Job Discussion Forums

jonks · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 1240

Hi all,

Does anyone have any information about what it is like living in the diplomatic quarters in Riyadh?

I've done a search but can't find any threads on the topic.

Thanks

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:47 am Post subject:

Life in the DQ is a good news, bad news, sort of thing.

Plus points:

- Relatively attractive area with plenty of trees, plants etc. Families particularly appreciate this.

- Relatively free of traffic and has restricted access. This means that you can walk around freely without being harassed (especially valuable for women).

- Relatively "liberal" environment where restrictions on dress and 'mixing' are not enforced as strictly as they are in the rest of Riyadh (but remember that, unless you are in the grounds of an actual Embassy, you are NOT protected by 'diplomatic status' in the DQ. So the same laws apply, they are just no enforced so rigidly).

Minus Points

- Quite isolated and far from shops and other places of interest (?). This is compounded by the fact that taxis are hard to find, esp. in the evening.

- Not much by way of shopping facilities within the DQ itself.

- High security at the gates can mean you have to wait a long time in queues on your way in to the the DQ. Also, visitors to the quarter have been known to have difficulty passing security, and are occasionally turned away.

Most people who live int he DQ seem to like it there, but some prefer compounds. Depends really on your priorities.

jonks · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 1240

Thanks a lot Cleo.

Your comments were really informative. I think it would be ok for me - and I am married so it's important for me that my wife wouldn't despise living there.

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

jonks · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 1240

Have you got a reason to believe that this may not be true?

I noticed you also posted on the 'Beware' thread.

What's your problem here?

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 7:08 am Post subject:

In response to BD's posts, I personally know several Al Yamamah teachers, and every single one of them - other than a few who chose to find their own accomodation - is living in the DQ.

jonks · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 1240

I wasn't planning on buying a car Cleo - do you think it is necessary living in the DQ? I thought I would try and sort out a regular taxi driver (who as you mention) would be allowed into the DQ without a passenger. Thanks for the help Cleo - I was starting to get a bit freaked out by Bindair Dundat, but I will take his advice, and get everything in writing before I come.

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:31 pm Post subject:

It's certainly not essential for DQ dwellers to have access to their own car, particularly if you don't have children. Many people manage perfectly well with taxis and drivers (single women having little choice in this regard). Of course, you can't beat the convenience and spontaneity of having your own vehicle, but then again, personally negotiating Riyadh's insane traffic is not everybody's idea of fun.

jonks · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 1240

Got it.

My wife is not going to benefit from us operating a vehicle of our own, and I certainly don't want to negotiate Riyadh's streets. I think we'll just put up with our legs for now. I've never owned a car in my life so I guess I don't really need to start now.

Thanks for your time Cleopatra. I really appreciate it.

dogzB · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 29

The DQ is probably agood place to be for your first time in Riyadh although it's a bit of a way out. A car in Riyadh is necessary if you want to have any sort of normal life since public transport is not advisable or very good. Taxis are okay if you get "your own" driver that you can trust.

Living on a compound solves many of these problems since they nearly all offer shopping buses or have their own "limos" - private cars that will take you around (at a price!). Compounds probably offer other services like swimming pools, gyms and even hairdressing and supermarket facilities. You may not get these on the DQ. I have a friend who lives there (DQ) and is very happy. My wife and I were more than happy on our compound (Eid Villas - do a web search and have a look). The obvious question is cost. If your employer has an agreement with the DQ you will have to go there. It's not a bad place at all. Good luck Cool

The_Prodiigy · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 252

One of the advantages of driving in Riyadh is mayhem meets mayhem.
Not such a BIG THING is a car happens to prang yours or vice versa. There are few traffic rules and peds are treated with contempt.

DQ is an oasis in the dry barren dessert.

The bus service is lacking as the powers that be don't feel the need to build that infrastructure.

Subway ? No. Trains ? Yes, so-so. Monorail or other enery-efficient transportation ? I did not see this.

Population is rising rapidly and will be will interesting to see the log-jam created in Saudi cities in a couple of decades time.

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

Driving in KSA generally is pure Darwinism: survival of the fittest! Go out there, close your eyes, ram that pedal to the floor and Go, Baby, Go. It's actually fun once you get used to it, you get to regard every day simply as a challenge. Once you've driven in Saudi big cities, nowhere else is a challenge. Believe me!

Just get a BIG strong car, make sure you and your occupants are belted in and lotsa airbags help Laughing

Oh, make that will and take out life insurance just in case....