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Saudi Arabia: Where can I find housing to live with my cat:
Really, having pets in Saudi is not an issue. A lot of people have pets of some kind. There are certain compounds that have stipulations, but I am not aware of any Western compound that has restrictions so tight that one cannot bring in a pet.
Seder Village has no restrictions. Ranco Compound restricts only the size of the dogs. Arizona has no restrictions as far as I know.
We live in an apartment in town and had our dog with us for some time. No one mentioned anything about restrictions.
As far as cats are concerned, Riyadh has a huge population of stray cats. Most compounds have a system of elimination, either through castration and sometimes withdrawal.
If yo bring your cat make sure it is housebound for a good while and well tagged to indicate that it is not a stray. As per usual the summer months are hard on animals here. Also, your travel will be restricted as it is not easy to find a sitter or a decent cattery especially in the school breaks. APC veterinary clinic is very good.
Saudi Arabia: Driving a full-size van in KSA:
According to the rules, if you are in KSA on a family iqama (residence permit) you can own what is classified as a 4X4. So any of the big vehicles.
I wouldn't think there would be a problem to acquire a big vehicle. There seem to be enough of them on the road.
Nissan, Toyota, GMC, Ford, Dodge are all present in the Kingdom.
Presumably you will be coming out before your family and will have time to sort out your transport issues. Good luck.
Saudi Arabia: Compounds in Riyad "HELP":
Albustan is a fairly new, huge compound. Although the facilities are good, it is by no means ready. The American School and the German School are located there so from that point of view (if you plan to use either school) it is convenient. It is also a long way outside of town. Every trip is at least half and hour, if the traffic is good. The villas are nice. Furniture very modern looking. Our friends actually changed their furniture as the found it uncomfortable. Built as proper homes. Living downstairs, bedrooms upstairs. Gardens are small. Security high which means very complicated to receive outside guests.
Arizona is an older compound with a golf course, making it very green. Villas are gradually being updated when demanded. Website looks better than it actually is. More established. Restaurant is rubbish. Stairs in the villas, no private outdoor space, little privacy on the patios. The upstairs are built on a gallery. Difficult to get cozy.
California still looks like a building site! Also, this is a high rise compound. Many companies have pulled out of placing their staff there as the rentals have gone up even before it is finished.
Ask your husband to look at Seder Village. Although this is probably one of the oldest compounds (built in the second half of the 70s), the atmosphere is friendlier. Restaurant is excellent as well as the staff. There is a nursery on the compound up to school going age. Villas there are bungalows. Most have a reasonable sized private garden. Great for children as you can close the gate. Good grocery shop. Main swimming pool with two paddling pools and a secondary pool.
Then there is Kingdom City. Also a nice compound. Nursery school on site, which apparently is very good. Villas more like proper homes again. Two floors. Private gardens. Good facilities.
Ranco compound is very friendly too. Good activity schedule for children as well as adults.
Arabian Homes. Nice homes, smaller pool areas for each block of villas, no private garden though. Restaurant good, grocery shop good.
Further compounds are Al Nakheel, Al Hamra (British School), Ishbillia and then there are a host of smaller compounds around the city.
Most big compounds will do a monthly coffee morning. Also will have a monthly shopping bus schedule and school buses to the different international schools.
All compounds have some sort of security, although Riyadh is quite safe.
Sometimes it is not about your first choice and expectations, but more about where there is room and how long the waiting lists are.
Good luck with your move.
Saudi Arabia: Possible New comer to KSA:
Bonjour!
Life is Saudi Arabia is what you make of it. We live in Riyadh, so I can only give you an insight about life in Riyadh.
There is a very active Maison des Francaises in Riyadh. The French Embassy also is very active and has a good selection of cultural evenings throughout the year.
There also also many French and French speakers in the city.
