adamb123
English expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
67
About me
English
Lives in Jeddah
Registration: 08 April 2013
Muhalfaa for signal violation by Beenish Khan
Today my hubby recvd a message where he has been fined SR 3000 for signal violation while he is dead sure that he did not do so. The amount is great. ,u all can well understand. Pl share any experience or solution how to file objection and wat ...
My suggestion is just pay they fine. Its expensive and I am sure its not what you wanted to hear but its the easiest thing to do. Read More
My Husband Converted through Muslim and Marry his girlfriend by jose_4187
Good Day, I'm Joan Cerrado my husband works in Riyadh Saudi we married legally here in the Philippines But he converted to muslim and marry a domestic helper that i don't know. I've already filed a case against him here in the ...
What makes me puke is judging people, you don't know he committed adultery or under what reasons he has got married. I am not saying I agree with what he has done. If he is still married in the Philippines he should support his family. and if ... Read More
Permanent visa refusal urgent help by rdmedranoo
Hello Please help me, I'm desperate since today after having almost everything ready to move to KSA, it was just a matter of waiting my notice period to end, I got this email: "I am really sorry to inform you that the Government has ...
Dear Rdmedrano, Unfortunately I am not surprised by the difficulty you are facing, as anything which is not the normal procedure can cause big delays and confusion. Although I am not familiar with Honduras procedures, I am aware that this is ... Read More
women are allowed to driving in KSA by aamira sultan
Slam to all!dear all I heard that 30+ women are allowed for driving in KSA!is any body have information regarding this.
I am not saying a woman would intentionally go through a red light. i am just saying if she did then she would face 24 hours in a police cell. this is the punishment men are facing. you would expect the offending driver to be prosecuted? how long ... Read More
women are allowed to driving in KSA by aamira sultan
Slam to all!dear all I heard that 30+ women are allowed for driving in KSA!is any body have information regarding this.
well there isn't actually a law stopping women from driving. it has never been in writing just something agreed upon. the women who are arrested are arrested under causing disturbances in public etc not actually for driving in itself. I wonder ... Read More
Car Detailing by saimans
I am looking for a good and recommended place to Pamper my car, any suggestion from your end with the location and price details, pls share.... Thanks in Advance :)
I had a look on Cobone, obv don't know MCare in Riyadh but they have an offer for full detailing for 299SAR. Might be worth having a look at. I didn't post the link as I am not sure if it is allowed here. Read More
Car Detailing by saimans
I am looking for a good and recommended place to Pamper my car, any suggestion from your end with the location and price details, pls share.... Thanks in Advance :)
they also have in Riyadh 3M Riyadh Al Malaz - Salah Alden Road - Intersection Makkah Road-after Wooden Bakery 200m to the left 0550704192 - 0554786845 Riyadh also have a look on cobone for offers Read More
teaching in Mecca and Medinah? by MissSuleiman
Hi there, I am interested in taking a position in Saudi Arabia but all the offers I have received are in Riyaadh, Jeddah and Dammam. I am looking for a position in Mecca or Medinaah. However, it is somewhat difficult any schools you would ...
For me Jeddah is the place to be, many upsides such as having a beach, better weather, more relaxed for women to move around the city etc but most of all being so close to Makkah! Jeddah to Makkah is not considered as travelling by the scholars and ... Read More
Car Detailing by saimans
I am looking for a good and recommended place to Pamper my car, any suggestion from your end with the location and price details, pls share.... Thanks in Advance :)
One of the best places to try is 3m. I had my windows tinted there and saw the work they did on other cars. They also have a facebook page where you can see some of their work. Read More
What is your idea of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? by Salman Omrani
Hi everyone, I always wonder whats on the minds of (going to be) expats coming to Saudi Arabia, what image have they drawn in their minds about this country, things they have heard. now why I ask this is because many people have the wrong idea, and ...
I think this is the general misconception. Yes many Western expats live on compounds and have nice cars. But there are many Arabs (Lebanese, Syrian etc) like this too, but I am sure you are not thinking that they, or the upper class Saudis should ... Read More
Study and work in Saudi?
