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What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?


#161  2010-11-18 12:57:30

Miss Saudi Arabia
Active member
Miss Saudi Arabia
From: Jeddah
Registered: 2010-09-30
Posts: 29

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Alliecat wrote:

People seem shocked that I haven't suffered 'culture shock.'  Maybe it's because I'd been off-handedly gathering info on life in the Middle East for several years (I'm very interested in traveling, geography and the world at large wink )

Also, I think if you are coming here single, as I have--knowing nobody and having no connections--you have to be capable of amusing yourself.  If you're the type who needs constant activities and outside stimulation, you'll end up being a mall rat, buying things you don't need just to have something to do(but maybe this only applies to women?).

Ummm.. what was the question again?  lol

Lol! I also haven't suffered "culture shock" ...well I did, but it was not Arabian in origin... i suffered shock from my own culture.  Filipinos abroad are totally different from Filipinos in the Philippines.  Sad to say, it's Filipino crab mentality at it's best in KSA.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#162  2010-11-18 14:58:30

RT Cape Town
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From: Cape Town
Registered: 2010-11-05
Posts: 2

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

It's been great reading everyone's posts on this topic. I'll be moving to Riyadh next year, so I appreciate any info I can find.

My 1st encounter with the Arab world was last year, when traveling to Egypt. It was rather a culture shock for me, and I too had a problem with unwanted attention & harassment from men ( even though I wore modest clothing), as blogger Jezzi had.

After a few days I'd started wearing a head scarf to cover my blond hair & to blend in a bit. That didn't exactly work either.

So on my 1st visit to Dubai, about 6 months later, I was scared of experiencing the same thing, but found it not to be the case at all, thank goodness!

From what I've heard KSA would be a bit more like Dubai, not so much like Cairo?

I really hope so.

Excited, yet nervous for the big move. I am doing as much research about the culture & people a possible to prepare.

Thanks for all the great info, this is an excellent topic.




 
 
 
 

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#163  2010-11-19 12:51:35

ahmadfathy
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ahmadfathy
From: Al Khobar
Registered: 2010-08-01
Posts: 2

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Nice and quiet country.




 
 
 
 
 

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#164  2010-11-28 06:22:51

Orthodox Muslim
Guest

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Salma, the videos you've linked are highly disrespectful and you would get very punished for mocking Muslims and Islam if Shariah is implemented in KSA. So..grow up! I like that one thread "do's and don't in KSA." You can't do anything about it can you? No.

#165  2010-11-28 10:17:21

ezzix
Active member
ezzix
From: Hamburg
Registered: 2010-08-19
Posts: 48

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

From what I've heard KSA would be a bit more like Dubai, not so much like Cairo?


Hmmmmmmmmmm, depends abt what, bt im sure ull find a greater cultural shock here than u found in Cairo......... Here is Like Dubai? i hope u heard well, bt i doubt it :p ull come and c big_smile

best of luck




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#166  2010-11-28 12:50:41

avaritia7
New member
From: London
Registered: 2010-10-31
Posts: 4

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Umm I'm going to bring up the extreme perceptions that us westerners have of Saudi Arabia.

People wondering around with legs and arms cut off
Public hangings in town squares
Religious police hitting people with sticks for not covering up properly
Religious extremeism

Please enlighten me if these are all false




 
 
 
 

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#167  2010-11-28 13:31:04

musicman
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musicman
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-05
Posts: 3089

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Hanging is not true.... maybe the heads, perhaps?




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

musicman
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.
[Alvin Toffler]
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#168  2010-11-28 19:48:43

amman
New member
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2010-06-04
Posts: 5

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Asking about Saudi? who does not know Saudia in the entire world? the worst place to be ---only and only for the money--saudi can not live in here them self,they can not understand each other,how we could understand them?
most peopl thinks that all arab the same,it is not>




 

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#169  2010-12-06 12:13:36

musicman
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musicman
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-05
Posts: 3089

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Received this in the mail today from an Asian expat, known to me personally, who came to live and work in Dubai about 6 months ago:-

"Hi fazli how are you? wht keeps you busy? im just want to inform you, im not working for almost 1 month, but still here in dubai, my company is very stupid, i dont know what to do, my money is not enough, im knocking your heart to help me, then after that im plan to ministry of labour here in dubai to complaint! almost every night im crying too much! my company to forcing me to resign then after that they processing my cancellation but they told me to pay me them (2500dh) to process my departure and also pay for my own ticket, (sigh) how to pay this bullshit, my salary is only 1000,
pls. im begging you!
im knocking your heart!
thanks pls. pls. pls."

