Job Discussion Forums

SaharaDesert · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 260

Just wondering if Jeddah is more relaxed in terms of the lifestyle for single females than Riyadh ?

I hear that in Jeddah single female expats are not as pressured to cover their hair ? Wrong or right ?

Also are there private all female beaches, privates spas and private gyms
at the 4 or 5 star hotels in Jeddah ?

Anyone here of the Sharbatly Village compound ? Is it nice ?

Thanks.

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

SaharaDesert · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 260

Thanks for your answers to my questions.

When was the last time you were in Jeddah ?

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

2004.

It was in April, I think!

ayisha881 · Joined: 28 Feb 2011 Posts: 9 Location: USA

Jeddah is more lenient then Riyadh for example (where my husband who is a Saudi lives). They're more westernized but have a lot of factories (reason why Dh doesn't like it there as he wouldn't be able to get a job). Saudis LOVE American people. In terms of getting your salary: Americans first, "pure" Saudis second, Black Saudis *according to the idiots in that country they aren't 'true' saudis* third and Asian domestic servants last. Most westerners live in compounds (where you can drive if you're a girl, at least in ARAMCO you can)-also go the desert and they can't stop you from driving but they may give you an apartment outside of compounds. You may be given a travel allowance to get to and from work, some companies may pick you up and take you home after work. I've heard most Westerners feel more at home in the compounds because they can do whatever inside compound limits.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 1:30 pm Post subject:

Dear ayisha881,

"Saudis LOVE American people."

Umm, that may be just a little too much of a generalization (unless you were writing "tongue-in-cheek"). Just how much "love" (or dislike) Saudis might have for Americans often depends mainly on the prevalent political situation.

When we threw Saddam out of Kuwait (Desert Storm: '90-91), Americans were very popular with most Saudis (I was everyone's best friend)

When we invaded Iraq (2003), well, Americans weren't "loved" by many, if any, Saudis (at least I wasn't - Saudis in Toyota pick-ups aimed their vehicles at me on three separate occasions while I was walking to work. Oh, they were just trying to scare me; they could have hit me if they really wanted to. However, I doubt that "love" was their motivation.)

Regards,
John