Western Compounds in Saudi Arabia; Expat Housing in KSA
83Western Compound Accommodation in KSA
Most expats find themselves living on Western Compounds in Saudi Arabia, this Expat Housing in KSA is like living in a small self contained holiday villages (or prisons, depending on your point of view), the better ones having multiple pools, restaurants, markets and so on. Within the compounds the dress is western, some going as far as banning any form of Saudi dress and certainly Saudis are not allowed on at all socially!
Generally accommodation on western compounds in KSA is of reasonable quality and quite spacious, compound living is quite expensive compared to living off compound (Anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000SAR for a 3 bed villa or even more) but most westerners choose this way of life due to freedom and security as well as the facilities. I would not recommend living off compound if you have a wife and children, at least within the compound they have relative freedom.
Most Expats have their accommodation costs paid directly by their employer who will also normally arrange your expatriate housing in Saudi Arabia. However there is a shortage of good housing in the better compounds in the main cities, it may take some time to get somewhere suitable for yourself and your family.
Maps of Saudi Arabia to help you locate your compound
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Many Compounds to be found in Jeddah
Riyadh Has Many Western Compounds
Compound Security
Saudi Compound Video
Western Compound Security in Saudi Arabia
The compounds are very secure, high
concrete walls generally topped with an additional metal or net extension to
prevent things being thrown over. Concrete blocks are placed all the way around
the compounds preventing anyone getting close, to get to the entrance you
normally have to drive through a concrete slalom course before getting to at
least 2 security gates. The outer one will check your car, normally using
mirrors, and opening the trunk (full of boxes which could contain anything but
they don’t check inside!) The inner will check your ID, which if you are a visitor
they will retain – a copy of which will then be sent to one of the ministries
along with the name of the person you are visiting (big brother is watching you
here!) They will also look after your moral well being so don't expect them to let single girls through to see you if you are a single man!
In addition to the compound security you have the national guard, fully armed with automatic weapons, machine gun placements strategically placed to cover the entrance, and even a tank at one compound (at least one lighter vehicle at most compounds.) The perimeter is often patrolled and cameras are placed around the perimeter to make further checks. It can be quite unnerving driving into one of the compounds if you are not used to this, hotels, Embassies and Government buildings are similarly protected.
Living off compound is not recommended for westerners, and is discouraged, places that house westerners being required to use and pay for the National Guard protection. I only know one westerner living off compound, not sure if strictly legal under Saudi law but he does it anyway as most people are not sure about the law!
Saudi Arabian Western Compound Accommodation
Villas and appartments on Compound
The quality and size of the accommodation can vary quite a lot between different western compounds in Saudi Arabia, so it is best to go and have a good look around. However when it comes to finding a place it can be hard work, most of the compounds are full and have a long waiting list for vacant space. However waiting lists can be worked around if you know the right people and have the right tools (tools required are usually found in your wallet.)
The best situation you can be in is if the company has already secured your accommodation, otherwise you could be in for a long wait.
Most accommodation on compounds aimed at westerners is quite spacious and well maintained, normally around 150 – 200 sqm for a 3 bed type villa or apartment, a Saudi would consider this tiny! This will come with all of the usual rooms kitchen, living area, bedrooms, and often multiple bathrooms – Saudis love bathrooms! If you are lucky you will also have a small garden, which is great for evenings
KSA Compound Life
Compound Life in Saudi Arabia
If your compound is aimed at westerners then it will generally have a good range of facilities, swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, shops, restaurants and so on. They are self contained villages and you can survive without ever leaving them.
Some have social clubs and club houses in
which various events happen, parties, discos, meals, films etc. Depending on
the management and relations with local authorities will depend on how
“western” some of these events can become. Some have “bars” although these are
run by residents on an unofficial basis and entry strictly controlled to
residents and a few lucky guests. The drinks however are usually home brewed and the quality can vary considerably. You can look at entertainment and things to do in Saudi Arabia for more information.
Guests are strictly controlled, lists having to be provided and approved before guests arrive. You cannot bring Saudis onto the compound in the evenings as guests but you may be able to during the day for work purposes but they will be expected to be going to your accommodation only!
