Living and Working in Riyadh?

Question

Provisionally offered a job in Riyadh nexy year. Any tips on living and working there?

Sensible answers would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hehe, Riyadh is not as bad as the guys above make it sound.

Of course, Jeddah is more fun, but Riyadh isn't far.

If you're staying for long, I strongly suggest you learn Arabic. Some foreigners live here for decades and still don't bother. This does piss some of the locals off. And you'll only gain by learning the local language.

Yes, there are no bars, discos, or cinemas, but you can rent or buy movies, and we do have broadband internet, blah blah blah.

If your company has an agent to do your government related work, you're lucky, because the government offices are a nightmare to go to, though they are improving too, thank God.

Ah, if you need anything else, just email me. I can't write down everything here.

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You DON'T have to live indoors for 9 months.
Its more like the 4-5 hot months, where the weather is 40+C.
Right now its pretty cold, less than 10 degrees minimum, and it has just rained.

Answer 2

I would be confused if in your shoes. It is not as bad as people tell you. It is a lovely city, very advanced in terms of transportation, business environment etc but:

- Very conservative, dont expect having any fun. You must be the kind of guy who would work till late, go home and watch some TV. If you are the outgoing, fun seeking individual, you wont be happy in Riyadh.

- Culture shock, very different from your home town. Life is simply very restricted; no movies, pubs etc. You can only enter a small sections is all resturants for singles.

- Weather is beyond hot, you live indoors around 9 months of the year

- Do not expect an extremly proffesional work environment. Some people just take the decisons no matter what your reccomnedations are. It really depends on what type of business you are in.

I know the above sounds like a big NO, but it is a good exposure due to the booming of business in this part of the world. You get to learn a lot and the goods news is, there is nothing to do, so you actually get to save some money.

If you ask me; don't go unless you need the cash

Good luck buddy

Answer 3

just 4 ur info.
Riyadh is a HELL in Saudi Arabia,
even many saudiez (of other cities) dont prefer to live in Riyadh.

Im living in Saudi for 30 years now, in Eastern province. And I don't want to live in Riyadh at any cost.

Thats the max I can tell you.

GooD LucK !!!

Answer 4

Its not that bad. I know lots of people from many countries that lived there for a while and made it.
For sure, Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country, conservative and traditional. If you are talking about great job offer and a good contract to make money and live a new experience; go for it.
Its ok to try everything and make the best out of it.

visit those sites:
http://www.arab.de/arab/Arab_Countries/Saudi_Arabia/
http://saudinf.com/index.htm
&
Good luck

Answer 5

SaudiArabia is a safe place... We are actually under USA protection (you know, oil etc) You didnt mention whether you are married, single, male or female.. There are no bars, clubs, discos, theaters, or open recreation for singles here.. Saudi is geared all towards family entertainment... So slight boredom might be your issue.. otherwise.. all is good...

Answer 6

Depends exactly where you will be living an the type of job. If you are living in a western expat compound then that may be OK. I am in Saudi now but I live on a camp outside the towns. Don't expect any life outside the compound. Saudis are the most miserable oppressed brainwashed people in the world with no social life.

Answer 7

Do not drink, no shorts, women should be covered, if you can do this? good luck

Answer 8

no but give it a go best the luck my friend

Answer 9

dont go to Saudia this is my advice