Moving to Riyadh but still a little skeptic

Bondo21 New member

Member since 24 April 2023

Bondo21New member24 April 2023 16:08:33

Hi everyone,

I am here to pick everyone's brain on living in Riyadh. A little background might make it easier to understand why am asking.

I lived in Dubai for 3 years then moved to Canada for the past 5 years (still here). I am mulling moving to Riyadh but having worked there in 2014/15, am very skeptic on the quality of life there specially comparing to Dubai and Toronto.

I heard from a lot of people that it has changed in the past couple of years but am still skeptic so looking for insights from those who are already there.

Ali_N Serial expat

Member since 11 April 2015

Ali_NSerial expat27 April 2023 05:19:33

745

Yes, it has changed drastically but do not compare it to Dubai or Toronto - All depends on how you see it

Riyadh is the most happening city for the forseeable future

But the traffic is as bad as Dubai

XTang Bahrain/UAE/KSA Expert

Member since 22 April 2014

XTangBahrain/UAE/KSA Expert27 April 2023 07:07:19

11957

It has changed in a big way from 2014/2015 but the quality of life simply cannot be compared to other countries.

Bondo21 New member

Member since 24 April 2023

Bondo21New member27 April 2023 14:30:15

Things am worried about is universities for kids (I have one going in a year), what sort of entertainment is available (Dubai had the beach which was a big plus for us).

I know that there are movie theaters now but anything else (other than food) ?

XTang Bahrain/UAE/KSA Expert

Member since 22 April 2014

XTangBahrain/UAE/KSA Expert28 April 2023 10:58:10

11957

No beach in Riyadh.

Primarily malls and food.

There are schools but honestly, compared vs. Bahrain and UAE, they are severely lacking. This is why I keep my family in Bahrain while working in Saudi.

Bondo21 New member

Member since 24 April 2023

Bondo21New member28 April 2023 15:46:23

Ya I know there are no beaches, Riyadh was purposefully built in the middle of the desert.

I am actually more concerned about universities.

How has the housing prices affected by the recent changes ?

XTang Bahrain/UAE/KSA Expert

Member since 22 April 2014

XTangBahrain/UAE/KSA Expert28 April 2023 16:00:25

11957

Prices have gone up especially in good compounds and going up as we speak. Availability is also becoming an issue.

Also you keep talking about universities. I had assumed schools for younger kids. The uni part is easy. Absolutely nothing like a quality university for expats here...... Even when compared to a sub par offering like AUD in the UAE and other variants.