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Coming to Saudi Arabia - Questions from a "noob"
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PastorYoon



Joined: 29 Jul 2010
Posts: 19

PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:16 am    Post subject: Coming to Saudi Arabia - Questions from a "noob" Reply with quote

Hello,

My wife and I are potentially coming to Saudi Arabia very soon. I have been researching quite a bit about the country, and am trying to figure out what things are not allowed for me to do - since I will try not to be flogged/jailed/deported. Any information to help clarify things to stay away from would be greatly appreciated. (I'm from the US)

* Must my wife cover herself completely? What about wearing makeup?
* Are there really so many gays? I like to exercise and go running - are there going to be guys slowly driving by me? Can I wear shorts?
* Is food in the supermarket expensive? What is the average cost/month for modest meals (2 people)?
* I am hearing that there is no alcohol/cigarettes whatsoever in Saudi. Would it be so risky to make my own once in a while?
* Can I watch websites like justin.tv or mlb.tv in Saudi Arabia?
* Can I access any internet site, or are many things blocked?
* What about going to the beach? Can we wear a swimming suit, or is it completely taboo?
* Could someone get a cosmetic surgery in Saudi Arabia?
* What do people do for entertainment?

Genuine responses only, please (yeah right!). Laughing
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Sheikh N Bake



Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 1307
Location: Dis ting of ours

PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 12:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hhmmm, obviously you're extremely new to the Middle East.

In Saudi Arabia there is nothing to do except shop, and in rather indequate stores at that...although the supermarkets are OK. And everything closes down four times a day for prayer. Each day at a slightly different time.

If you are in Jeddah, Riyadh or Dammam your wife can generally uncover her hair but the rest needs to be covered by an abaya.

For entertainment there is NOTHING outside the house other than expat parties. AVOID parties where people drink. You CAN smoke, however. In the house there is a decent satellite TV service called Orbit-Showtime with about 80 English channels including all the US news shows, about a dozen movie channels (9 of which are uncut and uncensored premium channels, plus pay-per-view). They have recently introduced some HD channels at no extra cost. I pay $65 a month.

Internet is not excessively blocked, even compared to the Emirates. Speed can be adequate to poor to nonexistent depending on the physical location and construction of your home.

Supermarkets are pathetic compared to the US but large and adequate, while prices are similar. You will not go broke eating. As for other stuff to buy and bring, just do a search, especially with some of VS's recent posts.

Websites with streaming video of US TV? NO. They don't stream overseas, at least not to the Gulf, because of copyright and other procedural concerns, and furthermore the broadband here does not support streaming video other than Youtube.

There are private beaches for expats in Jeddah. AFAIK that's the only place you can swim with your wife and you can both wear swimsuits. If you're not in Jeddah then you're out of luck.

In the more remote places like where I am (Qassim province) your wife may not even uncover her face. Her world will be black outside your house. Period.

You cannot really go running outside in your shorts except within a Western compound. It's too unfriendly out there. Even men's legs are considered provocative.

If you and your wife are going to be on a large western compound, life won't be bad. If you're "on the economy" in some apartment block, or in a nonwestern compound shared by Arabs, forget it...your wife's world will be sterile, uneventful and possibly black. And there will be nothing for her except TV and internet aside from, of course, your company.

Enjoy.
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cmp45



Joined: 17 Aug 2004
Posts: 1475
Location: KSA

PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 2:27 pm    Post subject: Re: Coming to Saudi Arabia - Questions from a "noob&quo Reply with quote

First off, I recommend you do some research, the net is chock full of info on Saudi customs and culture; however, here are my answers to your questions:
* Must my wife cover herself completely? Depend on location...urban centers are more tollerant than rural communities...best error on conservative side to begin with

What about wearing makeup? As a westerner, would not worry too much about this as long as she doesn't look like a clown.

* Are there really so many gays? Does this matter? Hard to gage as technically gay life is very much underground, but yes you will most likely encounter some unwanted attention.

I like to exercise and go running - are there going to be guys slowly driving by me? Best use a tread mill indoors as the weather is not very good for running outside most of the year and yes you would get some unwanted attention if you choose to do so.

Can I wear shorts? below the knee will probably be okay, but again you will know how that goes when you arrive...test it out and see.

* Is food in the supermarket expensive? What is the average cost/month for modest meals (2 people)? Again depends...you can be frugal by shopping at local markets or spend over the top for western brands at the big indoor supermarkets...eating out is the same ...varies from cheap to extravagant. Lots of restaurants in the urban centers to choose from...fast food to fine dinning.