As a single man you cannot bring in women! All guests onto the compound have to have their ID checked and it will be passed to the “ministry” along with who they are visiting. You will have to get her to visit a friend’s wife! There are always ways around these rules as long as you have a few friends.
Life can be very boring on compound after a while, same location, same people, same small places etc. Many of the guys I know end up in “holiday” mode, congregating around the pool or friends places every evening to have a drink and complain about work.
For the women who do not work there are organized events, coffee mornings, trips to the malls and so on. The restrictive rules applied outside are not relevant inside, being able to dress normally, drive around and mix however they wish.
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Schooling in Saudi Compounds
Some of the compounds in Saudi Arabia have schools/nurserys for the younger children however you will want to send your children to an “international” school, they will be picked up and dropped off. School generally starts early morning and ends mid afternoon.
I do not have children here, but friends are on the whole happy with the education that their children receive, the more expensive the school the better the level of education on the whole.
Small update, the international school that my friends children attend in Jeddah has just been closed as the books that were used were not "Muslim enough" and they were teaching "Christian Values", all of the staff at the school have also been deported!
Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Housing off compound in Saudi Arabia
Living in housing off compound is generally much cheaper in Saudi Arabia, you can find a good quality apartment for 40,000SAR or cheaper in the center of the cities and find much bigger or something with a private pool on the edges of the cities for similar money.
I have an apartment that has 2 bedrooms, each about 4.5M by 4.5M and having a large bathroom with both bath and shower. The living area is very large, around 100sqm in size in which I have my sitting area with sofas and TV, A dinning area (sound system and lights set up as disco area for parties), and a large space for my pool table! Very spacious, in addition to this there is a kitchen and an additional bathroom. This is a small apartment and costs me 33,000SAR per year ($8,800).
My only additional costs are my electricity, around 100SAR, water again about 100SAR (some buildings are on mains supply which is free but unreliable, buildings topping up from tankers that have to be paid for), and 100SAR that I give to the building Guard to wash my car every morning (You have to do this daily – the sand and dust settles on the car every night).
Jeddah Saudi Arabia
Finding expatriate accommodation off compound
Finding expat housing in Saudi Arabia off compound can be quite difficult, especially not getting ripped off when you do find one. Most Saudis will just drive around looking for notices in buildings, written in Arabic or go to local real estate offices and ask. The real estate offices are easy to spot as they will be with the other small shops but they will look like a plush office with seating for a few extra people. You will almost certainly be ripped off as they will try to increase their commission at your expense. Finding empty apartments can be quite simple, just drive around the area you fancy and look for gaps where air conditioning units should be as most people have to supply their own. Gaps means vacancies, ask the guard on the building and he will be far more honest about the price, but this should still be beaten down, the guard will also be able to give you a viewing of the building.
Most rent is paid six months in advance, but you may be able to negotiate quarterly if you are lucky. They will actually prefer expats as a tenant as most Saudis are terrible payers, one of my Saudi friends rents out his families apartments and is in court regularly to get money from defaulters or to get them to move on.
Jeddah in KSA
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Advantages of living off compound in Saudi Arabia
Living in housing off compound in Saudi Arabia gives you the freedom of movement for friends that you don’t have on a Saudi Arabian compounds but it does become quite lonely if you are alone, if you are not easily able to mix and find your own “fun” don’t do it!
If you are a single guy living on compound and you want to invite single ladies back to your villa or appartment it can be very difficult here in saudi arabia, however if you are living off compound in KSA there is no security to get through, just very nosey neighbors keeping an eye on you! They do watch, and they complain if they see anything they don't like!
I far prefer this option, if I want compound facilities and parties I just get myself invited!
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Useful Information about Living in Saudi Arabia
If you liked this article and want to read more around living in Saudi Arabia please use the following links;
If You are going to be staying on a western compound in Saudi Arabia or living in other expat housing in KSA then the following links will help you with your life within the kingdom.
If you are still looking for your dream Saudi Arabia Jobs this will help you with the best places to look, if you need to apply for your Saudi Visas, this can help you with you make your visa application to either visit or work in Saudi Arabia. These articles about working as an expat in Saudi Arabia or the general behavior towards expatriates in Saudi can keep you informed if you wish to stay in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia Hotels or Saudi Arabia Compounds will be required if you are going to stay in Saudi Arabia, plus there are a number of alternatives that you may like to read about and consider.
