Travel & Holidays Living and working in Middle East

Discussion in 'Living Room' started by styereye, 15th Aug, 2018.

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  1. styereye

    styereye Well-Known Member

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    My partner has an opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia. It would mean both of us going plus our little girl who is 11 months.

    I know moving to a Middle Eastern country will certainly be a culture shock for someone from a Western society, especially with the gender segregation and traditional culture. If it was just the two of us then I'd be very tempted but with the little one I'm hesitant to even consider it.

    Has anyone done it, and can share your experiences? Were you single, have a family?
     
    styereye, 15th Aug, 2018
    #1
  2. SeafordSunshine

    SeafordSunshine Well-Known Member

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    This sounds like a wonderful opportunity!
    There are lots of expat forums you can glean info from.

    Aslo a good opportunity to save $$
    There will be quite a few young families doing the same thing.

    Preschoolers are a great ice breaker!
    I hope this helps
     
    SeafordSunshine, 15th Aug, 2018
    #2
  3. Rolf Latham

    Rolf Latham Inciteful (sic) Staff Member Business Plus Member

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    I havent, but have lots of clients that have some with > 10 years service, mostly but not always, its the golden handcuffs and domestic staff that retain people, rather than the environment per se.

    I know you didnt ask that, but expat finance with local currency can be a bit more fun than say USD or Euro

    ta
    rolf
     
    Rolf Latham, 16th Aug, 2018
    #3
  4. JDP1

    JDP1 Well-Known Member

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    Most likely you will be housed in a 'compound'. This compound will be close to a 5 star resort far surpassing most of what you will see here.
    It will have everything you could ask for including child care etc. Security will be first class.
    Total freedom within the compound (which will be quarter the size of most suburbs here on average I'm guessing.
    The Saudis know very well their rules and comparison of their rules to the west...that's why they have such things. not as many would go there if they did not, tax free dollars aside.
    So, to answer your questions about culture shock and segregation etc.. Yes some initially.but won't take long to integrate ..home, immediate neighbourhood, shopping, medical,childcare, offices, work etc are all top of the line and then some.
    The exception would be if you go it alone and ignore the recommendations by your husbands company. Then you would be on your own and would be riskier and more in the direct line of fire of their laws etc which will be a bit harder culture shock...plus this is where the less than 5 stars can kick in...but even then you should likely be ok.
    It depends a lot on your husbands job and what his company's willing to do in terms if relocation .
    I think even with an 11 month old, you should be fine...it's not like you will jaywalk on the street with a beer in your hand. ..respect their laws and it will be fine.
     
    Last edited: 23rd Aug, 2018
    JDP1, 23rd Aug, 2018
    #4
  5. geoffw

    geoffw Moderator Staff Member

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    geoffw, 24th Aug, 2018
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  6. Lizzie

    Lizzie Well-Known Member

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    ... and if you leave the compound you will need to be escorted by a male figure.

    I have a married girlfriend (around my age so not young) travel alone with her young teenage son on a tour in the area ... she was so harassed by the local men for being single that another married guy on her tour "claimed" her as his second wife, so they would leave her alone
     
    Lizzie, 26th Aug, 2018
    #6
  7. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    Our nephew went to work there and his wife joined him. She stayed here to sell their cars and property. Initially I think he was in a single men's accommodation until she joined him. I don't recall much detail, but I know she was very uncomfortable there and ended up going home to her family in Germany once she knew she was expecting (after a long time trying).

    Ultimately, he found work in Germany. That wasn't easy either, as he had to learn the language and become fluent enough to pass the test and fluent enough to be able to work there.
     
    wylie, 26th Aug, 2018
    #7
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