Saudia City Jeddah

7POSTS

12 years ago

Hi my husband and I shall be moving to Saudia City this August, can anyone tell us what it is like there? What facilities are there that are in use, I have read there was a cinema but that is now closed, swimming pools are now dry...is this true? Any information would be gratefully received.聽 Also where is there to go in Jeddah, restaurants? Beach clubs? We really have no idea, but we are sure it will be an adventure

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hamudi ViP

1981POSTS

12 years ago

Saudia City is a bedroom community, at least that's how I'd like to call it. Back in the 80s up to mid 90s it used to be the happening place as one of the leading compounds.

There is no cinema there unless someone was running it from their villa, some of the houses are outdated and some are renovated. They have a supermarket inside along with 2 good restaurants that are almost like a caf茅. Weekend is usually packed and service is slow including for sheesha.

Swimming pools are not dry, you will always find people using them.

Beaches recommended here are at resorts as it's more liberal. As for clubs, I'm a resident DJ at club underground (hottest club in Jeddah) minimum spending $100 but since you posted here I will get you in for free for the first visit.

hope that helps.

Which Witch Contributor

156POSTS

12 years ago

Pools are OK, central pool sometimes is not very clean due to floating remains of sandviches, pools near motel are more quiet. But it depends in which part of compound you will live.
Cinema was built long time ago but never used, all public parties were banned two years ago. It is not a western compound anymore.

1 member reacted to this post

Karen9734 New member

7POSTS

11 years ago

Thanks for your replies Hamudi and Which Witch, it gives us a bit of a heads up what to expect. Just hope we are in a renovated part! Do you know if the resorts do a membership package or whether it is just daily rates? Thanks in advance.

Which Witch Contributor

156POSTS

11 years ago

Yes they do membership packages. But this makes sense if you plan spend every weekend there or want to keep your own yacht or jet-ski there. Otherwise pay-and-go is the best option. Note that all beaches (I mean beaches - where you can swim and sunbath, and not only sit in "cabin" and eat) are in North Obhur - approx 40-50km from Saudia city, not very suitable for visiting every afternoon due to heavy traffic.

Trapezius ViP

1309POSTS

11 years ago

They are not that far.聽 They are about 25-30 km from Saudia City.聽 It takes half an hour.

Karen9734 New member

7POSTS

11 years ago

Ok thanks Which Witch and Trapezuis for the information on beach clubs, I guess we will have to weigh up the pros and cons of membership once we are there. Any idea of membership prices for a couple?

Which Witch Contributor

156POSTS

11 years ago

I heared Silver Sands yearly membership costs 5000sr/person, 10000/family. It is not a club, just a sandy beach, opened from 8am till 6:30. Not suitable for diving/snorkeling.
La Plage membership costs 1000sr/family but you still pay 100sr per day entry, and for evening activities you pay extra.
You should check one of the three Sheraton beaches with good audience and great coral reefs. Don't know membership prices there.
There are many others costing from 2000sr, but mostly used by locals and not bikini friendly.

1 member reacted to this post

Karen9734 New member

7POSTS

11 years ago

Thank you Which Witch, thats really helpful to know.

hamudi ViP

1981POSTS

11 years ago

#10

Which Witch wrote:
I heared Silver Sands yearly membership costs 5000sr/person, 10000/family. It is not a club, just a sandy beach, opened from 8am till 6:30. Not suitable for diving/snorkeling.
La Plage membership costs 1000sr/family but you still pay 100sr per day entry, and for evening activities you pay extra.
You should check one of the three Sheraton beaches with good audience and great coral reefs. Don't know membership prices there.
There are many others costing from 2000sr, but mostly used by locals and not bikini friendly.

Or , chip in with a few other family and get a chalet that costs about 120-200K/year. It's just a hassle to plan any events

And yes - for those who messaged me to attend my super secret parties it is important to know that admittance is only if you have approval from Ministry of Interior.

latheefshan Active member

26POSTS

11 years ago

#11

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somurchu Active member

85POSTS

11 years ago

#12

Saudia City certainly isn't the western compound that it used to be, the demographics have changed dramatically. They have even gotten to the stage where they have banned pets such as dogs and cats, not be mention ducks chickens and goats.
Assuming that as you are moving across the country, you might be working for a certain US company in a teaching capacity, if this is the case, ask them to house you in a different compound, saudia city just isn't worth it anymore.

BAK Active member

79POSTS

11 years ago

#13

Hi Karen,

I reside in Saudi City and it has been more than an year since I am here. I had a look at a number compounds before choosing this one and I don't regret moving here at all.