Getting a job teaching for a woman in Saudi isn't that difficult. Studying however is much more difficult and in many cases they would require you to have a Mahram in KSA in order for you to be accepted. Read More
teaching in Mecca and Medinah? by MissSuleiman
Hi there, I am interested in taking a position in Saudi Arabia but all the offers I have received are in Riyaadh, Jeddah and Dammam. I am looking for a position in Mecca or Medinaah. However, it is somewhat difficult any schools you would ...
Hi there, schools in Mecca aren't that good. not sure about Madinah. a good option for you would be to teach in Jeddah and be on the doorstep of Mecca. there are plenty of Somali Canadian working in Riyadh. Read More
driving to madina by guestposter525
Hello Everyone We are planning to drive to madina for the first time, and I am scared to death....I get sooo nervous even if we go shopping.i feel soo relieved when we all get back home safely... Would like to know how is it to drive to madina, how ...
I think you will find the drive to Medina better than driving around Jeddah. The roads are actually fine better than around town. I actually quite like the drive as the scenery is quite different to what I expected. Just be careful of the speed ... Read More
Where can I buy helium balloons in jeddah?
My dear Jeddawees, Does anyone know of a place where you can buy nice part things? In particular some helium balloons both the large shaped ( cartoon character type ) or regular balloons. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you Read More
Drive through car wash in Jeddah? by Trapezius
Hello Jeddawis, any drive-through car washes here? You know, the type where your car passes through a series of cleaning brushes and sprays while you sit in the car and enjoy? My nephew is really into them for some reason, so I want to take him to ...
there is nothing strange to like the drive thru, car wash .And its for a kid and kids are very much curious about everything .Hey, i wasnt judging. just thought it was a little odd. Read More
Pregnancy and giving birth in Jeddah by scarletim
Please give me your sincere ideas. We could not give the decision of spending the pregnancy period and giving birth in Jeddah or in home country. We have no idea of the gynecologists, who is best, how can we choose, which hospital, what are their ...
When we went to a checkup for my son at IMC we saw breast feeding posters and it seemed like they were trying to promote it. Lets hope this is a change across all hospitals. Read More
Pregnancy and giving birth in Jeddah by scarletim
Please give me your sincere ideas. We could not give the decision of spending the pregnancy period and giving birth in Jeddah or in home country. We have no idea of the gynecologists, who is best, how can we choose, which hospital, what are their ...
My wife was pregnant with our second child (first born in the UK) and she stayed here up until about six months pregnant and then went back home for the delivery. We dont have family here so thought it would be better to have some relatives close by ... Read More
Gynecologists in Jeddah by Ehtesham
Hi, Posting on behalf of my friend who is seeking for a good gynecologist for pregnancy follow-ups. They are expecting a baby in November/December. Language is not a barrier & they can speak English, Arabic and Urdu. Can someone share the name and ...
My wife saw three or four different Doctors at IMC all were good. Read More
Drive through car wash in Jeddah? by Trapezius
Hello Jeddawis, any drive-through car washes here? You know, the type where your car passes through a series of cleaning brushes and sprays while you sit in the car and enjoy? My nephew is really into them for some reason, so I want to take him to ...
what a strange thing to like. yes there is one on hira street (southside of the street, on the opposite side to Danube), but its close to the sultan street intersection. enjoy Read More
My laptop by Mudite
Hello \ I would like to ask advice about taking my laptop with me. Is it going to be checked in airport custom? What is usually checked?
As most people have said checks are rare, (never heard of a western woman being checked). But as BacktoBlack said they can and do sometimes check. I know of someone who has also experienced this, so I can not say it never happens. If you dont ... Read More
urgent help please- Job offer
I think the cost of living and accomodation will differ greatly between Makkah and al Khobar. I would suggest trying to find out the location. best of luck Read More
Taxi Modus in Jeddah(Hold-Up) by saudiexpats
Hi everybody, Just want to share my experience in Jeddah just today afternoon, while I'm taking a Taxi going from my place to point B, a Cab stop in front of me and asked where will i go, and told him I'm going to your direction and I'll give 5 ...
pajaoflor; you make it sound like the wild west! you must have had some really bad experiences. Read More
Swimming pool for toddlers by Trapezius
Are there any pools for little children in Jeddah where I can take my nephew? He has never been in a pool before and it would be great to find a pool for him. He is 2 years old. Or if not me, then his mother can take him. And better even, if ...
