Dave-KSA
American expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
152
About me
American
Lives in Jizan
Registration: 19 October 2010
RELEASE TO A COMPETITOR COMPANY by ppthelord
I was under my fathers sponsorship on student profession and after getting a Job offer in Jeddah I got transferred to my company's sponsorship and its on Labour profession now. I am working for the same company since four years. I have received an ...
I know of people whose company did transfer their Iqama, and they never left the country. But I think it's the exception rather than the rule. Imagine if it was common practice. Some of us would be jumping from employer to employer like fleas on ... Read More
RELEASE TO A COMPETITOR COMPANY by ppthelord
I was under my fathers sponsorship on student profession and after getting a Job offer in Jeddah I got transferred to my company's sponsorship and its on Labour profession now. I am working for the same company since four years. I have received an ...
I'm not an expert, but based on what I've seen from my organization, and observing how they have dealt with departing employees wanting a transfer, it all comes down to the mood of the person in charge of making the decision. They can do it if they ... Read More
Any music jamming in the city?
I think the mutawa might frown on such sinful activities. However, I'm sure there's a band out there somewhere in the city, hidden in their basement with sound-proof tiles on the walls, jammin down. Read More
5 good reasons for living in Saudi Arabia by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Saudi Arabia, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
The man asked for 5 reasons, so I gave him 5 reasons Read More
5 good reasons for living in Saudi Arabia by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Saudi Arabia, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
1)money 2)money 3)money 4)money 5) it's tax-free Read More
Jazan? by expatabroad
Hi I have been offered a position in Jazan and will be living on a compound in shared accommodation with one other expat. I would appreciate any info about Jazan anyone can offer. From what I have read, it does not seem to have the same ...
I work here in Jizan, and I'm an expat. I'm not sure who you are working with, but I assume that it's at Jazan Economic City Polytechnic college, as only it, and Jazan University even have expats employed. Except for two employers, there are no ... Read More
LIVE IN HOUSE MAID
Looks like you'll have to pick up after yourself, cook for yourself, clean for yourself, like most adults who live single. You're a big boy, you can handle it I'm sure. As for a filipina maid, you're dreaming. This is KSA! Read More
Update: Is my salary good enough by sohail7
Hi All, I made a post few days ago asking your opinion about the salary offered to me by a university for the position of assistant professor. The employer offered me basic salary of 8000 + 2500 for accommodation + healthcare + air tickets. I have ...
You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. They are just trying to scare you. They won't take the time and spend the money to file a lawsuit. They will just continue their personnel search.If they haven't made your Iqama yet, you aren't an ... Read More
any infos about Al Baha? by Om Rydan
I plan to move with my husband and 2 kids to Al Baha end of the year. Is there a community of ladies for spend time together? As I saw, Al Baha isn`t so big but still difficult to understand what is availible there to buy, like furniture and staff ...
Hi Sandra, Unfortunately, I can;t help you about Al Baha. I don't even know where it is; never heard of it; but I assumed it's in KSA, since your post came here to this forum. Anyway, the reason I'm responding is to suggest that you ask your ... Read More
Saudi temperatures could hit 70° Celcius this summer by TheLegendLeads
:mad: [url=http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/saudi-temperatures-could-hit-70%C2%B0-celcius-this-summer.html]http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/saudi-temperatures-could-hit-70%C2%B0-celcius-this-summer.html[/url]
It's extremely hard to believe that the temperature would reach 70 celcius in our lifetime, or even many lifetimes from now. Scientists do know, that eventually, our sun will die, like any star eventually will, and when it does, it will expand to ... Read More
Why Westerners Text More Than They Call?! by Aminstar2
Isn't it a chicken/egg scenario? Is texting cheap in the west because people tend to text more than they call? or is it because texting is cheap, people are encouraged to text more? I see texting is [i]usually[/i] less social and less interactive. ...
It's cheaper to text. Next topic? Read More
What's your plan this Ramadan ? by ghanshyampdave
Hi all, I would like to know what the expats do during the month of Ramadan.
Back in Thailand, to my family and home. Getting my sanity back Read More
Crown Prince has died by gashead
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18470718
I understand they've already selected another elderly family member, himself in frail health, to replace him. Read More
who wants to experience the saudi culture ? by sarah110
[large][/large][center]Hi everyone my name is sarah and I'm saudi I read most of topics here and I love them but unfortunately I found out that you know nothing about us saudies . Therefore I'm giving you the chance to experience our culture . ...
