uglybetty
English expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
73
Contacts
3
About me
English
Lives in Riyadh
Registration: 12 April 2010
Cover head during ramadan? by uglybetty
I have lived in the middle east for a few years now, so I know most of the dos and donts during ramandan. However, since this is my first ramadan in saudi, I would like to ask, should I cover my head when out shopping alone? Appreciate you advice.
Thank you all for your feedback. I am aware of the no eating and drinking in public and to be honest borntobemild why would I risk it! I wasnt aware that supermarkets were closed during the day so thank you all for that. So Im assuming they open ... Read More
Cover head during ramadan?
I have lived in the middle east for a few years now, so I know most of the dos and donts during ramandan. However, since this is my first ramadan in saudi, I would like to ask, should I cover my head when out shopping alone? Appreciate you advice. Read More
Baby essentials by Leedslad
So I made my inaugral visit to the Granada mall today... I thought I would go and see what is there and also visit Carrefour to see if I could get some of the kids stuff I will need for when the family arrives... Key things I were looking for were, ...
Danube is in Hyatt mall which is right next to Sahara Mall which has Tammimi in it. Both malls have pharmacies in. Boots pharmacy is the opposite end of the mall to Tammimi so just keep walking down and it will be on your left. Good luck! Read More
Baby essentials by Leedslad
So I made my inaugral visit to the Granada mall today... I thought I would go and see what is there and also visit Carrefour to see if I could get some of the kids stuff I will need for when the family arrives... Key things I were looking for were, ...
Hi Leedslad, Im not sure about the cow and gate milk but I would recommend you try Tammimi and Danube, they have a fair amount of imported goods that may make you feel a little more at home. Read More
how much cash to bring by Leedslad
Hi All As some of you may know from my other threads, I am moving to Riyadh in th enext couple of weeks... I wanted to ask, during my first visit to initiate my Iqama process, since I will not be able to open a bank account until that is done, ...
Hi Leedslad, As RG said, better to bring cash with you just encase you had any problem with the ATM and Im sure you will get stung with the ATM. I believe the limit is 60,000 riyal which is about GBP 10,000 so you will not have any problems bringing ... Read More
Poor worker looking for financial help for medical treatment in Riyadh by malisohail
A poor worker Sohaq Molla (working as servant in local hotel situated in Hai Tawan, Abi Bakr Saddique Road, Riyadh) needs financial support for medical treatment in any hospital in Riyadh. He is suffering from piles since long and his health is ...
hi malisohail, I just read your post and I really feel for this poor man in such pain. Is there any update? Im afraid I wouldnt know who to seek advise from but there have been some valuable responses above. Do you know how much his treatment will ... Read More
Good places to eat in Riyadh
Hi all, Just wanted to mention, we have recently been and eaten at the four seasons hotel in kingdom centre. We ate at the grill and had the BBQ and I tell you it was AWESOME!! It was quite expensive but then again, since there is not much to do ... Read More
Expat Blog Paintball tournament by slyshooter
Hi, After the bowling event which is on 20th, we are planning a paintball tournament for guyz the week after i.e. on [b]27th April[/b]. THe charges are around 150-200 Riyal per head, looking for 20 sharp shooters atleast to make good teams. ...
so why the lack of interest? Read More
Expat Blog Paintball tournament by slyshooter
Hi, After the bowling event which is on 20th, we are planning a paintball tournament for guyz the week after i.e. on [b]27th April[/b]. THe charges are around 150-200 Riyal per head, looking for 20 sharp shooters atleast to make good teams. ...
paintball is a game with 2 teams shooting paint bullets at eachother and its not totally painless but fun!! Read More
Expat Blog Paintball tournament by slyshooter
Hi, After the bowling event which is on 20th, we are planning a paintball tournament for guyz the week after i.e. on [b]27th April[/b]. THe charges are around 150-200 Riyal per head, looking for 20 sharp shooters atleast to make good teams. ...
hi, where is this? Is it 27 April evening? Read More
Are all HR personnel in Saudi thick by miahannaleo
Ok i know this will start a Hot topic, but why are they so difficult to deal with. i went to the Saudi Embassy today in London to get my Passport stamped (as instructed by my HR department) but on getting there i found out not only was the visa ...
