Working in Saudi Arabia?

Question

has anybody been to saudi arabia before? i am offered a chance to go to saudi arabia's capital, Riyadh, as a student intern.
i thought this may be an opportunity but i am worry as well because i don't know how is the country like.

i am a singaporean chinese and this will be my first time going into middle east. i understand that it is a muslim country and there should not be alcohol or pork. but that's all that i know. is there anything else i need to watch out if i were to go?

my main concern is my own safety. the traffic over there looks frightening and there are little footpaths. how friendly are the people there is another thing which questions me. the crime rate there is the next factor that bothers me. will they be racist against chinese?

if you were me, would you go for such an internship? it is going to be a 4months trip!

thanks.

I am a male.
Looks like their traffic is the one I need to be careful of most.

Answer 1

you wont get your head cut off.. hahaha!.. everyone is trying to scare you.. First off, you wouldnt bring in any alcohol or pork.. why would anyone carry meat anyway on a plane.. even if it was beef.. All they'd do is deport you... Dont worry.. I am from Saudi.. I have many christian friends, who actually hold their religious services to themselves.. No one bothers them as long as they dont go out and try to propagate Christianity in the mainstream public, but they are free to practice on their own to themselves..
As a man, you need to be aware that there is segregation of sexes in Saudi, Men and women dont mingle in public, no dating. So you cannot attempt to find a girlfriend (unless for some lucky chance a girl from your own country just happens to be working in a firm with you) but still I wouldnt openly chance anything.. The worst that would happen would be the religious matawas (the religious police) would ask you if you are married, and of course you wont go saying "no im not, im outwardly blatently dating in public".. haha!.. Just say your married leave, and dont do this again.. They would just deport you again if caught doing something wrong.. .. Actually though.. Most foreigners find other countrymen from their own and seem to find groups and meetings and social activities to go to.. You will meet many such people, but dont be scared to meet the Saudi's, they are gracious welcoming hosts and you will get many invites to homes.. The food is good and the conversation never ends.. Just be aware you are not to engage in any conversation with wives or daughters etc.. Just keep with the men. Shopping is fun, so if you have relatives or loved ones back home to shop for, you will find loads of trinkets to bring back to them... The crime rate is so low, you can leave your car door or house unlocked and no one bothers... I have on several occations forgot and left my cellphone or laptop in my car and find it later untouched.. amazingly..
The traffic is horrible though.. but you'll soon get used to it.. Just go with the flow.. Its fast and devilish.. but just be offensive... lol... goodluck and you'll love your experience here in Saudi! welcome!

Answer 2

I even have lived in Saudi Arabia in the previous. Now, while you would be waiting to artwork there as a single woman, you will face some issues. you basically isn't waiting topersistent (except the regulation differences). for this reason you will finally end up in a motor vehicle with unusual men (drivers) and you somewhat do no longer know what variety of guys they are going to be. it is not common to get around in case you have no longer have been given a mahram yet in case you have no longer have been given a real concern with this i might say choose for it. the folk there are very welcoming, once you're from u . s . or Britain. They get truly exited while they hit upon which you're no longer basically Western yet a Western Muslim :P. even nevertheless, I agree that it truly is recommended to purpose considered one of the different middle eastern worldwide places.

Answer 3

Go ahead, it's a good experience for you.
- No drugs
- Not much crimes
- Lot's of money ?
- Just obay the local laws and you are fine....
See if you are able to get a part time employment, that will be a big help. You've got to find this out from the authorities. Maybe from Saudi visa office....?

Your main concern should not be safety, cuz Saudi is one of the safest countries in the world.

http://www.DubaiJobsNetwork.com/
http://www.alkhaleejtoday.com/
http://www.saudiembassy.net/Travel/VisaReq-Student.asp

Answer 4

Nothing to worry, go ahead. Saudi Arabia is one of the safest countries in the Middle East with low crime rates. The Kingdom is following up with the Islamic rules.

I hope the life in Riyadh would be comfortable and enjoyable for you.

All the best.

Answer 5

It's perfectly safe there. You will have to sign a letter that is basically if you bring pork, alcohol, drugs you could be put to death. Also you will need to test negative for HIV otherwise you won't be let in. You will need three medical forms filled out by a doctor. No religious symbols or any other religious stuff not related to Islam is allowed to enter with you. If your a woman you need to wear hijab and abaya at all times outside. You won't be allowed to drive. You can't practice any religion other than Islam there.

Answer 6

if it's just 4 months go for it. it is safe here in Saudi but Riyadh has a very strict policies unlike Jeddah. (As what I also heard from my fellow filipinos here) People here are very friendly, even if they don't know you, once you cross way, they greet. Regarding Traffic, It is really horrible but manageable. They are not racist as you think.

Answer 7

it's only 4 month so u can do it but riyadh is boring try to come to jeddah much better about u'r safety u are 100% safe really nothing to worry about

Answer 8

Yes, you can go there, but you need to take care of yourself always. other more information and news about saudi arabia and middle east you can find at http://www.alkhaleejtoday.com/

Answer 9

well,don't worry about ur own safety .. it's safe there
and they r not racist against anyone

Answer 10

It is safe, and as long as you obey the law it should be alright.