I think most of us know plenty about Saudi culture, as we are immersed in it, so we get all the culture we can stand, and then some. Read More
High cost of living in Jazan by Wendy's Father
Hello fellow filipinos. In case you are going to work in Jazan (Jizan) be prepared for a surprise. Besides from being backwards and ugly as compared to other cities of Saudi Arabia, the cost of room rent is also very high. One room without a ...
I work here in Jizan, too. It's expensive, and it's a ghetto. Long neglected by the rest of Saudi Arabia, it's considered an extension of Yemen, rather than a true KSA town. Really 3rd world compared to other cities in KSA. However, all that ... Read More
Is there a good location to watch Euro 2012 football? by Rob80
Hello all, Very new to Riyadh and would like to view the football, especially the ENgland vs Sweden game. Could anyone recommend a location to watch the tournament? Thank you.
CNN might be a good place to view highlights, as so far, its mostly riots and killing in the streets. Sorry I know that wasn't helpful at all, but I couldn't resist...:D Read More
Saudi Arabia bans using Gregorian dates by Ehtesham
[b]Saudi Arabia bans using Gregorian dates[/b] http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-bans-using-gregorian-dates-1.1024301 The use of the English language to answer calls or communicate, mainly in companies and hotels, has also ...
I guess when Arabic becomes a major language in the world stage; not a regional one; and replaces English as the international language of music, business, technology, and banking, then a backlash against English may be justified. Read More
Saudi Arabia bans using Gregorian dates by Ehtesham
[b]Saudi Arabia bans using Gregorian dates[/b] http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-bans-using-gregorian-dates-1.1024301 The use of the English language to answer calls or communicate, mainly in companies and hotels, has also ...
The new voacabulary word of the day: "anglo-phobic" Read More
brining my laptop to Saudi PL ADVICE by SyedK
HI ALL
I suggest possessing your "personal" laptop, and also possessing your official business laptop, which of course won't contain anything of a personal nature. Perhaps your company can issue you a laptop for company use. Another alternative is to buy ... Read More
Iqama Transfer Problem
My HR office has told me that the Letter of No Objection, is a fiction. That there is no such letter, at least as of recently. There obviously must have been such a document at one time. My particular company's policy is to not transfer anyone's ... Read More
Saudi Arabia bans using Gregorian dates by Ehtesham
[b]Saudi Arabia bans using Gregorian dates[/b] http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-bans-using-gregorian-dates-1.1024301 The use of the English language to answer calls or communicate, mainly in companies and hotels, has also ...
The Chinese calendar also makes a person two years older, and according to them this year is currently 2006. It's very confusing. That's not counting the Ethipian calender, the Hindu Calender, Arabic calendar....etc etc etc,and many others which ... Read More
I am from Philippines! by azumi25188
Hello World! You can call me azumi. I chose this alias out of the movie "Azumi." I'm glad I found this website. Expat-blog is a very useful and informative website for me. I love to run, walk, jog, and swim. I used to be a gymnast. I wish I was ...
Legacy, I misunderstood, and thought she was being rebuked in her introduction. My apologies to you. Read More
I am from Philippines! by azumi25188
Hello World! You can call me azumi. I chose this alias out of the movie "Azumi." I'm glad I found this website. Expat-blog is a very useful and informative website for me. I love to run, walk, jog, and swim. I used to be a gymnast. I wish I was ...
Welcome Kris, (To the others) BTW, I didn't read into her introduction. She didn't ask to date anyone or suggest. She only gave her hobbies, and said something about her. This forum is overly sensitive, way over-policed, and it's getting carried ... Read More
The awkward momment when.. by DrHassanMalik
a saudi friend tells you that he "b"arked infront of the next building.. :lol:
what's all the fuss apout? The solution is simble. Let's blay nicely. Read More
Doc Advise: Excessive Sweating by TheLegendLeads
Excessive Sweating, especially on the forehead/head. I lately observed that a big number of people in KSA are suffering from it. In simpler words, Most people feel normal at say 30 celsius. There are some who'll have a tissue paper in their hands ...
I'm not a doctor, but I'll go out on a limb here and suggest that perhaps people sweat because it's hotter than H_ll here! Who wouldn't sweat in such a furnace? If one DIDN'T sweat profusely in a non-air conditioned environment here, I think that ... Read More
Marrying Saudi woman..!! by warrenpower
it is possible to marry a saudi woman if you are nonsaudi???
Just don't get married. Case closed. I have many arguments why it's better to be single than to be married, but I'll save it for a different thread. Read More
Beauty Salon for ladies by koyal
Hi I came to Riyadh a month back.....have failed to find a reasonable beauty salon for threading purposes. The prominent ones seems to charge too high. I live in seteen malaz area. also can you guide what is the reasonable charge i can expect for ...
