Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Report of what it's like to live there - 04/07/11
Personal Experiences from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
3rd overseas assignment.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington DC - 15 hours
3. How long have you lived here?
6 months here, 18 to go
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Embassy
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing in the Diplomatic Quarter varies. There are bowling-alley-type duplexes and single-family homes. The commute time to the embassy is 5 minutes at most. There are numerous western compounds that each have their own culture, housing and amenities. Housing is at a premium these days, so check with your company early about your options.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries and household supplies are widely available. Fresh produce is reasonable, but meats and frozen imported goods are pricey.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Most fast food is available. Restaurants are available and food is generally good. Restaurants are segregated into a family section and a single-men section. Single men should not join women in public, as it is considered against the law. Cost range is slightly higher than DC prices.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Organic produce is becoming more available and there are specialty stores.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
surprisingly, not really
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
The U.S. Embassy has DPO. However, packages can be searched by local authorities, so do not ship unauthorized items.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Diplomatic families can sponsor a helper. It takes about 3 months to get clearance. Some helpers are available locally but it is hard to find a full time helper because they have to be sponsored by someone. It is also more expensive to hire a person who is sponsored by someone else. There are a number of 'illegals' and 'visa overstayers' but they are a great risk to hire.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, but public gyms are segregated. The US Embassy Recreation Association, which is a fee-based membership group, is open to embassy staff and other Americans and has a brand new gym that is quite nice. And it even has childcare during the week.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit card use is easy and relatively safe here.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
They are not publicly advertised but are available.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, available.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It is helpful to know the basics for better service. However, many shop assistants are foreigners also and speak english.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I would rate this as moderate. The malls and shopping here are accessible, but many of the streets and housing are not.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transportation is not really available, and security-wise people are discouraged fromt taking taxis.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
I would reccomend bringing a 4-wheel-drive car if you ever intend on traveling out of the city. Inside the city any type of car is suitable. Parts seem to be available. Consider hiring a personal driver if you are a woman.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Depends on your housing area. A wifi box is available through mobily and is relatively fast, but slows down on weekends and evenings. DSL is also available in some houses, but it can be time consuming to try and get STC to set it up. Cost depends on speed and length of commitment.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cell phones are widely available, but you can bring your own and then purchase a sim card. Prepaid and postpaid are available. However, for postpaid you will need your Saudi Identification documents to set up an account -- which takes about a month after arriving.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Pet care is available. I wouldn't say it is top quality though, as dogs and dog supplies are hard to come by or quite expensive.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Working leagally on the local economy is quite challenging due to work permits. However freelance positions are available especially in teaching and healthcare. Check out the women's skills bureau for connecting with local opportunities http://www.wsb-ksa.com/
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Women must wear an abaya in public and should dress conservatively. Women may also be asked to cover their hair. Men rarely are seen in shorts in public.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, embassy families have just returned to post after a 6-year gap. Everyone is very security-minded and should be very aware.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care seems above average. Allergies to dust are a real concern.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate. The air is very, very dry, and dust storms occur often
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
I was surprised how cold it gets in the winter-you will need a winter coat
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
American International School - is very far away from the DQ. Usually 1 hour each way. Students leave DQ at 6:30am and don't return till after 4pm.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Identifying resources for special-needs children would be challenging here.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
My little school - 10 min from DQ. It is an excellent school but on the higher end of the price scale. The embassy should be starting a pre-school, but it has been delayed because they have not been able to identify a suitable location.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, swimming, taekwondo, and ballet are easily accessible, but competitive leagues are hard to find.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Surprisingly large. However, many groups tend to socilize with others on their housing compounds.
2. Morale among expats:
Average-this is a challenging post because it is quite restrictive.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Most entertaining is done in homes, embassies and housing compounds.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a good post for families that like to spend time with each other or with other families. This is a tough post for singles, as singles are not allowed to 'mix' in public.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, it is a challenging place to be a woman. Women can not drive here and are encouraged to travel in pairs. Religious freedom is also not tolerated.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Enjoy the family walks along the DQ waddi when weather cooperates
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Desert trips, camping, walking the waddi. Visiting other housing compounds for children to play and swim.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Rugs, lamps.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Interesting culture
11. Can you save money?
Yes, but you may spend it on traveling out of the kingdom.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Maybe. Make sure not to arrive during Ramadan or Eid, as it is very difficult to get things set up -- like internet, cell phones, processing government papers, and even grocery shopping.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
Sunglasses, humidifiers, prayer card (all store and resturaunt locations close for prayer time which changes every few days).
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Inside the Kingdom, Robert Lacey
6. Do you have any other comments?
I have been surprised at the small number of children living on the DQ. I hope this will change as more families return to Saudi Arabia. I thought there would be other children from other embassies, but the DQ is quite large and spread out, so the parks are great but we rarely see other children.