Ooh, we are searching for a good indian, where did you order from? We have eaten at the radisson and that was nice, there was also a buffet there but havnt tried that yet. Read More
Are all HR personnel in Saudi thick by miahannaleo
Ok i know this will start a Hot topic, but why are they so difficult to deal with. i went to the Saudi Embassy today in London to get my Passport stamped (as instructed by my HR department) but on getting there i found out not only was the visa ...
if you think its bad now - wait till you get here, incompetence does not even begin to describe it ! :) on a more positive note, the food is really greatHey Dubliner, Where do you recommend to eat then? Or do you mean grocery wise?And Leo, 'go with ... Read More
Are all HR personnel in Saudi thick by miahannaleo
Ok i know this will start a Hot topic, but why are they so difficult to deal with. i went to the Saudi Embassy today in London to get my Passport stamped (as instructed by my HR department) but on getting there i found out not only was the visa ...
if you think its bad now - wait till you get here, incompetence does not even begin to describe it ! :) on a more positive note, the food is really greatHey Dubliner, Where do you recommend to eat then? Or do you mean grocery wise? Read More
Are all HR personnel in Saudi thick by miahannaleo
Ok i know this will start a Hot topic, but why are they so difficult to deal with. i went to the Saudi Embassy today in London to get my Passport stamped (as instructed by my HR department) but on getting there i found out not only was the visa ...
Hey Leo, Welcome to saudi! Sorry to read of the problems your having obtaining your visa. My visa took 3 months in total, so I understand your frustration. Can you not get this done via post using special delivery to save you travelling to the ... Read More
Al Hokai Land Theme Park Riyadh by uglybetty
Does anyone know if this theme park is still open in Riyadh and can women go? I found the website but its not very helpful. Has anyone been to Al Hokai Land Theme Park? If this place is open, maybe we can all go for the day? :-) Thanks.
Cheers Blade, will be sure to check it out. Im not expecting fantastic but I am hopeful that there is some entertainment here other than malls ;) Read More
Al Hokai Land Theme Park Riyadh
Does anyone know if this theme park is still open in Riyadh and can women go? I found the website but its not very helpful. Has anyone been to Al Hokai Land Theme Park? If this place is open, maybe we can all go for the day? :-) Thanks. Read More
visa advise please by R80GS'er
hi everyone my boss thinks i can go out to khobar on a business visa and after 3 months apply for residency visa is he right or not? as he has left it really tight for this to be wrong as i am supposed to fly out on the 13th feb
R8og's, how is the visa process coming along? Do you have a set date now or are you just waiting? Hope all is well. Read More
visa advise please by R80GS'er
hi everyone my boss thinks i can go out to khobar on a business visa and after 3 months apply for residency visa is he right or not? as he has left it really tight for this to be wrong as i am supposed to fly out on the 13th feb
Hi R80GS'er You dont need to wory about the heat just yet as it isnt that hot yet. Im sure you will appreciate the rise in temperature coming from the minus degrees in the UK though! All the best for your move!! Read More
Heeeeeelllppp!! I need to move to a compound! by arslanh
Hi I have been living in Riyad in rented accomodation for the last 6 months...am now v v bored and need some social interaction...the wife more so!!! I am from London and work in Fin Services . I am looking to move to any sort of compound ...
Hi arslanh, Have you tried asking at your company as they sometimes rent some accomodation on compounds. If not, they might have some contacts who can help you. Read More
Hairdressing Course
Hey all, I have recently arrived here in riyadh and I am interested in doing a hair dressing course. Does anyone know where I would be able to do this and would the certificates be legit when i move back to UK if obtained here? Read More
Malls in Riyadh by uglybetty
Hi, Can anyone recommend a mall in riyadh with many western shops such as debenhams etc but also one that has a supermarket for food shopping? Thank you.
Thanks for all your advise guys! I decided to go with granada but will be trying out the other suggestions too!! Read More
Malls in Riyadh by uglybetty
Hi, Can anyone recommend a mall in riyadh with many western shops such as debenhams etc but also one that has a supermarket for food shopping? Thank you.