I'm not qualified to give advice as I'm not a female, but I'm just amazed that there is even such a business, in a land where women must be covered and hidden, from head to foot. Amazing in itself. Read More
How is life in Riyadh? by uragon
Hi Guys, I'm new here in forum and i need some opinions about living in Riyadh. I am a Programmer Analysts here in the Philippines, got an offer to work for SAMBA in Riyadh. Right now i am still unable to decide whether i'll grab the opportunity ...
Well, to be honest with you, this is the first time I've heard this particular rumor, although nothing surprises me here. I would say that a guy being raped is a one-in-a-million chance. If you were a pinay, I would say your chances are greatly ... Read More
Schools in Abha or Khamis Mushayt by raniahtm
Hello, I am looking for an international school in Abha or Khamis Mushayt in Saudi Arabia. Appreciate it if anyone can share some information.
I'm not an expert whether there's an Intl school or not, but I can tell you that the Abha-Jizan reagion in extreme Southern KSA is very remote, and the towns are small and I would be surprised if there was an Intl school anywhere in the province, as ... Read More
Can they keep your passport but issue an iqama ? Is this legal ? by saharadesert
My sponsor says it is the law in Saudi that they keep my passport but they will issue me an Iqama. They also said that whenever I need to travel I can just ask for my passport and pay the $60 travel visa.... Is holding ones passport legal in the ...
Ah the elusive "law that says you can keep your passport!" Most of us are told, when we first get here that we must surender our passport in exchange for being issued an Iqama. In recent months, some of the "compound lawyers" here (unpaid ... Read More
My hair is so big by LoopyLou87
OK so my hair is driving me freaking nuts. It is getting bigger by the day and its really scary, I think it might just start walking off on its own soon, it's that desperate to stay away from my head :blink: I need help!!! I have tried so many ...
Stop flaunting your gorgeous pile of thick beautiful hair!...hahahah Or else I'll have to think of something to brag about and pretend it's a problem, too. Let's see........hmmmmm.......hmmmmmm........I can't think of anything...hahahaha. Read More
My hair is so big by LoopyLou87
OK so my hair is driving me freaking nuts. It is getting bigger by the day and its really scary, I think it might just start walking off on its own soon, it's that desperate to stay away from my head :blink: I need help!!! I have tried so many ...
Most people have the opposite problem(hair falling out), so count your blessing that you have a nice head of thick hair. It doesn;t seem like such a curse to me. I would say if that's the only major problem you have, then you have a pretty good life ... Read More
Hospital Vs Western Compound!! Help by Helovesmenot
I've just found out the housing for the position I'm considering is on a hospital compound. I'm not sure how much different this will be for a US single female expat as compared to the freedoms on the regular western compounds. I heard someone use ...
I confess I don't know anything about that hospital compound, but just knowing it's not a western compound means less freedom, more scrutiny, curfews, for sure no interaction with opposite gender. Being a western expat female, I think you should ... Read More
Can you help with the Dress Code for. by MikaTect
Hi Can anyone help me? I am just packing for the trip to Saudi :) But need to know what the dress code is around this time of the year in jeddah,(day & night), not sure if its similar to Dubai or not. How do westerners dress for compound ...
Just wear casual clothes is fine. If you wear shorts, they need to be well past the knees, if outside the compound. No skimpy jogging shorts or muscle shirts off-compound is a prudent guideline. Everything else you're good to go. We have it alot ... Read More
Women, any fashion show out there? Riyadh
I'll pass on that, thanks. Now a pretty pinay, on the other hand, is a different story. Read More
Women, any fashion show out there? Riyadh
Fashion show? In Riyadh? In KSA? Hmmm.....how many styles of Abaya can there be? Read More
Ladies ... by LoopyLou87
Ladies ... and apparently random, strange men that dont understand Ladies only I thought i'd open this very special one time only ladies post for Ladies and men who apparently dont understand ladies only and want to meet them. This way you have ...
So, uh......I guess we won't be meeting for lunch at Burger King, then? Read More
Edu Experts by miami49
I am getting cold feet. I was recruited to work for Edu Experts. The recruiter doesn't seem to understand how a visa is processed and asked me to make the calls to several agencies in DC. Now he is asking me to pay $450. Is this standard ...
If the recruiter is asking YOU to find out how to get a work visa, yet asking for money from you to boot, that has Red Flags and alarm bells all over it. As Alliecat said, there's so many Universities and colleges looking for instructors that you ... Read More
female maid for single ??? Allowed???? by istanbul123
Hello, I am a single male engineer expat here in Riyadh. Does anyone knows if its ok to have female maid coming couple hours a day to clean and cook? I don't live in a compound, living in apartment building in the city. Or is this not allowed ...