Most of the compounds I checked out were just a cluster of 10 to 40 villas and not worth being called compounds. Saudi City is a proper compound having all the necessities of living a reasonable life. Pools, super market, chemist shop, dry cleaner, coffee shops, parks, gymnasiums, green belts can all be found in the compound.聽 The compound residents are a mix of many nationalities so you would most probably be able to find a number of individuals from your home country. Also if you are going to reside alone, you would be able to find a number of individuals living with a single status and may have the same professional back ground. Another plus of the compound is its location in the city which is quite central. The compound also has its own Taxi service allowing you to move around Jeddah quite easily.

The only downside I experienced is the age of the structures. They are the oldest in Jeddah I believe, but the ones renovated properly don't give you that feeling for some time at least聽

.

As somurchu mentioned rightly, I have come across certain announcements banning pets but no body seems to care about it and I see pets every day on the roads. Also I am not sure what additional benefit is one able to extract from a "western compound" that you can not get in a "compound"聽聽

聽 .聽

Best of luck in shifting.

BAK Active member

79POSTS

11 years ago

#14

@ latheefshan .... the last I met you, you were a guy and here I see you as a female聽

. And you have moved from the US聽

, that's a surprise .....

Jokes aside, Latheef had been very helpful in showing me a number of compounds when I reached Jeddah, am grateful to him for that.

Which Witch Contributor

156POSTS

11 years ago

#15

BAK wrote:
Also I am not sure what additional benefit is one able to extract from a "western compound" that you can not get in a "compound"聽聽聽 .

Public parties with live music like one is going to happen next weekend in Sierra

latheefshan Active member

26POSTS

11 years ago

#16

Hi
Thanks for your highlighting
Good luck See you soon

BAK Active member

79POSTS

11 years ago

#17

@ Which Witch. You are right with that, haven't seen a public party at Saudi City though have noticed some private parties at some houses. Just out of curiosity, how frequent are these public parties in a particular western compound ?

Which Witch Contributor

156POSTS

11 years ago

#18

If eight out of ten females walking in compound or even sitting at the pool are completely covered - it says a lot about the social atmosphere.

somurchu Active member

85POSTS

11 years ago

#19

haven't seen a public party at Saudi City though have noticed some private parties at some houses

We used to have them, also prayer meetings..... but as i said, the demographics changed, so all of these were stopped. Also there was something in the compound called "respect", unfortunately thats gone, now young children are getting comments like "i hope you die because you are a christian"..... Sad but true.

BAK Active member

79POSTS

11 years ago

#20

Really sad to hear that. I have also come across a number of rude teenagers and even complained against them but the security guys are too busy doing nothing and nothing was done about it.

By the way who stopped you from doing things you wanted to ?

maher10a Member

17POSTS

11 years ago

#21

saudia city is a good place to live in ,you will make lots of friends from all over the world.
there is swimming pools, play ground and it is some how open area inside.
there are lots of nationals living there and they are very happy.

1 member reacted to this post

lana79 Member

11POSTS

11 years ago

#22

Saudia City is a huge compound. This will give you freedom to walk long distances without abaya when the weather is nice (=winter). I have lived there for the last 4 years. It is true there are no more parties allowed now. The cinema was built but never allowed to be used, it's just an empty building. Security people are tough as there are literally no rules. Sometimes they let your guests in and sometimes don't, you need to speak to their supervisor every now and then. There are many pools: for families, for ladies, etc. all very big. They are not dry! If you have kids, there is a playground and two nurseries, very convenient. At the Star Market you can find most of the items you need. I see it more like place to socialize and meet your neighbors than a proper supermarket :-) Otherwise, right outside the compound there is a Danube supermarket open 24/7.

There is also a nice gym with tennis courts, a laundry, a car rental company (useful until your husband gets a car), a couple of cafes that keep changing owners and style constantly ;-), house of donuts and a taxi company. As a woman, you will be using the taxi company a lot. Any ride inside the compound costs 5 SAR. Outside it depends on the area, there are no meters, only fixed rates. Those taxis are much cleaner than the ones you stop on the street.

Nowadays there is an issue in the compound about teenagers driving quads dangerously. We reported it many times to security but it has been useless, just be careful with them!

Regarding beaches, La Plage and Silver Sands are both nice, also Sheraton. We never paid for a membership because it is only worth it if you go every weekend.

