Life in Saudi Arabia
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: the wrong part of town
Life in Saudi Arabia
I've been offered a job in Saudi Arabia (unfortunately, a non-flying one) and I am just wondering:
how is life out there? I heard it is supposed to be pretty lonely and not too much fun, true?
Any spots I have to visit frequently (like the only bar where they sell beer)?
Any FBO's where I can rent a plane for scrap
and the like good ideas of you local folks!
how is life out there? I heard it is supposed to be pretty lonely and not too much fun, true?
Any spots I have to visit frequently (like the only bar where they sell beer)?
Any FBO's where I can rent a plane for scrap
and the like good ideas of you local folks!
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 5,552
Likes: 25
From: ME
It really depends on what part you are going to! The standard of life also depends on who you work for......
Mutt
[email protected]
Mutt
[email protected]
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 5,552
Likes: 25
From: ME
Check out this topic....
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...threadid=63722
I dont have a lot of knowledge about Riyadh, so hopefully some others will provide the answers that you want.
Cheers
Mutt.
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...threadid=63722
I dont have a lot of knowledge about Riyadh, so hopefully some others will provide the answers that you want.
Cheers
Mutt.
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 343
Likes: 2
From: UK
Saudi Arabia is not the place for those seeking a free and easy lifestyle. Alcohol is prohibited and is only available to diplomats or Saudi royals (the real stuff) or on exclusively expat compounds (home-brew). Selling home-brew to the locals will get you locked up and the key thrown away.
Private flying does not exist in Saudi Arabia (unless you're a Saudi prince) - the Saudis are so paranoid about national security that there's no way you'd be let lose in an aircraft in the country. Even travelling by car outside Riyadh requires letters of authority.
Saudi law and customs are more strictly enforced in Riyadh than in Jeddah or Dhahran (which also both benefit from being at the seaside).
Wives have a generally miserable time unless they like nothing better than playing bridge or soaking up the sun all day. Lovers are prohibited (more jail if caught with one).
You even need a visa to leave the country and your employer may require to keep your passport. The only reason for going to work in Saudi is to earn a packet and, as there's ******-all to spend it on, to bring a load back with you at the end of the contract.
Private flying does not exist in Saudi Arabia (unless you're a Saudi prince) - the Saudis are so paranoid about national security that there's no way you'd be let lose in an aircraft in the country. Even travelling by car outside Riyadh requires letters of authority.
Saudi law and customs are more strictly enforced in Riyadh than in Jeddah or Dhahran (which also both benefit from being at the seaside).
Wives have a generally miserable time unless they like nothing better than playing bridge or soaking up the sun all day. Lovers are prohibited (more jail if caught with one).
You even need a visa to leave the country and your employer may require to keep your passport. The only reason for going to work in Saudi is to earn a packet and, as there's ******-all to spend it on, to bring a load back with you at the end of the contract.
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 5,552
Likes: 25
From: ME
One of the things about Saudi is that different people have completely different impressions, Stan Evil may have lived in Riyadh, but it sounds as if his comments are slightly outdated.
Alcohol is prohibited and is only available to diplomats or Saudi royals (the real stuff), or on exclusively expat compounds (home-brew) Thats what i thought when i arrived, I was wrong!
Private flying does not exist in Saudi Arabia (unless you're a Saudi prince). Presently correct but changing, the Kingdom will have at least two flying schools by next year. They presently have a paragliding club with at least two Brits using their facilities.
Even travelling by car outside Riyadh requires letters of authority. . Used to, but no longer required.
Saudi law and customs are more strictly enforced in Riyadh than in Jeddah or Dhahran , that i would believe!
Wives have a generally miserable time Depends on the person.
Lovers are prohibited (more jail if caught with one). The idea is not to get caught!
as there's ******-all to spend it on, this part i dont understand at all, there are always TOYS to spend your money on!
Come to Saudi with an open mind, it may not be the best place in the world to live, but provided that you are working for a good company and living in a good compound.....it isnt hell!
Good Luck.
Mutt
Alcohol is prohibited and is only available to diplomats or Saudi royals (the real stuff), or on exclusively expat compounds (home-brew) Thats what i thought when i arrived, I was wrong!
Private flying does not exist in Saudi Arabia (unless you're a Saudi prince). Presently correct but changing, the Kingdom will have at least two flying schools by next year. They presently have a paragliding club with at least two Brits using their facilities.
Even travelling by car outside Riyadh requires letters of authority. . Used to, but no longer required.
Saudi law and customs are more strictly enforced in Riyadh than in Jeddah or Dhahran , that i would believe!
Wives have a generally miserable time Depends on the person.
Lovers are prohibited (more jail if caught with one). The idea is not to get caught!
as there's ******-all to spend it on, this part i dont understand at all, there are always TOYS to spend your money on!