I disagree. WOmen just are better at domestic engineering than men. MOst of the men housekeepers I've seen here in KSA are incompetent. I just clean myself. I'll do a better job. Read More
Hang out place in khobar with girlfriend? by Rizwarsi
Hypothetically speaking: If someone likes to take his Girl friend out for a drive or dinner? (In Eastern Province i.e. Khobar/Dammam) All & Any personal experience/Shared stories/suggestion and Advices are welcome. Thank you.
Well, I will admit that my advice is based on what I know about the place I live and work at, which is a small place near the Yemeni border. To try and pull off a clandestine date here is unthinkable. A single western fun-loving, ... Read More
cost of living in Jazan Economic City Saudi Arabia
It sounds kind of cruel, maybe, but having your family with you will be a drain, financially, although better for your well-being and their's of course. Many foreigners who come to KSA to work for a year or so, just suffer through it alone, and ... Read More
Private Block Party by AJ243
I am thinking of hosting a small block party in few weeks. Time out to drink up and kick back and dance like there is no tomorrow. Cheers,
You mean a party with opposite sex present, and music, and dancing, and partaking of spirits? I'm down. Oh, wait! I forgot where I am for a minute! D'oh!! Read More
ESL teachers in Saudi Arabia/questions on negotiating salaries, etc. by itchyfeet24
Hello, I would like to know if anyone has negotiated a contract from Education Experts and if so how to go about it. Is it a take what you can get sort of deal? I got a contract with no interview and would like more money. Do I ask education ...
Hi Itchyfeet, Generally, if you're application is being processed by a recruiter, they will act as the client school's (your employer) agent. They take your application package (resume and pertinent documents) and forward them to their client (your ... Read More
going 2 Ha'il need some basic info please help..... by galiusman
Hi I recently gt a job offer in almarai and I need to go to Ha'il and its my first time going 2 middle east and need some basic information from guys who already had KSA experience 1. How is the place Ha'il like? 2. I know there is not going 2 be ...
I would hesitate to live in a city whose name sounds uncomfortably like "hell." haha. Good luck to you. Read More
hello guys!! especially to all pinoys in brisbane!!! :-)
Congratulations on your new baby!:D I'm not pinoy although I spent my last holiday there in the Phils around Zambales and I have many OFW friends. Send us all a pic of the newest addition to your family when you have a chance. :) Read More
Private Block Party by AJ243
I am thinking of hosting a small block party in few weeks. Time out to drink up and kick back and dance like there is no tomorrow. Cheers,
That sounds awesome. I would be down with that, except I'm too far away. Party on! Read More
Hang out place in khobar with girlfriend? by Rizwarsi
Hypothetically speaking: If someone likes to take his Girl friend out for a drive or dinner? (In Eastern Province i.e. Khobar/Dammam) All & Any personal experience/Shared stories/suggestion and Advices are welcome. Thank you.
Hamza, why on earth do you want to get this young foreign man in trouble? Hey Riz, you're a big boy, so do as you like but just be careful, man. This is not Canada. Read More
Hang out place in khobar with girlfriend? by Rizwarsi
Hypothetically speaking: If someone likes to take his Girl friend out for a drive or dinner? (In Eastern Province i.e. Khobar/Dammam) All & Any personal experience/Shared stories/suggestion and Advices are welcome. Thank you.
I think maybe a local guy can get away with it (passing numbers) but being a foreigner, you should be real discrete. Sorry to put a damper on your aaction, but this is the reality here. I guess that's the key phrase here "be careful." Enjoy. Read More
Hang out place in khobar with girlfriend? by Rizwarsi
Hypothetically speaking: If someone likes to take his Girl friend out for a drive or dinner? (In Eastern Province i.e. Khobar/Dammam) All & Any personal experience/Shared stories/suggestion and Advices are welcome. Thank you.
Oh one more thing I forgot to mention. Taking her to dinner. Well, after you get out of your car, she'll need to go into the family section to eat while you go into the baachelor single-man room of the restaurant to eat. I guess you can resume your ... Read More
Hang out place in khobar with girlfriend? by Rizwarsi
Hypothetically speaking: If someone likes to take his Girl friend out for a drive or dinner? (In Eastern Province i.e. Khobar/Dammam) All & Any personal experience/Shared stories/suggestion and Advices are welcome. Thank you.
