| Laura has learned about a different way of life since moving from South Africa to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia more than two years ago. She gives us a glimpse into aspects of her life as well as those of the locals, such as the limitations on rights that people in other countries take for granted, the cost of living, and how being open-minded can help one adjust to the local culture. |
 Laura van Niekerk |
-Where were you born?
Cape Town, South Africa
-In which country and city are you living now?
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
-Are you living alone or with your family?
With family, I have a 9-year old daughter.
-How long have you been living in Saudi Arabia?
Two and a half years
-What is your age?
42
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Saudi Arabia?
My husband was offered a job here, and we came for the attractive salary and benefits.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
It took a long time, and a lot of paperwork and checks, including medical certificate, police clearance, etc. My husband had to come here first, and then apply for us to join him, which took over 2 months.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No, Bupa was offered as part of my husband's package
-How do you make your living in Saudi Arabia? Do you have any type of income generated?
My husband works for a joint venture between a South African company and a Saudi company. I do freelance writing from home.
-Do you speak Arabic and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I speak only little Arabic. Most people here can speak English, so you don't really have to learn it.
It is vital that expats respect local cultural and religious customs. Saudi is a highly conservative Islamic country and no other religions are allowed to be practiced here. Women of all religions are required to wear a black abaya over their clothes and in more conservative areas a black headscarf. If not, the religious police and even some locals may reprimand them. Women are not allowed to drive, and only about 7% of Saudi women work. Foreign women struggle to find jobs, which are badly paid and mostly either teaching or medical.
One third of all people in Saudi are foreigners, mostly from the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Africa, America, the UK, Europe and other Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and Iraq. Women are not allowed to drive, so use drivers and or taxis or buses/limos provided by compounds. Most Westerners and foreigners live in gated and guarded compounds.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Sure, I miss them from time to time – especially the freedom. Here there are no movie houses, bars or pubs, etc. So driving/camping in the desert is a fun thing to do, or to go to the private beaches if you live by the sea. Expat parties can be great fun. Many foreigners travel internationally as flights are cheap from here.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
We're going to Mumbai, India in 3 months.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We live in a villa in a compound. My husband's company pays for it, and it is standard practice for 'white collar' workers. We pay around Saudi Riyals 120 000 per year for the villa, which is fully furnished and has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The price includes water and electricity and all maintenance.
-What is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia?
Cost of living is cheap in Saudi. A can of Coke still costs only Saudi Riyal 1. Groceries would be around SAR 4000,00 a month, at the most, for a family of 3. There isn't much to spend your money on!
-What do you think about the Arabs?
The Arabs are courteous, but they rarely socialize with non-Saudis, or non-Muslims. Some people live here for years, and never even meet a Saudi.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Saudi Arabia?
Positive: lots of money to spend, or save. You make great friends with people from all over the world, who live in your compound. Peace and quiet. Good education for the children. The compounds are really safe and the children love it. Great restaurants, and the old souks are wonderful to shop at. Lots and lots of shopping to be done, in fact, and electronics are especially inexpensive.
Negative: you cannot walk down the street and have coffee at the corner cafe. Even if restaurants do have outside seating, women aren't allowed to sit there. Restaurants are all divided into family sections, and bachelor sections. So the sexes are segregated in every respect. No movies (everybody buys DVDs), no theatres, no alcohol, no pork, Internet is censored, and unless you are covered, people will glare at you. It's difficult to live here. And in summer it is really, terribly hot. Most people leave over the hottest months of July/August, when schools are closed, for cooler countries.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Saudi Arabia?
If you have a sense of adventure, and an open mind, you'll love it.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Saudi Arabia?
Google "Laura of Arabia" and " women24.com" for more info on Saudi as seen from an expat's point of view.
My favourite blogs here are Rasheed's World and Saudi Jeans. Both are written by Saudis living here, eager for reform. You can find many more at Saudi Blogs.
The website South Africans in Saudi & Middle East offers great tips on settling and living here.
Jeddah
Hi Laura,
Welcome to Jeddah.
I am from the states and I'm married to a Saudi and have lived here a long time.
