Hi,
My husband is close to getting a job offer in Saudi Arabia based in Jeddah andvidvquite like to have as many answers to 100s of questions I ave about living/socialising/cooing as a woman in SA and of course raising our almost 3 year old daughter there. The job would be for 2 years and we have been recommended 2 luxury compounds which id like to compare with as much help as possible.
Arabian Homes Sierra and Al Andalus:
What facilities do they have?
Is there a British International pre-prep school on site?
Are there after school facilities like music, cooking, dance, ballet, horse riding etc?
Expat community on the compound?
Is it a family friendly compound?
Is it a social community?
Are there any families from the UK (women that can get in touch with me to discuss life as a mother/wife in SA?)
How far is the British International School?
Sports facilities?
Playground?
I'm a keen runner and would like to keep my training up. I have entered the London Marathon and do not know until October if I have a place, if I do, I'd still like to train for tv and run my first marathon. I know the get in SA is really hot, so it will be early training! Maybe a could start a running club for other Mums or women on the compound??
Are there any races (running races in SA)?
Clothing for women: I assume normal clothing is allowed in the compound and that an abaya is to be worn outside the compound, headscarf is not necessary - is ths true?
What is life like on the compound and are women bored? I'm just worried I may not adjust and would feel restricted as I'm an active person....
How do women and Mums spend their days?
Do you know how long waiting lists are for both of these compounds (we are particularly looking at the 3/4 bed villas) and which would you recommend for the best facilities, schools, family friendly and expat community?
As much useful information is most appreciated as I no doubt will need to make a joint decision once my Husband gets to one if he gets the job.
HELP - I NEED ADVICE ON LIFE IN JEDDAH
Sorry about the typos! Hopefully you get the gist of my message!
Hello Teresa74.
Welcome to Expat.com 
You could browse the threads of the Jeddah forum for better insights.
Thanks.
Karen
You can wear a pink or purple abaya. Western women walk with abaya open in Jeddah and Dammam. No headscarf needed.
Dear
I m a doctor from Pakistan living in Saudi arabia. Let me answer ur questions but bear in mind these r in an order as u have asked.
Life in Saudia will be bit different for u as a wife and as a family. First, compound living will be very much facilitated and wont have much problems for maintenance etc. Yes u can wear the dress of ur choice inside the compound but outside u have to observe the cultural dress code, which is usually a fully covering dress and Obaya on top. U wil feel a bit odd in the begining but as teh time passes u will get used to it. Generally a very safe place to live. yes u can go with ur family to malls and other pleasure centers but probably u cant have training for ur marathon. No significant sports facilities for ladies. There is a british school upto A levels, here which is about 20-25 min drive from ur place. Most probably either ur compound or ur school will provide the transportation. Ladies r not allowed to drive though they can move alone in a limuo. Grocery is cheap as compared to UK. No public transport system except limou, soo ur hubby will have to purchase a car. The gasoline is damn cheaper (cheaper than the mineral water: 0.5 pound a gallon. Jeddah in general is a more liberal place in whole of saudi arabia after Al Khubar, the ARAMCO city.
This is a disorganized response, as i m bz right now in my hospital. It might have given u some answers but sure u will have more to come. If u like to know more, pl dont hesitate to contact me through my email: [email protected]. Take care and best regards
Good day,
Before I start answering some of your questions, just a suggestion for you and others in the future, it will be easier for people to answer you if you asked few questions a time and then throw more questions later to keep the discussion open.
Arabian Homes Sierra with its old and not as luxuries facilities is for sure a better option for a western family vs. Al Andalus .
Its very family oriented compound to the point that makes it boring to singles. They have kids playgrounds and even a tree house ( that they were planning to cut down so not sure if it's still there) + a birds cage for residents amusement !!! . ..
They have a daycare/pre for kids managed by a Brit. Inside the compound ..I think its SR60 a day and less per month.
You can do your sports inside the compound .Few minutes from your compound you will find the biggest Women Gym in Jeddah (Golden Gym). But it will not be worth it for you to go there since you have the facilities you need inside your compound.
Social life in Jeddah is what you make of it…meeting the right people is essential to get into the social circles in Jeddah. If your husbanded is in a good position in his company then you will have no problems in being invited to the social activates organized by consulates and businessmen clubs in Jeddah (it's all about networking for them so they will be happy to include him).
There will be buses especially during the day to take ladies from the compound to different malls in Jeddah + the beach resorts.
Beach resorts in Jeddah are small and run-down but don't let that put you off since diving and snorkeling are ammmmmazing in the red sea.
Waiting lists for compounds and schools re long…. a year or even more long.
Note: Jeddah is nothing like Bath,,,,in all means, so be ready for a BIG CHANGE 
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