they simply lock you in (and still serve you) until it's all over.
When you work there you must get issued with an "Iquama"..a sort of ID paper which you must keep with you at all times. To get this, you must forfeit you passport to your employer, so you can't leave the country until you swap it back for your passport.
There are a few other do's and dont's but generally it's a very peaceful friendly place. The people are steeped in their religion which forbids them from committing most crimes, or acts of violence against you.
The driving is an experience , and I refuse to drive out there...but taxis are cheap.
There's a bit of "anti-western" crap if you read some papers, but I reckon it's the opposite sentiments over there.
People are generally helpful and friendly.
There are ex-pats from many countries, so while many locals speak multi-lingual, their second language may not necessarily be English.
Because the local men are forbidden from chatting up women, they often resort to chasing male ex-pats..so you might find your taxi drivers getting a bit flirty with you.
You'll almost never see a woman working anywhere, except in hospital nursing jobs. Even in ladies underwear departments at clothes shops..it's men who serve.
If you enter a hotel lift and there's a woman already in there..don't talk to her. If you do, she'll probably turn away from you.
If you see a man with his wife and you have a reason to speak to them..talk only to the man.
Cost of living is cheap...probably about 60%-70% of UK prices. Plenty of shops..and good ones !!
I'd say that Riyadh is a tidier looking city than Jeddah...complete with modern shopping malls etc.
Riyadh is a very dry heat which is more comfortable than the humidity of Jeddah.
Satellite TV in hotel rooms showing MTV and other things which would normally be banned on the streets.
Hotels have swimming pools and gyms, but mixed sexes are forbidden. Seperate times only for either.
You can't set up a bank account there without a letter of introduction from your employer.
Basically, go there to enjoy the heat, the tax free money, the shopping, and the chance to lose some weight and get fit.
It's easy to buy books & CDs etc in English.
If you''re taking a wife...and you're living in a compound, things aren't too bad. There you can mix with neighbours, share swimming pools etc, but very difficult to impossible for women to find work there. (unless nursing)
Some women find it easier to cope with than others..especially the "having to cover up with a black abaya" bit.
As a "single" guy I find it OK , but I refuse to take my wife & kids.