Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Report of what it's like to live there - 12/04/13
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?
No. I have lived in Israel, Rwanda, Chad, Yemen, and Burma.
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?
Northern Virginia. It takes approximately 14 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
15 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Working with the American Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
American Embassy personnel are assigned to the Diplomatic Quarter. Housing there consists of apartments, townhome-style residences, stand-alone homes. Many of the homes are both 110/220 volt. Commute from the further location to the American Embassy is not much more than 10 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find anything you need here. Prices are equivalent or maybe a little higher than Northern Virginia. You may not find the brand that you are used to but you'll find something that is comparable to.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We were right on with our shipment. You can buy everything here but I would recommend sending your pillows, sheets in advance of being moved here. It is nice to come in and be able to have your own personal pillows and sheets the first night of arriving.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
American fast foods are available - KFC, Dominos, Baskin Robins, Subway Sandwiches to name a few. You can find Mexican, local cuisine, Indian, Italian. There are numerous restaurants to experience.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitos and roaches.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We use APO through the American Embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I don't have but I understand it is available and affordable.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
We have gyms available to us at the Embassy and our annex along with swimming pools.
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?
I know many people who use credit cards and ATMs here. We choose to do business in cash when we are overseas.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is a gathering of Christians on Fridays.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You can get by with English but it would help if you knew your numbers for shopping. And of course, it is always nice to be able to say hello, goodbye, thank you in Arabic.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes they would. This country does not have the physical disability act like we have in the States where we are required to have ramps, railings, etc. to assist our disabled community.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We have travelled to Dhahran on the train and enjoyed the experience. As I stated earlier, taxis are off limits for us.
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?
There are a number of car dealerships here to include American and Japanese. If you are an explorer and plan to stay on the road (or offroad) and see the country, I would strongly urge bringing an SUV. If you are a city dweller and have no interest in leaving the confines of the city then a regular sedan would work well for you.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes it is. Two companies provide - STC and Mobily. Cost is approximately US$80-$100 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You can bring your own but they do have companies here that sell cell phones. The American Embassy provides one to all Direct Hires.
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?
Our pets do not need to be quarantined. There are vets and kennels available. Not many but there are some.
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?
It depends on your status here. We do have some spouses teaching at schools, we had a spouse who worked at a lawyer's office. For the most part working on the local economy is quite difficult.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
I know there are some but I have not had an opportunity to get involved yet.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
At work it is business attire. In public keeping modest is the key. As American women associated with the Embassy, we are not required to wear abiyas but most of us do just to not draw attention to ourselves. Most of us do not put the head scarf on but we do bring it with us. And we don't cover our faces. Men tend to wear jeans but I have seen some out with shorts on (including locals).
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
American Embassy personnel are not authorized to use taxis. Even if you were allowed, many of the drivers have no idea where to take you when you tell them your destination. You need to be able to explain where to go.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The Health Unit at the Embassy has identified medical facilities that can handle most of our needs. Upper respiratory is a huge issue here due to the dryness and the sandstorms.
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 to unhealthy. Many people develop upper respiratory irritations and if you are asthmatic, this may be a difficult place to be living.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Dry, dry, dusty, sandy, dry. When the rainy season does hit, it can be very quick, very excessive, causing flooding in parts of the city.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
AISR is where most of the American Embassy children attend school. I do not have school-age children so can't speak on the subject.
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?
Yes. My Little School is located on the Diplomatic Quarter Compound.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The schools have sports programs.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There is a large expat community. You have people who adjust well here, then unfortunately others who are quite miserable and wish they were anywhere else but here.
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?
Getting together with friends at homes, Uncle Sam's at the American Embassy.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I could see where this would be a difficult environment to bring your family. But that said - there are lots of school activities, lots of playgrounds, and the malls are filled with play centers for children. Singles could find it difficult, however there are things to do - just go out and find them. Couples have each other so life can be easier for them.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I know a number of gay/lesbian expats. I believe they tend to socialize within the Diplomatic community or they stay at home. There is a gay community in Riyadh. It is very quiet and they don't have any attention drawn to them.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Of course. This is Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!! If you are not Arab or Muslim you will be looked at - you will be treated differently. I have not experienced any problems in my time here but I do everything to show the respect of this culture/this environment while I am here. I would want the same sign of respect for people coming to my country.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Driving out in the countryside, experiencing the sites and sounds. There are lots of day trips right outside of Riyadh.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Desert treks, hunting for desert diamonds, visiting bronze age burial grounds, Edge of the World, Mada'an Salah, scuba/snorkeling, ancient rock art. I could go on. Do your research. There are lots of things to see, to experience. Use your imagination. This is a great place.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Head down to the souq. There are lots of hidden treasures! Also, since we have been here we have purchased a dining room table made from a very old Saudi door along with a sofa table made from a door panel. Who would have thought we would be buying furniture here!!??
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Experiencing the culture, the weather is great, lots to see and do.
10. Can you save money?
Yes you can.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I did a lot of reading and research, took 4 months of Arabic. I knew exactly what to expect and am quite content with my life. I still have 21 months left here. Time will pass quickly and it will be time to move on to the next adventure.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Sure, why not. I've been to tougher places to live. This place has all the necessities that I need to make me feel at home for the next 21 months.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
High expectations thinking you will walk right into the same sort of environment you just left.
4. But don't forget your:
Sense of adventure. Why else would you be here!! If you didn't want to experience living in other cultures then why would you have signed up for a career that required you to travel around the world?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Do you have any other comments?
Remember that happiness is within yourself. Instead of spending time looking for reasons to be so miserable, try taking that time to find the positives of a situation and build on that. How fortunate are we all for living a life that lets us travel the world and see, do, experience things that we may have never been able to do had we chosen a different career path! Embrace this adventure!!!!
