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. 

[MsJFN]

Living in Saudi Arabia sounds like an experience! I can tell you that renting a family car there is super easy. If you're planning a trip, you might want to check out places that offer affordable rentals. I used family car for rent in Dubai the last time I was there, and it was a smooth experience. They had great customer service, and the car was in top shape. Plus, it's nice to have a comfy ride when you're exploring around. Also, the rental process is pretty straightforward, with no surprises. If you need any other tips for traveling or living there, feel free to ask!

[Expat]

Not much help re Saudi Arabia (from the little I know, though it is changing can be tricky for Europeans women) but have a view for the person who asked Abu Dhabi v Dubai.

Without knowing your age or family set up a little difficult to say if Abu Dhabi is boring. If you want to replicate Nappy Valley difficult to do that any where including within U.K.

Having lived in Abu Dhabi and Dubai - Abu Dhabi certainly not boring for a family lots of sporting activities and clubs to join. Plenty of Sandy beaches and parks to visit. Good International schools too.

The road system makes it much easier, and faster to get around. Housing either in villas or high rise which are not so high rise as in Dubai or as densely packed.

Abu Dhabi is by far the richest emirates and prices generally reflect that. Plenty of malls and you can buy anything you wish including Waitrose deliver. It is a much calmer environment and you will not find the brash atmosphere of the Dubai Marina area. Dubai is about an hour away by car and venues host international concerts. Abu Dhabi is investing in culture an out post of the Louvre has already arrived, Guggenheim and National History Museum due to open soon Yas Island has various theme parks.

Quite a few people, who can work from home part of the time choose to relocate from Dubai to AD.

Having been an expat in the far east/middle east/Europe the key to settling seems to be your willingness to embrace the local culture.

Hope this helps - good luck