If you are going to accompany your husband or are a woman working in KSA then you may wish to learn about Saudi Arabia Women.
Saudi Arabian Airline review can keep you informed about flying in KSA and if you are going to drive in the kingdom then Saudi roads, Saudi Accidents, and driving from Jeddah to Riyadh by road will give you some relevant information. Driving in the kingdom is an experience that is unlike any other country!
With no bars or clubs to go to entertainment in Saudi Arabia can be hard to find, or maybe you can visit the Makkah Clock Tower if you are a Muslim. If you are truly daring then you may wish to try dating in Saudi Arabia but don't lose your head!
CommentsLoading...
You would hate driving from one city to the next, hours between seeing life, just flat featureless desert as far as you can see.. Not a country that I would recommend to ladies anyway (more about that in a later hub).
LM - I think this is not my future. It is interesting to read about how you live.
Life here can be great fun if you have the right personality, the added benefits of a high wage and no tax make it really worthwhile.. Thanks for your comments Dobson
Thank you for giving us a descriptive idea of what it would be like living in Saudi Arabia.
Thanks for your comments Wendy, most people enjoy living the compound life here as it is like being on a holiday camp 7 days per week. Myself however I prefer being housed off compound as there is far more freedom and you can have Saudi friends to your home unlike the compounds.
Oh how I have waited with such anticipation in seeing what a party would be like with leanman. Someday maybe I will be invited to your house in saudi arabia!
You are invites any time you like to my housing here in Saudi Arabia, I will throw a party in your honor.
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing this slice of life from another culture. We live in a very big world
Thank you for reading and commenting Lisabeaman, we certainly do live in a very big world.
Thanks for sharing, Amazing hub.
I would like to offer a few corrections. Living off-compound in a place like Riyadh makes mingling with the opposite sex even more improbable. I lived in a single men's apartment and it was literally impossible, short of sneaking a woman in through a back window (which I didn't attempt). There are security people (unarmed) at most buildings whose sole security function is to keep women from entering a men's building and vice versa. The only feasible way for an unmarried man and woman to enjoy an evening together (though not an overnighter usually) is via the compound. The rules for various compounds are as varied as the compounds. In some, a woman can invite a man over. In some, the woman's married friends can invite the man over (but must be at home to take the call from the guard station). In some, all that's necessary is for your name (whether you are male or female) to be on the guest list at the gate. In still others, there is an elaborate 2- or 3-part security screening with the host physically coming to escort you in and out. In all cases, as the author points out, your passport or iqama (work/residence permit) must be surrendered to the guard house. Whether that information is then passed along to a government ministry varies according to the compound. In many cases, the visitor must sign a guest register or have his/her name checked off on a guest list. However, these registries would not be of much value to a ministry due to the variability of spellings and handwriting.
The "freedom of movement" in off-compound living is often illusory other than in ease of getting a taxi. Certainly a man living in a compound who owns a car has much better freedom of movement than a single man living in an apartment who relies on cabs for all his trips.
Hi veeds, my expat housing was for "family" living when off compound in Saudi Arabia, even when I was not with my wife. The smaller apartment buildings and private landlords do not generally have guards or rules like that, you just have a host of very nosey neighbors and the caretaker of the building to work around.. I have always found that giving this guy a healthy tip each month to wash your car and other chores is a guaranteed way to help him overlook any moral code he may have!
I found living off compound was far easier for meeting women than living in a Saudi compound due to the excessive security on most compounds.
I generally found that most of the western guys I knew on compound in Riyadh and Jeddah would rather come to the parties that I held or was invited to either in various apartments, villas or some very nice little complexes with swimming pools.
Great site, I am considering a job offer in Saudi & am looking for info before making a decision, this has been very informative thanks.
Thanks for this mate, I have been headhunted to go and work in Saudi but after reading this will be giving it a miss. I make enough money on Aus and really enjoy the freedom to go everywhere at will. That said, good luck to all the expats for which this males sense - cheers!
Like yourself aussie I was headhunted by Saudi company, I have a good job in the UK, they flew me out for a few days to look around, money much the same but overall package = to double money, see if company will fly you there to look, may change your mind, it did me, I'm loking forward to the challenge, not as restrictive as I was lead to beleive.