* I am hearing that there is no alcohol/cigarettes whatsoever in Saudi. Technically it is illegal to drink in KSA, but many do brew their own, but in my estimate home brew is horrible and not much fun to indulge in KSA...best to abstain and get it while away on holidays. Cigarettes are still cheap and people still smoke like chimmeys.

Would it be so risky to make my own once in a while? Yes it's risky...IT's illegal! Do so at your own risk.

* Can I watch websites like justin.tv or mlb.tv in Saudi Arabia? Don't know about this, you will have to adapt to what's available when you arrive and see.

* Can I access any internet site, or are many things blocked? Yes internet is available, and yes many sites are blocked.

* What about going to the beach? Can we wear a swimming suit, or is it completely taboo? Depends on where you go to swim...but wearing a swim suit is okay at most of the designated swimming areas. ...again ask around when you arrive and will get best advice on where to go for swimming Both coastal areas have beaches for swimming.

* Could someone get a cosmetic surgery in Saudi Arabia? OMG yes...it is big business in KSA!

* What do people do for entertainment? That depends on you. It's tough for some, because for the most part you need to tolerate long quiet bouts at home...hobbies?????

If you tend to be negative about life in general, you will have a hard time in KSA; if your outlook leans to a more positive outlook you will still be miserable, but will beable to cope better LOL
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Kornan DeKobb



Joined: 24 Jan 2010
Posts: 242

PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 4:38 pm    Post subject: Re: Coming to Saudi Arabia - Questions from a "noob& Reply with quote

cmp45 wrote:

I like to exercise and go running - are there going to be guys slowly driving by me? Best use a tread mill indoors as the weather is not very good for running outside most of the year and yes you would get some unwanted attention if you choose to do so.

Can I wear shorts? below the knee will probably be okay, but again you will know how that goes when you arrive...test it out and see.

What about sports?
Are there any in KSA? I've never seen the country represented in the Olympics. If there are, do they do them fully covered?

What is up with living in a hot desert and having to be all bundled up?

I like bizarre. Can't wait till I get there! Laughing

But seriously, can I play tennis? In tennis shorts? And on the beaches where they cannot wear bathing suits, what do people wear? Wouldn't wearing clothes while swimming be a drowning risk?
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aoteach



Joined: 11 Jul 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 6:22 pm    Post subject: Internet Busines... Reply with quote

I run an internet business and definitely need to access websites...all family oriented of course. I've read that some sites are blocked...is there any way to know which sites simply b/c I need to continue to work online. I figure being in Saudi would give me lots of time to manage my online business. Any thoughts???
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Never Ceased To Be Amazed



Joined: 22 Oct 2004
Posts: 3500
Location: Shhh...don't talk to me...I'm playin' dead...

PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 6:39 pm    Post subject: Re: Coming to Saudi Arabia - Questions from a "noob& Reply with quote

Kornan DeKobb wrote:



Are there any in KSA?

Yes.

I've never seen the country represented in the Olympics.

They are, albeit poorly, represented. There was quite a hub-bub a few Olympics ago when McDonald's put the saudi flag on disposable items like drink cups and sandwich wrappers. Obviously, some muslims became incensed when they saw the wrappers being wadded up and cups being thrown into trash bins.

You see, the Shahada (Muslim creed) is on the saudi flag. I'd be a bit pissed, too...


If there are, do they do them fully covered?

They'll cover everything that the Olympic committee allows. What's funny is seeing saudis, both men and women in Islamic swimsuits! Swimming abayas are a hoot!



NCTBA
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cmp45



Joined: 17 Aug 2004
Posts: 1475
Location: KSA

PostPosted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 1:12 am    Post subject: Re: Coming to Saudi Arabia - Questions from a "noob& Reply with quote

Kornan DeKobb wrote:
cmp45 wrote:

I like to exercise and go running - are there going to be guys slowly driving by me? Best use a tread mill indoors as the weather is not very good for running outside most of the year and yes you would get some unwanted attention if you choose to do so.

Can I wear shorts? below the knee will probably be okay, but again you will know how that goes when you arrive...test it out and see.

What about sports?
Are there any in KSA? I've never seen the country represented in the Olympics. If there are, do they do them fully covered?

What is up with living in a hot desert and having to be all bundled up?

I like bizarre. Can't wait till I get there! Laughing

But seriously, can I play tennis? In tennis shorts? And on the beaches where they cannot wear bathing suits, what do people wear? Wouldn't wearing clothes while swimming be a drowning risk?


