Pollyannah
11/14/2013 04:56 EST
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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Pinkandfluffie
2/5/2014 04:26 EST
My husband maybe taking a job in jeddah, we have a 3 year old boy. I a m fed up with the UK and really fancy a change, but is Jeddah too much of a change? Will I settle? How will my 3 year old settle? I know children are very resilient, but I would be leaving a good well paid job. The compound that has been spoken about is sierra village which looks exceptional! What is it like being a woman out and about with or without husband. I look forward to your reply
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bobj69
From: Turkey
2/5/2014 10:42 EST
Jeddah is a nice city with some nice beaches north of the city. Hotel beaches where you can wear a bathing suit/bikini. Being a woman in Saudi is restrictive. Outside the compound you have to be covered, but you don't have to cover your face. You would want to make friends with other women in the compound and never travel alone. Not trying to scare you, but you have to know the truth. Many compounds organize outings where everyone goes by bus. Out and about with your husband is not a problem. If you would like to learn how to square dance I can give you information on who to contact. If you would like to learn to scuba dive if you don't already know how, I can give you information on who to contact. The are a lot of british people in Jeddah and they usually get together to do different things. So if you go to Jeddah enjoy it.
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myyams
2/8/2014 13:06 EST
Bob, some of what you said is misleading.
1. She doesn't have to cover her hair. Abaya - definitely but no scarf. She can just wear one around her neck and put on if ever ever asked which is never never.
2. I go out nearly everyday alone, and never with anyone at all. I go shopping, looking around, etc. Sometimes I go alone with my little kids. It's very safe here.
Wanted to add..
Living on a compound also gives me additional peace of mind. I am nearly 100% sure I'll have get my house robbed or raided by thugs. I know my car is not going to get broken into. I live in an operationally safe place.
I really enjoy my life. I have five children, and my oldest is 8 and my baby is not even a year old. For us, this is like a dream come true. We have sooooo many friends on our compound who we have really become to love. Our kids have more good friends than ever. I know they are safe when they go out to play. We have excellent amenties....what more can I ask for?? My husband has a wonderful job and between the salary and benefits we have more savings that in the U.S and he's physician.
We were able to sponsor our driver and due to that, we have someone to do all of our grocery shopping, go across town to get our favorite take out, go do all of our tedious errands, take me whereever I want to go..etc.etc. We also have a full time maid who lives in and helps me with everything in the house, all the cleaning, changing diapers etc etc etc...
It was so very hard for us in the U.S. because my husband worked SO many long hours, nights, calls, and my kids never got to spend time with him. Now, we have time and we can go and enjoy our kids. We have crazy amounts of vacation time where we can travel around outside of KSA etc.
We are really happy here...
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bobj69
From: Turkey
2/8/2014 21:26 EST
Hi. I'm happy that you are happy in Jeddah. I live in Jeddah for over 5 years and it is probably the best place to live in KSA. I'm glad you have not had any problems when going out, but there have been problem in Jeddah before and I have to add a word of caution to not get too comfortable and watch where you go.
I agree with you about being able to travel outside of KSA. Since I have been here I have traveled to 27 different countries and many more than once. Working here I have been able to pay everything off to where I have no debts back home. That is a good feeling.
Take care and enjoy your life in Jeddah. Wish I was back there.
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Nouf
8/28/2014 20:26 EST
Hi, your are welcome friend, I am Nouf, am a saudian girl, I try to contact with british people here, to improve my english language, could you please help me!
my email : edutech2011@yahoo.com
thanks
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Arnobi
From: Saudi Arabia
11/17/2015 18:18 EST
I'm American, and I've lived in Jeddah for more than twenty years. My kids are now back in the Olde County (the USA) but we are so comfortable here that we are in no hurry to leave. I'll probably visit my kids in the USA sometime this year, but most likely we'll continue to make Jeddah our home as long as we can. Let me know if I can help you in any way. -Anne
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Nouf
11/18/2015 05:14 EST
Hi, thank you for your reply, I am Saudi girl, and its my pleasure to know you, I want to contact with native english speaker to improve my language, by sharing activities.
Keep in touch
Nouf
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JoannV
11/28/2015 18:44 EST
Hi,
I am about to move to Riyadh as a governess for a private family. It is a bit intimidating, and I am hoping to make some connections.
Joann
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