AbouFoelaan
Dutch expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
64
About me
Dutch
Lives in Riyadh
Registration: 04 June 2015
Best quality nurseries/preschools/kindergartens in Riyadh
Hi all, We are looking for a good pre-school for our boy (3-years old). Are there any good quality kindergartens around that don't celebrate western holidays (like Eastern, Halloween) and don't use music in their activities? Whatever the ... Read More
Giving birth in Al Khobar / Dammam
Indeed, stay away from Saad. Most horrible people ever. Procare has very nice people working there. But the problem is is that they only have two gynecologists working so it's difficuLt to make an appointment. And no worries, most of the ... Read More
Getting Ebay things shipped to KSA having a PO box
Thanks for the response. Yeah I already had something arrived to me by receiving a text message. But I was thinking of opening up a po box and was wondering whether I can use that po box to receive parcels as well or is it only for letters? Read More
Getting Ebay things shipped to KSA having a PO box
Hi everyone, I am thinking of opening up a po box account so that I can receive mail from back home. And I order a lot of small things from eBay and aliexpress which should fit in that box as wwll when receiving it. Does any one know what happens ... Read More
Currency exchange Saudi Riyals to Euros
Thank you Ali for the help. Let's see. Maybe I can find people who to exchange with me. Read More
Currency exchange Saudi Riyals to Euros
Thanks Ali for sharing. Only issue is is that everyone advised not to go to Batha as its not that safe. Especially if you want to exchange (large amounts of) money. Are there no other places who offer a good rate? Read More
Currency exchange Saudi Riyals to Euros
Hi all, I have Saudi Riyals that I want to exchange for euro's (or maybe even British pounds). Any idea where you can get the best rate? And if you yourself have euro's and are interested to exchange with me then that's also okay. Read More
Best FEMALE gynecologist in Khobar by AbouFoelaan
Hi everyone, are there any gynecologists that you can recommend in Khobar with most preferably a Western background or education? Unfortunately on the site of Saad I hardly see any females, and the ones that they have are all from surrounding ...
No one who can answer? I went to Saad Hospital and worst experience ever. Everyone seemed depressed. And I went to a Sudanese lady because she studied in the UK but she was even worse. Besides the fact that she sounded very arrogant, she couldnt ... Read More
Best FEMALE gynecologist in Khobar
Hi everyone, are there any gynecologists that you can recommend in Khobar with most preferably a Western background or education? Unfortunately on the site of Saad I hardly see any females, and the ones that they have are all from surrounding ... Read More
Cheapest car insurance ever! by AbouFoelaan
Hi all, I was wondering which car insurance company is the cheapest. I dont want all the fancy stuff, just the obligatory by law one. Thus in this case, just a third party liabilty cover insurance. Which one is in this case the cheapest?
Really appreciate the post. Will be doing one of the three cheapest ones. And is it possible to do it onine or do you have to go to their offices. Read More
Cheapest car insurance ever! by AbouFoelaan
Hi all, I was wondering which car insurance company is the cheapest. I dont want all the fancy stuff, just the obligatory by law one. Thus in this case, just a third party liabilty cover insurance. Which one is in this case the cheapest?
BaarakAllaahoe feek Hamudi. Good to know. It is either way cheap. Read More
Buying a house as an expat in Riyadh
Whahahah apparently I am asking for something rare? I think it will take a while for me to succeed, as you need a large amount of down payment. Read More
Cheapest car insurance ever! by AbouFoelaan
Hi all, I was wondering which car insurance company is the cheapest. I dont want all the fancy stuff, just the obligatory by law one. Thus in this case, just a third party liabilty cover insurance. Which one is in this case the cheapest?
Seriously? Just 700 for a whole year? Regardless of the type of car? MAa shaa Allaah cheap! Read More
Buying a house as an expat in Riyadh
Hi all, Is there any expat who has experience in buying a house in KSA. Can you share your experience or articles about this. Me myself was thinking about buying a house in the future once I have saved a little bit as I heard that there are ... Read More
Cheapest car insurance ever!
Hi all, I was wondering which car insurance company is the cheapest. I dont want all the fancy stuff, just the obligatory by law one. Thus in this case, just a third party liabilty cover insurance. Which one is in this case the cheapest? Read More
Who wants to sell his car to me? by AbouFoelaan
Hi everyone, Does someone has a good, reliable car that he wants to sell? I am looking to buy a second hand car, but am cautious with buying just from anyone. And as I have a lot of models in mind, I cant really specify which model i am looking ...
