What can my wife do and not do in Saudi Arabia? Can she work, drive a car, go out by herself?
The uniqueness of the culture does not openly provide for employment opportunities except in the medical field, education and travel industries. However, there are numerous private businesses that employ women along with consulate and embassies. Secondly, many women bring skills that allow them to establish private business in fields such as health and beauty, fitness and day care. Women do not drive in Saudi Arabia. However, facilities such as taxis and company drivers are abundantly available allowing women the freedom to go out on their own.
How much different is life in Saudi than America, Canada and Europe?
Life is of course different in Saudi Arabia, it is more conservative, culturally diverse but offers a full spectrum of flavors to experience such as food, people, etc. We don’t have to worry about crime. It’s very people orientated, there are vast communities of people to socialize with and clubs.
Where actually is Al-Khobar?
Al-Khobar is located on the east coast of Saudi Arabia, adjacent to Dhahran and port city of Dammam. This area alone houses the most expatriates in Saudi Arabia where practically everybody speaks English here. We have a bridge that connects us to the Gulf island country called Bahrain (excellent tourist and RR destination).
What can you do on the weekends with your family?
With all the expatriates living in this region, socializing with your peers, and other cultures becomes an active pastime. Barbeques, social events and desert or beach activities become common pastime. Sports such as tennis, swimming, biking, hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling can all be done here. As mentioned above, Bahrain is readily accessible to all expatriates.
How are the schools in Saudi, are their private schools?
There are several private schools for expatriates here in Saudi Arabia. Attending school here is a unique cultural experience as you have a vast mixture of nationalities and cultures attending the same school (i.e. British, Americans, Saudis, Indians, Lebanese, etc.)
Do you have grocery stores and shopping malls?
Yes we have Safeway supermarket and the largest shopping mall in the Middle East with the full range of products from Europe and North America meeting all standards of expectation.
How hot does it get?
Saudi Arabia generally is a hot country of very little rain. Average temperature in summer time is 115+ Fahrenheit. Most of the year (8 months) the weather is warm and pleasant with winters not below 45 Fahrenheit.
Do the houses have AC?
Everything is air conditioned such as automobiles, houses, malls, etc.
What percentage of expatriate are in the area?
Our area (Al-Khobar) is about half of the population are expatriates and everybody speaks English.
How expensive is the housing, grocery, etc?
A decent, nice 2-bedroom townhouse units that are fully furnished (except utensils, linens, etc.) are available for approximately SR 35,000 to 45,000 per year. There are also housing facilities that are less or much more expensive depending on the amenities, so in the end, it is really all a matter of choice and priorities. You are given the freedom to decide on how and where you want to live.
How much money can you save?
Since we live and work in a TAX-FREE environment, where all of our expenses, except food, are covered. This presents an extensive opportunity for savings. For someone who is able to take home 90% of his income at the end of 1 year, is excellent.
I heard women have to keep their body and face covered in black?
Women expatriates should wear conservative, loose fitting clothing. If you feel better when wearing the abaya, then do so
