Riyadh, housing, in compound, info req

[LHmain]

can anyone out there recomend a compound that rents accommodation where there is a predominance of UK or Euro peeps. Need to arrive in Riyadh in about one month. If you can, please let me know the yearly rent and any other info you think may help. Prefer near the airport.

[kingoftheslipstream]

LHMain,

Isn't your employer going to provide your digs? That is the norm in this area.

If they are, my advice is to take it, at least for the first couple of months, until you are oriented and know where you want to live. Are you flying out of the international, or Riyadh military? This would influence where you might want to live, especially if you are driving yourself.

If you have to stay at a hotel for the first couple of days after arrival, the Intercontinental is good, and so is the Sheraton. They are in nice areas, with easy access to the rest of the main thoroughfares in the city, and are not too close to the crowded and slightly more pungent city centre, or "Deira" as it is known.

Cheers

[LHmain]

kingoftheslipstream, thanks for the reply. Its a private operation, I get a housing a allowance. Was in Saudi years ago so what I remember aint relevant anymore. Just trying to find out where would be good to live and how much. Flying out of the international. Any info you can give would be great. Can yhe ladies drive yet?

[kingoftheslipstream]

LHmain,

No, the ladies cannot drive legally. But look at the cars with the completely tinted front windscreens... I followed one (with a Saudi buddy) to a restaurant and a lady stepped out. It's the usual set of double standards...

I live in company provided digs. I don't have any advice for what to do when looking on your own. Ask your new boss for some advice perhaps. When you get to RUH the jungle telegraph and your buddies will sort out social life etc. for you. It's still a pretty fun place all in all.

Cheers

[LHmain]

Thanks, you just lifted my spirits by the mere mentin of fun, maybe we will bump into each other in the near future.