Job Discussion Forums

Imdramayu · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 394 Location: South Korea

I'm thinking of relocating to KSA and am wondering what life is like there?

vva · Joined: 19 Sep 2010 Posts: 42 Location: NY, USA

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

c_dange · Guest

I maintain that it's somewhere around step #5, when you apply directly to the Saudi embassy in your home country. However, depending on your point of origin and the kind of visa you're getting, it can be several weeks before your visa is processed and your passport returned to you. During this time you can revoke your application.

Keep in mind that if you're paying visa costs up front, it's about a $200+ processing fee and $300-400 for the other documents involved (medical, criminal background check, degrees notarized) if you're getting an employment visa. These expenses should be reimbursed by your employer before you leave for KSA. But obviously, if you back out then you would incur those costs yourself.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

desert_traveller · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 335

in the KSA, a day consists of 24 hours. people eat breakfast in the morning. women may get pregnant. there is a park in my neighbourhood with 4 stone benches

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

What about exercise opportunities? I like to exercise but I don't think I'll be 10+ mile walks in that heat. Are there gyms and lap pools? My students tell me there are public pools all over the place, true? Can you use them for doing laps? As for the gyms, are they well equipped and is the cost reasonable?

I have been hired in Jeddah.

Thanks.

DirtGuy

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

It is not as bad as it seems, even in the heat of summer, those who want can continue their exercise program, mostly very early in the morning (between 5 - 7am) or in the evening after 6pm.

In Jeddah, for example, they have the Jeddah Road Runners club, which is active, and most of their members train for most of the year. Humans are extraordinarily adaptable, and the body does acclimate to the heat surprisingly quickly. Just avoid main daylight hours during the months of April to October. The rest of the year (October - April) is pretty good, and the winters often have days which are ideal for endurance sports.

Check out the advice from fellow expats in Jeddah about exercise issues in the heat. Not such an issue, according to reports.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=672533

Ghost in Saudi

posh · Joined: 22 Oct 2010 Posts: 430

Saudi winters are great - the best thing about this country. I've lost 7 kg since being here and am now down to my 'fighting' weight.

I cycle, run, swim and have made a little weights room at home, involving the coffee table. Haven't been fitter in years. I sleep much better too and now realise you only really need 6 hours solid sleep a night.

aridion · Joined: 30 Aug 2010 Posts: 55

Yeah , with little else to do, I think it would be a great opportunity to get back into fitness. That is my plan at least.

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

Tell us about gyms. Those with weights and sauna/ steam.

johnslat · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 1:09 pm Post subject:

Goggled:

"Golds Gym (next to Saudi German Hospital) 02 6912077

http://www.ggarabia.com/

PowerInn(at the Tujjar Jeddah complex off Tahlia St.) 02 6061516

Shamel Plaza Gym 02 6634355 (ladies only - alhamra dist.)

fitness time http://www.fitnesstime.com.sa (al-basateen dist. and al-andalus dist.
Suliman Faqeeh Gym 02 6655000 ext.1501

Hiltonia Gym 02 6590000

zclub (exclusive imited membership only)

spa elite (ladies only)

Kai Gym (corniche road alhamra dist.- men only)

i could go on and on about clubs for women only, clubs for men only, clubs with fascilities for both men and women, kids clubs, martial arts clubs.....etc but i think this is a good start for you. google any of the names i listed for more info or feedback. some have website you can check and contact details for you to ask whatever questions you like including memberships and costs."

Gold's gyms:

http://www.goldsgym.com/international-gyms/SA

Regards,
John

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

That's very nice. I guess Riyadh is a big place and much depends on location.

But I was also wondering if posters could offer personal recommendations.

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

I hear memberships can be extortionate and no PAYG options generally - just 1 year, upfront.

T/F?

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

Depends on the facilities, but obviously the longer the time commitment the cheaper the membership should be...some have 4 months/ 6 months and yearly...but from what I have discovered none of the ones I saw were all that cheap.
Having said that, it is investing in your health and sanity while in KSA so may be worth your while to fork over some money for a decent facility to let off some steam.
Some universities also have quite good facilities, so maybe you get lucky where you are working and have a decent gym /swimming pool to use free.