Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Report of what it's like to live there - 10/09/13
Personal Experiences from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is not my first experience, I have lived all over the world.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
My home base is Toronto, Canada. I usually connect in Frankfurt, Germany. The trip is about 24 hours with layovers.
3. How long have you lived here?
I have been living here for 4 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I work for a local telecommunications company.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most expats live on gated compounds; many provide amenities such as gyms, restaurants, and a pool.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can buy most things here in the local grocery stores.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Possibly some items for in-home entertainment.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and Second Cup and all other fast food places are here and the prices are the same as in the west. There are many good Indian and Pakistani restaurants here and they are very cheap.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I have had major problems with cockroaches in my apartment.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
UPS.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cheap and available.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Most compounds have a gym.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Most places accept credit cards and ATM's are everywhere.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
None, there are no churches here, only mosques.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Arabic is the official language but you can get around with speaking English as most locals know it, but learn some Arabic!
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes - there are no sidewalks and no ramps etc.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transit is poor here but safe. Taxis are safe and affordable.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You will need a large all-terrain car. The driving is just plain frightening. Locals pay absolutely no attention to any rules whatsoever. Everyone runs red lights, ignores signs, no one uses turn signals and drivers act like they are the only car on the road. Saudi Arabia has recently been revealed as the nation with the most traffic accidents. I have been to dozens of nations and have never seen anything like this. If you want to walk around the city, use extreme caution as cars to not stop for pedestrians.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Available but slow and unreliable, however it is fairly cheap.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Most people go with STC for their cell phones plans.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes, for six months. And, do not bring you pet - most locals see dogs as dirty and will treat them with disgust. There are no vets or kennels here.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not that I know of.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
None.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual for men, females have to cover up everything except their faces.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There is always a threat of terrorism here but nothing has occurred in a while; just be alert and use your common sense.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
No, health care is fine here.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate in winter, unhealthy in the summer as there are many dust storms coming out of the desert.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very hot in the summer and pleasant in the winter.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large expat community. Moral is mixed some are fed up with life here and want to get out. Some accept it but no one I know loves it.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are restaurants and large malls. However there are no nightclubs, movies theaters or concerts here. Most entertainment happens on the compounds.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is not a good post for families as there is not much to do and your children will not be happy here. For singles, maybe, but again you will be bored. Couples, yes. A couple without children is probably the best choice of people to come here.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No, not at all. Homosexuality is illegal here. Locals can be executed for showing any signs of homosexuality. Expats will probably be asked to leave the nations. It is not a good idea to come here if you are gay. Even if you do not get kicked out of the country, you will be treated with disgust by the locals.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No racial problems, but females are seen here as second class citizens. Females are not allowed to be seen without a male escort in this city. Females also are not allowed to drive or go to certain restaurants. If you are a female you will be treated poorly. Also, if you are not of the Islamic faith you may experience religious prejudice.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The ease of travel to other places in the Middle East such as Dubai.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There really is not much to do here. Maybe just the ease of going to other countries in the area.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nothing.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
This nation has great weather in the winter and provides an interesting cultural experience.
10. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Anything that has to do with cold weather
4. But don't forget your:
Patience.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
If you are female, do not come here, my poor wife is very unhappy right now as she has no rights and is treated no better than a street dog.