If you're interested in joining a group of us who are in a book club,
or joining the 'Brittish Wives' for a monthly breakfast, let me know.
Mary Ann
Moving there
Hi
We might be moving to Saudi soon. There is a few things I would like to find out:
1. How is the medical care? Do they fly you out or is the hospitals well equipt? is there doctors in the compounds? (I understands compounds as a village?)
2. Can the men go fishing?
3. Is there aircons in the flat/apartment/houses?
4. Meat - quality? Is it available easily? What types? Beef, chicken, lamb, etc?
5. Is it allowed to bring a laptop into the country or should I buy one there? Is there internet connection in the flat/house where you stay? Or do you have to go to an internetshop?
Thanks for your time.
Marietta van Zyl (Marietjie)
Photos
I was on the net to see if I can find photos of houses or the towns/cities of Saudi when I saw this page. Do you perhaps know where to login to find such info?
Thanks
Dogs
Can I take my dog with me? I have minature Doberman and he is my baby as my children are all adults. Do you perhaps know how, why en when?
Another thought
Is there anything for the woman to do? Maybe join a painting club, scrapbooking, or anything else like pottery?
Also, I would like to know about availability of these goodies mentioned above.
thinking of moving to Saudi
hi there
my husband and i are thinking of moving to Saudi.. we both from u.k.. to be honest i don't know weather to be excited with our big move or be worried about it.. having said that we both very open minded and are ready to move out of u.k as its going downhill.. We have a 9 month old son.. my question is are there any british nurseries there? what about hospitals ?.. i know there isn't much of a social life there.but are there any decent malls there?.. What about baby food like heinz , hipp organic.../nappies/groceries/.baby clothes shops all baby essentials???.. what about men/women fashion? Food?.. cafes
WE both don't drink neither do we go to pubs/bars..and weboth muslims so we do know what islam and religion is all about but we both have lived an independent lifestyle and our baby is very sociable as well and we both like socialising too.. i know women can't go out alone on their own so let alone going to the supermarket just by myself.. but is there atleast some sort of socialising there??.. I mean when my husband goes to work.. it will only be my baby and me. so in terms of getting out of the house so even within the compound what is that like??..
Any kind of help in relation to my questions would be very helpfull
thanks
roz
interested in book club
Hi Mary Ann
My husband and I recently arrived in Jeddah to teach. We are from Canada and looking for any social events to get involved in so we can meet people. I am interested in the book club or any other information about meeting people in Jeddah. Thnaks in advance for any information you can provide.
Kerry
Hi
am British just moved to jeddah 6 month ago, looking for meeting women who do social events, gathering, sharing ideas & cultures.
social events in jeddah????
hi all, i am new to this website. my husband i recently moved from khobar to jeddah. we have been in saudi for 4 years. we are origionally from cape town, south africa.i am interested in finding out about any social events etc coming up. i have been trying to find a moms & babies group, as i have 7 month old twin daughters, does anyone have any info on any such groups.
Figa sebe
Zdraste! Vot takoi vot u vas horoshiy sait. Spasibki.
Hi Laura...
Hello Laura, My name is Debbie and I just arrived in Jeddah...don't know any expats here so I am a bit overwhelmed. My ex-husband is Saudi...emphasis on "ex." I am here visiting my son who is a dual citizen of U.S and S.A. We are going to try to change my visa to residency. I am currently under my son's sponsorship. Would love to meet some expats. Please email me: one-world@hush.ai
Dogs
Can I bring my dog to Jeddah? I'm moving there because my husband's job. I have 2 kids and 1 dog..
Potential move from Bahrain to Jeddah
Hello everyone,
My wife and I are Canadian living in Bahrain. I have a potential good opportunity to work in Jeddah for an important group. Having lived in Bahrain for 2+ years now we are wondering if anyone has made such a move from Bahrain to Jeddah and how did it go?
If anyone has information about compounds and what houses go for? We are looking for something upscale with a beach if possible, can anyone help?