I am willing to spend 80k if the car is worth it. Like a Mercedes ML. For a corolla, I am not willing to pay this amount of money. Also not the new price. What you pay for a new corolla, can be used to buy a beautiful second hand Q7 or something. Read More
Who wants to sell his car to me? by AbouFoelaan
Hi everyone, Does someone has a good, reliable car that he wants to sell? I am looking to buy a second hand car, but am cautious with buying just from anyone. And as I have a lot of models in mind, I cant really specify which model i am looking ...
I think that one is out of my budget. I am willing to spend till 80K Read More
Who wants to sell his car to me?
Hi everyone, Does someone has a good, reliable car that he wants to sell? I am looking to buy a second hand car, but am cautious with buying just from anyone. And as I have a lot of models in mind, I cant really specify which model i am looking ... Read More
Car auction market in naseem (khurais road to dammam)
Is there someone who has experience in visiting the car auction market in naseem? It is a place where individuals come to sell their cars and is mostly sold by jemeni intermediaries. I was there and it seems that cars are being sold very cheaply. ... Read More
Broadband Internet (adsl)
Hi everyone, Can someone explain whether broadband Internet solutions are present in ksa like we also have in Europe. Thus internet through Adsl. Thus through a cable that comes in to your house and that you have to attach to a router. The only ... Read More
Depression, Homesickness and Loneliness, How did you deal with it? by iaminriyadh
I met a good friend when I was still working in Riyadh. We both have resigned and I went back to The Philippines while she got a new job in Dammam. Like some private hospitals, they weren't allowed to go outside the accommodation except for a ...
This verse from the Qor'aan really struck me: "And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life." Read More
Depression, Homesickness and Loneliness, How did you deal with it? by iaminriyadh
I met a good friend when I was still working in Riyadh. We both have resigned and I went back to The Philippines while she got a new job in Dammam. Like some private hospitals, they weren't allowed to go outside the accommodation except for a ...
It sounds maybe strange to others, but for me it was the Qor'aan! Listening/reading the Qor'aan really ' fixed' the tightness that I felt in my heart. Especially the chapter of Prophet Youssef (Joseph). If you see what he has ... Read More
open new post box no
life-in-saudiarabia.blogspot.nl/2015/05/procedure-to-open-post-box-po-box-in.html#.Vd79efmqqko Enjoy! Read More
Learning Arabic and Islamic lessons part-time at Imam Saud University
ASsalaamoe ' alaikoem, Does anybode know whether Imam Saud University has the same curriculum that they have at the Medina University but then for part time students. I want to study more about my beautiful religion and would like to do that at ... Read More
Where to buy itr/musk (fragrances)?
Hi all, Where can I buy 3itr/musk for men? I want to buy this the same way they sell them in Mekka and Medina. Any ideas where I can find these kind of shops? I want 3itr that smell like European fragrances like Armani, Issey Miyaki, One Million ... Read More
MoFa is refusing to stamp my degrees
Apparantly, you always need MOFA to make your degree useable in KSA. Our Managing Director faced the same issue and they didn't help him in any way. So I am affraid I have to send my documents back. And I went to the MOHE and they also attest ... Read More
MoFa is refusing to stamp my degrees
Hi everyone, MoFa doesnt want to stamp my degrees, because I have the stamp fo the Saudi Embassy on a copy of my original degree and the stamp of the Saudi Cultural mission is done on my original degree. Because of this they don't want to stamp ... Read More
opinion required on package offered by awpal
Hello all, I'm in discussion with a contractor for a job based in Jubail. It's an expert level IT role at a large chemical manufacturer. Employment contract will not be with the manufacturer but with the contractor. I've been offered ...
I did the travelling (actually I am still doing it). If you are a real family man, I wouldn't do it. Everytime I would miss my family a lot. That is why I put pressure on my company to get my family here as soon as possible. Besides that, ... Read More
Are there any swimming pools or waterparks ? by dandaman
Are there any swimming pools or waterparks in the KSA (especially Riyadh) that have family days? I'd like to be able to share the experience with my wife.
