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Young family relocation to KSA / Riyadh?

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ksmith169

8/27/2014 09:09 EST

Hello All,

I have a family of 5. Husband (me), Wife and three daughters. Adults both are 40, Daughters are 3,5 and 7.

I am thinking of complete family relocation to Riyadh for approximately 5 years. Key goal is to save money and see some of the world. I work in IT and have 20 years experience. Based on job sites I estimate I could double what I currently earn at home in Ireland in KSA. Obviously in KSA it is tax free which is a big benefit. I also see there are 9 millions expats living there now.

I have done lots of research on the web. I have read various blogs. Things like Blue Abaya etc. I have also watched documentaries on youtube. So I am aware that KSA is a very traditional Muslim country. I have no problem with this it is after all someone elses country. I have also, when single, worked in the Kingdom of Brunei, which is Muslim but less strict.

I think the financial benefits are clear. However my concerns are quality of life for my family and I. The most important thing for my wife and children is some sense of community. This is very strong in Ireland. Obviously the restrictions placed on woman (no driving, no socialising with other males etc) are a concern. Schools are another concern.

However from what I have learned during research there are ways around many of these obstacles. For example families living in Western Compounds don't have to follow the restrictions within the compounds and some compounds appear to have a good sense of community.

So overall I am wondering is it possible for a family to have a reasonable happy existence in KSA.

Is it possible to make friends easily with other expats?
Can my wife join a running club and go to it without me?
Do other expats move with young families and children?
Are there facilities that my children can use? In or out of western compounds?
Are the sports clubs like squash?

Any information or discussion much appreciated.

Kevin.

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anneosman

8/27/2014 14:12 EST

I'm American and have lived in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) for twenty-five years. I came here expecting to stay 6 months, but my husband got a new job and we've been here ever since. Saudi is a great place to raise children. There are excellent schools, and children here grow up with a different world view than ours, understanding cultures and lifestyles of many different nationalities.

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anneosman

8/27/2014 14:28 EST

An Americn, I have lived in Jeddah for 25 years. My own daughter has just finished her master's in the USA and is teaching at a women's university in Riyadh. She loves it there.
Saudi cities are new, almost entirely built in the last forty years. The big ciites have excellent private schools, including American and British ones, excellent health care facilities, and vast shopping areas. Whatever it is (other than booze and other social drugs) You can buy it in Saudi, and many things you won't find back home.
Your children will have classmates from all over the world, and you and they will forge new friendships that will last for many years.
Drawback: women can't drive. However, many (not all-check!) compounds provide bus services. I have taken taxis for 25 years and only once had a problem (the driver didn't really understand my directions, but it worked out well once I had yelled at him). You can hire private drivers, and compounds provide bus trips daily.
If you come to Saudi your world view will expand greatly--an incredibly rich experience.
Your kids will grow up with two languages, and very likely, three. Mine are expert in English, Arabic, and Urdu, the last learned from classmates. BTW schools usually offer a European second langauage such as French. You can choose between American and British curriculums. I say, do it!

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ksmith169

8/28/2014 12:25 EST

Hi Anne,

Wow! Thanks very much for your respones. It sounds like it reallly works for you. I am going to talk to my wife about it.

Pretty amazing that you have been there for 25 years. How often do you get home? Have you had your friends / relatives from home visit you?

Thanks again for you respones.

Kevin.

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