Launching a social life in Jeddah is difficult at first, but it will happen. First of all, I hope that you are at least living in a compound, because if not it will make your stay here a little more difficult.

There are many 'functions' at some of the consulates. The US and British usually have a couple each month, some with theme nights.

Then you have the beaches in Obhur. That's about a 20-30 min drive outside of town. A decent place to meet people.

Then you have the local bar on Tahlia...cool place to hang out...darts...alcohol...JUST KIDDING!!

Seriously, give yourself some time, but it will happen. Good luck!!

M.

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I lived/worked in Saudi for 5 years. The first 3 1/2 years in Taif, the summer capital, and the last 20 months in Jeddah.

I worked for an American company that had a large compound in Taif but only a large 22 apartment villa in Jeddah.

If you already arrived, I'm sure you know of the large International Mall. A good place to meet other expats from everywhere.

Also there are two major bowling alleys which have "mixed" (male and female) bowling leagues. I found this to be the very best places to meet ALL the expats, and nurses, and even Saudi Airlines flight and ground crews.

By joining one of the teams (I did and I only had a 124 average), you will meet ALL the bowlers on all the teams at least twice during every bowling league season.

There are the beaches mentioned by others, AND they are great places to meet other expats.

IF you work for an American or Brit or European company, they probably direct you to membership only private clubs around town. Your company may even sponsor you for membership there. Mine did.

I enjoyed the private club for the first few weeks but then it got to be a real drag. Contact me bc for more on this at kenandlat@sbcglobal.net

I also enjoyed the old gold suok as it was a favorite meeting place for all expats.

I am hoping your contract called for you to have a company car at your disposal? I really got to see a lot of Saudi Arabia by car. I commuted back and forth to Taif for business purposes and drove over to Khamis Mushayt one Hajj season. The escarpments going from Jeddah to Taif and Khamis Mushayt make the trip worth taking.

I also flew by company Learjet to our Dhahran and Riyadh compounds on business so I really did get to see a lot of the Kingdom.

Good luck to you there. Keep your nose clean and your powder dry...lol

kenandlat@sbcglobal.net

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Was wondering if you could give me some advice, I am moving out to Jeddah on 1st September and will find myself in much the same position as you when you first posted this message.

How has things gone for you since you moved to Jeddah? Any tips you can give me on starting a social life?

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