Saudi Arabia Expat Forum

Pollyannah
Joined 2013
Posts: 1

10 years ago

Just moved from uk to saudi,jeddah

10 years ago

Hi
I have just moved from the uk to saudi with my husband and 8year old child ,I would like to share my expierience so far for those fellow Brits who are thinking of coming here.
My husband came to live in jeddah in feb this year to check everything out before myself and daughter would follow as he knew my expectations and I would be giving up a great career to follow this dream which we have had for the last 10 years to live in a warmer climate ,I have been here for around 7weeks now and I would say it was the right move ,yes I miss my career my friends and my family but technology is a wonderful thing ,I skype and see my mum and dad more than I did in the uk as I was always at work,and as for quality time with my daughter it's brilliant for both of us and friends are only a Facebook away.i read a lot of expat forums and blogs and to be honest it was a little scary, but what en I got here and experienced it my self it was not that bad,women are treated very well ,wearing the abaya is great it takes you a lot less time to get ready I still do my hair and makeup everyday as the same at home but I accessorize more now with a big bag and lovely shoes and jewelry,you can still be yourself it is not a restriction,I don,t mind not being able to drive ,the driving is crazy here anyway I,d rather stick to the passenger side,and going into the family side in restaurants kinda makes you feel special,we also did not find it as hard as expected to get a compound house and a british school for our daughter it's all about going to the compound and school and introducing yourself ,the compound I am on is very quiet I have quite enjoyed the piece ,but there is a gym to use and a pool or just lounge in your garden,it is what you make it! I did not think much of the villa when I arrived but now I have put my touches on it it's very much like home from home ,we bought our daughter a princess bed she had always wanted at home and all the things kids need to keep them occupied bikes ect..and she feels very much settled,in the uk can you go for a swim in the lovely cold pool in the glorious warm sun when you finish school I think not! The food is good here as well from takeaways to restaurant to mall food I,v not had a bad meal yet.on a weekend which is fir sat here we go to beach club which is western and you can wear your swim wear ect it's like being on holiday every weekend,so if you are worried or need any info on life in jeddah just message me and I will do my best to give you the best and right info x

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