Anyone have advice on Saudi Arabia
Posted by SignatureRude1231@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 23 comments
My husband is being stationed in Saudi Arabia for a few months and I’m trying to make the decision on if I should join him with our 4yo daughter. Anyone have any experience with living here as an expat they would like to share? Or advice if I decide to go? I love to travel but I have reservations.
snbdmliss@reddit
I have a friend there now with a daughter, she has to basically stay in the compound for safety and is going stir crazy without what feels like basic rights and safety for her and daughter. Ymmv
SignatureRude1231@reddit (OP)
Oh man I know I would not like that situation either. Do you know what area she is in?
SignatureRude1231@reddit (OP)
And what exactly makes her feel unsafe
snbdmliss@reddit
I don't know what area, her husband is there as a contractor, and she said there's been some safety incidents already, which is why spending the remaining time all together or just her and daughter in the compound
Flotilla_guerrilla@reddit
Saudi is not the way most people imagine it—camels and palm trees. The big cities are very modern and everything is available. They are very safe (aside from traffic accidents), and most Western expats tend to really enjoy our time here. The same is definitely not true for many people from other countries such as India or Philippines, though. There’s a difference in how different nationalities are treated here.
I don’t have children so I can’t speak for pediatric care but adults enjoy very good medical care in the cities.
The country itself is very beautiful, and it’s an opportunity to travel and see places like Jeddah or Al-Ula.
I’m in Jeddah and I find the people here to be warm and friendly—but Riyadh they tend to be a bit less so. I often encourage people to visit here (something that is allowed now with the new tourist visas) because it’s a very interesting experience. It’s true that alcohol is not legal, it isn’t part of the culture anyway and you find that you don’t miss it at all.
Bottom line: if you didn’t have a baby I’d encourage you strongly to come. But since you do, try to get some answers on pediatric care before you decide to come.
SignatureRude1231@reddit (OP)
I’ve heard from a few people Jeddah is very nice and it would be an area I’d like to visit if we end up going.
Not sure if pediatric healthcare is similar throughout the GCC but I had pleasant experiences in Bahrain. My daughter broke a bone while there and I was impressed with her care.
Strange-Bumblebee515@reddit
I am an expat who moved to Saudi from the UK mid May. My contract is for a year. I have a 7 month old son. My wife flew with him a week ago on a tourist visa. Plan is to see how the 3 months go and then they both will come on a resident visa. Just get a tourist visa and come down. Honestly no harm and people are friendly.
I live in Khobar. So compared to Riyadh and Jeddah. It’s not a big city but I am going off other peoples opinions. I myself haven’t been to either of these cities.
There’s one thing I repeatedly tell my friends and family back in the UK since arriving here. Yes I had the same apprehension like a lot of people. Don’t believe everything in the western media. Come and live for yourself and see how it is. I have a whole new perception now. Also just bear in mind that when you move to another country. It’s a whole new culture and traditions. So you need to be open to respect them. Because I mean what fun would the world be if every country and everyone had the same traditions
For us as a family Saudi first perfectly. It’s a once in a life time experience for us. My wife and I have lived in other countries before we met each other. So to be able to do it together as a family even for a short time it’s an experience
Come see for yourself. Make your own view and experience. You’ll be completely okay 👌🏾
SignatureRude1231@reddit (OP)
I love this! I’m so glad your trip is working for you and your family. We similarly are set to live in a different country in the Gulf but it seems like now we are doing Saudi first.
ameraziigh@reddit
You definitely should; it’s a really unique country and it’s also very safe and family friendly.
Arghu40@reddit
Need more information on his situation... If he is "stationed" and only going to be in KSA for a "few months", I don't see the reason in you going with him to be honest.
SignatureRude1231@reddit (OP)
For the experience, and also to be together. Out of the last 7 months we’ve only had one month of being together.
Arghu40@reddit
Who will be setting up your residency visa in KSA? You will be staying over the 90 day visa option, which means you will need to qualify for a residency through his employer.
FTWkansas@reddit
I lived in the KSA as a civilian consultant. It’s pretty cool, the driving sucks and is pretty dangerous. The resort compounds are really well done and the grocery stores are palatial. Saudis are warm and friendly. The mutowah (sp?) religious police have no more power, you might see them at a mall telling women to cover their hair, you can ignore them, or even tell them to avert their eyes and they’ll fold immediately. I don’t advise that, but you could.
It’s an interesting place, a little like living on mars. A lot of cultural norms: compounds with “checkpoints” and flashing lights are performative, once you understand that 90% of things in the KSA are for show, you’ll be much more at ease.
Flotilla_guerrilla@reddit
I’ve lived in Saudi for decades. Which city? That makes a lot of difference
SignatureRude1231@reddit (OP)
Riyadh
moosemoose214@reddit
I would jump on the chance to give my daughter that opportunity in life.
SignatureRude1231@reddit (OP)
I agree whole heartedly. We’re settling in a different country in the gulf region (which we just got back from visiting). So we would go to Saudi and then move into our new home in a separate Gulf country. I think I may just be a little weary from traveling solo with a toddler and am letting this overshadow the experience. I appreciate this reminder!
moosemoose214@reddit
Part of the experience is the adventure
Short-Jellyfish4389@reddit
If it's temporary (really a few months), why not? You can consider it as a longer vacation.
LevHerceg@reddit
I'm very interested in people's responses here as I know too little about the practicalities in Saudi Arabia today.
I just came here to say that if you don't get convincing enough responses here you can still opt for just visiting for a week or two and then you still won't miss out on the opportunity, yet don't have to adapt that much and know it's just for a few days.
sttteee@reddit
Given that it's 4 months what kind of reservations... Since this would not be a long term move
SignatureRude1231@reddit (OP)
Basically if the experience will be worth another international move. This would be the 3rd long haul international flight in 3 months for my daughter.
Jizzbuscuit@reddit
My sister lived there. Her Husband was very high up in the British Army. They give you a house boy, so your daughter will be around a strange young man almost permanently.