Come to Saudi with an open mind, it may not be the best place in the world to live, but provided that you are working for a good company and living in a good compound.....it isnt hell!
Good Luck.
Mutt
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Here there and sometimes everywhere.
Here's something else to add to the list of pros and cons that come with living in Saudi as compared to other places in the knoteetingham area...the Saudi government have decided to implement a law that has been around for a good twenty or so years which gives them the green light to start that lovely policy of taxing income. But not to worry this policy will only apply to expats and expats and their saudi partners who own businesses???
I read this a few months ago in one of the Gulf newspapers!
F-S
I read this a few months ago in one of the Gulf newspapers!
F-S
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: France
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.
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.
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Here there and sometimes everywhere.
Celtic frog, Fair play to you! Having lived in a fair few places in the region (inc. Jeddah) and in fact still living in the region (i.e. Dubai), I feel there isn't enough money an employer could pay me to live in KSA considering the quality of life my wife and I have here in Dubai. But, thats just me! (Each to their own!)
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Not a huge sand box but very nice winters anymore
Cup B,
If you want a beer there is some home brew that can also be used to strip paint.
If you can get involved with the embassy social scene and you can have abit of proper stuff every now and again.
Life here can suck, but you don't come here for the ambience.
Just be prepared for everything to be a hassle, but to keep an eye on the big picture. That is your bank account! Short term pain for long term gain!!
Flat-Spot,
Living in Riyadh--would love to be in Dubai
If you want a beer there is some home brew that can also be used to strip paint.
If you can get involved with the embassy social scene and you can have abit of proper stuff every now and again.
Life here can suck, but you don't come here for the ambience.
Just be prepared for everything to be a hassle, but to keep an eye on the big picture. That is your bank account! Short term pain for long term gain!!
Flat-Spot,
Living in Riyadh--would love to be in Dubai
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Australia
KSA sucks.
Limited freedom and miserable for most wives. Good money. When you think the home brew is starting to taste OK it's time to go.
Have a girlfriend and you'll feel like a fugitive from justice with all the BS you'll go through to not get caught together.
Expats are being killed in Riyadh by car bombs. Others have been rammed, forced off the road and shot at.
KSA is incomparable to the UAE. Been there, done both.
Limited freedom and miserable for most wives. Good money. When you think the home brew is starting to taste OK it's time to go.
Have a girlfriend and you'll feel like a fugitive from justice with all the BS you'll go through to not get caught together.
Expats are being killed in Riyadh by car bombs. Others have been rammed, forced off the road and shot at.
KSA is incomparable to the UAE. Been there, done both.
Sims Fly Virtually
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 704
Likes: 0
From: Used to be 3rd Sand Dune from the Left - But now I'm somewhere else somewhere else.
Never been shot at, or bombed (not that way anyhow 
) but the social scene can be a bit male-oriented. Been in Saudi many years and still don't have the urge to leave, not being taxed at the moment though I have heard of the impending 10% (make sure your contract says "tax free" so if it happens your employer will have to pay!)
If you can get them to agree to a multiple-entry visa (easier to get these days) then your nearest Old Speckled Hen is only 250 miles away (Bahrain) and I nip over there every couple of weekends if I don't have to go on business, great Aussie rock band in Diggers Bar in Bahrain too
"Western" employer with a western-style contract is a good idea as contracts can get broken/amended so you ned to be able to enforce it in a Western court.
Yes, Riyadh can be bloody hot, but there's air conditioning in the house, car and office, also as mentioned above, it's less than 50% humidity (100% in Jeddah and Dammam) so it don't feel so bad.
If you're single - try it for a while. If you're married and bringing "her indoors" with you then think and discuss more carefully.
Good luck - drop a line if you come.
) but the social scene can be a bit male-oriented. Been in Saudi many years and still don't have the urge to leave, not being taxed at the moment though I have heard of the impending 10% (make sure your contract says "tax free" so if it happens your employer will have to pay!)If you can get them to agree to a multiple-entry visa (easier to get these days) then your nearest Old Speckled Hen is only 250 miles away (Bahrain) and I nip over there every couple of weekends if I don't have to go on business, great Aussie rock band in Diggers Bar in Bahrain too
"Western" employer with a western-style contract is a good idea as contracts can get broken/amended so you ned to be able to enforce it in a Western court.
Yes, Riyadh can be bloody hot, but there's air conditioning in the house, car and office, also as mentioned above, it's less than 50% humidity (100% in Jeddah and Dammam) so it don't feel so bad.
If you're single - try it for a while. If you're married and bringing "her indoors" with you then think and discuss more carefully.
Good luck - drop a line if you come.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Australia
"Western" employer with a western-style contract is a good idea as contracts can get broken/amended so you ned to be able to enforce it in a Western court.
Have a look in the "Military" section and search for stuff on KSA. If you like the idea of living on Mars with Martians then KSA is the place for you.
Groper
