| Carol is a former American diplomat who after 20 years of service resigned to marry her Saudi husband. She now resides in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with her husband and their 3 cats. She is a strong advocate for the education and empowerment of women and readily volunteers her skills to this cause. Her book “Patriots For Hire” which is a collection of untold stories on the roles, experiences and motivations of defense contractors in Iraq has been picked up by Praeger Security International Publishing. It is expected to be released by early Spring 2008. |
 Carol Fleming |
-Where were you born?
USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
-Are you living alone or with your family?
With my husband and our 3 cats
-How long have you been living in Saudi Arabia?
Just over one year
-What is your age?
48
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Saudi Arabia?
I came to Saudi Arabia due to marriage to a Saudi national.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Yes. Saudi Arabia in general has strict visa requirements whether due to working, visiting or marriage.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No.
-How do you make your living in Saudi Arabia? Do you have any type of income generated?
Presently I am working as a freelance consultant which gives me not only flexibility but variety. While at first glance it may seem difficult for women to work in Saudi Arabia, there are actually many opportunities. The key is to be flexible, creative, patient and not afraid to make your own opportunities or take chances. I also established a business (www.globalwatchersarabia.com) with another American who is also married to a Saudi.
-Do you speak Arabic and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Because I am married to a Saudi and few of the women in my husband’s family speak English, it is imperative for me to learn Arabic. In general, it is always beneficial to know the language of the host country in which one is living. And yes, it is important to become familiar and respect as well as observe local customs. One may not be a diplomat but then again, in a sense, any expat is also a diplomat for they are in the eyes of host country nationals, representatives of their country.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Of course I miss my family back in the States and fortunately modern technology such as internet, skype, vonage make it so much easier to maintain contact with those dear to us. And let’s face, one can be miserable in paradise if they allow themselves. The key to success in any location is mindset. Find like minded friends; create that support network; keep busy and engaged. At first blush Saudi Arabia may seem very restrictive but with a little digging, one can find many activities from golf to horseback riding to history to various exhibits and lectures. It really depends on ones interests.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
My husband is a career diplomat so while we are presently in Saudi while he completes a “home posting” there is always a possibility of moving on to yet another country. As a former (American) diplomat myself I have no objections to future travel. Both my husband and myself enjoy exposure to new countries, cultures and customs.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We continue to maintain a house in the States but presently are living in a compound in Riyadh.
-What is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia?
The cost of living is overall relative to ones expectations and standards. I will say that the quality of life in Saudi Arabia is above that of living in Europe or North America as the working hours are shorter and more relaxed; household help is available and overall affordable.
-What do you think about the Saudis?
Saudis are very hospitable and generous. They are also private individuals. As a result there may not be as much mixing after-hours between cultures/nationalities unless like me, one happens to marry a local (Saudi).
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Saudi Arabia?
On the negative side (for some) Saudi Arabia is very conservative in that women cannot drive; women must wear an abaya (long black robe) over their clothes; in some circumstances it is prudent for a woman to cover her hair as well. There are no public movie theatres; segregation on the local environment remains in effect in most places. One will not find any public clubs or dances in the Kingdom. For some individuals depending on their lifestyle and interests those aspects could be negative.
On the positive side one can live well and much easier and for less than in many other places; people will bond quickly and become friends; there is much to explore and discover about Arabia; this is an excellent environment for a family. The Saudis love and cherish children of all ages.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Saudi Arabia?
Do as much advance research and preparation as possible. No matter how prepared you believe you are there will still be culture shock and even delayed culture shock. Maintain a positive attitude and outlook.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Saudi Arabia?
Of course I want to start with my own blog: http://delhi4cats.wordpress.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/expatsinsaudiarabia: Five stars – probably best newsgroup all around with high volumn of activity, ground truths, insights and pertinent info about the Kingdom
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Saudi_Wives: While initially oriented for women married to Saudis it has a number of expat women who are married and living in the Kingdom. Excellent group for networking and learning about real life in the Kingdom
http://xrdarabia.org/blog/index.php: Excellent blog about Saudi Arabia written by a retired U.S. foreign service officer who served two diplomatic postings in Riyadh. Great site for insights, information and group truths.
http://saudijeans.blogspot.com: Blog written by a male Saudi student which provides unique perspectives and insights about the Kingdom.
Thanks for your post--you are a true inspiration
I have lived in many places in my life, parts of Europe, Algeria and small stint in Kuwait, but not the Kingdom. No matter how much I study the Middle East, I think it would be difficult to live there--but you have inspired me to get me to "tie up my boots straps" and go back to Middle East. ( But this time maybe Lebanon or Dubai will hopefully be my next adventure.
