Living on a Western Compound in Riyadh
Compounds will vary quite considerably from one to another, in particular for Western to non-Western Compounds. On that basis, this article will provide an insight for those wishing to live on a Western Compound and I hope will prepare you for your new life in Saudi. If you are seeking to live on a Compound, it will serve you well to firstly establish if it is Western, Non-Western or mixed.
Western Compounds will apply western rules, which generally means the following:
- No covering (no abaya, head cover or niqab), when you enter the Compound, western dress only is permitted.
- Swimming, sunbathing and general pool lounging in swimming costumes, trunks and bikinis are acceptable modes of dress by the pool.
- Displays of affection are permitted (holding hands with family members, greetings with a kiss, gentle signs of affection) are all acceptable behaviour .
Most, but not all other normal western social and cultural norms
There will be a range of housing available, from single studio apartments to Executive villas.
There will be a range of facilities provided, usually within the rental fee of the resident and these typically consist of the following:- Restaurant
- Café
- Convenience Store (general groceries)
- Dry Cleaner/Laundry Services
- Tailor
- DVD shop
- Gym (fully equipped) ' with on-site personal trainer
- Games room/facility (can include things like pool, table tennis, darts board)
- Library
- Reading or Quiet Room
- Lounge areas
- Function rooms (can be booked for social gatherings by compound residents
- Bowling alleys
- Skate Parks
- Children play areas
- Swimming pools
Most will hold a range of events/functions for Western Cultures, such as: Valentines Day, Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year etc.
A full range of activities for children, families and adults are held throughout the year and all residents are activity encouraged to participate in the social schedule on the Compound. Most events will normally carry a modest fee charge.
Compound residents are permitted to hold social gatherings and get-togethers with friends, families and can have limited external guests granted consent to enter the Compound. However, strict rules apply to external guests and some nationalities may be excluded from entry.
Fully serviced accommodation units, most furnished but at the request of the resident, can be unfurnished.
Internet and Wi-Fi services available at a reasonable cost to residents.
The lifestyle and social atmosphere on a Western Compound is usually very casual and relaxed. Often, residents are friendly, approachable and relaxed with each other; which provides a very content and sociable living environment.