I wanna compound Manager Kind of job in Saudi.Can any of you guys help me!! I dunno if I am allowed to write my email here but I am still gonna mention it anyway.So lets see who can help me.I will so thankful my email is this ( arafatnarafat@gmail.com .hope to hear from you guys.Bye
Hi,
Nice post. Your apartment looks quite nice by your description. I moved to Jeddah a few months ago and am looking for one myself. Can you recommend which areas to look into for something similar. Thanks.
My husband's services were also sought after here in Houston, Tx. He accepted the offer as he was unemployed for over 7 months in the U.S. They are paying him more than what he made there and now I do not have to work. I am willing to move but bigger compounds are way to expensive and smaller compounds are not well advertised. How does one go about finding a decent residential compound for a family with kids.
Hi Andrea, the easiest way to go looking for a compound is to ask around with the expats currently there and they can point you in the right direction. If your husband is already there then he should be able to find several options just by asking.
Thanks, leanman! Do you know of families living off compound that are quite happy? I keep thinking that when we arrive there next year (me and the kids) that we may be spending more time indoors due to the 100 degree weather outside. So, a bigger home will be more ideal. Our 4 bedroom home now is 3000 sq.ft. We don't want to be crammed in a small home. Your thoughts?
Hi Andrea, thanks for reading. I don't know any western families personally that live off compound, and have never been aware of any. With a family you would be far better finding expat accommodation on a western compound, your children will be able to go outside (they will want to even if it is hot) and they will be able to mix freely with other children and use the facilities such as pools etc.
As to house sizes in Saudi Arabia, they are far from small, I had a 3 bed bungalow on compound and that was huge! They don't build small in Saudi!!
It sounds like most of the villas are expensive. Can you please give me an idea about two bedroom apartment in a compound? I am in the process of negotiating a job. An early response will be highly appreciated.
Hi Getafix, how is Asterix?? Apartments and villas on compound are more expensive than those off compound and can often be difficult to find, especially on the more popular compounds in Saudi Arabia.
You can expect to pay upwards of 50,000 Riyals a year for a two bedroom place on compound.
However most standard contracts cover your accommodation costs in Saudi, it would be unusual to only have a salary. Most companies pay the compound directly and you will have little involvement as they will source your accommodation also. Some however pay you a housing allowance and you have to find and pay for your own villa or apartment.
My last company paid me 10,000 riyals every month as a housing allowance, I lived in a luxury 4 bed apartment off compound which cost me 36,000 per year so I managed to save 7,000 every month to add to my savings!
However if you are from the west then it is my understanding this is not strictly allowed to live off compound (which are guarded by the military to protect people from the west) and most companies would object to you doing this - I just did not tell anyone!
Check with you company what the package is for your accommodation.
Many thanks LeanMan for your quick response. Asterix is busy with a fish fight in the village.
Thanks for the informative response. My preference is to live in a compound as my wife will accompany me, but it is really difficult to get any price info from the compound website. Just to give you a bit of background, I’ll be moving from London UK. On top of my salary, I have been offered housing allowance of $1,600 per month which is roughly SAR 6,000. In addition to that a transport allowance of $332 per month which is roughly SAR1,200. Does it sound reasonable to you? Since we are only two of us a two bed room apartment will be good enough. But my concern is to find a decent social life.
Thanks to you for maintaining such a useful blog.
Getafix, I have already responded to the email that you sent me on this same subject; you should be able to find an apartment or a small villa on one of the many compounds in Jeddah. Saudia City, the airline compound may be one of your best bets as it tends to have more frequent vacancies.
It is however difficult to find somewhere empty in Jeddah!!
You will be better off on a compound that is for sure if you have a wife, off compound she would find it very difficult to have any form of social life whilst you are at work.
Hello Leanman: I am a US citizen that is being recruited to Jeddah for a medical contract. Is it really easy to dave money over there? The starting salary is 66500 for a one year commitment. My question also is, how much could a person reasonably expect to return home with? Thanks for the great posts.
Hi US_Traveller..
Not sure if your salary that you mention is in dollars or riyals, annual or monthly.. Also will your Saudi compound be covered or is that part of your salary? Most people have their accommodation as an extra to their salary.