When will this modern form of slavery ever end?




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

musicman
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.
[Alvin Toffler]
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#170  2010-12-06 12:25:46

uvnpsaradhi
Serial expat
uvnpsaradhi
From: RIYADH
Registered: 2010-10-22
Posts: 393

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

musicman wrote:

Received this in the mail today from an Asian expat, known to me personally, who came to live and work in Dubai about 6 months ago:-

"Hi fazli how are you? wht keeps you busy? im just want to inform you, im not working for almost 1 month, but still here in dubai, my company is very stupid, i dont know what to do, my money is not enough, im knocking your heart to help me, then after that im plan to ministry of labour here in dubai to complaint! almost every night im crying too much! my company to forcing me to resign then after that they processing my cancellation but they told me to pay me them (2500dh) to process my departure and also pay for my own ticket, (sigh) how to pay this bullshit, my salary is only 1000,
pls. im begging you!
im knocking your heart!
thanks pls. pls. pls."

When will this modern form of slavery ever end?

Oh. No. so sad sad and Stupidity in it's best form. sosad pls let me know if we can do anything about this,glad to help out here...............




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#171  2010-12-06 15:40:48

musicman
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musicman
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-05
Posts: 3089

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Bombardiers Riyadh Monorail Project
http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/Riyadh.jpg


http://www.monorails.org/tMspages/News. … dier-49575




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

musicman
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.
[Alvin Toffler]
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#172  2011-01-19 13:16:35

SaQiB
Serial expat
SaQiB
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-11-24
Posts: 345

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Musicman long time no see! Whats up?
so when and where are these morails to be constructed?




 

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S a Q i B
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#173  2011-01-19 13:22:56

SaQiB
Serial expat
SaQiB
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-11-24
Posts: 345

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

keith_sanders097 wrote:

concordia_acedera[at]yahoo.com


“A Letter not opened yet by an Expartiate”

.

This was a great read! Thanks for sharing!




 

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S a Q i B
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#174  2011-02-09 06:29:07

BuzyBee
New member
From: Al Khobar
Registered: 2011-02-02
Posts: 6

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

I have documented my experience in my diary..So have a peek into my diary..

A Peek Into My Diary

Last edited by BuzyBee (2011-02-09 06:30:56)




 
 
 

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#175  2011-02-09 06:50:35

musicman
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musicman
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-05
Posts: 3089

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Good stuff BB. Keep up the good work!




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

musicman
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.
[Alvin Toffler]
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#176  2011-02-25 23:24:31

ayah
Member
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2010-03-09
Posts: 10

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

kill me. i hate this place.




 
 
 

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#177  2011-02-26 09:14:54

Julien
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Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27902

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

ayah > time to move ?




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#178  2011-02-26 09:17:40

musicman
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musicman
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-05
Posts: 3089

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

if u dont like it dont eat it




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

musicman
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.
[Alvin Toffler]
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#179  2011-02-26 17:08:57

Laylah
Active member
Laylah
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2010-05-17
Posts: 50

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

RT Capetown- KSA is not like Cairo, much more like Dubai, but something very different nevertheless smile

I've been to Egypt many times and I find it one of the most annoying places in the ME in regards to how the men harass women..Especially blonde westerners.
Don't worry that is not going to happen in KSA, the only thing you will notice is the stares.
People will stare because you look different.
Pakistani and Indian men will mostly stare at you shamelessly(even if you're covered) but Saudi men in general will be extremely polite and do not display this type of behavior.

If you'd like to learn more about life in Saudi visit my blog http://blueabaya.blogspot.com/ smile




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#180  2011-02-26 17:14:16

Laylah
Active member
Laylah
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2010-05-17
Posts: 50

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Ayah-why are you here if you hate it so much??