Very much the opposite actually red goblin, I have a list of so many malls and to be honest I dont know which to go to first so was hoping for a few opinions of all your favourites. Read More
Malls in Riyadh by uglybetty
Hi, Can anyone recommend a mall in riyadh with many western shops such as debenhams etc but also one that has a supermarket for food shopping? Thank you.
Thanks Nelson. Would that supermarket happen to be carrefour? I was hoping to find another other than carrefour, just to mix it up abit as shopping is quite a passtime now haha!! Read More
Malls in Riyadh
Hi, Can anyone recommend a mall in riyadh with many western shops such as debenhams etc but also one that has a supermarket for food shopping? Thank you. Read More
Hi all, new member by MaserMan
Been lurking on here for a while and as I will shortly, hopefully, be arriving in Riyadh thought I should sign up! Just waiting to go down to London to get the medical and paperwork done for the visa and my new employers are expecting me to arrive ...
This will be my second Ramadan here. It's a difficult time for non-Muslims because we have to keep the same working hours but can't go food shopping or anything during the week till after 9 at night. This is a real pain in the b*m lolHi ... Read More
Ladies not working by uglybetty
I would like to ask to those ladies who are house wives whilst their husbands are at work-what do you do during the day? If you are in compounds do you get together with other women during the daytime? Im hoping that this is the case although it may ...
Nonz, you are not staying on a compound? Do you guys all meet up from here on weekends from time to time? I guess being around people keeps you sane. I cant really comment yet though. Heady, im sure your wife will already be aware of the ... Read More
Ladies not working by uglybetty
I would like to ask to those ladies who are house wives whilst their husbands are at work-what do you do during the day? If you are in compounds do you get together with other women during the daytime? Im hoping that this is the case although it may ...
Poor Alliecat, I guess you get your kicks from the fascinating discussions on this forum though! Thanks Alethe What a great way to pass some time by learning arabic. Are u self learning by disc? Do you recommend a particular one? Oh and call me ... Read More
Ladies not working by uglybetty
I would like to ask to those ladies who are house wives whilst their husbands are at work-what do you do during the day? If you are in compounds do you get together with other women during the daytime? Im hoping that this is the case although it may ...
Sounds like a nice life Caf! Come on ladies, tell us about your routine. Does anyone enjoy soaking up the sun and relaxing by the beautiful looking pools? Read More
Want to learn Arabic online by prasadpauti
Hi, I am going to join as Admin Asst. in Riyadh based office. I would like to learn Arabic language on line. If any body know good resources please reply me. I search web but still need proper guidance for good material. Please help me - ...
Hi prasadpauti, I would recommend that you buy a disc to help you learn such as Arabic for Dummies. You will also find that you will pick alot up from your collegues at work. Good Luck! Read More
Ladies not working by uglybetty
I would like to ask to those ladies who are house wives whilst their husbands are at work-what do you do during the day? If you are in compounds do you get together with other women during the daytime? Im hoping that this is the case although it may ...
Im sure if you have children then you dont have much spare time! I would love to have a dog or a whole farm full or them actually but it would be unfair as we travel quite alot. I am guessing there are no amimal centres I could volounteer at but ... Read More
Ladies not working by uglybetty
I would like to ask to those ladies who are house wives whilst their husbands are at work-what do you do during the day? If you are in compounds do you get together with other women during the daytime? Im hoping that this is the case although it may ...
Yes a little. I will definately be needing a hobby I think and the compounds seem to have a wide range of facilities which is good! I will also be packing a deck of cards and many board games! Read More
Ladies not working by uglybetty
I would like to ask to those ladies who are house wives whilst their husbands are at work-what do you do during the day? If you are in compounds do you get together with other women during the daytime? Im hoping that this is the case although it may ...
