Do and don't in Saudi Arabia

Hi guys

I'm seriously considering a job offer in riyhad and am reading some posts on here and have a quick question, I noticed no cinemas being mentioned !!! Is it ok to bring DVDs or films on iPads etc, ??

Greetings,

I will be moving to Riyadh soon for (initially) a 3 year assignment. I have tried to do a lot of research, read the blogs and forums here and all in all go out there with a positive and open mind. My partner and I are even getting married, to meet the requirement for her to accompany me there. We will both be blogging our experiences there, and are both excited to move out there.

I do want to ask a small favour of those of you who know arabic / english well. The title of my new blog will be 'Dare to Differ'. I would like to write this title in Arabic as well as in English, but do not trust google to translate. I want to ensure that it has the same meaning (if at all possible) in arabic as in english. And most important, does not offend or could be misunderstood in any way by our new hosts. Whether or not it offends a few right-wing westerners is of no concern to us

Google came up with this: يجرؤ على الاختلاف

Is this total nonsense? Or does it say (and mean) the same as I am saying by ‘Dare to Differ'?

Best regards,
Chris

It's close to what you wrote but just change first letter
"تجرأعلى الاختلاف"

My aim with this new blog is to give an honest account of our experiences of life in Riyadh. Good as well as bad. Others have done similar, and I applaud them for the great work they have done. This will just be my contribution to that cause.

I am saddened and downright annoyed by the increasing islamophobic views of people around me based entirely on what they are fed through the media. I'm often told that ‘I have no idea what its like out there'. Well… at least that part will soon be proven wrong.

The title ‘Dare to Differ' is a statement. To have the courage to stand up and voice a different opinion from that of the mainstream. To dare stand out from the crowd.

I have no intention of converting to islam or anything like that. I just want to treat people around me with the respect that I would likewise expect from them. Although this effort may be a tiny drop in the ocean, I hope that it may somehow help towards a better understanding between these vastly differing cultures.

Chrisrpike wrote:

Hi guys

I'm seriously considering a job offer in riyhad and am reading some posts on here and have a quick question, I noticed no cinemas being mentioned !!! Is it ok to bring DVDs or films on iPads etc, ??

Hey Chris..you can bring movies in laptop, DVDs, IPad...should not be too much of a problem. I have heard of very rare cases when the entire digital content with a person was scanned in detail, although it does not happen recently and did not happen to me. Bringing and watching porn here is illegal though, and should be avoided.

Totally agree with salman

chansen wrote:

My aim with this new blog is to give an honest account of our experiences of life in Riyadh. Good as well as bad. Others have done similar, and I applaud them for the great work they have done. This will just be my contribution to that cause.

I am saddened and downright annoyed by the increasing islamophobic views of people around me based entirely on what they are fed through the media. I'm often told that ‘I have no idea what its like out there'. Well… at least that part will soon be proven wrong.

The title ‘Dare to Differ' is a statement. To have the courage to stand up and voice a different opinion from that of the mainstream. To dare stand out from the crowd.

I have no intention of converting to islam or anything like that. I just want to treat people around me with the respect that I would likewise expect from them. Although this effort may be a tiny drop in the ocean, I hope that it may somehow help towards a better understanding between these vastly differing cultures.

I'm glad there are people like you, because the things you see on the Internet especially the CNN comments section makes you believe all Europeans /Westerners think Muslims are responsible for everything bad in this world

Hi Salman are you specifically referring to the experience of males in Saudi or are these opportunities open to females too? I am considering coming to Saudi to teach English, I have lived in Arab countries before. However, I am wondering about the experience of socialising and activities for women. Thanks katie

Hmm, long long long discussion
but its look great for new people for country

I'm agree with some people and some 50/50 %

But, what I want to say
Our county specially East province was not like this during 1st 2nd 3rd 4th generation of Expat 60s till end of 80s.

Western people was moving and living in our community normal and organize a lot activities inside camps and out said.

What's the different now!!
Why western and other expat not or can't do any activities!

I think the 1st situation is security, still i remember the 1st Reaction of western workers and family in Aramco ras tanura Camp after 1st Explosion in Riyadh targeting western in National guards headquarter.

Aramco Issued local memo for Ladies to be more carefully and wear Abay'a and cover all body, Ladies refuse this and keep wearing more sexy dress inside the camp, till 2nd Explosion in Khobar target US military.

From that point everything start change, with Multiple memo from USA Embassy, Western family start moving back and shifting to other county.