Thanks again
Thanks to Jacey
Jacey,
Thank you for your comment. I think that the more places one has lived abroad then the easier it is to try other places that one maybe would not have considered initially. I'll be frank; the Kingdom may not be for everyone hence the emphasis on first doing as much research as possible. But after doing so, if still interested and intrigued, I say "go for it." Opportunities are there professionally, culturally, historically. And in regards to your comment on perhaps trying to go to Lebanon or Dubai next, you will certainly experience a taste of the Middle East culture or tradition. Personally I have found Dubai to provide an "artificial taste" to a degree. It is now such an intercultural city and has seamlessly blended all these cultures from around the world. It is where my Saudi husband and I were able to stroll hand-in-hand along the street with both of us in our shorts -- something that will not be happening soon in Saudi! English, Russian and Urdu are as widely and commonly spoken as Arabic in Dubai. Best wishes to you and for all of your future travels.
Saudi Arabia is Unique
Your views are very interesting to read, Carol. Having lived in Saudi for so long myself, I can only tell
you that you are living in a dream world now---compared to what was here 25 to 30 years ago.
And people that came before that, told me how lucky I was to have air conditioning and running water! lol
So, I guess it's all in the 'eye of the beholder' right? : )
Welcome, sister. I wish you all the best.
Saudi Arabia -- Eye of the Beholder
Thanks, Miriam!
Have you thought about writing a post which does a comparison of Saudi Arabia from when you first came to what it is like now? I know I would find that to be a fascinating read!
Thanks for the warm welcome.
Best Regards,
Carol
A truly Great Place to Live
Hi there,
Nice to know you've enjoyed your stay here. My family and I have been living and working in KSAA since 1979,m having first spent 6 years in the Eastern Province and then moving to Riyadh in 1985.
Life has been fascinating here. We are originally from Sri Lanka.
We have two girls who attended Dhahran Academy and later the American School and Bitish School in Riyadh. They are both grown and married now and work in Riyadh as teachers. Our two grandkids, Maria 14, and Abdullah 12 also live and school here.
This is sure a fantastic place to live. We have enjoyed every moment of it to date.
fazli
Good work Carol! Your post
Good work Carol! Your post is an excellent example of why I keep comming back to read your excellent quality content that is forever updated. Thank you!
Vegetarian & Pierced
Hi
I am a converted Muslim - I married a Moroccan woman about 4 years ago after working in Morocco for 3 years.
Morocco is an extremely relaxed Islamic state and I was there when MOhammedVI took power and put right many of the failings of his father and turned more to the West to cement relations.
I have just been offered a potential 3 year contract working in Telecoms and am trying to determine my chances of completing this term.
Briefly, I have no issues following the Islamic way of life in terms of Alcohol, Drugs etc
I have personal feelings about certain aspects of Freedom that I know I must renounce to benefit from the monetary rewards offered.
My main concerns are my appearance - I have multiple - although not extreme - piercings in both ears and 2 rings in my nose - Are these problematic in general life?
I am also Vegetarian - Can I eat well - primarily Tofu/Bean Curd is the issue as I know I can get Couscous, Tagines etc that do not contain meat?
I also have pernicious Anaemia which requires a B12 jab 3 monthly - is this legal in Saudi?
I would appreciate any info on teh above subjects if you have any knowledge?
Kind REgards
JIm
jimpowney@hotmail.com
Re: A Truly Great Place to Live
@Fazli,
My apologies for the delay in responding to your lovely comment. I imagine that you must have so many experiences and memories of time spent in KSA, particularly since arriving in 1979 -- so much has happened and changed in the Kingdom!
I'm very pleased to hear that you have enjoyed all of your time there. I also invite you to visit my blog and share your perspectives and comments: http://americanbedu.com
Best Regards,
Carol
Thanks to Zombo
Thank you Zombo! I hope that in my way I can help others see Saudi Arabia in some perspectives that perhaps differ from what routinely gets reported in the mainstream media.
Best regards,
Carol
Re: Vegetarian & Pierced
Hi Jim and thank you for your comments and questions! I will make every attempt to answer them as I can...
In regards to piercings, they 'could' be problematic if going to Makkah and performing umrah or hajj. I would suggest removing them before going to those two holy places. But in general, it is not unusual in the larger cities to see expat men with pirecings.
You should have no difficulties eating to your vegetarian preferences in the bigger cities of Saudi where many Vegetarian (Indian) as well as Morrocan restaurants prevail.
I am sorry but I do not know about pernicious Anaemia so I'm unable to address that question. However if you wish to pose that question on my blog (http://americanbedu.com) there are several physicians who regularly comment on my blog and my be able to respond.
Regards,
Carol
Expat story
Hi Carol,
I need to talk to you as I do stories on expats for Saudi Gazette. Pl contact me on my email: mnjawed@gmail.com or mobile (0542012681). Thanks.