Hi Alethe, Thanks for your response, it does surprise me though. When I moved to Dubai, the first year was the toughest of my life but I found it got easier in the second year and you've kind of got a routine. I have no doubt that moving there will ... Read More
Ladies not working
I would like to ask to those ladies who are house wives whilst their husbands are at work-what do you do during the day? If you are in compounds do you get together with other women during the daytime? Im hoping that this is the case although it may ... Read More
How did you prepare yourself to move overseas? by MisterStretch
The whole purpose of this forum (as originally intended) is to help people prepare and transition into a new life in a new country. I've done this in many countries, and have my own system of preparation...[i]almost none[/i]. I check out ...
I am keeping an open mind and trying to be positive yet weary as it really hits home when you hear some of the horror stories. Its good that this is shared though as the media are certainly not willing to get involved. Wow, Loanna, you have put me ... Read More
Compounds near HSBC??
Thanks Musicman. Do you know of any decent compounds near by? Read More
Compounds near HSBC??
Hey, can anyone tell me where about is the HSBC located in Riyadh and where are the nearest compounds to it. Is Fal Compound close by? Thanks again. Read More
Rent Prices
I have just been given a price list for Al Hamra Compound and a 1 bedroom appartment is SAR 150,000. Can anyone tell me is this reasonable for all the facilities provided? Read More
VIDEOS OF INSIDE THE COMPOUNDS IN KSA by uglybetty
Does anyone have any video footage of what its like inside the compounds in KSA? Would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hey Guys, Of course I understand that security is an issue but I simply wanted to see a few pics of the streets inside, what a home there would look like and the facilites. I have found the website for The Kingdom which looks very nice but I hear ... Read More
VIDEOS OF INSIDE THE COMPOUNDS IN KSA by uglybetty
Does anyone have any video footage of what its like inside the compounds in KSA? Would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Thank You Saudi UK, I have found this 1 video on you tube but cannot find any others but thanks for your efforts in trying to help me :-) MisterStretch, Considering that I will be changing my whole lifesytle, particularly as a female by moving to ... Read More
Access to Buses/Transportation by redgems
are there buses that women can take to get to the mall (or any where for that matter?)! we're at one of the compounds and i was hoping i'd be able to get around in riyadh while the hubbie is off working. please help maintain my sanity!
Hey all, Thank You very much for all the info, you have been a great help and Caf thanks for the offer, I shall take the details from the thread :-) cheers!! Read More
Access to Buses/Transportation by redgems
are there buses that women can take to get to the mall (or any where for that matter?)! we're at one of the compounds and i was hoping i'd be able to get around in riyadh while the hubbie is off working. please help maintain my sanity!
Thanks Guys. I dont judge by the way people look as particuarly in UAE some people dress like locals, although they are not so its sometimes hard to tell. But thanks both for the tip on English ;-) Read More
Access to Buses/Transportation by redgems
are there buses that women can take to get to the mall (or any where for that matter?)! we're at one of the compounds and i was hoping i'd be able to get around in riyadh while the hubbie is off working. please help maintain my sanity!
Hi Guys, Wow, reading the above, I cant help but feel very alarmed. CAF im very sorry to hear of this. Is this behaviour quite common by local taxi drivers? How would I know the difference between a local cab driver and an expat? Read More
Moving to RIYADH by uglybetty
Hi guys, I am possibly moving to Riyadh within the next couple of months and Im so very anxious that I can not sleep at night worrying. I am origionally from the UK but have lived in Dubai for 2 and a half years. I am trying to do as much research ...
Thank you LegendLeads. I have lived in Dubai and therefore understand the arab culture to the extent that any expat can understand but from what I have researched KSA is so much more strict, particularly for women. Are the authorities allowed into ... Read More
Moving to RIYADH
Hi guys, I am possibly moving to Riyadh within the next couple of months and Im so very anxious that I can not sleep at night worrying. I am origionally from the UK but have lived in Dubai for 2 and a half years. I am trying to do as much research ... Read More
Pharmacy?
Are there pharmacies inside the compounds? If so what can you not get there? Read More
VIDEOS OF INSIDE THE COMPOUNDS IN KSA
Does anyone have any video footage of what its like inside the compounds in KSA? Would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Read More
Marriage Licence
Has anyone ben stopped in KSA and asked to produce a marriage certificate? Would we need to take this with us? Read More