Hahaha...that's funny. You ARE joking aren't you? I guess someone didn't tell you that if you are in public anywhere in the Kingdom with a female, she better be your wife, and you better be able to prove it on the spot, in case the religious police ... Read More
take the compound or housing allowance?? by Princess MA
my husband has been offered a post in riyadh. he has been given the option to either live in a compound or take the allowance of 40k per year. i know being in a compound has loads of benefits but at the same time we'd like to buy furniture in riyadh ...
You don't have to wear an Abaya in a compound. You can be yourself. You can socialize, and make friends. It's your western enclave in a foreign and strange place. It's a no-brainer. Take the compound. You'll thank all of us later. Read More
Jizan - Hotel & Compound by NazirYNWA
I am new to the forum. I will be moving to Jizan in the next 3 weeks insha-allah. I am looking for hotel and compound information URGENTLY. All assistance will be greatly appreciated.
I will ask around for you. You can try to google it up, as well. Read More
Saudi Consulate in Thailand (Bangkok) - List of Visa Agents by hamlay
Dear All, does anyone have the list of visa agents who are authorised by the Saudi Embassy in Bangkok. I can't find anything on the internet and when I called the Embassy they gave me 1 phone number for one of the agents but nobody is answering ...
Unfortuantely since the "blue diamond" affair some years back...an incident you can google up to read about---Thailand and Saudi Arabia have all but cut off diplomatic relations. The Saudi Embassy there is manned by a skeleton crew and provided very ... Read More
Jizan - Hotel & Compound by NazirYNWA
I am new to the forum. I will be moving to Jizan in the next 3 weeks insha-allah. I am looking for hotel and compound information URGENTLY. All assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Yes there are car rentals. Check at the airport when you arrive. They have a booth there somewhere and also dealerships in the town have them. Sorry I don't have phone numbers or emails because I use employer transportation but I know that some ... Read More
Running in Saudi and Life in Al Hofuf by bombero36
I am leaving to a job in Al Hofuf in KSA and wondering if anyone has any ideas about the town and also if there are places you can freely run for exercise. I am not real thrilled to do treadmill running so wonder if there are issues doing long runs ...
Believe it, Maya. Someone running attracts attention here. Saudi's don't run unless there's an urgent reason. Running when you don't technically "have to" doesn't register with these folks here. Sure, you can do whatever you want to in the ... Read More
Running in Saudi and Life in Al Hofuf by bombero36
I am leaving to a job in Al Hofuf in KSA and wondering if anyone has any ideas about the town and also if there are places you can freely run for exercise. I am not real thrilled to do treadmill running so wonder if there are issues doing long runs ...
I would learn to make use of the tread mill. I'll tell you why: For one thing, your short jogging pants and tank top will be unacceptable and draw negative attention to you if you run outside the compounds. I like to run, myself. I had to buy some ... Read More
Jizan - Hotel & Compound by NazirYNWA
I am new to the forum. I will be moving to Jizan in the next 3 weeks insha-allah. I am looking for hotel and compound information URGENTLY. All assistance will be greatly appreciated.
OK drop me a line with any further info needed. Take care. Read More
Jizan - Hotel & Compound by NazirYNWA
I am new to the forum. I will be moving to Jizan in the next 3 weeks insha-allah. I am looking for hotel and compound information URGENTLY. All assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Nazir, Saudi Arabian airlines services Jizan with multiple flights daily to Jeddah, which is the main hub from Jizan. There's also flights to Riyadh from Jizan but they're less frequent; maybe 1 or 2 per day, compared to 4 or 5 daily from Jizan ... Read More
Jizan - Hotel & Compound by NazirYNWA
I am new to the forum. I will be moving to Jizan in the next 3 weeks insha-allah. I am looking for hotel and compound information URGENTLY. All assistance will be greatly appreciated.
There is no compound in Jizan. At least not a compound like you are thinking of, such as would be found in Jeddah or Riyadh, etc. Your employer may put you in company-owned or company rented buildings which they may call "compounds," but they ... Read More
Hi all and help please! by Nasiya
Hi all, I am looking to move to Saudi soon from the UK, was just wanting to speak to some people who have made the move and more specifically, how the professional side of things are over there as I moved to Egypt last year and faced issues with ...
Gee I never knew. I'm quitting and moving to Dammam now!!!!! Read More
Is it ok to carry a Pocket Knife by DaveLynn
I am a custom to carry a small multi-purpose pocket knife on me here at home in the USA and was woundering if it was ok to do the same in KSA? It is a Leatherman Micro with a 1 inch blade, scissers, nail file, screwdrivers, can opener, bottel ...
