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New to Saudi, please advise

cathyk

Hi,
My husband has taken a 1 year assignment to work in the hospital and will be leaving soon for Saudi.  I have questions and am hoping for advice for him:

1) Clothing; what to pack and what to leave at home.  Are short sleeved shirts and/or shorts ok?  Does he need a suit when he does not wear one at work?

2) Can he access anything on the internet in the privacy of his apartment without worrying?  Movies? Television shows? Gaming?

3) Any pointers on talking with or meeting others when he arrives?  Would be be in hot water to saying "hello" to everyone he meets; women and/or children included?  Or avoid this entirely?

I will be scouring the forums for answers but would appreciate any help from expats who have gone through this themselves.

Thank you,

Cathy

See also
imraan007

hey, u can wear most things here. Just as long as the male is covered until his knees (unless he plays a sport). hospitals usually give you a uniform like a white doctors coat and most hospitals do not allow jeans. if he is a nurse the hospital supplies the cloths. most smart casual cloths are fine here. modest cloths are encouraged. he can drop me a line if he needs help, i am in hospital too

meggymahmoud

Salam Cathyk... there is really no issue about men's clothing here in KSA unlike in women. He can wear what ever he wants inside his flat. His hospital that he will work with will surely give him uniforms. In meeting, it is always good to wear a suit but still it depends on the situation... what I mean is it depends on the meeting that he will going to attend.I will advise also to bring jackets because it's winter now here in KSA. Internet here in saudi is necessity specially if you are working. He can access  almost everything here in saudi provided that he is a computer genius because there some sites that are blocked here in kingdom. :D He can still watch movies in cable channels like HBO, star movies and the like :) don't worry about television ;)  When he arrives here  it is ok to greet the person who will pick him up in the airport by saying "hello" "how are you", what I mean is it is acceptable because he is new here. But Saudi people will appreciate the "salam mulaikum greeting" just say "salam mulaikum" with a smile and they will answer you "mulaykum salam" with a smile also :) It's ok to shake hands with men, but a big NO NO in women. He should greet only men when he arrives her never ever shake your hands with women. Talking to children in all genders is acceptable,there is no malice at all.I think that's all I can share for now and your husband will surely learn the rest do's and dont's here in KSA. Goodluck to your husband. :)