Hi you
Hi Debbie
I am a British woman living in Jeddah with my husband. I have been here a week now and am ok but feel that in a couple of more weeks I will get cabin fever!!! I miss my family and my friends and my dog! but know that my place is here with my husband.
If you would like to chat then I would be happy to see how we get along.
I am 50 years old (dont feel it though) and don't know anyone in Jeddah. My husband work as a consultant to STC and we are over here for a year initially probably longer. My email address is annie.pett09@googlemail.com.
Look forward to hearing from you
Annie
expat story
hi miriam,
This is nasir jawed working in Jeddah as Sr. Reporter for saudi gazette. I'm myself from N. Delhi, india. Wanted to take your brief interview, preferably over phone, for an upcoming story on the british expats in saudi arabia. Grateful if you could call me on this number: 0542012681. Thanks.
General Info please!
My wife and I currently live in Bahrain and are contemplating a move to Jeddah. Can anyone help with compound details and general info on what is included in packages, ie accomodation, utlities, beach club, air tickets, etc. Do most companies give multi entry visas now? Also is it possible to commute weekly back to Bahrain at a reasonable cost? Any help/guidance gratefully received. Thanks
hello
Hi, I have just moved from the UK to jeddah 3 weeks ago and would also like to meet women who do social events, gatherings and sharing ideas and culture. Could you share some contacts? I have heard that the UK embassy hold such events on a regular basis, would like to know how to get involved.
First time in Riyadh - nervous!
Hey everyone,
I got a job offer from a company in Riyadh and currently considering to accept it. The problem is that I have doubts about how me and my wife would get used to it. Can anybody give me a brief information about living in a compound? In compounds, I heard that women doe not need to wear abaya and they can use the swimming pool with other residents. It is true?
Jeddah
Hi Miriam,
I am so glad to have stumbled across this site I moved here from London in August and would like to find out about meetings and social activities for women in Jeddah.
I have some information on the breakfast gatherings in Al Bilad but am unsure of when the next one will take place. If you are aware of it or know any other activities that take place here can you please kindly let me know?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Moving to Jeddah in December 2009
Hi Laura
While I was doing my weekly resourcing with regards to Jeddah, I came across this webpage. My husband is working in Jeddah since September 2009 and my son and I will be coming in December 2009. We are a christian family and I would like to get to know the "British Wives" when I arrive in Jeddah. We are also very sociable and would like to network with other families. We from East London in South Africa, but we were all born in Cape Town. This is a big step for all of us and I would like to know what is the procedure to get our son in at the British International School. He will be finishing off in Grade 10 in South Africa at the end of November 2009. Please advise me as soon as possible. We wouldn't like him to sit at home in Jeddah. His a good academic student and he is loved by all his peers because of his mannerism and personality. Awaiting your reply in anticipation. Kind Regards Trudy Fortune e-mail address trudyfortune@gmail.com
Misunderstood Brittish Wives and Book Clubs
If you are a woman interested in having good CLEAN fun in Jeddah, then you should seek out the (BWG) Brittish Wives Group. You can find out more information about the meetings at the Brittish Consulate.
We have fund raising events that raise money for cancer, handicapped children, widows, and orphans to name just a few.
If you are interested in marriage, as the person above seems to be, then I suggest that you seek out one of the available widows or orphans at one of our charities. These women could really use your help.
For more information about marriage or BWG, you may also contact the Brittish Consulate.
As for dresses for your upcoming wedding, you may be able to get a donated one from our group if you marry a widow or an orphan who is 18 years of age or older. That way, no money will be needed on your part. Thanks for your interest in our group.
Moving to Jeddah with young kids - advice on schools?
We're moving to Jeddah in August and would love to hear from folks who have done the same. Where is the American International School located? Is it near the US Consulate? I've tried looking at their websites but can't get a sense as I don't know the city layout yet. Does AIS have a long waiting list for their PK3 program?
Also are there nursery schools for younger children (2 years)? From the AIS and British School websites, doesn't seem to be. Do some of the compounds have nurseries? Would you recommend them?
Last question ... are there places where foreign women can volunteer? Social services, children's orphanages, things like that.
Thanks in advance for your help!