Pack it in your check-in luggage, not the carry-on bags, and you'll be OK. Read More
Are foreign women allowed to drive in KSA? by Clío Axel
I´ve been told the prohibition on driving applies only to Saudi and Muslim women, but I´m not so sure about it. Can anybody clarify this to me, please? I´ve also heard a woman is not allowed to go out by herself...does it mean that I will have to ...
Your compound was so big, you needed to drive around in it? Wow! In ours, one could only spin around in tight circles in their car. That's how small it is...haha. Also in regards to the salary, it varies drastically. Schools/colleges/Uni's, pay ... Read More
I want to move to Jeddah, KSA. by UmmYusef2008
I'm an Arab-American living in California with my family. I am a teacher seeking employment. I have been having a hard time finding schools that accept me (I don't have my bachelor's degree completed). Where should I go? What should I do? Help!
Simply being a native speaker is not enough. You won't find any school which will hire one simply because they're native speakers, in ANY country. I recommend trying to find work as something other than an English teacher, in your particular case. ... Read More
Hi all and help please! by Nasiya
Hi all, I am looking to move to Saudi soon from the UK, was just wanting to speak to some people who have made the move and more specifically, how the professional side of things are over there as I moved to Egypt last year and faced issues with ...
I've been told Jeddah is the most tolerant and relaxed of all KSA cities, though it's STILL KSA. Anyway, life is full difficult choices...haha. The money or the lifestyle. I'll just go with the money and wait for occasional holidays. Just returned ... Read More
Hi all and help please! by Nasiya
Hi all, I am looking to move to Saudi soon from the UK, was just wanting to speak to some people who have made the move and more specifically, how the professional side of things are over there as I moved to Egypt last year and faced issues with ...
Wow! Parties in the western compounds? woohoo! I'm jealous now, because I'm in a remote place in a poor province. NO compounds. My consolation is that I make more money at this remote location here, than if I relocated to the more cosmopolitan ... Read More
Seeking a companion to explore by andys70
I have been here for 10 days and am struggling a bit. I would love to go for dinner and explore the city with a female companion. I British and 41 yrs old, good sense of humor. Andy
Andy, No way, dude......you are funny!. The restaurants here have separate dining rooms, one for family and one for bachelors (single men). No female (except one staight off the plane who doesn't know)is going to accompany you to a restaurant. ... Read More
Getting Excited... need help! by egrace
Hi Guys, My name is Emily and I am really keen to move to Vietnam with my partner. We fell in love with the country after going for a holiday last year. We are findind it really hard to find information on the process of moving there and would ...
Go to the teacher websites. Job ads there tell you all the requirements. Most want a BA/BS degree of some kind, and a teaching certification such as CELTA, TESOL, TEFL, etc etc. Read More
Getting Excited... need help! by egrace
Hi Guys, My name is Emily and I am really keen to move to Vietnam with my partner. We fell in love with the country after going for a holiday last year. We are findind it really hard to find information on the process of moving there and would ...
Gee, can't one just get a work visa, and not mess with the visa runs? Read More
Hi all and help please! by Nasiya
Hi all, I am looking to move to Saudi soon from the UK, was just wanting to speak to some people who have made the move and more specifically, how the professional side of things are over there as I moved to Egypt last year and faced issues with ...
Sure no problem, and thanks for the clarification. I'm sure there's lots of Riyadh expats who'll respond with some helpful information. Female expats in Riyadh would be the best source, as I'm male and working in a remote town near the Yemeni ... Read More
Getting Excited... need help! by egrace
Hi Guys, My name is Emily and I am really keen to move to Vietnam with my partner. We fell in love with the country after going for a holiday last year. We are findind it really hard to find information on the process of moving there and would ...
Hi egrace, You want to just live there or go there to work? If you seek work, such as teaching English, for example, peruse through the teaching websites and/or google up positions available. The employer will guide you through everything. If you ... Read More
Hi all and help please! by Nasiya
Hi all, I am looking to move to Saudi soon from the UK, was just wanting to speak to some people who have made the move and more specifically, how the professional side of things are over there as I moved to Egypt last year and faced issues with ...
Why would a female professional want to come here? I am guessing that whatever problem you face in Egypt will be ten-fold here. I hate to be negative, and I'm not a female but it's common for ANYONE regardless of gender, to have some employer issues ... Read More
Single Female Expats? by Talanathas
Hello everyone! I'm looking into potential places to relocate, and really like the idea of Saudi Arabia. I'm finding it difficult to sift through job postings that are suitable for me, and am a little confused to how the process works. Are there ...
