Young Irishman just arrived in Riyadh - looking for friends/community!

Hey all :)

Landed in Riyadh last Thursday, it's been a real culture shock and the environment I'm in is a bit cynical and old (in terms of the people)

I'm near the IPA (down from McDonalds on Sitteen St), and I'm keen to meet and explore positive people.

I'd love to know how best to start socialising in this somewhat intimidating place...

Thanks everyone,

Darragh:)

Happy new year and welcome to Riyadh :D

Based on where you're staying, the first thing I'd suggest is going to the Mama Noura 5 minutes away from your place and try out worlds best shawarma.

As for socializing, I'm a med student, so I'm the last person on earth who'll be able to help you with that.:whistle:

Just been here a month myself...not found much to do so far apart from a trip to Bahrain on Thursday..Main thing seems to be who you know and getting in with the crowd which proves to be very difficult as a newbie!

welcome to ksa

Welcome to Riyadh!

Welcome to Riyadh,its very boring nothing to do except restaurants,walk ,and coffee shop. that's all the entertainments; very hard to make friends if you are not living in a compound,welcome to the enchanted city of Riyadh.

Thanks everyone, I'll be doing some running with the Riyadh road runners, thats for sure.

Once I earn some money, definitely some shopping also!

Bring on the heat!

if u want to ask about anything in Riyadh don't hesitate to contact me...\
i'm here for helping expats

First thing get internet connection. second get a PS3. Third start planning to leave lol

You are most welcome.

hmmm Irishmen ... This reminds me of the song Rocky road to Dublin. You'll be singing that a lot guys ...

Nabil, these days its the rocky road to Dublin, around Dublin and get the hell outa Dublin if you can!!

welcome in riyadh ..

nabilkontar wrote:

First thing get internet connection. second get a PS3. Third start planning to leave lol


Looooool....nd I thought I was the only one that thought like that...

ibrahim1407 wrote:

if u want to ask about anything in Riyadh don't hesitate to contact me...\
i'm here for helping expats


I have a question about riyadh...besides the cafes and malls routine... How can a person enjoy some free time... I mean in other countries,u could go to the cinema,theatre, courniche,special events etc....


And don't tell me desert safaris...looool

Guys there are loads of things to do .... It just takes time & effort .... Join societies & create as wide a social group as possible.... Be positive most of all ....  like the French and Italian cultural societies who show movies with English subtitles, the weekly Desert hash is brilliant ..... Riyadh Runners group ..... It is not like most countries where everything is laid out on a plate for you .... Requires work & ingenuity. Join Internations expat community and other on-line social groups who hold regular dinners, social events & trips to visit places like End of The World camping and Madinah Saleh etc. The Camel Beauty Festival is on right now in the desert outside Riyadh so check it out guys. Good luck.

welcome to riyadh .... its not boring u have to discover things as m doing :D

dmccashin wrote:

Hey all :)

Landed in Riyadh last Thursday, it's been a real culture shock and the environment I'm in is a bit cynical and old (in terms of the people)

I'm near the IPA (down from McDonalds on Sitteen St), and I'm keen to meet and explore positive people.

I'd love to know how best to start socialising in this somewhat intimidating place...

Thanks everyone,

Darragh:)


kevo wrote:

Just been here a month myself...not found much to do so far apart from a trip to Bahrain on Thursday..Main thing seems to be who you know and getting in with the crowd which proves to be very difficult as a newbie!


Right guys!

Riyadh is a fun place to be, as Belisimo says, lots of things to do. Yes it is difficult at first to lift the covers but once you have got an in then you can have a great social life and a great time!

DM me and I can give you more details that cannot appear on an open forum!

Regards

M

Hi,how I can get in touch with the Riyadh runners group and the Desert Hash.Thanks

faysg wrote:

Hi,how I can get in touch with the Riyadh runners group and the Desert Hash.Thanks


Riyadh Road Runners have a website: http://riyadhroadrunners.com/membership.html There are 5 more races left in this season:
1st Feb 10 miles
15th Feb 30 Km
1st March Marathon
15th March 10 Km
29th March 5 Km (Handicap)

You need to register with RRR to get on the compound gate list then they send you an email as to where the race is and if you are on the list. Members have priority membership is 500 SAR and you get a T-Shirt and race number for the season but if you pay on the day it is 50 SAR.

DM me and I will send you the walking info!

Regards

Martin

Thanks Martin

just arrived in riyadh - looking for things to do- any ideas?

could you email me some things to do in riyadh?  I need some help- lisa

Have sent you a message

hi darragh!
you're here too? haha i'm terence from couchsurfing.

so what happened to your running thing now?
if you'd like, you can join us, we have the last run next two weeks. it's a 5K one, we just had our 10K yesterday.

50sr for registration just let me know.

did you run lately?