Job Discussion Forums

[GB_ME]

Hi all,

I'm about to move to Riyadh at the end of the month and I have a few questions about the best ways to meet new people and build up some kind of social life.

I'm a young guy who likes to go out and 'do things' rather than stay at home and watch TV. So, has any one got any tips on how to have a life outside of work in Riyadh?

I know some of you will say that social life and Riyadh don't go together....but I'm sure there must be other people like me around! Lol

I'll be living off campus/compound, so I know it would be good to 'get in with' some people who live on one....any suggestions on how to do this?

Basically, any ideas from former residents or people who are there now would be greatly appreciated....I'm sure there must be others in the same boat as me at the moment!

Cheers!

[nomad soul]

These types of questions along with other inquiries about life/work in the Kingdom come up quite a bit on various popular expat forums. These sites attract a wide, diverse population of expats. Do an Internet search on expat forum riyadh.

[johnslat]

Dear GB_ME,

Well, having your own transportation would help a lot. Most of the people I knew who actively pursued a social life in Riyadh had cars.

But how to get started - well, you might want to go to the Diplomatic Quarter to your embassy (don't know your nationality) to see if there are any "social events" being planned. You have to build up a network, which can be hard at first, but can gain momentum as you go.

Check out the boards in supermarkets for ads. If you see a sale on a compound advertised, call and go, even though you may not be interested in buying anything. Sometimes you'll see plays or other events on compounds there, too.

Check with your colleagues - maybe some of them will have an "in" with a few people on compounds.

Hope some/any of this helps.

Regards,
John

[scot47]

Hash House Harriers is one place to start. Not my cup of tea (or glass of Sid) but there are social events around the group

[johnslat]

There's also this:

"ACR exists to enrich the lives of the American and broader expatriate community. We understand the challenges of living here and work to balance those challenges by creating a unique community and making the “Riyadh experience” a positive one. We offer social and cultural events, educational programs, and an opportunity to experience all that Riyadh has to offer.

ACR Programs and Services:
Social activities, events and programs for adults, children, and families.
Cross-cultural programs and events
Heritage tours of local attractions
Registry of community organizations and resources
Opportunities for networking and the development of special interest groups
The Desert Link, our monthly newsletter of events and community resources
Membership program with access to our community forum and special events

Join Us!
All expatriates are welcome to sign up for our programs and utilize our services. You and your family can apply to be a member of ACR for a nominal annual fee and reap the benefits of membership. Whether you choose to be a member or not, sign up to be included on the ACR e-mail list to receive our newsletter, The Desert Link, and other program announcements."

http://www.acrsa.com/

Regards,
John

[DLIguy]

[johnslat]

Dear DLIguy,

Still, I suppose it could possibly be a place to meet compound people, strike up conversations, and get entry into the compound social life.

Regards,
John

[auhruh]

[Grendal]

One question for the OP. Why in good heavens did you pick Saudi Arabia if you are a socialite? We've been here 4 years now going on 5 and now we have a cat. That's it. That is our miserable little social life. I even write short stories about the fictitious adventures of my cat for my students to practice their reading comprehension.

Social life with colleagues from the same university you work in can be tricky here in Saudi Arabia. Some fortune seekers will use what you have shared with them in your "social get togethers" against you, either to gain brownie points for pointing out something negative about you or to attain your job by getting you demoted or fired. We've been burned twice here in Saudi by these "social get togethers" so we may be an extreme case. However, other than that its all peachy here.


Grendal

[McBrainiac]

Yes. Always remember that the percentage of people with sociopathic or psychopathic tendencies will be higher among expats in the KSA than what you would find back home. Not really the place to be a socialite, though if you stay for the long term, you will make good friends. Just MHO.

[Expat101]

[Expat101]

Met a guy who tried to become social at the beaches in Jeddah. He ended up speaking briefly to one of the Saudi girls. The whole thing got blown way out of proportion and he was accused wrongly of having extramarital relations with her. Then he was sent packing and running for his life out of there. I'd be careful trying to have any sort of social life in the KSA. I can and do learn from others. I don't want it to be me next.

[DLIguy]

You say you once met an idiot in Jeddah???

[robbie_davies]

Knew a social butterfly from London who said Riyadh was a party town. He was eventually banned from the US embassy parties though but I imagine he managed to enjoy himself whilst he was out there.

I didn't care too much for all that, I was allright out there to be honest, Saudi Arabia suits certain types of people that's for sure. If an indiviual loves their weekends searching for fun and games around Patpong then a Saudi weekend of leisure is going to cripple them.

[Expat101]