Most expats are here for the comparatively handsome salaries, since that's the only way to get most expats here is to throw a LOT of money in our faces. It took a lot to get me here. And it will take a lot to keep me here for any length of time. ... Read More
American / UK Female Expat to talk to my Wife by jyurong
I will be coming to Saudi in August with my wife following me in December. I am looking for someone who would be willing to talk to my wife (Just married! :-) either through email or on skype about what its like to live in Riyadh. I will be looking ...
If I was married I would never subject my wife to this place. Just tough it out and spare her. That's my humble advice, though I'm sure I'll be attacked by a swarm of ridicule. I'll sit back and let the hate begin, now. Read More
Teaching/Living in Ha'il by SingleinSaudi
Is there anyone out there who either lives or works in Ha'il? I've been offered a job at there University but I can't seem to get any info on what it's like to live there. I'm a single female - would like to know what the educational system is ...
I'm a male ESL instructor here in KSA, and maybe I can't help you much, since you would teach females only. I'm ASSUMING that the girls you'll teach will be a milder audience that what you'd encounter if you taught in a public high school or even ... Read More
Single Women in Saudi by SingleinSaudi
Hello, I have a potential job offer to teach English In Hail, Saudi Arabia. I would like to hear from other unmarried expat women living in Saudi. What's your experience been like? What's it really like to live in Saudi Arabia as an unmarried ...
well, on that note, enjoy your stay here in KSA!...hahahahaha Read More
Pre employment medical by Leedslad
I wanted to share my experience of recently having the pre-employment medical... What an experience. I turned up at the hospital and I have never experienced anything like it... They truly go over everything THOROUGHLY and do not miss a thing... ...
Well, we don't know what hospital or country you're referring to. For my particular experience, I also had two very thorough medical checks in Cairo, as part of my work visa processing for Saudi Arabia. I spent the entire morning at one hospital ... Read More
So far no friends =( by Danchella
Why? So many countries and people in the web site and still no one wants to chat..=(
American. I work in Saudi Arabia.Before this current job, I worked in various Asian countries. Prior to that I was a career military man for 20 years. As you can see, I've lived most of my adult life traveling the world, with no plans to stop any ... Read More
So far no friends =( by Danchella
Why? So many countries and people in the web site and still no one wants to chat..=(
Wow, it seems so exotic. A country made up of people who aren't in any of the main categories (European or Asian)but a blending of several, with beautiful mountains and scenery. I need to go there in my next holiday. Another poster sent me the ... Read More
So far no friends =( by Danchella
Why? So many countries and people in the web site and still no one wants to chat..=(
Thanks for putting Almaty on the map for me:) Read More
So far no friends =( by Danchella
Why? So many countries and people in the web site and still no one wants to chat..=(
Where is almaty? (You never said what country it's located in) Read More
female maid for single ??? Allowed???? by istanbul123
Hello, I am a single male engineer expat here in Riyadh. Does anyone knows if its ok to have female maid coming couple hours a day to clean and cook? I don't live in a compound, living in apartment building in the city. Or is this not allowed ...
I stayed in a hotel for a few months and the male housekeepers were totally inefficient and incompetent. Then, some guys experimented with a male housekeeper in our tiny compound, and everyone agreed he was useless. WOmen just do a better job. It's ... Read More
female maid for single ??? Allowed???? by istanbul123
Hello, I am a single male engineer expat here in Riyadh. Does anyone knows if its ok to have female maid coming couple hours a day to clean and cook? I don't live in a compound, living in apartment building in the city. Or is this not allowed ...
Hahahahahaah....yeah right! It's a nice thought, though. Read More
Is transfer possible? before 2 years
What is a kafeel? And why is your HR forcing you to transfer an Iqama? Did a new company take you over? Usually it's the worker himself/herslef, who wish to quit and work for someone else in KSA, wanting to transfer an Iqama. Also, about the ... Read More
What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? by Salman Omrani
Hi everyone, I always wonder whats on the minds of (going to be) expats coming to Saudi Arabia, what image have they drawn in their minds about this country, things they have heard. now why I ask this is because many people have the wrong idea, and ...
Most of us (expats)are here because someone threw a lot of money in our faces. Period. The salary is very good, on average. I'm building my dream home in Thailand, as I type, with this job. I will work here another year or so, and once I've ... Read More
hay i want foreign freiend
"Foreigner" depends on your location. In my country, you are the foreigner. In your country I am the foreigner. In a 3rd party country we are both foreigners. Tell us where you are and a little about yourself. Read More
New in KSA by SeaDimis
Hallo to everybody I'm waiting for my visa and then i will be at Jeddah, probably next month. I read the forum in the last two months in order to collect information's about KSA and it is very useful. Keep the good job (and be happy) I have some ...
