Job Discussion Forums

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

In my 17 years in KSA I had a car for about 6 months. The rest of the time I managed perfectly well without one. I know for some 'expats' life without a car is unthinkable. They would no more go out minus their pants than think about going out without that vehicle.

Saudi students also thought my car-free life was another sign of eccentricity. But really after experiencing Saudi roads who would want to be behind the wheel ?

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

If you are married (with kids?) a car would be quite handy.

However, as a single person, it is quite unnecessary to have a car.

No car = LESS stress!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

For 6 of the 17 years I was accompanied by wife and children. We managed quite well. Employers and decent compounds put on shopping buses. School bus for kids. Taxis for the weekly shop.

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

Regular travel by taxi is fine when you are an adult, but with young kids in tow you are taking a risk as taxis do not have special seating. With your own car you can ensure proper saftey seating for the young ones.

So...I guess you were lucky Scott that you did not have any serious problems/accidents.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I never had a car in Cairo because it wasn't needed what with all the super cheap taxis.

For my first few months in Abu Dhabi I didn't have a car. Although there were plenty of taxis... not all the time. The times they were hard to find was the times that I needed one... rush hour in the morning and in mid-afternoon which is apparently their required siesta time. Yes, there was some hassle to car ownership, but standing in the humid 40+ degree sun for a half hour plus hoping an empty taxi might appear is not something that I will accept. Same problem in Kuwait. In Muscat, things are so spread out that taxis are hard to find in many locations. (such as where you live or work it seems...)

The big difference in Saudi is that employers usually provide buses to transport their teachers, especially the women. But, none of my employers in the rest of the Gulf provided any transport after the first week of your arrival - but only your first year.

I found owning a car in the Gulf to be easy in most ways. They are cheap... insurance was cheap... petrol was cheap. The roads were very nice - wide lighted 4-6 lanes. The biggest problem that I had was in Abu Dhabi where finding a parking place near your building could be an issue. But yes... the driving has become much worse. I drove back and forth between Oman and the UAE regularly, but I hear the increase in cars and insane driving has destroyed what used to be a pleasant drive.

VS

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 5:03 pm Post subject:

In Saudi, I'd say you really only "need" a car if your family's with you or you're a single guy very interested in pursuing a highly active "social life".

Regards,
John

Grendal · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 7:31 pm Post subject:

Care free in KSA

G Question

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 8:56 pm Post subject:

Dear Grendal,

Care less would be more suitable, I'd say.

Regards,
John

EnglishDoYouSpeakIt · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 151 Location: Saudi Arabia

I've spent time with a car and without a car in Riyadh.

I hate driving in this city. I hate it. It's the single most stressful thing in my life. A lot of it is my own fault because I let it bother me. Somehow I take it as a personal affront when people drive selfishly. Things happen here that don't happen in my part of the west purely because people have shame in my native land.

I'll see one red light runner a month back home. Here I see one at every intersection.

The following distance is outrageous on the ring roads. I feel violated. I dream of slamming on the breaks and hoping I get a God-fearing Najm officer. Wishful thinking.

I could list things all day but people here know what's up. It's dangerously infuriating. I haven't even talked about the drifters yet.

But even so, I drive because I need to drive. I drive because otherwise my monthly taxi costs would be nearly enough to make car payments. So instead of throwing money down the drain I'm gaining property. People with wives or children who don't live in compounds have a much easier time with a car. I know teachers who never leave their flats save once a week they take the company bus to the mall/market. Some people can handle this, but others, you need to get out, do stuff. What little there is to do.

Betrayer of Hope · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 72 Location: in a dark place

Driving in Saudi, see link below. Please be advised the clip is not for the weak hearted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rua2FmF3xsA

rainbowprof · Joined: 18 Feb 2012 Posts: 133 Location: Penang

ouch.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Holy crap!! That video should be shown to every young driver just getting his license. If that isn't a lesson on why to wear seatbelts... among other things...

Safe to say none of those boys survived that.

VS

babur · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 6:26 pm Post subject: Getting a driving license

teechagimme · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 56 Location: S. Korea

I can't imagine driving in Saudi. Just being a passenger is frightening enough. Saudi's themselves don't seem too concerned about it though. I travelled with one family that I did some tutoring for and they didn't make the kids use car seats, wear seatbelts, or even sit down. Then, on the plane home there was a family in the row in front of me who had a kid jumping up out of his seat while the plane was trying to land. It's like they don't believe that have to follow rules and they teach their children the same thing.

PeterParvo · Joined: 18 Dec 2011 Posts: 103

I know four who were injured in car-related accidents; two pedestrians, one on a motor scooter and one on a bike. I'll stay in my car.