The schools are good, as far as I am aware. However, school fees are high. Although you have expressed an interest of not living on a compound my advise would be to live on a compound for a little while until you wife and children have found their feet here. The compounds tend to organise some events and also regular shopping buses. It is a good way for your wife to meet other women and find her way around the city. Especially as transport can be an issue as women are not allowed to drive.
It might be an idea to get in touch with the French Embassy or the MdF for a list of compounds. As with schooling, compounds are quite expensive.
Schooling, transport and housing are three issues which should be negotiated in your salary package. Before finalising your contract make sure the package is reasonable considering the cost of living.
As for security.... Personally, we have no issue with safety and security. We travel around the Kingdom and visit many places. Also, we don't live on a compound, although we did the first few years.
Good luck in your decision making.
Saudi Arabia: Compund living:
Several red flags...
If the company is bring you out on a single status you will probably not be allowed to bring out your family permanently. There are different types of iqamas (residence and work permits) issued. It is not easy to change your status. Clarify this with your employer before signing your contract.
The probationary period of three months is pretty standard. It will take you that long to settle in any case.
Where is Muburaz? Initially living on a compound is a good thing for families. It gives your wife and children a chance to find their feet and to start to know your way around. Also, compounds tend to have shopping bus services and a list of monthly coffee mornings where women can meet.
Personally we lived on a compound for a while and are now living off compound. We are happy with this as we now know our way around town and have developed friendships and a very active social life.
Good luck.
Saudi Arabia: Just got here:
Where are you living in Riyadh. Always a good idea to register with the British Embassy for starters, although they don't organise anything. For the British there is the RGBB, Caledonia Club and the British Society. Once you meet a few people doors will open. Nothing is advertised, most is by word of mouth and email.
For the rest there are two hashes, if you like walking in the desert, at least one off-road group (you need a 4X4), also scuba diving clubs that organise trips to good locations. Art Galleries, "eating groups" who meet for dinner loosely once a week...
I hope you find this a start.
Are you on a bachelor status or is your family joining you?
Global Expat Forum: Info on living abroad:
Depending which country you are going to and from which country your are a citizen different rules apply. As you will probably be able to understand countries don't just allow people to stay indefinitely without means of supporting themselves.
There are also different types of visa. If you plan to work in a country you should get a work visa. A tourist visa only allows you to travel and holiday. There are also residence visas. These don't generally allow you to work without being attached to a work visa.
Research the criteria of the country you have in mind. There is a world of possibilities, but one does have to do the research.
Saudi Arabia: dogs banned:
To be honest, I think I would try in any case. We have brought in and taken out a border collie and a terrier. Good luck.
Global Expat Forum: Family Adjustment:
Life is one big adventure. I am a second generation expat. My parents travelled all over the world with us at varying ages and we have done the same with our children. Sure, there are ups and downs, but then that's life. Good communication is top priority. As parents taking the same line, but again, one would normally do this.
From personal experience, when changing schools the first term was the hardest. Once one goes back after Christmas everything is easier. One knows the routines, friendships are starting to form etc etc.
There is so much to be gained from encountering new cultures, new places, new experiences that the "stresses and hard times" don't weigh heavy in the greater scheme of things.
Of course, learning to adjust to another way of life is not always a bed of roses, but such is life. Staying put in one place isn't always a bed of roses either.
I have now been an expat for 49 years (I am 56) and wouldn't change my life with another.
Global Expat Forum: Culture Shock:
You know, in the beginning you are so busy finding your way around, sorting out the administrative side of setting up a home, not to mention finding a home that thinking of "culture shock" really isn't at the top of the list. Once everything is sorted, you are 3-6 months down the line and enjoying your new life.
Wherever you go there is so much exploring to do. As long as you are not looking to recreate the life you had in your home country or where you came from, but enjoying and rising to the challenges of a new home and place you should be find. Every place in the world has good and bad points and that includes home.
Sometimes the challenges of a new language can be frustrating and confusing or procedures that need to be followed. Best thing is to find some like minded people who can help you on your way.
Good luck.
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