Coming to Jeddah

Salam Michael! My name is Huda! I cant answer your questions really except to say that you can either "join them" and wear a white thobe or Islam requires modest dress for men also.  There shorts go down past there knees.

I am in America, however God willing, I will be there working at the hospital also in June.

Good luck! Take Care! Safe travels!

Huda  [email protected]

Hi Mike,

If it's a western compound, you can wear anything you like (shorts don't have to be below the knees, etc.).  Also,, Jeddah is much more relaxed than where I am (Riyadh). However, if your hospital compound is like mine, which is not western, 'modest' dress is required--no tight clothing, long shorts and no tank tops.

I've not seen many westerners wearing thobes. Actually, only once and he looked a bit ridiculous.  To me, it would be like a white person going to sub-saharan Africa and wearing tribal clothing.  In other words, completely out of place. Comments on this?  Am I the only one who sees it this way??

I've seen plenty of guys 'out and about' (at the market, for example) in jeans and t-shirts.

In Riyadh, there aren't many bookstores and their English selection is limited.  I really advise you to bring what you want (although you can order via Amazon here but--unless you  pay a lot extra for fast delivery--the average wait is about four weeks).

Best of luck in the Kingdom!

Congratulations Michael on the new job.

mtwilson wrote:

I am a big guy (6' 4") and I was wondering if finding cloths is a problem for tall folks in KSA, esp. shoes (size 13 USA).

Bring good, sturdy shoes from home or send them to yourself.  If your employer is shipping domestic goods for you...bring several pair.  I wear a 14...just about impossible to find here.  Generally 11 or 12 is the absolute largest available.

mtwilson wrote:

Also, what clothes should I pack? I will be living in a compound, so I gather informal (shorts and sandals) is OK there, but are long pants and collared shirts the norm when out and about? Are jeans and T-shirts acceptable? Will I need any "winter wear" (jacket, sweats, etc.)?

On the compound there isn't a dress code.  Jeddah is a little more laid back so nice shorts and a t-shirt are acceptable in many public places.  Don't be surprised if some stores or restaurants deny you entrance, though, as a result of the shorts.  Bring some lightweight slacks and shirts for public outings.  Jeans are acceptable everywhere.  We are in the throes of "winter" here now, and a light jacket, a long sleeved t-shirt or two are generally enough to get you through.

mtwilson wrote:

I am a diver (any other divers out here in Jeddah?) and would be interested in knowing if there are good dive facilities for equipment rental or purchase that can be recommended.

It's one of the principal businesses in Jeddah...fear not, all you need will be available...as long as you are going skin diving.  If you need wet or dry suit, they are probably available, but better to be safe than sorry...same for fins.

mtwilson wrote:

And lastly, I do a fair bit of web application development and would like to know if there are good sources for professional level computer technology books in English available.

There is a bookstore and office supply chain called Jarir Books here in the KSA...anything you want they have, or can order for you in that regard.

mtwilson wrote:

I apologize if I have mixed too many subjects in this message, but if you have any info on anything here, please let me know.

We live to serve.  Good luck...and travel safely.