Potential Move to KSA - Need your perspective

RunMikeRun · Newbie Joined: Sep 24, 2009 Posts: 3

Hi Guys,
I'm anticipating a possible selection by the Saudi client and an engagement with a large management consulting firm for a one year gig in Riyadh. I did a stint in Bahrain as a young US Naval officer years ago, so I have some idea what KSA would be like. All I knew back then was I should have felt lucky to be in Bahrain and not in Saudi. I am trying to confirm some information, much of which seems to be 4 or 5 years old, about living conditions in KSA. Would like to get some answers/perpectives on the following:
1. I will have housing and ground trans provided. In addtion to compensation, I will be paid 285 SAR per day in per diem. Do you think I can get by on that? I hear things are really expensive there.
2. I am a long distance runner. I hear the Saudi's have hang-ups on decency and such. Can I wear running shorts there and run along the trails and roadways there? Do they have a Hash House Harriers chapter?
3. I am a Catholic. Will they confiscate my bible, rosary beads or the cross I wear on a chain around my neck when I go through customs upon arriving? Are there places in town where Christians can gather (e.g., any of the western embassies?) for prayer/services?
4. Will it be hard to fly my wife over for visit?
Many thanks!
cheers,
Mike

jodereggs

Hi Mike,
I hope I can shed some light on some of your questions.

!. 285 SAR is about $85 US
2. Check out - www.runninginriyadh.com/
3. When we moved here we were told no religious material would be allowed, that being said I know of some people who did get their bible here and I have seen a few books at Jarir Bookstore that were written by Christian writers.
4. You will have to provide proof of marriage. It is quite a process so be prepared to start the visa process about a month or two before her planned visit date.

Hope this helps a little. Best of luck to you.

RunMikeRun · Newbie Joined: Sep 24, 2009 Posts: 3

Many thanks, Jodereggs!.
cheers,
Mike

ursula

Dear Mike,
I have been in Jeddah for the past 5 yrs, but I hear that Riyad is a bit different to living here. However, I think the following information should pertain to Riyad as well:

1. I think that SR285/day is more than enough to get by. Takeout is relatively inexpensive and groceries are affordable if you're doing your own cooking.
2. You won't be allowed to wear the traditional running shorts to run along the roadways - a knee-length shorts is acceptable. However, you can wear what you want when running in the desert. There is a Hash House Harriers in Jeddah, and I strongly suspect that there is one in Riyad.
3. I wouldn't advise you to take a chance and openly display your rosary beads, crucifix or your bible. Many people have managed to get a bible in by disguising it in some way amongst their other books. I don't know whether it is advisable, especially in Riyad. They're a bit more strict with everything over there. There are a few western embassies that have church services over here, so I suppose it might be the same over there.
4. They have eased up a bit with allowing spouses, parents, children and siblings into the country. Your paperwork has to be up to scratch, of course, but other than that it should not be a problem, especially with your wife.

I hope I have answered you questions satisfactorily.

Everything of the best.

forarabz · Newbie Joined: Oct 20, 2009 Posts: 3

RunMikeRun wrote:

Hi Guys,
answers/perpectives on the following:
1. I will have housing and ground trans provided. In addtion to compensation, I will be paid 285 SAR per day in per diem. Do you think I can get by on that? I hear things are really expensive there.
2. I am a long distance runner. I hear the Saudi's have hang-ups on decency and such. Can I wear running shorts there and run along the trails and roadways there? Do they have a Hash House Harriers chapter?
3. I am a Catholic. Will they confiscate my bible, rosary beads or the cross I wear on a chain around my neck when I go through customs upon arriving? Are there places in town where Christians can gather (e.g., any of the western embassies?) for prayer/services?
4. Will it be hard to fly my wife over for visit?
Many thanks!
cheers,
Mike

Hi there,

1. Yes, 285 S.R. is good, considering Saudi not more expensive that USA, you have housing and transportation.

2. You can wear loose shorts, wearing running short isn't illegal but maybe uncomfortable for other and maybe you once you are actually in the situation.

