What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Saudi Arabia. They wrote...
"Abnormal (lack of) male/female interaction that led to a huge number of homosexual advances being made by the obviously sexually frustrated men," remarked another expat in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
"Many expats in Saudi Arabia find the local culture very different from their own and may struggle with cultural expectations. One of the biggest challenges for expats is the stringent gender segregation in Saudi society, including being segregated from the opposite sex when in public. Additionally, the conservative dress code can be difficult to get used to, as women are expected to wear a ‘hijab’ or veil which covers all of the hair and body except for the hands and face. Finally, conservative religious values and laws are a large part of Saudi culture, with rules specific to religious holidays, modest behaviour and restrictions on alcohol consumption," said a member in Saudi Arabia.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Saudi Arabia?
- How do I meet people in Saudi Arabia?
- What is life like in Saudi Arabia?
- Is there a lot of crime in Saudi Arabia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Saudi Arabia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Saudi Arabia like?
- Is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Saudi Arabia?
- What are healthcare services like in Saudi Arabia?
- Is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Saudi Arabia?
- What is the weather like in Saudi Arabia?
- Are there good restaurants in Saudi Arabia?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Saudi Arabia?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Saudi Arabia?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Saudi Arabia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Saudi Arabia?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Saudi Arabia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Saudi Arabia, newcomers to Saudi Arabia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