I never understood why people stay here for years and moan and complain all the time how horrible it is! Why don't you just leave!?




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#181  2011-02-27 13:33:01

shahab.ali
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shahab.ali
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2010-03-14
Posts: 1076

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

@ayah... be a bit open for change... its a bit difficult here, but hang on... who knows u might start loving this place




 
 
 

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#182  2011-02-27 21:25:44

ayah
Member
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2010-03-09
Posts: 10

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

to the wise [moderated] - very funny; i'm married to someone who works here. i'm not gonna ruin my marriage and just leave. so thanks, easier said than done.

to the others - thank you for the advice. i've been here for about 2 years so i really hope things do start looking up. i've also lived here for 15 years before moving away. i got married and had to move back here almost 2 years ago bc my husband works here. not all of us are lucky enough to live in a healthy environment.




 
 
 

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#183  2011-02-27 21:31:54

uvnpsaradhi
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uvnpsaradhi
From: RIYADH
Registered: 2010-10-22
Posts: 393

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

unsure unsure unsure unsure unsure




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#184  2011-02-28 13:56:58

Laylah
Active member
Laylah
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2010-05-17
Posts: 50

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Life is what you make of it smilesmilesmile




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#185  2011-02-28 14:14:34

Salman Omrani
Saudi Arabia Animator
Salman Omrani
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-07-15
Posts: 1357

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Hello back every one. I'm sure I was missed tongue

and Ayah, Welcome to Expat Blog, furthermore welcome to my thread.

I would really appreciate it if you could shed a light on your situation and why you think its as bad as you think it is?

this can serve two reasons: a, you enlighten "the others" lol
b: you also give a heads up to those thinking of coming here.

who knows, you might help someone save themselves from alot of misery, no?


I look forward to hear from you.

and a welcome to Laylah smile gotta check that blog of yours.

Salman




 
 
 

Now now, don't go saying stuff like that. . . ..
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#186  2011-02-28 14:25:15

musicman
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musicman
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-05
Posts: 3089

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

theres no such thing as a free lunch ...




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

musicman
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.
[Alvin Toffler]
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#187  2011-02-28 14:53:04

Salman Omrani
Saudi Arabia Animator
Salman Omrani
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-07-15
Posts: 1357

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

musicman wrote:

theres no such thing as a free lunch ...

hehehehehe




 
 
 

Now now, don't go saying stuff like that. . . ..
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#188  2011-02-28 16:00:09

RedGoblin
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RedGoblin
From: Khobar
Registered: 2010-10-07
Posts: 1228

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Laylah wrote:

Life is what you make of it smilesmilesmile

And make the most of it..





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#189  2011-02-28 16:04:09

RedGoblin
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RedGoblin
From: Khobar
Registered: 2010-10-07
Posts: 1228

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

This place has its own set of rules regulations, problems, and a life of its own. There are things which I dont like, and soemthings which I do. the cheap petrol is oooh sooo on the top of my list!! big_smile
Like any other country int he world, local traditions demand a certain way of life which no matter what you think or want, you cannot and will not be able to bend around. But whining about it is not going to help in anyway. Make the best of it or else if you cant... Quit.

Cheers!





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#190  2011-02-28 16:22:13

Salman Omrani
Saudi Arabia Animator
Salman Omrani
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-07-15
Posts: 1357

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

well guys,

its true that people should accept an become part of this culture if they want to enjoy the stay here.

but lets be a little considerate to those who cannot adjust. I mean I'm sure I wouldn't be comfortable if you moved me to a place where I cannot do what I want to.

and sometimes people don't get to choose.


so instead of pointing at the gate and telling people to leave (im not pointing fingers tongue) we can make people more comfortable, console them and make them feel a little better about where they are.

or at least don't add insult to injury.


Salman




 
 
 

Now now, don't go saying stuff like that. . . ..
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#191  2011-02-28 19:45:25

uvnpsaradhi
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uvnpsaradhi
From: RIYADH
Registered: 2010-10-22
Posts: 393

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

every thing that happens in this world has a context associated with it and may not be a wise idea to generalize and trying to make it a yard stick for the future. smile




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#192  2011-03-01 08:36:00

musicman
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musicman
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-05
Posts: 3089

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

RedGoblin wrote:

This place has its own set of rules regulations, problems, and a life of its own. There are things which I dont like, and soemthings which I do. the cheap petrol is oooh sooo on the top of my list!! big_smile
Like any other country int he world, local traditions demand a certain way of life which no matter what you think or want, you cannot and will not be able to bend around. But whining about it is not going to help in anyway. Make the best of it or else if you cant... Quit.