If you want to swim with your partner, I would suggest to rent a private villa with it's own swimming pool. It can cost you up to 1000 SAR, but then you can swim together and enjoy a nice day out. Read More
Health insurance in KSA by AbouFoelaan
Hi guys, How does health insurance work in KSA? What tiers are available and what do they contain more or less? I just got my card and it says VIP+. I assume that that is good, but which tiers/schemes are there?
To be honost, now that I will be vip, i don't mind going to a hospital :P.. Thanks guys for the input. I hope someone can benefit from this thread as the various tiers of insurance is not clear to a lot of people. Read More
Yellow paper for family visa requirements by Iffiusman
Hi All, I am working as a RF engineer in a telecom company. My profession on iqamah is "fanny electroni etisalat". I have BE degree in Computer Engineering. Anyone please guide me what is the process of getting yellow paper for bringing ...
I think you need an attested degree. I will be applying for this yellow paper very soon in shaa Allaah and I made sure that I have everything ready and took all the necessary paperwork with me to KSA. So you need a marriage certicate translated and ... Read More
Health insurance in KSA by AbouFoelaan
Hi guys, How does health insurance work in KSA? What tiers are available and what do they contain more or less? I just got my card and it says VIP+. I assume that that is good, but which tiers/schemes are there?
Wooow, thanks mate! You are truly a legend! I was trying to Google which tiers there were, but couldn't find anything. But good to know. So if something would happen I can chill then in a 5 star Hospital. Good to know! Any idea's which ... Read More
What would I miss from the UK and how can i bring my family along ? by Huntersbar
Hello all, I'm heading towards the magical kindom very soon. What would I miss most from the UK? what should I bring with me? I have a young family, how soon can I bring them along? other useful advise are welcome.
Bringing your family to KSA should be very easy. Once you are here and have your iqama, you can make an appointment through Estaqdam, where you will get a yellow slip. With this yellow slip, your family can apply for a residents visa back in the UK. Read More
Health insurance in KSA
Hi guys, How does health insurance work in KSA? What tiers are available and what do they contain more or less? I just got my card and it says VIP+. I assume that that is good, but which tiers/schemes are there? Read More
diplomatic quarter - anyone working here? seeking friendship
Dear ArsalanA, I also work in Olaya and thinking about living either in the northern part of Riyadh (exit 5 till 9) or on the western side, thus the DQ area. How do you find it living there? Read More
Translations done abroad, problem?
Hahah meskien! Then next time, tell admin to come to me so that I can endorse you. You are a terrific guy! Read More
Translations done abroad, problem?
Hamudi my friend. The fact that I am a perfectionist is the reason why my company wanted me here :). Apparantly it is a very scarce trait here in KSA. So thnx for the compliment. And I am already here, but thnx for your comments. Some of them were ... Read More
Translations done abroad, problem?
Hi, After I get my iqamah I want to start inviting my family immediately by applying for a resident visa for them. Their documents (marriage certificate, birth ceritificate and my uuniversity degrees) are all translated and stamped in Europe? Will ... Read More
Which bank to choose? by AbouFoelaan
Hi all, What would you advice me? I have to open up a bank account, but I don't know which one to choose. I have a few requirements. First of all, it should be a fully sharia complaint bank. So that means that I can only choose between 4 banks. ...
Thnx! Anyone by the way experence at al Bilad bank? Read More
Where to pick up iqama
Another question you guys. Where do you pick up your iqama after your medical check is updated at the jawazat office? And do you need to bring something special with you. And what are there opening times? Read More
Which bank to choose? by AbouFoelaan
Hi all, What would you advice me? I have to open up a bank account, but I don't know which one to choose. I have a few requirements. First of all, it should be a fully sharia complaint bank. So that means that I can only choose between 4 banks. ...
So Alinma's cc is great. But how about their digital capabilities? Read More
Which bank to choose? by AbouFoelaan
Hi all, What would you advice me? I have to open up a bank account, but I don't know which one to choose. I have a few requirements. First of all, it should be a fully sharia complaint bank. So that means that I can only choose between 4 banks. ...
If there people who experiences with one of the four, please do share them with us :D. Read More
Which bank to choose? by AbouFoelaan
Hi all, What would you advice me? I have to open up a bank account, but I don't know which one to choose. I have a few requirements. First of all, it should be a fully sharia complaint bank. So that means that I can only choose between 4 banks. ...
