Living in Saudi Arabia Post Reply

[Muddy boots mum]

Hi

My husband is looking into work opportunities in Dubai but more likely Saudi Arabia. We have holidayed in Dubai and have a lot of friends there and would feel comfortable being there but we're unsure about Saudi.
We are a family of 4, and our children and 11 and 12. I wouldn't work there so would want to find a good expat community but im not sure how established that is yet in SA.
Obviously before committing to a move we would visit the country but I wondered if anyone had any experience themselves of Saudi.

Thanks

[givebracku]

We were in Dubai for a few years, and I must say, the international schools there offer a unique blend of curricula, emphasizing both academic rigor and holistic development. It's been quite an eye-opener, and I'm curious to know if there are similar offerings here.

[Thinkingtoo]

Can’t help with you with Saudi but in a similar boat but about Abu Dhabi. Agree Dubai seems doable but AD seems a little more boring and traditional. So if anyone has any good insights about Gulf living, I’d be keen to hear them too!

[Beachboys]

Hi,

We lived in Saudi, but quite a few years ago (2009-2011) and in the Eastern Province, rather than Riyadh or Jeddah. So my experience may not be the same as what you'd get, but I'm happy to share some thoughts if you'd like to pm me. It was an interesting time, with some positives and some negatives. Definitely a life experience! 

[dudette]

Is there any way you could live in one of the Gulf states (eg Bahrain) and your husband just commutes to Saudi for work? I know things have improved slightly but it seems a tough place for a woman to live.

[Mivana]

I have not lived in SA myself, but have friends who did and some who were born there.
It is a different world for females, though things have now improved, but there are still many restrictions on what a woman may or may not do. . . .
Personally I would not choose to live there and certainly not take my children.
The suggestion to maybe live in another country, close-ish by, and for your husband to commute sounds like a good alternative idea……

[Writerlady]

Friends looked into this very closely when husband was offered a job in Riyadh. In the end he went on his own and wife and children stayed in UK. He came back every 8 weeks or so and they went out a few times and travelled around. It was tough going but they survived. Think he did it for around two/three years.