Life in Riyadh

[SNS3Guppy]

Looking for input on safety, life, costs, and other insights for expat US in Riyadh. Thanks in advance.

[Panama Jack]

Questions about Riyadh normally only get one or two responses on this forum. A search reveals the following threads:

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=213070&highlight=Riyadh

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=192592&highlight=Riyadh

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=192872&highlight=Riyadh

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=226619&highlight=Riyadh

There are, of course, others that you can find by using the search, however, friends in Riyadh tell me that it can feel like an unfriendly place. Bombings have happened, and for every bombing there are evenings when a rumor about a bombing "that just happened" will spread like wildfire and put everyone on high alert. Some of the rumors are of course false, but they are an indication of the times as well as the awareness that something could happen at any time.

Personal safety is an issue in the Kingdom, and is subject to changes from time to time. Over the last two years the British magazine The Economist has published some excellent articles that lack the more sensational coverage of some of the mainstream US newsmagazines.

I wouldn't even consider going to Riyadh unless you live in a compound, normally this is part & parcel with your employment contract. I have been to one of the compounds in Riyadh, and it is very very nice as far as comfort and facilities.

Nevertheless, consider the nice salary to be "hardship" payment in compensation for risk, austerity of the environment, personal sacrifice, and general B.S.

[SNS3Guppy]

Thanks for the reply. I'm going for a short-term five month contract. The company is providing the housing in a compound, and as I understand a phone and a vehicle.