Irish nurse moving to riyadh

Hi Sinead, KFSH is one of KSA best hospitals. You will find all facilities possible if you strike good deal with them. In terms of living social life is a tricky one as the country is reserved in culture where you need to struggle alot specially being a woman.

Social life, in ksa alcohol is not allowed and there are no pubs or bars. The best you can do is go to malls and some cafes with your female mates, there are cinemas recently opened so this is another feature.

Language: Arabic publicly, very selfom can speak english.

Mode of transport: Uber/Careem and/or taxis, saudi drivers mostly speak arabic snd little english.

Intercity travel, not sure if foriegn women can travel alone.

Hope this helps

Hi Sinead,

As a lady you will find it hard at the start as you will always think about your lifestyle in Ireland. But as you go on later you will get used to it. It depends upon your outlook.

There are accommodations inside exclusive for Westerners  I don't know how they are accommodating maybe as per position and nationality or you will be accommodated in Western Compounds in some cases exclusive for Ladies as the usual case.

Social Life is 180 degrees different from your domicile. You have to wear Abaya whenever you go out and you have to cover your hair in Public places. Anyway as time goes by you will be meeting new peers of the same feathers (likes and needs) where you can join by then you can adjust yourself and will be enjoying or appreciating the situation.

Parties are normally held in Western Compounds. You must have acquaintances inside or friends who will bring you in there. At the start i would suggest for you to be cautious as you are not familiar with the place and another thing is the language barrier. Unless you are a fluent Arabic Speaker. Always go out with a Buddy to assist you.

The nearest Supermarket is Hyperpanda just in front if you are in Main Hospital and the nearest Mall is Panorama Mall and Riyadh Gallery. Farther northward is the biggest Mall Riyadh Park so far with cinemas  beside Rubeen Plaza.

Another big Mall is Granada Mall Northeast side it is beside Al Hamra a Western Compound.

Welcome then to the Arab World....

Thanks for that info guys

Never try to come in  Saudi Arabia. if possible go to Dubai. you can find your place.
here people don't know about social word, believe me ..
next is your decision..

Never try to come in  Saudi Arabia. if possible go to Dubai. you can find your place.
here people don't know about social word, believe me ..
next is your decision..

Please do not come to Saudi. Foreigners usually suffer depression as a result of the totally different lifestyle obtainable here.

If you offered a good offer I thinks its great opportunity and you will have a new total experience,  don't be afraid to try, it's OK.

You will find social life you lie but will take little bit of time, let me know if you need further help.
After all and for sure you will make and save good money.

Good luck.

Good Afternoon .

Ignore the negative comments. Forget Dubai , its a lonely place , designed to make you part with your money. Riyadh is much better for saving and to develop friends. I was in Dubai for 8 years and have made more mates in a month in Rihayd than I did in my time in Dubai.

Riyadh is not a bad place if you know what to expect. Its not Ireland where you can go clubbing or get plastered on the weekends, however you are not moving for that , you are moving for a nice fat, tax free salary .

If you stay on a compound, depending on which one, they are more relaxed and have amazing facilities like pools, gyms, bbq area, sauna, steam , Jaccuzi  . The community is often really good and hold regular events like BBQ etc. 

You will make tons of mates at work at you are working in a hospital , and they will invite you over to their compounds.

As a woman you can move around freely as long as you wear an Abaya and cover your hair, There are some super stylish ones these days that look very elegant. Use Uber to move from place to place. There are tons of amazing places to eat and also many malls to go to.

Other benefit of Saudi over UAE is that we get 30 working days holiday and a week for each Eid ( 8 weeks total ). Dubai labour law is 30 calendar days and 2 days for Eid if you are lucky.

If you want a change of scenery , Bahrain, Dubai or Oman are just a 1 hour flight away.....other places like Egypt 3 , India 3.5 , etc  .. so use your holiday to explore the world that is very close at hand,

In regards to language barrier ... its there... limited English speakers here but google translate works a charm ! I had a 3 hour conversation with someone on Saturday, he taught me some Arabic and I taught him some English. This weekend we will meet again for our lessons .

Life is what you make of it .. any country can be miserable if you do not take advantage of what it offers.

Good job you really know the meaning of life

It's a nice place and it's a great time for you to be in Riyadh because Saudi society is opening up and the government is changing the laws to be more liberal and relaxed.

There was a huge concert with Enrique Iglesias and DJ David Guetta two weeks ago in Diriyah which is a great must-visit place if you come to Riyad.

You can drive anywhere and you don't have to cover your hair and it's safe here. Don't worry, you can go out by yourself and run your errands with no problem.

Trust me you will like it here.

Curious, how did you go? I'm moving there soon as well from Australia.

Hello, Miss Chimdi I want to tell you about some great get together, events here in jeddah for the expat communities you won't get bored.

compared to dubai everywhere in saudi will be much more cheap ... look at the salary if it is decent you will easily make much more moeny from saving

This is so true. I lived in Dubai 10 years , 1000 aed vanished in 2 days if it was in your pocket , here most things are 50 % of Dubai including rent ( unless you want to live in a high end compound )

Hii ,, how are you doing ?
Im saudi citizen ,, youre more than welcome to Riyadh
How do u find Riyadh ?

I'm a Doctor at another hospital
KFSH one of the best in the Middle East