You should be able to save reasonably easily if you have no commitments outside of Saudi Arabia. Assuming that your housing and traveling are all covered you will be able to survive happily on just a couple of thousand riyals each month and be able to save the remainder.
Obviously if you go there with the intention of saving and minimize your expenses then you can come home with much more..
After 4 years I have bought 2 houses, extra land, bar, new car, etc..
Im considering taking a job in Jeddah at a university. As a single western woman at 30 years old, Ive been told that Jeddah is more open than Riyadh. Aside from all the rumours I hear, I trying to get some fact about what life is truly like for a western woman when compared to a western man. Ive read so many forums, but it still seems like there are so many restrictions. Do you completely sacrifice your personal life even on the compound?
Hi Chameleon,
Yes Jeddah is much more open than riyadh, but for a woman alone it would still be a huge change to what you are used to. Most western compounds in Saudi Arabia are just like being on a holiday camp back home, however if your compound is specific to your work at the university there may be restrictions due to your employer and your conduct on compound may be reflected in how you are treated at work.
I would suggest that you ask your potential employer to introduce you to some of the other women they employ from your country of origin so that you can chat to them via email or skype and get a real view of your future there.
Please also read some of my other pages here about women in Saudi Arabia and how expats are treated.
Good luck in your decision, if you need additional information feel free to contact me through the links at the top of the page.
Hi LeanMan,
I am looking for a job in Jeddah so I could move there from UK and wondered if you could recommend a good site for me to search on.
All my experience is in Purchasing/Logistics but it not a neccesity for me to stay in this field.
Thanks
Paul
Hi Mansfieldp,
Living in Jeddah is quite pleasant, I did it for over 2 years and enjoyed it.
If you look in the section below these comments you will find links to a number of articles that can help you in your search.
Thankyou LeanMan... I missed those links completely.
Hi,
am moving to Dammam in a coupla months...would like to know if I can get a 1 bedroom house in a compound in Khobar for around 42000 SAR per annum..
please help..
Hi Shanty,
42,000 Sar is a little on the low side to find something on a saudi compound in Dammam. You may be lucky and find something on one of the smaller older compounds but you will have to look around.
You may be better living off compound in Saudi Arabia if you are looking to save money; you could get a single room for maybe 8,000 or a small apartment for 12,000 or less. Good luck in your search.
Hi LeanMan, seems that you are an expert in Saudi and need a quick advice , I got an offer in Riyadh after many years living in Dubai , the package is better than what I'm earning today (+15k SAR)and i'm a bit confused whether to accept or not! however my question is about the housing in a compound as I have 3 kids who used to this life style ,so how much could a descent villa cost in a nice compound with pool and other facilities ? ( 3 bed)
Hi Sherif 3 bed housing on Saudi Compound, a nice one, will cost you upwards of 90k per year. Most companies give a multiple of salary to work out entitlement (3x monthly) and some just pay! Ask your prospective employer what they can offer, they will probably source your villa for you!
This was such an informative article. I am getting ready to move to Riyadh for work; my job will provide the housing(off compound). I've seen pictures and from what I can tell it's quite small so I'm considering finding a place on my own. Your article helped me understand the housing a whole lot better. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for reading Neffy, I hope you find the Housing in Saudi Arabia that you want.
Do single men stay in different compounds from the families??? If that is true if my girlfriend was visiting could she put on a wedding ring and come into the compound. What's a way round that??? Cheers
Hi leanman,
You seem to be the man in the know am getting conflicting stories can you confirm???
Being a single guy does that mean you have to stay in a compound only for singles guys??? Or are they mixed single guys and single girls and married all together???
If moving over there is a few married couples and if my girlfriend visited what's the best way to get to see her????
Cheers....
Hi Brian/Brido, Saudi Arabian Compounds are generally mixed although some companies have their own single sexed compounds (usually women only for some of the female universities). You could not get a girlfriend onto the compound as she would not be let in without proof of marriage unless she was to be visiting another couple on the same compound! The compound guards will not let in women to visit a single man (unless you have some sort of arrangement!)
The way to meet her is through her visiting someone else (a couple) not you as all visits are recorded and id is kept and forwarded to the various ministries.
