Saudi Arabia.....to go or not to go???

Question

I would like answers from people who either know the country well, have travelled there recently, or those who don't have any prejudices (please).

My ex husband asked my opinioin on his recent offer to move to Saudi Arabia for a seven month work placement. Financially, it's a no brainer. What I want to know is how safe a Canadian is in Saudi Arabia with all that's going on in the world. He's asking me because we have children and I suppose he respects my opinion, so I'd like to give him an informed one.......I've researched, but I want the opinion of a real person, with real experience...thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi there! I have been working in Saudi Arabia for a long time now.

I used to work for a US firm which is providing engineers and technical personnel to major oil/gas companies in the KSA. We have successfully recruited staffs from the USA, Canada, the UK, RSA, Philippines, India and others. Some of our personnel. including Westerns, have been here for the past 10+ years. The good reasons for longevity in working in the KSA: Higher pay, good benefits and peaceful environment.

Although there were rare cases of terrorism and crimes against individuals, including Western, in the past, KSA is a peaceful country, in general, to live and work.

You can visit the website below for references.

Answer 2

I am Saudi and I would tell you if you have that chance, don't hesitate.
Media has shown alot of fake pictures, but in reality it's different. There's no terror. It was just some events that included even Saudis not just foreigners. Authorities care more about foreigners not going into troubles or facing problems. The only thing you may not feel comfprtable with is the difference in cultures and habits depending on which city you're going to stay in. If in Jeddah or Riyadh or the Easren region then everything will be easier for you as a foreigner. If you need more info, don't hesitate. I could help.

Answer 3

I was there in 90-91 and from what i could tell there were a lot of EXPATS working there. Most of the companies have housing that is available to them,where most EXPACTs live. Check it out first. If not then let your husband go first so he can see for himself and go from there. Be in mind that this is a arab country and they have very strict laws conserning Women and children.In public they are very segragated. I work in kuwait so it is about the same. As in any travel be aware of your surroundings and you will do just fine. As a not i must tell you it gets very hot in the summer.40 to 50 c 130 to 145 f so be prepaired. Go there and enjoy the experiance. it only comes once n a lifetime.If you dont like it you can allways come back home.

Answer 4

I haven't been there myself, though I'd like to go one day. Just thought I'd say that I've known people who have worked there and I haven't heard anything bad. In fact, some friends of ours regret having left (they thought their kids should go to school in Germany, but the private schools there were much better). If it's only for 7 months, why not? He'll get well-paid for gaining life-experience, and will look great on a resume. There are so many foreigners there - he may even have trouble meeting locals! Assuming he'll have health insurance (of course!), he'll get to the top-class doctors/hospitals. I don't know if I'd want to live there, but I would jump at such a chance, and try to make the most out of it. At the best, he might have the most interesting /exciting /challenging /hot time of his life. At the worst, he might be bored and hot (well, actually, there IS air-conditioning!), but at least a bit richer than before. So what has he got to loose?

Answer 5

I am British & I have been living in Saudi Arabia for 5 years now.
I do feel safe here, it is a very beautiful country & when you do have friends it is even a better place.
So tell your husband that he has nothing to worry about except that it will be lonely sometimes. but then again it will only be for seven months. & he will not be paying any taxes.
If he comes he will find out the Saudi is very civilised & there is everything he could think of here except for alcohol & pork ofcourse.
and almost verywhere he will go people speak english. so communication will not be a problem.
Good luck for your ex-hubby.

Answer 6

Holden: my chum u did not recognize the heritage of effects between Iraq - Saudi Arabia . Iraq become beat Saudi in really basic 7 - a million & 5 - 0 & 5 - a million and so on.. very last beat become in in Doha Dec. 2005 Iraq beat Saudi 5 - a million yet u recognize the wars. ROoOROoO: really ur humorous !!! u insult my crew Iraq then stated: after that all of us Arabs !!. merely verify the heritage and word who become lost by technique of alternative 7 - a million & 5 - a million and so on... if u have maximum acceptable attack (12 objectives) in this tournamebt Iraq have maximum acceptable Goalie & protection (merely 2 objectives in 5 suits a million comes by technique of Penalty with Thailand) strong success to IRAQ & SAUDI ARABIA yet on the grounds that u began i tell u this actuality: we are able to provide ur crew some classes in authentic football like we did that with Australia . like Nashat Akeram provide this classes in ur usa. strong success IM ARABIAN and that i'll"T experience LIKE LOSER IF ARABIAN crew BE THE CHAMP Edit: Shaima: that is the deleted question: Arabs the Kings of Asian Cup: IRAQ beat Korea & Saudi beat Japan: Iraq Vs Saudi in very last?

Answer 7

i am a saudi, and i think he would not face any probelms excpet for culture change. if he is going to live in campound, then he will feel just like home because life in a campound is totaly different from outside. i suggest that your ex learn a little bit about saudi culture.

Answer 8

I lived in Riyadh for 6 years. Actually, I miss it. It was a peaceful place for me and my 3 children. I enjoyed a good lifestyle, housing, medical care, tax free salaries, good schools. I would go back actually. It's a great place. Take this chance.

Answer 9

Hello,

I think the only problem you will have with Saudi is the heat in summer months !!!

Answer 10

its a good peaceful place.
dont worry about the terrorist thing u r afraid of. because it all depends on luck or should i say bad luck.
even local people are endangered from these kind of things.

if ur husband is canadian he dont have any problem in the kingdom.

GooD LucK