We start feeling the different, less whit people in Markets, in Streets malls, beach, they stop going to direst in weekend during winter.

Activities inside camps become ban, No big party's, no Visitors to camps from out side, due of several explosion target camps.

They start feeling fear, keeping a way from Saudi's 
From here, our history change, new western Expat start keeping distance from everything, remaining at home and camp, less activities, skip to Bahrain in week end to have fun.

Till now, that generation with that scary situation be renewed by with you new Expat generations.

Saudi is not like that bad.
Why not try to renew the pas gold time, Activities in Camps, go to historic places.

I know its not much and its not like before with bad weather.
But, old generation do it, and live well and learn a lot, we learn a lot from them.

We are as mid Generation of Saudi's, we try and keep fighting to recall that gold time of searing life with Expat, western and Asian and the global.

I think you should gather specially western and do activities same as your county, because you are living inside camps, and everything is allowed for you to do, Do big activities in this Camp this weekend and call all friends in other to come and celebrate with you, next weekend in other camp.....

Other nationality can hire lounge "ISTRAHA" in Azizziah area or in Qatif
or do Activities in Beach's

Wish to see you happy living with us

Just look inside the heart of people. Many are like cactus: you see the thorns on the outside but get to the heart and you will connect with truly warm, generous, communicative and nice people. Compared to people in the surrounding countries, this feature of Saudis really makes a difference.
Just try

good to know your ambitions. The life here in Saudi Arabia for females is very much isolated. In other Arab countries you might have permission to go out alone for hangout or shopping but here in Saudi, it's not possible without husband.. You can only go to the public parks and shopping malls depending upon your hostel warden..

Hey peeps,
Reading this blog open a window into each blogger's mind. I am enjoying my stay in Riyadh. I can not believe it's close to 8 months now. Guess what? I stopped whining and crying. Now... the bitching will never go away. During these months, I have gone on 5 trips and have taken only 12 vacation days out of 54 days.! On top of that, I have met great peeps from different culture, made friends, weeded out those that have other ulterior motives than friendship. I become my own very best friend, and rely on my hunches.
To those who just came to Saudi, give it a try and be open to the change. Live by the rules and don't get caught. Most of all respect the culture like you want your culture to be respected. Live life to fullest.
One mentioned that it is hard to go alone shopping or to dinner and coffee. It's easy. I do it all the time when I get overwhelmed by invites, text messages, email, and of course when I had a shitty time at work. Of course, you need to find your favorite place. I found my own hangout. The manager and the waiters give me preferential treatment and they keep the hound dogs away from me when I am alone dinning or chillin'. As far as shopping, of course, if you frequent the" kingdom of Batha", alone... tsk tsk tsk,, not cool. Always let your friends or room mate know where you are or whatsapp your location. Just in-case.
Till next blog... Happy blogging!!!

Agree with you...
But, Just keep a way from mans with short clothes "Thobs" till you know them very well.
New generation of Saudi is more open, and old's too, they are welcoming any Foreign when they meet, Except some Asian for a lot of reasons.

in Past, med of 80's
Western in East province can visit any Farm in Qatif or Hassa, with out appointment, with out who inside or who is the owner of this farm.

Just "Hello", we like to have a look on your farm will open the Culture hospitality

Are you Saudi!
If yes, then you are right 100% due of the home culture you live.

But, if you are not Saudi!
Then I can't understand why you cant go out alone, Shopping or rounding in beach and having coffee with friends some where els!

I know some, Sponsors like private Hospital will not allowed for females to go out in case they live inside the hospital, but they give a chance weekly or monthly to go out.

Femails who's live in far distance or province out of  Dammam area or Riyadh and Jeddah, I'm with this Ban

It's better to stay home most of time then go out to face ..... Boys

" kingdom of Batha"
Not Good Area for spending time

It's ok for 1-2 visits during winter time, and not alone.
be with friends, group will be cool.

I like all what you say
And I hope other Expat will do same as you.

And in future in case you visit East province, its my pleasure to meet you and take you in short tour to see something of Saudi's

In Batha? I don't go there often and especially alone. I really would like to see other nearby towns only if it is safe..

if you are male don't ever go or get inside a place which there is\are female\s espacially at night time, intentionally or unintentionally, because once you are caught by police you will be automatically jailed and be amputated.

Can you explain like where..

A lot of mans go out and move in malls and spending time chatting in coffee shops, and no one bother them!