3. Yes, they will confiscate it all.

4. Dont think so, there are allot of single expat women working in Saudi

...this website might also help you, it's a cool lifestyle guide of riyadh events, news....etc www.riyadhciti.com

forarabz · Newbie Joined: Oct 20, 2009 Posts: 3

RunMikeRun wrote:

Hi Guys,
answers/perpectives on the following:
1. I will have housing and ground trans provided. In addtion to compensation, I will be paid 285 SAR per day in per diem. Do you think I can get by on that? I hear things are really expensive there.
2. I am a long distance runner. I hear the Saudi's have hang-ups on decency and such. Can I wear running shorts there and run along the trails and roadways there? Do they have a Hash House Harriers chapter?
3. I am a Catholic. Will they confiscate my bible, rosary beads or the cross I wear on a chain around my neck when I go through customs upon arriving? Are there places in town where Christians can gather (e.g., any of the western embassies?) for prayer/services?
4. Will it be hard to fly my wife over for visit?
Many thanks!
cheers,
Mike

Hi there,

1. Yes, 285 S.R. is good, considering Saudi not more expensive that USA, you have housing and transportation.

2. You can wear loose shorts, wearing running short isn't illegal but maybe uncomfortable for other and maybe you once you are actually in the situation.

3. Yes, they will confiscate it all.

4. Dont think so, there are allot of single expat women working in Saudi

...this website might also help you, it's a cool lifestyle guide of riyadh events, news....etc www.riyadhciti.com

RunMikeRun · Newbie Joined: Sep 24, 2009 Posts: 3

thanks, everyone for the info.
cheers,
Mike

wheelerm

28 October 2009 @ 0633 p.m. EST

Hi there, After having lived in Saudi for the better part of 12 years (I came home 2 years ago) I hope you do get the opportunity to go. KSA is a remarkable country. It is an old culture. You can enjoy your time there a lot by just following the rules and they are the same for all. Saudi people have their own unique culture so sit down with someone when you arrive, preferably a Saudi, and ask; they will welcome your desire to know what is polite and appropriate. Your accommodations most likely will be a western type compound where you will be able to do things as you would at home, like run, eat in a nice restuarant. There are running trails in the Embassy area that are secluded and made available (or at least they were when I was there) for use. There are church services for both Christian and Catholic congregations in the Embassy quarters. You should be fine taking in your bible and rosary. Wear your cross under your shirt and not visible. Your 285 SR per day is quite good. You will sponsor your wife through your company. "Mafi mushkula" (no problem). Hope this helped.

aalghaa · Newbie Joined: Nov 01, 2009 Posts: 1

RunMikeRun wrote:

Hi Guys,
I'm anticipating a possible selection by the Saudi client and an engagement with a large management consulting firm for a one year gig in Riyadh. I did a stint in Bahrain as a young US Naval officer years ago, so I have some idea what KSA would be like. All I knew back then was I should have felt lucky to be in Bahrain and not in Saudi. I am trying to confirm some information, much of which seems to be 4 or 5 years old, about living conditions in KSA. Would like to get some answers/perpectives on the following:
1. I will have housing and ground trans provided. In addtion to compensation, I will be paid 285 SAR per day in per diem. Do you think I can get by on that? I hear things are really expensive there.
2. I am a long distance runner. I hear the Saudi's have hang-ups on decency and such. Can I wear running shorts there and run along the trails and roadways there? Do they have a Hash House Harriers chapter?
3. I am a Catholic. Will they confiscate my bible, rosary beads or the cross I wear on a chain around my neck when I go through customs upon arriving? Are there places in town where Christians can gather (e.g., any of the western embassies?) for prayer/services?
4. Will it be hard to fly my wife over for visit?
Many thanks!
cheers,
Mike

Hey,

My name is Arif and I am from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but I am currently in London, anyway to answer your questions,

1-285 SAR is more than enough in Saudi Arabia.
2- You can run wherever you want no one will care but wear short till your knee.
3-Do not show your bible, rosary beads or the cross to anyone.
4- About your wife's visa is not difficult at all, because she is your wife and you have already visa and it will be just a mutter of time.

My friend all you need just to respect our clutter then you will be happy.

If you have any questions or you need any help you can contact me on;

arif1818 @ windowslive.com

00447850162129