If your girlfriend is overseas then it would be almost impossible for her to get a visit visa as a single woman to visit you on your Saudi compound.
Hey man, I don't need to tell you but, nice article! I'm thinking about taking a job over there working on airplanes for $150,000/yr. it's pretty tempting. It would be in Riyadh, company says they pay for housing so even if it's just a little apartment...fine by me! On to the questions...how is the Internet over there? Fast enough for video calls? I saw you mentioned Skype, so that sounds promising, I assume we go through one of the Saudi carriers for it? I just want to make sure that I can have a Wi-Fi network in my home there to use FaceTime on my iPad so I can see my wife and kid while I'm there. Also, cell service? Can I use my phone from here over there, the iPhone 4S is supposed to be a world phone (GSM and CDMA) so I can use it there right? Obviously long distance rates will be ridiculous but when you gotta talk to your kid, you gotta talk to your kid, ya know? Also, electricity there, 110? 220? (on compound)
Hi Sir Cook, the internet on Saudi Compounds either through phone lines, or through the mobile network is quite good and on the whole fairly reliable. Certainly good enough for skype etc, I used a satellite broadband provider during my first year there which was not censored and after that I used the mobile network which gave an excellent service which of course I could use anywhere. Phone rates are not too bad when calling abroad, it certainlt didn't hurt my bill too much!
You are likely to get a fairly luxurious and spacious apartment or villa so you are not likely to be disappointed!
Most of Saudi is wired to both 110V and 220V but they hardly ever label anything to tell you which socket is which so beware!!! I have noticed that generally the 220 in the apartments I have had is the one closest to the AC as that runs on 220. There will be AC in EVERY room.
Good luck with your new job, I hope you enjoy living on compound and Saudi life in general.
Hi Lean Man, Test Message
Dear LeanMan, My gratitude and thanks goes without say this in words. Many Thanks for this forum. Now where am I coming from to ask for help is like this. I am an Indian, Married with a daughter of 5 years of age. I have been working here in India with McDonalds for last 14 years. I have recently got an offer from Jan Burger from Saudi Arabia. This is a local Brand and in now been brought by Al Rajhi bank. The Offer in terms of compensation is 336000 SAR /Annum. The salary is quite attractive however I am not able to make up my mind basis on attractive alone. Little more about my concerns. What if I am brought over there with this salary and my employeer denies to actually pay me the same amount as all the agreement will be in arabic which I do not understand. With this salary I can afford to stay in compound, however not sure there are more Indians Staying in compound. I would either be placed in Jeddah or Riyadh how difficult would it be to get accomodation in either cities. My last and final query is that I have heard about a lot of stories about work life in Saudi that your employers can hold back your passport not allow to go back till your contract is over and have a miserale life. If at all I get into this situation what would come to my rescue and how. Many thanks again and Hope you wont mind answering all of them
Regards
Hi Givemeaway, I am sure you will end up living on an expat compound in Saudi Arabia so you will have some freedoms at least. The company you mention if owned by AlRajhi should pay wages as they have agreed so you should not have too many problems. Companies do hold your passports and some do at times refuse you leave but not normally for employees in your wage bracket although it does happen.
There are a bunch of links in the section below to other hubs about Saudi Arabia life, have a read through these I am sure that they will answer many of your questions.
Hey LeanMan, Thanks for all your posts-really informative for someone considering the move. I've been offered a position working for a contractor in Aramco and just found out my accommodation is an apartment in Dammam which is not in a compound. I'm a single women from the UK and slightly worried about safety, independence(being stuck at home once I finish work) and travelling to and from work late at night(my shift finishes 10pm). What do you think? Do you know of many/any in similar situations? Thankyou:)
Hi rustyhobo, I would be concerned about this accommodation as a single woman in Saudi Arabia, it would be much better if you were on a compound. That being said check who else is being housed in the building as often they will only house females together so it is unlikely you will have single males in the building.
What are their arrangements for transport? Most companies will have company transport to and from work.
Thanks Leanman. Yes there is just women in the apartments, but only one other westerner. They put on bus's for the women to get to work but these are all very early morning and would not tie in with the shifts I'd be doing. So taxi would be the option which I hear can be a nightmare & you can wait a long time for even if you try to be organised! It sounds a small thing but for first time living in Saudi I feel a compound would allow me to be more relaxed and the opportunity to meet others at pool/restaurant etc rather than spending the time sat in my flat waiting for an illusive taxi! Thanks again for your help.