Don't do wrong and don't stay in wrong, and you will be save

😁 yes it's okay no problem for this

Have you been to "ALDURAY"AH" before?
If not, why not try to call some of you friends and go there

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWwkHJERvPU

noyp wrote:

if you are male don't ever go or get inside a place which there is\are female\s espacially at night time, intentionally or unintentionally, because once you are caught by police you will be automatically jailed and be amputated.

Amputated for that?  That's total nonsense.

French globetrotter wrote:

Just look inside the heart of people. Many are like cactus: you see the thorns on the outside but get to the heart and you will connect with truly warm, generous, communicative and nice people. Compared to people in the surrounding countries, this feature of Saudis really makes a difference.
Just try

maybe the oldies but the young saudi people are undisciplined, rode, arrogant, except to those who have gone to school who are fluent also in english they are well mannered..

Trapezius wrote:

noyp wrote:

if you are male don't ever go or get inside a place which there is\are female\s espacially at night time, intentionally or unintentionally, because once you are caught by police you will be
automatically jailed and be amputated.

Amputated for that?  That's total nonsense.

yah, i know because a friend of mine was caught by police although he was unintentionally entered into the private place because he was mentally sick  at that  time,then he was brought to police station and was totured and he was amputated one part of his body. if you ask me what part maybe you don't believe if ill tell you...

noyp wrote:

Trapezius wrote:

noyp wrote:

if you are male don't ever go or get inside a place which there is\are female\s espacially at night time, intentionally or unintentionally, because once you are caught by police you will be
automatically jailed and be amputated.

Amputated for that?  That's total nonsense.

yah, i know because a friend of mine was caught by police although he was unintentionally entered into the private place because he was mentally sick  at that  time,then he was brought to police station and was totured and he was amputated one part of his body. if you ask me what part maybe you don't believe if ill tell you...

So you expect us to believe that the police cut off his private parts because he entered a women-only place unintentionally?

As I said, nonsense.  I am not fond of the place, but I don't have to tell lies to show its extreme side.

Are sure you are ok! and not same as your friend

Hi. I am barely a month in Saudi Arabia and I am already getting bored. I am In this town called Almajmaah.. What do I do to keep Me occupied. And moreso so how will my 2yr old daughter get to mix up with age group? Any idea of a good English kindergarten schools around?

Hi. I am barely a month in Saudi Arabia and I am already getting bored. I am In this town called Almajmaah.. What do I do to keep Me occupied. And moreso so how will my 2yr old daughter get to mix up with age group? Any idea of a good English kindergarten schools around?

Hello
may i know what u work im Majmaaa
i suggest u move to riyadh
its difficult to find ur culture in this place

Hi
My husband works here. And I am aware its quiet far from Riyadh

Hello
i c
I have idea
u can move to riyadh and ur huspand join u at week ends
by this u enjoy ur life also ur doughter can join good schools
if u visit riyadh we may go out with my familly somewhere her

Tnx a lot. Will work towards that.

Hi, I hope you don't mind me asking what kind of work you do? I'm trying to find work over there as well. Kind regards. Linda

Do list
-go to the desert
-you can get any visa for any country easly
-eat Kabsa
-go to Damam and Khobar

I'm not finding it hard to adjust. But I hear different rules from everybody

Ty, it is an interesting blog from your side. Ty for sharing and hopefully the  things will be improved with the passage of time.

half moon pay is about 5 Km form my office if you interested we invite you to come and visit us in khobar you will like . about the weather now is amazing these days ..

Hi.. Gm... Sorry this seems to b an irrelevant question on this site but can u pls tel me wat r the means of transportation in dammam apart from taxis as my company doesn't provide with transportation... Any city buses ???
I wud b coming from india to dammam on 16th

Dear:
the flowing are not allowed here in KSA:
- alcohol: no beer, no wine, no spirituous drinks.
- drugs: no marihuana
- dating, no women of any kind (except your wife -santa esposa-)
- pubs, no discos. no place to dance
- cinemas
- social life with saudies. No integration. I started to study arabic but stopped as soon as I
So please you have to respect our Islamic  roleste to send to me
Please if you need any help/support dont be hesta
Regards

akashjaiman wrote:

Hi.. Gm... Sorry this seems to b an irrelevant question on this site but can u pls tel me wat r the means of transportation in dammam apart from taxis as my company doesn't provide with transportation... Any city buses ???
I wud b coming from india to dammam on 16th

Unfortunately there's no public transportation system developed, you will have to mostly rely on Taxis/Cabs, till you get your on vehicle !! Good Luck