Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Report of what it's like to live there - 07/27/10
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 my 4th expat experience. I have lived in France, Japan and Mexico before this.
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 in California, I have found that you can fly from Riyadh via Frankfurt to San Francisco, or via Hong Kong to San Francisco.
3. How long have you lived here?
I have been here for the last 8 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I work for the US Embassy in Riyadh.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Houses, apartments and townhouses are available. Housing is usually rather spacious.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Fresh foods are of high quality and are about the same price as in the US. Packaged imported products can be more expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Many. All of the major American fast food chains are here. Many restaurants serving every kind of food. The cost range is from very inexpensive to relatively expensive, and quality is high -- even for lower-priced foods.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I have not experienced any insect problems. I read some mention of mosquitoes in other posts, but I have not had any trouble with mosquitoes. I do not see insects around.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
FedEx is available and very fast. I have no experience with other local postal services.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very affordable. Maids are available for about $5/hour.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. Many.
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?
Use of credit cards and ATMs is common here.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, very affordable.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis 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?
The roads are in variable condition. Any kind of vehicle would be fine. Parts are available, no problem with carjackings.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, about $40-$50/month depending on the desired speed.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
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?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes.
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?
Yes.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business clothing for men is the same as in the US. For women, you wear an abaya in public, which covers your clothing.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. There is a stronger security presence in Riyadh than in most other parts of the world. The Diplomatic Quarter, DQ, is guarded and has controlled access. When walking around town in Riyadh, you do not get a sense of insecurity; there seems to be low petty crime overall. Security measures seem to be more in place to avoid serious attacks rather than for individual protections. Crime overall seems very low.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Strong medical facilities with western-trained doctors and nurses are available at the major hospitals.
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?
Air quality is variable, alternating between good and moderate. In my experience, this is not because of pollution but more because of occassional dust storms, which are quite incredible to watch, but which can cause reduced visibility.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The climate from about October to May (8 months per year) is surprisingly nice. Clear blue skies are a very common sight, temperatures are usually in the 80's, which feels more like 70's due to the dry air. During the summer months, it is very hot outside. Although it is hot, the air is dry, so it is much easier to tolerate for some than a hot and humid climate. Essentially, all year the air is dry, that doesn't change much.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are several international schools. I do not have much experience with them, though the American School has a strong reputation in town.
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?
These are mostly based out of the schools.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large.
2. Morale among expats:
Good, Riyadh expats are often longtimers, people who have made this place home for years and years.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
In-home entertaining, and events on compounds are very common.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a great city for couples or for families with younger children.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are golf courses, lots of rock climbing opportunities, hiking/walking trails, searching for fossils in the desert, camping, lots and lots of shopping.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
There are many advantages to life in Riyadh. One of them is the short commute to work. Most people within the Embassy community live within walking distance of the Embassy, if they choose to drive, it's only a few minutes away. Gas is extremely inexpensive, groceries and imported products are easy to find--the main grocery store in town is a subsidiary of the US grocery store Safeway which stocks all of the regular Safeway brand products. I have never lived in a place with such a wide range of the usual American products. English is widely spoken, I have absolutely no trouble getting around without Arabic. There are some great restaurants in this city and although the usual entertainment options- movie theaters, concerts, etc are not available here, the social life on the various compounds keeps you busy. The pay is also excellent and regional travel is very affordable.
11. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Definitely.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Food (everything is available locally), designer clothing (lots of designer shopping locally).
3. But don't forget your:
own reading materials, as bookstores locally have a more limited selection.