What about sail island (on the corniche)? I havnt been they have a pool suitable for 2yrs+. Read More
decision to close shops by 9 p.m. by Guestposter5841
http://www.arabnews.com/news/540006 if shops close at 9pm, what would you now do during your mall trip schedules or family days at the malls?
Please tell me this was said in a sarcastic tone and your not actually that rude! Read More
Mosquitos in jeddah by Marys1609
We will be moving to jeddah shortly and I wondered whether anyone can tell me whether they are bothered by Mosquitos there? I am one of those people that attract them and suffer really badly.
I have only ever experienced Mosquito bites in Nov - Jan. Read More
How to get final exit visa paper print
There is a hugh deportation center just outside of the Makkah boundary (its looks like a new small town / Govt. offices + housing) on your right hand side if going from Jeddah. My friend was recently told to go there (to the admin office not the ... Read More
Mosquitos in jeddah by Marys1609
We will be moving to jeddah shortly and I wondered whether anyone can tell me whether they are bothered by Mosquitos there? I am one of those people that attract them and suffer really badly.
We dont have to worry about Mosquitos for anoth 9 months do we?! Read More
Girl UK citizen getting married to Saudi guy by Fary.g
Hi all hope ur all good I actually just need some help and saw this blog so thought id ask my questions here hopefully someone will be able to help me :) am a British muslim who wants to marry a saudi national so I just wanted to know the ...
Hi Fary, It should be quite straight forward as he is a Saudi guy, so shouldnt be to much of an issue and is far easier than if a non saudi guy wants to marry a saudi girl! Yes he needs to get permission from the Govt, but I dont think he needs to ... Read More
Is this a good offer? by Ladyqueen
Hello everyone, My husband is considering a job in al qassim.i Ihave a 4 yr old daughter and expecting no.2.is this a reasonable offer?pls any thoughts? 鈼� Salary: SR 3400 as a lecturer. 鈼廋linical Allowance : 50% 鈼� Nationahty ...
Hi, If what you said is tru then yes the calculation (3400+1400)*2 would make 9600. (obviously that is very different to the 3,400 you originally mentioned. lol Personally for a family of three from the UK 9,600 still isnt really enough tbh. I ... Read More
Monthly Car Rental in Jeddah vs Long Term Lease vs Just using a Taxi.. by Rigger64
I've gone over the other post on Monthly car rentals and understand most of it. I'm leaning towards just buying a vehicle but also understand all that goes with vehicle ownership (in any country...). If I decide against Buying in favor of Rental ...
Junior said it well. If you want a car which will hold its value get a Toyota. As long as you take good care of it you will hardly lose anything when you come to resell. I know a teacher who brought a second hand corolla for 45,000 sar a year ... Read More
Is this a good offer? by Ladyqueen
Hello everyone, My husband is considering a job in al qassim.i Ihave a 4 yr old daughter and expecting no.2.is this a reasonable offer?pls any thoughts? 鈼� Salary: SR 3400 as a lecturer. 鈼廋linical Allowance : 50% 鈼� Nationahty ...
I think the 350 for each year of experience and the 100% increase from basic are quite important things! So what is the actual salary to be paid? AsAli said it depends on where your from, what your living standards are like, what are your ... Read More
Compound in Jeddah to rent in by Elsievro
Good day all, my husband arrived in Jeddah last week, we are looking for a villa in a nice compound with 2 or 3 bedrooms and private garden if possible. Im also not sure what is cheap and what is expensive there. We are looking to rent in Jeddah or ...
Hi Trap, why do you say living in compound is so much better? I know they are certainly the preference for most expats but doesn't it depend on what the person is looking for also? Read More
Bible and Medication by gpetr67
Hello all.......I will be relocating to Jeddah towards the end on March. I have two specific questions...... 1) I have 2 prescription medications that I take. As long as I take a letter from my doctor will I be allowed to take the medication with ...
Medications shouldnt be a problem with a Doctors note. In terms of refills if the pharmacy have them you should be able to buy direct from them even without a prescription. The laws for buying medication here seem extremely relaxed. i would say ... Read More
Final Exit while the dependent is outside kingdom
I think Trap is right, but also I think it depends on why you want to leave (final exit) and if you want to come back to KSA. If you know that you will never come back to KSA again then you are probably safe for you wife not to come back to get ... Read More
Compound in Jeddah to rent in by Elsievro
Good day all, my husband arrived in Jeddah last week, we are looking for a villa in a nice compound with 2 or 3 bedrooms and private garden if possible. Im also not sure what is cheap and what is expensive there. We are looking to rent in Jeddah or ...