Welcome (you never told us your name), I couldn't answer any of your photography questions but I can tell you that the voltage here is 220-240 everywhere in the country. Most appliances/electronic devices made within the past 2 or 3 years have ... Read More
hello from cairo
Hello and welcome to the site. By coincidence, I was just in Cairo a few weeks ago on business for 4 days. I was glad the pyramid and Nile river tours were back on. I enjoyed that part of it. The traffic was horrible though. I called it "combat ... Read More
Teacher Positions by docjimmie
Hello, I recently returned from a year in Thailand working for a government school. Very keen to return to Asia in June. Any help with websites that offer jobs for teachers. Thanks Suraj docjimmie@gmail.com
There are hundreds of ESL teacher websites. I can post a few of them here. Probably the most popular is "daveseslcafe.com". It has has hundreds of job postings for literally every country on earth that needs ESL teachers. It has separate job boards ... Read More
Feb 26, 2011 Declared as Public Holiday True or Not? by dynamo1131
I have heard that this coming Saturday was declared a Public Holiday. Anybody can confirm this?
Our college is private but the Principal gave the faculty and students off. Our particular college administrators follow the spirit of the proclamation, even if technically they don't have to. Of course, I'm just seeing this thread now and it was ... Read More
Bungee Jumping, Parachuting... Anything? by RedGoblin
Bungee, Paragliding, parasailing, Jetskies, anything? In the Eastern province? Would have been fun.. :( hmmmmmm....
That only leaves football (soccer) as the closest thing to sky-diving here are suicides from high buildings. Read More
Bungee Jumping, Parachuting... Anything? by RedGoblin
Bungee, Paragliding, parasailing, Jetskies, anything? In the Eastern province? Would have been fun.. :( hmmmmmm....
The closest thing to bungee jumping in the middle east, are execution gallows. I think the most extreme sport here is drifting but you need a car for that. Read More
What is the best Compound for Singles in Riyadh by ditchdoctor
I'm relocating first of next year to work as an expat for 12 months and would appreciate any input regarding westerner friendly housing compounds. Would like to live somewhere fairly reasonably priced and there are other expats from US, Canada and ...
I think he was using "hit you up" as an idiom (slang phrase)meaning "I'll talk to you to get information " or "correspond with you to get information." I think it was taken out of context. As for me, I do most blatantly want to "hit on" someone, ... Read More
What is the best Compound for Singles in Riyadh by ditchdoctor
I'm relocating first of next year to work as an expat for 12 months and would appreciate any input regarding westerner friendly housing compounds. Would like to live somewhere fairly reasonably priced and there are other expats from US, Canada and ...
Hi, first of all, I would imagine ANY compound is a good one from what I hear about compounds in KSA. You see, not everyone in KSA works in Jeddah and Riyadh and where I am, near the Yemeni border we don't live in compounds,as we are the only ... Read More
Newbie from KSA by Dave-KSA
Just got her from Taiwan where I was working for more than 6 years. I'm adjusting to the culture shock right now but slowly getting acquainted with my new "lifestyle." If anyone knows of any meet-up groups in Jeddah one of you "Jedi" please let me ...
Thanks for the kind offer. If I need anything just let you know, huh. Hmmmmm....what do I need?.....muahahahahaha(evil laugh) Read More
Newbie here from KSA by Dave-KSA
HI all, I'm Dave. I'm an American working in Saudi Arabia. It's nice to meet you all and I hope I can make some friends from this website while I'm here because there's nothing to do besides surf the net. I'm tired of seeing males all day and night ...
I re-edited my original post from a personals ad to a simple introduction. My bad. I didn't know there was a personals section. Anyway, looking for friends in any context, platonic or otherwise. I see my co-workers every day and night. They're ... Read More
Newbie from KSA by Dave-KSA
Just got her from Taiwan where I was working for more than 6 years. I'm adjusting to the culture shock right now but slowly getting acquainted with my new "lifestyle." If anyone knows of any meet-up groups in Jeddah one of you "Jedi" please let me ...
Gee, thanks for the info and I guess if both cities are far away (which they both are) it makes as much sense to fly to Riyadh as Jeddah. I'll keep an eye on the postings about any meet-ups for either city. There's still the problem of getting ... Read More
Newbie from KSA by Dave-KSA
Just got her from Taiwan where I was working for more than 6 years. I'm adjusting to the culture shock right now but slowly getting acquainted with my new "lifestyle." If anyone knows of any meet-up groups in Jeddah one of you "Jedi" please let me ...
Thank you very much. This website is confusing and I may have posted in the wrong forum.Every time I post something it gets re-directed to somewhere else. I guess if I come here often I'll figure it out. Thanks again. Dave Read More