See if you can get a contact email for the other westerner in the building and chat with her to get an idea of how it is there. I lived off compound and it was great for me - but I am not a female! If you find a taxi that you feel you can trust get his number and give him plenty of notice when you need to go out! (Failing that a car with all the windows blacked out could solve your problems! - you have to ask yourself why you see so many like that.)
Thanks Leanman !
Hi, Leanman thanks for the Intel. I was wondering how you would go about finding an apartment off compound I've had a looked at some hotel/apartments and they were all pretty nasty - old furniture, odd smells, dirty toilets, uncomfortable mattresses etc. Would really appreciate a quick response, I am to move soon and becoming worried.
Hi Daniel, very simple to find an apartment off compound; read what I have written above! But.. cruise the area you like and look for buildings with missing ACs as this tends to indicate a vacancy, or look for "for rent" signs (but take someone that can read Arabic! Also look for the agents that are available in most districts, their office will look like a plush waiting room in among the other stores.
Wow that was fast, I'll be on the hunt first thing tomorrow. Thanks mate your a legend!
Hi leanman, as per the current price trend, would i be able to rent a 1 or 2 bed appt (for single male occupancy) in a nice/secure western compound in SAR 90,000 per year. do i need less or more ?
thanks.
Hi Jetset, as long as you can find a vacancy you should be able to find something within your price range on a Saudi Compound.
I have accepted my offer of 11 k SAR/Month including accomodation & everything. I get I can save good amount of money from it as in Indian Engineer. Now next step is to look for a acco in al khobar at the rate of 2k/month max. Any help ?
Should I wait for resigning from the current employer in India to await getting proper VISA from Saudi Employer as in offer letter it has mentioned that "Subject to approval of Saudi Authorities" Please advice
Hi Dude you should have no problem saving money on that wage. As to accommodation read the tips above about finding apartments off compound in Saudi. Most will have signs up, or be missing air conditioner units and you will also find that many of your countrymen will know places.
Hi Dude, until you get a visa number you will not know for sure if you have a job, many Saudi companies are currently experiencing difficulties in gaining visas for expats due to the countries drive to reduce local unemployment.
U r of great help man ! Thumbs up to u. Thx
Hi , am considering an offer in Saudi. Have the option of bringing my family of wife and two kids along. But then i understand i need to look at at least a 2 bed acco in a compound. Would like some understanding on how much would that cost in SAR yearly basis? what about a single bed compound villa in the event i keep my family at home. Do compounds also have apartments or do they only have villas?
Hello,
Me & my husband are considering a job offer in Riyadh. Is there any compounds (one bedroom)to be considered within 40,000 to 55,000 SR. ?? If u can give me names please..
Thank you
Hi Ola, you should be able to find on one of the smaller compounds however you will need to search around. I would suggest that you ask your sponsor as they normally will find for you.
Great posts u guys and useful info above.I am a bit skeptical about excepting my job offer in Saudi Arabia , Riyadh. salary wise there is nothing more to ask however thinking that I would be away from parties and fancy nightlife scares me. Most of the foreign women there are with their families as normally single women are not easily eligible or actually nearly impossible to be granded with visa. So in a human, logical, cultural, scientific, sentimental, attraction point of view, how a man can live there and work?Does it really worth the money? I would definitively hate to use detective skills for something that normal people do, flirt.We are humans in 2012,I m wondering why I still thinking about this offer and not totally tearing apart this piece of paper.Any opinions people are well welcome, Thanks Mathew.
Hi, fascinating insight on living in Saudi, not sure that I would like to live there with so many rules and regulations, but this was a fascinating hub, thanks
Hi Mathew, flirting and dating is not impossible; in fact it is very easy in Saudi Arabia as long as you are prepared to break a few rules and take e few risks.. Read my article about dating in Saudi Arabia, the link is in the section below the comments.
If you live on a good Expat compound in Saudi Arabia I am sure you will have plenty of parties and will meet plenty of single women from may different countries.
Good luck..