Thanks you all for the replies. So I will be VIP, hurrayyyyyyyyyyy!!! The four are: - Rajhi - Bank al-Jazira - Bank al-Bilad - Alinma bank But, I don't hear very good things about the customer service. Especially that of Rajhi. But I only ... Read More
Which bank to choose?
Hi all, What would you advice me? I have to open up a bank account, but I don't know which one to choose. I have a few requirements. First of all, it should be a fully sharia complaint bank. So that means that I can only choose between 4 banks. ... Read More
Bringing my wife to KSA
No, they seem to make exceptions for teachers of universities. Check on the tasheel site for work visa and/or resident visa. You will see that for this group and ambassadors there are other rules. Read More
How to receive parcels?
Hi everyone, Another question :). I love shopping online. My question is, how can you receive your parcels if you shop from Ebay, Amazon, souq.com etc.. Do they ship it to your home, or do you have to create a postal box. How does this go in ... Read More
Where to do medical check for iqamah in Riyadh?
I heard that there is a difference. The better ones, submit the results quicker. Read More
Where to do medical check for iqamah in Riyadh?
Hi everyone, As I want to have my iqamah ready as soon as possible, I was told to select a hospital for the medical check on the basis on how fast they process your medical check. So is there anyone who has good experiences with certain hospitals. ... Read More
Riyadh - Best non compound area to stay by rere1980
Hi I will be moving to Riyadh in 3 months time, and looking for an area to live in. My criteria are: - Non compound (we would prefer living with locals - we're practising muslims of Pakistani ethnicity but brought up in UK). - budget: would ...
Maa shaa Allaah akhi! I am in exact the same situation. Only thing is that I want to live in a villa. For the rest, we have the same criteria and requirements. May Allaah ease it! By the way, I will be moving in August. And what I heard from ... Read More
Active masaajid. by AbouFoelaan
Any people that can tell me which mosques are active when it comes to Islamic lectures, lessons etc. I would love to study more about my religion and was wondering where the mashaayikh are giving durus. By the way, I understand Arabic reasonably ...
SubhanAllaah! I thought I shared the link. Here it comes: http://littleexplorerblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/masajid-and-quraa-in-riyadh.html Read More
Active masaajid. by AbouFoelaan
Any people that can tell me which mosques are active when it comes to Islamic lectures, lessons etc. I would love to study more about my religion and was wondering where the mashaayikh are giving durus. By the way, I understand Arabic reasonably ...
BaarakAllaahoe feek akhi al habeeb! I am really grateful for your help! Btw, I found a nice website with where all the famous Qurra are leading the prayer. Maybe helpful with the coming of the Ramadan. Read More
Nice neighbourhoods in Riyadh by AbouFoelaan
Hi all, I will be moving very soon to Riyadh and I am checking where to live. At the moment I work in Olayya, but I would really love to live in a more quite neighbourhood. So I was wondering where the neighbourhoods are with newer, bigger, more ...
Thanks Solar Winds, I will rent a car for the weekend and pay a visit to the mentioned neighborhoods. Read More
Nice neighbourhoods in Riyadh by AbouFoelaan
Hi all, I will be moving very soon to Riyadh and I am checking where to live. At the moment I work in Olayya, but I would really love to live in a more quite neighbourhood. So I was wondering where the neighbourhoods are with newer, bigger, more ...
Thanks Abbeymae for your message. But I personally don't want to live in a compound. I would rather live among the locals as I also want to finetune my Arabic. And besides that, with the same amount that you would pay in a compound you could ... Read More
Active masaajid. by AbouFoelaan
Any people that can tell me which mosques are active when it comes to Islamic lectures, lessons etc. I would love to study more about my religion and was wondering where the mashaayikh are giving durus. By the way, I understand Arabic reasonably ...
Salaam Liliyan, Thank you for the time and effort. Appreciate it. Read More
Active masaajid.
Any people that can tell me which mosques are active when it comes to Islamic lectures, lessons etc. I would love to study more about my religion and was wondering where the mashaayikh are giving durus. By the way, I understand Arabic reasonably ... Read More
Nice neighbourhoods in Riyadh
Hi all, I will be moving very soon to Riyadh and I am checking where to live. At the moment I work in Olayya, but I would really love to live in a more quite neighbourhood. So I was wondering where the neighbourhoods are with newer, bigger, more ... Read More