Your enthusiasm is somewhat naive, but is actually a good thing upon entering KSA. Yes, you can wear shorts and play tennis....may god have mercy upon your soul. Very Happy Enjoy the freedom that Allah allows you!
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Bebsi



Joined: 07 Feb 2005
Posts: 958

PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 12:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Must my wife cover herself completely? What about wearing makeup?


Yes, she must cover herself completely, but it will have to be with clothes. Make-up won't be enough.

Laughing
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sheikher



Joined: 13 Jul 2009
Posts: 291

PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 1:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Female beach fashion may be found here in photos 10, 21, and 7 (poolside)


http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2010/08/saudi-arabia-slide-show-201008#slide=1
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veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 2:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bebsi wrote:
Quote:
Must my wife cover herself completely? What about wearing makeup?


Yes, she must cover herself completely, but it will have to be with clothes. Make-up won't be enough.

Bebsi... long time no see!! Good catch!! Laughing

aoteach wrote:
I run an internet business and definitely need to access websites...all family oriented of course. I've read that some sites are blocked...is there any way to know which sites simply b/c I need to continue to work online. I figure being in Saudi would give me lots of time to manage my online business. Any thoughts???

Blocked sites can be unpredictable. While in Oman, a friend's blog of Kuwait... all quite glowing as she loved her life there... was banned. I was actually able to get it unblocked, but Oman is a much more sensible sort of place. Cool Your biggest problem is likely to be speed and dependability of connection for running a business.

Kornan DeKobb wrote:
And on the beaches where they cannot wear bathing suits, what do people wear? Wouldn't wearing clothes while swimming be a drowning risk?

You would think so. I have seen women on the beaches in Egypt swimming fully clothed... abaya over street wear (long dresses)... or just their street wear. Oddly to me, being in wet clothes is nearly as revealing as wearing a swimsuit. But, mainly they only waded in the water, there was no actual swimming involved. This was before the burkini was developed.

VS
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Middle East Beast



Joined: 05 Mar 2008
Posts: 836
Location: Up a tree

PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 1:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Regarding reception of US TV shows:

http://www.free-tv-video-online.info/

This works in the UAE, but I never tried it when I was in KSA because I didn't know about it. There are a LOT of shows and movies at this site. In the UAE I've watched Two and a half Men and Supernatural, for example.

Give it a whirl. And good luck on your Saudi adventure. Cool
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HCEG1



Joined: 20 Oct 2008
Posts: 36

PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 6:36 am    Post subject: Re: Internet Busines... Reply with quote

aoteach wrote:
I run an internet business and definitely need to access websites...all family oriented of course. I've read that some sites are blocked...is there any way to know which sites simply b/c I need to continue to work online. I figure being in Saudi would give me lots of time to manage my online business. Any thoughts???


There are several ways to bypass the proxy server, allowing access to almost anything. Some require payment, others are free. No disrespect, but I thought someone running an internet business would know this
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PastorYoon



Joined: 29 Jul 2010
Posts: 19

PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 2:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I use proxies all of the time, but I'm not too sure if I will when I'm in Saudi. Will they kill you or flog you or something?
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Grendal



Joined: 13 Aug 2009
Posts: 861
Location: Lurking in the depths of the Faisaliah Tower underground parking.

PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 3:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

In Al-Hassa, a relativly less uptight city in Eastern Province, our female teachers went on their regular shopping venture with the other men teachers to Othaium Mall and were met with a surprize when they returned back to the bus. The windows of the bus were smashed. We thought about it a while then added up all the facts.
1. Men were wearing short shorts.
2. Some women, blonde haired, were not wearing their hijab.
3. We were seated together in the bus that had no tinted windows.

We took the necessary precautions and had no more misshaps thereafter.

In Buraydah, ultra conservative Qassim Province, one of our female teachers just couldn't stand the heat any longer and jumped into the hotel pool fully clothed and wearing an abaya. She was shipped out that same week and the pool was emptied scrubbed and cleaned of female kouties.

Just a little reminder of what you noobs are getting yourselves into.

Regards.

Grendal
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veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 4:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Grendal wrote:
In Buraydah, ultra conservative Qassim Province, one of our female teachers just couldn't stand the heat any longer and jumped into the hotel pool fully clothed and wearing an abaya. She was shipped out that same week and the pool was emptied scrubbed and cleaned of female kouties

I don't even know how to swim and I have this sudden urge to head to Saudi Arabia and jump into every swimming pool in sight... Cool

VS
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