What is the compound with most single women in Jeddah?
Hi Naj, not sure, I will go off and have a count for you. If you should finish your count before me please let us know and enjoy visiting all the Jeddah compounds.
Well you can hire a taxi on monthly basis, but this will be very expensive. Tabuk is like Shimla and it can be very very cold during the winters.
There is a large Indian and Pakistani population all over Saudi Arabia including Tabuk.
Carrying the pictures of Hindu gods is not allowed in Saudi Arabia on person or in the house.
You are free to roam around,and visit various places, mix up with local population and enjoy yourself as long as you dont violate the local law and culture.
The simple rule is, love and be loved, respect and be respected. Wish you all best in your new appointment.
Dr. Shamim A. Hassan
Why would car windows be blacked out? Are women driving themselves pretending to be men?
It is rumoured that a few women do drive, with the windows blacked out you could never tell and the police are unlikely to stop a top of the range brand new car. However on a western compound in Saudi Arabia you can drive yourself anywhere you like.
Hey Leanman
Thanks for a very informative forum on life in KSA. I enjoy reading your advice.
Quick question - are there any long stay accommodations in Jeddah for say 4 week stay ? I am tired of paying the business hotel daily rates for decent room + internet. I usually stay for a week at a time, but this time I may to extend for many more weeks. Hence looking for slightly cheaper options that are still decent.
Any help is appreciated.
There certainly are, I stayed in a two bedroom apartment which if remember correctly cost me 90riyals per night and I stayed there for 3 weeks. There are a variety of apartment buildings that offer short term rentals, if you ask your sponsor I am sure they can point you in the direction of some. Failing that get friendly with a taxi driver and ask them to help you find one, they will obviously charge you but agree the fee before you start!
Useful Links if living in Saudi Arabia
Here are some useful links that may come in handy if you are within Saudi Arabia or looking to visit Saudi Arabia for work or any other reason;
Saudi Arabian Airlines Saudi Airlines (Saudia) is the national airline within KSA and most of your internal flights and even incoming or departing flights are likely to be with this airline. If you would like to read a review of Saudi Airlines then follow the link.
Saudi Arabia Embassy in the UK, lots of links and details to help you with getting your Visa for Saudi Arabia, use this website to find all of the entry and documentary requirements for your visas.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs KSA (MOFA), links here will enable you to monitor the progress of your Saudi work visa or any other variation of Saudi Visa by using the reference number you will be given for your application..
Saudi Government Links is a Saudi Government website, it has many links to other government sites which will help you with finding other information that you may require for your visit to Saudi Arabia..
Saudi Arabian Embassy Washington is the main Saudi Embassy in the US, here you will find all the information required for your Saudi Visa.
British Embassy in Riyadh is the UK Embassy in Riyadh, very useful if you have questions about Saudi Arabia or need any help. I have found them very helpful when I have needed advice, plus they hold events for us Brits in the country at which they serve BEER!
US Embassy in Riyadh is a helpful link for those of you from the US should you be visiting the country. As with the UK embassy they have events and lots of advice for entering KSA.
Philippine Embassy in Riyadh just to help those of you coming from the philippines to work on a visa in Saudi Arabia.
Indian Embassy in Riyadh Indian Embassy in Riyadh
Embassies in Saudi Arabia has Contact Details for All the various Embassies in KSA should your individual embassy not be listed above.
Saudi Arabia Travel Advice is US Travel advice for Saudi Arabia which is equally applicable to any other nationality who may be considering gaining a visa to visit Saudi Arabia.
Arab News Arab Newspaper
Haj Travel Information Saudi Arabia Haj Information
Muslim Sacred Sites in KSA to visit when you have your Saudi Visas.
Entertainment in Saudi Arabia Things to do in Saudi Arabia
Learn to Speak Arabic Learn to speak Arabic online.
Arabic words and phrases Some Handy words and Phrases.
Muslim Date Conversion Saudi Arabian Muslim Date Conversion
The above links may come in handy if you are visiting or an Expat working and living in Saudi Arabia, I hope you find the right place to live here in Saudi Arabia, Expat housing in Saudi Arabia can be hard to find.
Pamela99 Level 7 Commenter 21 months ago
Interesting life but I have no desire to even visit. Too much desert!