Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Report of what it's like to live there - 01/23/15
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, we have been posted to Paris, Rabat, Cairo, and Belgrade.
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?
Washington, DC, normally it takes between 19-24 hours. Luftansa and Delta.
3. How long have you lived here?
3 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
We are with the U.S. Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
In the diplomatic quarters commute is minimal if you work at an Embassy within the quarter, but if you work out in the city you could have a 30-45 minutes commute due to traffic. There are good roads. Housing can be decent sized villas or apartments. Many are old and need work. Many new ones have finishing issues. U.S. Embassy has mostly old units that are getting grungy and need to be redone. Many have awkward layouts. I have a newer townhouse that is really nice.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
About the same as the U.S. We can get everything we need here easily. Lots of American and European foods.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Get a Kindle. Books are very expensive here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything is available here. Almost all U.S. fast food, Starbucks, donut shops, Chinese, Italian, Sushi. Food is one of the best things about Saudi Arabia. Lots of Lebanese food, and Indian.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Very minimal, a few ants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
There are maids available, the rate is US$7-8/hr. But in my 20 years experience employing maids, the ones here are not competent. There is frequent turnover of maids in our community. Most are South East Asian and African. I have had 2 and both are/were not good (need to monitor very closely).
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, there is Gold's Gym, and special clubs in the Diplomatic Quarter one for each gender. Expensive.
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?
Usually safe and many use them all the time.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Mormon, Catholic etc. but all are clandestine.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Very little. Most vendors or workers speak English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not really, there is sympathy and kindness and there are many Saudis with disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Best to have a driver. Buses are for men only and usually poor workers. Taxis are safe for men.
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 need a newer car if you want to bring one. Only males can drive. SUV's are the best bet due to poorly finished roads and safety.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
More than one service, reasonable prices.
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?
Best not to bring a pet. It is hard to get them out of the country. Dogs are not welcomed here. If you bring them, arrive in the winter because they will be quarantined. There are lots of cats here everywhere if you are a cat lover. Get one 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?
No.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Few.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Same as in the U.S. for men. Women need to dress modestly and wear an abaya in some places.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, though safer in some ways the DC, the driving is horrible and erratic and there are many accidents. Also we are in an area that has had terrorism in the past so there are guards everywhere and police presence. Most Westerners live in gated secure compounds.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Good medical care and hospitals in the cities.
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 especially during sand storms.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Lots of people get respiratory infections.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Dry heat for six months of the year but easily manageble due to good a/c everywhere. Winters starting in October are cool and very pleasant, similar to early fall in the Northeast U.S.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There is the American School, the British School and a number of schools that offer classes in English. Many with young children choose My Little School which is more like a charter school.
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, they are pretty pricy.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
At western schools there are some, not many. Most compounds have swimming pools. U.S. Embassy has work-out rooms and pool and tennis courts for employees.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Men like it better. Many women are very frustrated with lack of mobility and treatment of women.
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?
Shopping, restaurants. There are actually lots of private parties with lots of alcohol among expats on compounds and in the DQ. If that is your thing, you can find a wild party scene here. There are book clubs, and card clubs etc.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is best for families. It is very lonely for many singles with normal dating being illegal. Unmarried couples cannot eat at restaurants without fear of arrest. Families have lots of time to spend together or with others with kids.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No, homosexuality is not only frowned upon, it is illegal with penalties of death. If you opt to come, be aware you must be discreet and stay in the closet.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Women are required to dress modestly and wear a covering when in public. Openly practicing any religion other than Sunni Islam is not allowed, so no open church services or wearing of crosses etc. People of color are treated less courteously than people who look "white." Asians and brown people are often assumed to be "lower class servants."
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Desert picnics, the annual King's horse races, the Janadriyah Cultural Festival.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Beautiful malls, lots of restaurants, trips to the desert.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Designer labels are everywhere here. Rugs from Iran and Turkey.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Saving money is the biggest plus of living here because most people get higher salaries. The winters are really great, cool weather and sunshine.
10. Can you save money?
Yes especially if you have an inflated salary.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Spouses have a hard time finding work. You need special permission. Music is forbidden and you will not find any music stores or hear it in public spaces.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, I feel very much at home here. As a married woman I have a very comfortable existance.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Alcohol, pork rinds, religious statues, Christmas trees, Playboy collection etc. Unless you are a diplomat they will be confiscated and could cause you big problems.
4. But don't forget your:
Warm jammies, blankets, sweaters etc. because houses are very cold in winter and air conditioning is also very cold in most places. Bring books, dvds, music.
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?
The Saudis I have met are very warm and friendly. The women are amazing, smart,funny and really cool. It is not a hard place to live since it has all the amenities of home. Get a driver, make friends and you will be fine. Men, make sure you get your wife a good driver!!