1 member reacted to this post

Karen9734 New member

7POSTS

11 years ago

#23

Thanks lana79 for your advice and comments, it's good to know, maybe we will meet in Star supermarket one day

Karen9734 New member

7POSTS

11 years ago

#24

Thanks Maher10a you have eased my concerns about Saudi City

we are looking forward to being there soon

live.ali Guest

0POSTS

11 years ago

#25

lana79 wrote:
Saudia City is a huge compound. This will give you freedom to walk long distances without abaya when the weather is nice (=winter). I have lived there for the last 4 years. It is true there are no more parties allowed now. The cinema was built but never allowed to be used, it's just an empty building. Security people are tough as there are literally no rules. Sometimes they let your guests in and sometimes don't, you need to speak to their supervisor every now and then. There are many pools: for families, for ladies, etc. all very big. They are not dry! If you have kids, there is a playground and two nurseries, very convenient. At the Star Market you can find most of the items you need. I see it more like place to socialize and meet your neighbors than a proper supermarket :-) Otherwise, right outside the compound there is a Danube supermarket open 24/7.

There is also a nice gym with tennis courts, a laundry, a car rental company (useful until your husband gets a car), a couple of cafes that keep changing owners and style constantly ;-), house of donuts and a taxi company. As a woman, you will be using the taxi company a lot. Any ride inside the compound costs 5 SAR. Outside it depends on the area, there are no meters, only fixed rates. Those taxis are much cleaner than the ones you stop on the street.

Nowadays there is an issue in the compound about teenagers driving quads dangerously. We reported it many times to security but it has been useless, just be careful with them!

Regarding beaches, La Plage and Silver Sands are both nice, also Sheraton. We never paid for a membership because it is only worth it if you go every weekend.

Very useful post !

1 member reacted to this post

riazcdki Serial expat

900POSTS

11 years ago

#26

Please take my input too!

I have never ever seen a muslim ( including saudis, arabs, and non-arabs) humiliating or insulting any body because he or she was a Christian or any other kind of non-muslim. I do not know, other members may have experienced the contrary but I will find it very disturbing if it is true.

hamudi ViP

1981POSTS

11 years ago

#27

but I've seen it, heard it. This world is a full of surprises.

Karen9734 New member

7POSTS

11 years ago

#28

I have my travel arranged and shall arrive 19th August. Looking forward to the start of a new adventure.

rareshine Serial expat

904POSTS

11 years ago

#29

Can you tell me which employer houses employees on Saudia City?

intlskipper Member

2POSTS

11 years ago

#30

Hi Karen!

My husband and I are both moving to Jeddah too and will be living on Saudia City as well.

Thanks for your post! It was helpful. Hopefully we will meet soon!

Gustaf Member

23POSTS

11 years ago

#31

Moving to Saudia City too.

stressedmom Serial expat

661POSTS

11 years ago

#32

Rareshine many of the families who live in Saudi City work for the Saudia Airlines, though there are a few others there

dotcruz Member

2POSTS

11 years ago

#33

Hello I am curious where is this underground club? I have been in Jeddah for 8 months but I haven't of an underground club.

dbehary Active member

60POSTS

11 years ago

#34

dotcruz wrote:
Hello I am curious where is this underground club? I have been in Jeddah for 8 months but I haven't of an underground club.

There is no underground club in Jeddah, what might be meant is; few people had prepared their basement floor in few compounds to be a dancing floor.
If you ever find this underground club, please tell me!

Vera Croz Member

1POSTS

11 years ago

#35

Hi
jeddah nice city with kind people
Don't listen to other check by your self.

live.ali Guest

0POSTS

11 years ago

#36

Explore jeddah

hamudi ViP

1981POSTS

11 years ago

#37

dbehary wrote:
There is no underground club in Jeddah, what might be meant is; few people had prepared their basement floor in few compounds to be a dancing floor.
If you ever find this underground club, please tell me!

Ignorance is a bliss....

live.ali Guest

0POSTS

11 years ago

#38

hamudi wrote:
dbehary wrote:
There is no underground club in Jeddah, what might be meant is; few people had prepared their basement floor in few compounds to be a dancing floor.
If you ever find this underground club, please tell me!

Ignorance is a bliss....

Enlighten us Hamudi

In all honesty though; is your club merely a dance club? Or do they engage in outdoor activities as well?

hamudi ViP

1981POSTS

11 years ago

#39

simplyaddo wrote:
Enlighten us Hamudi

In all honesty though; is your club merely a dance club? Or do they engage in outdoor activities as well?

All sorts....outdoor activities are unlimited .... such as orgy in the desert let me know if you are up for it聽

live.ali Guest

0POSTS

11 years ago

#40

hamudi wrote:
simplyaddo wrote:
Enlighten us Hamudi

In all honesty though; is your club merely a dance club? Or do they engage in outdoor activities as well?

All sorts....outdoor activities are unlimited .... such as orgy in the desert let me know if you are up for it聽

Funny You are part of the Backpackers, I presume?