Job Discussion Forums

Workingsmarter · Joined: 31 Jul 2006 Posts: 14 Location: Yankee Doodle Dandy

I am curious as to how liberal Jeddah really is and if it would be better to accept a contract there or in Dammam? Also, how would you rate these cities in order of preference: Jeddah, Dammam, Jubail

Some things to consider-I am single, non-muslim, male and I'm age 30. I have previously lived in the Kingdom (Riyadh) and found it to be OK ( I really prefer living near the water)

Thanks in advance! Very Happy

Markemark · Joined: 08 Jun 2009 Posts: 82 Location: ksa

Jeddah as liberal, somehow different is a complete misnomer. I see you're at pains to show you're single and young etc etc. Does that mean you're looking for a g\f?
Oh, how silly to even contemplate Saudi Arabia- and doubly stupid to be lured by the promise of Jeddah.
This is how 'liberal' Jeddah is.... a certain Jeddab based Saudi by the name of Abu Jawad went on Lebanease TV bragging about his romantic exploits. He is now under arrest with sections of Saudi society calling for his beheading.
For what you seem to be interested in- Jeddah is the proverbial prison job in a library; it's relatively cushy, but- you're still very much in a maximum security prison. Never forget that. By the way, you can't be a liberal Nazi, so figure out what I mean here.

sandersjayfer · Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 14 Location: Saudi Arabia

Saying that Jeddah is more liberal than Riyadh is like saying it is the nicest turd in the septic tank.

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

Go for Dammam as it is close enough to Bahrain to get away if you have a multi exit re entry visa.

Also there is a good expat scene there with Aramco and BAE and KFUPM in the vicinity.

EFLUndercover · Joined: 26 May 2007 Posts: 82

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

As a single thirty-year old I would give Jubail a miss.

The choice between Jeddah and Dammam is much of a muchness. Dammam has the advantage you can nip over to Bahrain, though if you would ever go to Bahrain if you didn't live in Saudi is a moot question. Jeddah is a large city, with an old part, but does have problems with pollution and overcrowdedness.

I rather suspect your idea of liberal and the Saudi idea of liberal are a long way apart. If I were your age I'd look for a job outside of Saudi.

Grendal · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:56 am Post subject:

GO FOR DAMMAM, IF THIS IS YOUR CHOISE. YOU ALSO HAVE A CHOISE TO GO SOMEWHERE MORE LIBERAL LIKE THE FRENCH RIVIERA.

G

Workingsmarter · Joined: 31 Jul 2006 Posts: 14 Location: Yankee Doodle Dandy

As far as Markemarks post I must speak up--

johnslat · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 6:30 pm Post subject:

Dear Workingsmarter,
It's all relative. Having worked in both Jeddah and Riyadh (though not in Dammam or Jubail. though I have visited both places), Jeddah is better.
If I were to arrange them in the order I'd choose to work there, it would be

1. Jeddah
2. Dammam
3. Riyadh
4. Jubal

(Riyadh's number three simply because it does offer a number of diversions, if you're willing to pursue them, owing to its size.)

Regards,
John

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

trapezius · Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 12:44 am Post subject:

jeddah has some of the best coral in the world. absolutely stunning. i haven't dived in jeddah yet, but i have been snorkeling and it is gorgeous even from the surface.

the public beaches are terrible. the private beaches are ok... nothing to write home about, but if you are into diving, then it is great.

dareva · Joined: 25 Aug 2009 Posts: 74 Location: almost there...

I'd also like to know how liberal Jeddah is? Not by Western standards but byME standards. I'm a single female and no, Im not talking about romance/sex stuff (I'm going there for the money - finish the contract and run). But would like to know what 'freedoms' I'd have while I'm there. I know about the dress issue, what about other stuff Question

trapezius · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 3:45 pm Post subject:

Specifically what would you like to know about? Give me some domains and I will give you the best answers here.

dareva · Joined: 25 Aug 2009 Posts: 74 Location: almost there...

Like, can I go swimming - I hear people swim at night there - but does that include women? And I heard the snorkelling is good, can I go too? What if I need to pop out to the shops and there's no one to go with me - can I go alone? Like buying a laptop - it takes me ages to look around when it comes to electronics. I heard that, in theory, women can go out alone (to certian places), but Arabian women generally dont, so if I do -will I be merely frowned at or hassled by men or the 'morality' police - I forget what they're called. What about being in public with a man who is not a relative or a husband - like I might see a male colleague in the shops, do I run form him or can I exchange a few pleasantries? And dress, I know about the abaya, but can I wear sandals with my toes peeping out? I know I'll find out most these things as I go along, but it's good to know ahead... Confused

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:52 pm Post subject:

I'd reply...but would you listen?

NCTBA