Working in Riyadh
Discussion
I've visited (on business) and it's a lovely place. Very friendly people.
Feckin hot in summer obviously, it was way over 40 while I was there.
Lots of people speak English. Not too hard to find booze in the expat compounds and I've been told that generally a blind eye is turned... I didn't have any or even see any while I was there though. If you want to get pi$$ed up go to Dubai for a weekend!
What do you wanna know?!
Feckin hot in summer obviously, it was way over 40 while I was there.
Lots of people speak English. Not too hard to find booze in the expat compounds and I've been told that generally a blind eye is turned... I didn't have any or even see any while I was there though. If you want to get pi$$ed up go to Dubai for a weekend!
What do you wanna know?!
sleep envy said:
I take it that expats live in compunds?
what's the deal with unmarried partners?
other than sit by the pool and shop is there much to do?
1. Yes, generally. what's the deal with unmarried partners?
other than sit by the pool and shop is there much to do?
2. Hmmm, not sure, probably frowned upon.
3. f
k-all outside of the compound. Some nice indian restaurants. Your good-lady will be pretty restricted if she wants to do things on her own while you're working. Having said that, the compound would hopefully have a good gym, pool etc. sleep envy said:
I take it that expats live in compunds?
what's the deal with unmarried partners?
other than sit by the pool and shop is there much to do?
On compound do what you like, booze may be more available now but in my time was brewed/distilled by the 'jinglies' Philippinos. Shopping, sun bathing, swimming, diving, snorkling, bondoo bashing in 4x4s, drinking, partying are a few of lifes expat pleasures.what's the deal with unmarried partners?
other than sit by the pool and shop is there much to do?
Off compound you can only be with your wife, but can't hold hands etc, no drinking
Lefty Guns said:
3. fk-all outside of the compound. Some nice indian restaurants. Your good-lady will be pretty restricted if she wants to do things on her own while you're working. Having said that, the compound would hopefully have a good gym, pool etc.
can see this being the sticking point - how long can you sit by a pool before you go mad?k-all outside of the compound. Some nice indian restaurants. Your good-lady will be pretty restricted if she wants to do things on her own while you're working. Having said that, the compound would hopefully have a good gym, pool etc. Oops, about 7 hours I would think.
When I went it was via Schipol.
I just spoke to a chap in my office who's Iranian. He's spent a fair bit of time in Riyadh and says that finding accomodation can be a real bastid for expats so make sure your employee/client is providing that or, at the very least, finding somewhere for you, even if you have to pay for it yourself.
All tax-free too you jammy sod.
When I went it was via Schipol.
I just spoke to a chap in my office who's Iranian. He's spent a fair bit of time in Riyadh and says that finding accomodation can be a real bastid for expats so make sure your employee/client is providing that or, at the very least, finding somewhere for you, even if you have to pay for it yourself.
All tax-free too you jammy sod.
Edited by Lefty Guns on Wednesday 27th May 15:12
sleep envy said:
I take it that expats live in compunds?
what's the deal with unmarried partners?
other than sit by the pool and shop is there much to do?
1) Yes, which can take on the appearance of a military compound in a war zonewhat's the deal with unmarried partners?
other than sit by the pool and shop is there much to do?
2) Exceptionally difficult to secure visa's for. Like nearly impossible.
3) No nothing else to do.
4) return flights can be as low as £300-£350 with BMI, non stop from LHR
Lived there for 12 years as a youngster.
There really isn't that much to do at all in the capital. We spent most weekends either in Bahrain with all the Saudis getting tipsy! or in Jeddah diving, or in the desert with the HHH on treasure hunts etc.
Ramadan is an interesting time in Saudi.....
And a visit to Chop Square on a Friday is an absolute must.
There really isn't that much to do at all in the capital. We spent most weekends either in Bahrain with all the Saudis getting tipsy! or in Jeddah diving, or in the desert with the HHH on treasure hunts etc.
Ramadan is an interesting time in Saudi.....
And a visit to Chop Square on a Friday is an absolute must.
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