Expat Advice: Dream vs. Reality of Expat Life in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Riyadh
Describe how you "dreamed" expat life would be before you moved overseas. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Due to the fact that I was also raised as an expat brat my expectations are not unreasonable. One expects to be able to have a good standard of living and enjoyment in life. For some reason or other this seems to be harder to obtain in ones own country. The move specifically to Saudi Arabia was because I didn't want to live in a "sofisticated" society any longer. It was time to get back to basics again. To go out into the desert and see the stars, watch the sunset and have a fuller social life. Not to have my life run looking at the clock all the time and living up to other people's expectations.
How has your expat experience met the expectations you dreamed about before you moved abroad?
Most of ones expectations have been met. The social life is good, the climate is excellent. We have lots of time to see the stars and watch the sunrise or sunset. To meet and socialise with people of other nations and not be clock watching all the time. All these expectations have been met.
How has your expat experience NOT met the expectations you dreamed about before you moved abroad?
I can't honestly think of expectations that haven't been met.
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guestHi, Please let me start congratulating you on a positive report, to be honest, when reading this, you made me realise not everything you hear is negative.i am currently living with my husband and two daughters aged 13 and 16 in Abu Dhabi for the past 5 years, we love the life over here and the freedom. We a planning on a move over to Riyadh. We are a non muslim British family and to be honest the storys i have heard about Riyadh, have got me quite worried. For example the strict approach to ex pats, not having the freedom to walk around. Living in compounds and not being able to work or drive. Please could you give me some insight as to where to find good compounds, schools, and a general approach to living conditions. I am sure that there is lots of positives. Thank you