Cheers!

Every place on earth must offer the same situation. People will always have something to gripe about, no different than the Hispanics in Arizona.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

musicman
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.
[Alvin Toffler]
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#193  2011-03-01 14:08:49

Laylah
Active member
Laylah
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2010-05-17
Posts: 50

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Hi Salman and thanks!

I agree with you all, there is no perfect place in the world (although Finland was chosen as the best country to live in by Newsweek last year big_smile )all countries have their faults!

Saudi has it's good and bad sides. But what I meant is by trying to make use of the positive things here as much as possible life will become at least more tolerable.
Dwelling in misery is just going to make the situation worse!

What if you were for whatever reason stuck in say Antarctica?lol
How would you make your life there tolerable?
I guess you could stay inside your igloo and moan about it all day or go out and explore your surroundings, get to know some eskimos or go whale watching smile




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#194  2011-03-01 14:13:33

musicman
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musicman
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-05
Posts: 3089

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

...make friends with a few Penguins




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

musicman
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.
[Alvin Toffler]
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#195  2011-04-09 11:03:09

Dave-KSA
Contributor
From: Jizan
Registered: 2010-10-19
Posts: 152

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Most of us (expats)are here because someone threw a lot of money in our faces. Period. The salary is very good, on average.  I'm building my dream home in Thailand, as I type,  with this job.  I will work here another year or so, and once I've attained my material goals, I'll leave and remember it as a
great place to save money.  My mom taught me that if I didn't have anything good to say about someone/something, I should keep my mouth shut, so I'll just cut this post off here, as a  comment about saving money is the only positive aspect that comes to mind.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#196  2011-04-10 13:18:55

rockstar_princess
Locals
rockstar_princess
From: alkhober
Registered: 2011-04-09
Posts: 18

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

awesome life in ksa only because  am here lolz




 

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#197  2011-04-13 21:37:28

Stimstar37
Member
Stimstar37
From: Hofuf/Al Khobar
Registered: 2011-04-13
Posts: 12

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

hmmm, my opinion of KSA.  Well where do I begin.  The way they treat the south asian and indian expats is a disgrace.  Secondly they can not drive if there life depended on it.  I drive the abu hydriah everyday and nearly everyday I see a seirous accident.  Edcucation system, well if I read correctly, a full school year for KSA nationals is less than a 100 days a year.  For being one of the richest countries in the world, it is very sad to see such a poor education system.  I believe education is the greatest gift a country can give its population but they dont do it here and if they do its selectively.  I have many Saudi friends and they have no perception of what the outside world is.  I am not saying the outside world is better but the option to choose is siginifigant.  I have been in KSA for four years and the work is stable.

As for living in Saudi, well it is better if I say nothing at all then to offend people.  I am glad I came and will stay till something better comes along because I never took anyone elses opinoion and like to make up my own mind.  I primarliy live and work in the eastern province so my knowledge of other areas of KSA is limited.  If you are thinking of coming to KSA, come but leave family at home till your sure its the right place for you.




 
 
 

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#198  2011-04-24 10:10:44

Fidgety Soul
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Fidgety Soul
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-28
Posts: 1778

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

I love being here but sometime i find people so mean because they know they r expats here and wont be staying long.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#199  2011-04-24 10:20:13

musicman
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musicman
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-05
Posts: 3089

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

The treatment of domestic and other menial workers from the third world nations is truly appalling, without a doubt. It is surely a modern day slavery. The hassling paperwork to get things done also drives one over the hill. But thats the way the wind blows here. We gotta take it or leave!




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

musicman
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.
[Alvin Toffler]
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#200  2011-05-13 11:52:04

musicman
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musicman
From: Riyadh
Registered: 2009-08-05
Posts: 3089

Re: What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

musicman
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.
[Alvin Toffler]
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