adminee
From: United States
11/25/2008 12:08 EST
We're going to be putting together an article entitled, 10 Tips for Living in Saudi Arabia, and we need your help. Please post a reply to this thread with as many tips as you'd like (or as few) for expats living in Saudi Arabia. Whether you're a newcomer yourself or a seasoned expats whose lived abroad for many years, share your favorite tips for expats living in Saudi Arabia. If you want to discuss or expand upon someone elses tip, feel free! We'll use your posts to compile the articles.
Thanks, in advance, for your help!
Betsy Burlingame
ExpatExchange.com
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FadiKhlaif
12/1/2008 09:22 EST
ok. i'll share one of my favorite subjects... food
one of the best experiences to try in Saudia is to eat their food and by their way...
you can count 30 different names of different Saudi meals. but never feel lost with Saudi food, bcoz any meal consists of only two things... rice and meat... yep, rice and meat "wither chicken/beef".
eating in saudi way, means to eat by your hand, no spoons nor forks. only your right hand.
imagine your hand as an excavator, and you fingers are the fork. fingers should be flat, coming from down the rice plate then slowly bend your fingers to keep the amount of rice inside your hand... be careful to put a reasonable amount of rice in your hand, you don't want saudi people to laugh while watching you ;)
now rise the hand up to your mouth and do your best to put the rice inside your mouth, use the fat finger to shift the rice to your mouth.
now you need to manage it in a clever way so you don't look funny or like you've never seen food. feel confident and do some practice before you come to saudi arabia. practice then practice then practice ;)
i'll do some practical lessons in my house this weekend, you are all invited :D
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Pathfinder94
12/4/2008 00:53 EST
Hello every body,
As I'm living here in Saudi since the last 45 years and travelled a lot in the country I would like to share you some advises.
One of the most important things that an expat should know and keep in mind is the different conservative culture in Saudi than in his own country specially if he is going to live in cities other than Jeddah and Dammam/Khobar.
I recommend to read about Saudi life and culture before coming as this will help the expat first to accept what he sees as strange thing for him and at the same time to react and deal with people there the way the like and expect. I believe this way he will gain respect and warm welcom specially that a part of Saudi culture is welcoming the guests and helping them.
I saw some books talking about Saudi from foreigner point of view ,reading them will help a lot although I find them exagerating in some subjects but the main common thing is the person attitude in public which will be taken into consideration whenever you are outside on the roads or at your work.
I wish Good luck for every one is planning to come here and if feel you need a help do not hesitate to email me at khozama94@hotmail.com
BR
Mohamed Alsaqaf
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adminee
From: United States
12/4/2008 14:55 EST
Great advice, thanks! Does anyone else have any advice to add? If you got a call from an old friend or colleague who was moving to Saudi Arabia, what advice would you give them?
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kazmar
8/13/2009 02:30 EST
Hi Mohamed, I am leaving for Saudi in early Sep. I am working for a VIP family and will be living with them as theirs sons "private" teacher. As I will not be living on a compound it is going to be difficult for me to meet friends. As you have been there for many years can you inform me of ways to meet people, expats or not. Many thanks. Karin
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bcmeegan
9/7/2009 17:20 EST
Hi Karin,
Like you, I have moved to KSA to serve as a private teacher with a VIP family. If you would care to share ideas or just chat, let me know.
All the best,
Brian
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mmkhan
9/8/2009 11:53 EST
1. Be very patient.
2. You can't change things around you. But you could adapt to those changes and still have things your way but not in public. Respect the Saudi law and you won't get in any trouble.
3. Build a social network.
4. There are alot of idoor places to go out to in Riyadh, however in Khobar there are beach resorts. Abha would be a good place to break out of the indoor activities.
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jeddahg
9/24/2009 06:28 EST
I agree with previous poster. You should have two list of tips though- one for western -non muslim, non arabs- our experince is VERY different. Our needs very different and the culture shock for women much greater.
1. be patient
2. obey laws
3. Get a good compound- that is critical for a decent life.
4. Join everything and anything- how ever wierd(that was top tip given to me by expat on arrival). I treid ballroom dancing, sewing, tennis etc- I do not pusue those now but made freinds and contacts there.
5. As a woman get work- you will be bored out of your mind and not meet people if you dont. The main source of employement is western schools- volunteer you will meet other women.
6. For families and women Get a good driver- do not be mean- give Eid presents etc and you will be well looked after.
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