Nervous, and yet excited

Welcome! Come with an open mind and willing to learn and you will be just fine!

You didn't say which city in Saudi Arabia, however it doesn't really matter! Take these words form a Saudi who lived abroad for years in US and able to compare, it's the safest place ever! If any advice should be given is that melt in the society and get even more out of the local culture and you will get a full enjoyment. Many expat tend to stay away from the real people due to negative messages they receive. Of course you might face some restrictions, not from the city itself but rather from the hosts or where you will live. Compounds managements are usually apply just too much rules just to make sure they will not end up accountable for their Guests!

The Bottom-line go for it, you will never regret it  … as our black brothers say: if you go black, you never go back loool

Hi Barbie
I am due to move to Khobar in Feb and can barely contain my excitement.
Like you it is a nervous excitement being a step into the unknown but I have the philosophy that a place is what you make it and it's an adventure to a part of the world I probably would not of gone too had my husband not got employment there.
I've quizzed the life out of other half who has been there unaccompanied before but then it's a blokes point of view and I wanted to get information from a woman who has experienced it.
The forums and blogs on here are great as almost any question you can think of has been asked so I would advise reading through them. If an old post then you can always ask for update.
My biggest concern wasn't upsetting the locals (when in Rome and all that) but going from a full busy independent life to what appears to be a very quiet dependent existence and being bored....however although I know I shall probably have my moments if you are willing to engratiate yourself into the lifestyle, have an open mind and search out things then it will be fine......I haven't seen many posts where people have said it is awful and for escape there is always Bahrain lol.
This post is probably not a great deal of help about Saudi as I've not been there but was just to let you know there is at least another person feeling the way you do at the moment 😀

Nervous and excited, me too! My husband is now in Saudi and we (wife and kids) will be joining him..?? end of September , hopefully. We'll be in Khobar, he's looking at compounds now, hopefully he'll find something nice for the kids. If you're relocating to Khobar too, we'd be arriving around the same time both newbies, worth a coffee date perhaps? ;-)

Great comments, guys. I am an American Muslim living in Khobar. I prefer it here over other cities- quiet and laid back. I really hope you enjoy your stay here.  Saudi is one of the better places to be and you should feel quite safe here. I think living here is also a good place to raise your kids.
Let me know when u guys get here. My friend I plan lots of ladies' events. I know that alot o the compounds here plan things for ladies as well, so you shouldn't get too bored, lol! It's also pretty easy to get part time teaching jobs.
Anyways if yiu have anymore questions feel free to ask me!
Btw I am a certified childbirth educator and doula! I offer my services to women in the area.