Although KAUST is close to Jeddah I wouldnt choose to live there if you are workingat KAUST. Your better trying to get somewhere a lot closer, less of a commute and eaier life! Read More
Which city do you think better to live Jeddah or Dammam ? by onemillion
Which city do you think better to live Jeddah or Dammam ?
Surely it depends on what you want from where you live? If your a conservative then perhaps Riyadh is the place to be. For me I dont believe that a woman should be forced to wear the head scarf but I think wearing the abaya is a good thing. ... Read More
arriving in Jeddah by sabadgeman
Hi Everyone, I will be arriving in Jeddah (Sharbatly) in April, living in a unit rented for me by my company, I am married and in my 50's but for the moment my wife will not be joining me but will come out next year in likelihood. I am hoping to ...
You should be able to replace them very easily, most medication is readily available and can even be brought at a pharmacy without a prescription. As mentioned epi pens can be tricky in Jeddah and I have been recommended to pick one up for my ... Read More
arriving in Jeddah by sabadgeman
Hi Everyone, I will be arriving in Jeddah (Sharbatly) in April, living in a unit rented for me by my company, I am married and in my 50's but for the moment my wife will not be joining me but will come out next year in likelihood. I am hoping to ...
If you find that the Internet isnt very good on your compound you can go to one of the mobile phone providers (Mobily or STC) and you can get a years subscription of unlimited 4G internet (with router) for 1200sr. This is plenty good enough for ... Read More
Living without dad while he works in Saudi? by Princess MA
So I'm interested to know if any family's have been separated while the dad works in Saudi, mom and kids are are living in their home countries? We starting to find living in Saudi to be unbearable! My kids are missing their families terribly back ...
I think that there are so many different situations and circumstances there isnt a one fit all with this. Personally, I think if my family couldnt live in KSA and wanted to move back to the UK I would move with them. I would rather have a lower ... Read More
Living in Saudi City Compound
Trap that's a little less helpful than you usually are. I heard a three bed apartment on the compound is going at around 60k per annum. Downside is that the place is under pretty bad condition and requires a big revamp. The contractors seem to ... Read More
Hello ladies by SalShadeed
Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. Am due to move to Jeddah in June with my husband who has lived and worked there for a few years. We are Muslim and will not be living in a compound but as a Brit I would love to make some female friends and find ...
Hi, welcome to the forum, I hope you will connect with some good people. Someone said that arriving in June is a bad thing, personally it don't find the heat that bad (people tend not to go out much in the day), but depending on when you come you ... Read More
Expat parents with kids at JKS by Trapped
Hi All, I am an American expat not working at JKS but my children go there. Unfortunately, I have a very unique situation and feel like I have no other options to give my children a balanced education. I have basically given up on that school and ...
Stressedmom, I though Trapped was a woman (judging by the icon at least). Sorry trapped if I got that wrong. I believe Trapped is also a Muslim which may be the reason why she didn't opt for the American school. That and the American schools drug ... Read More
LOST DRIVING LICENCE AND ISTIMARA (what to do for a British Citizen) by Golds
Hi there My husband (British) lost his wallet containing his Saudi Driving Licence as well as his Istimara, while on holiday outside Saudi Arabia. Does ANYBODY know what the procedures are for getting a new/replacement Licence and Istimara (he has a ...
I'm not sure about these documents but I heard that a lost Iqama can be very difficult to replace because everyone give you a hard time (asking why have you lost it). It can be a lengthy process and cost 2,000sar to replace. I know it doesn't help ... Read More
arriving in Jeddah by sabadgeman
Hi Everyone, I will be arriving in Jeddah (Sharbatly) in April, living in a unit rented for me by my company, I am married and in my 50's but for the moment my wife will not be joining me but will come out next year in likelihood. I am hoping to ...
Hi Steve, I wish you all the best on your move to Jeddah. I hope it will be something that you enjoy rather than it be a burden! I think for single most people would agree life can be a little dull, so if your wife does want to join you any ... Read More
Expat parents with kids at JKS by Trapped
Hi All, I am an American expat not working at JKS but my children go there. Unfortunately, I have a very unique situation and feel like I have no other options to give my children a balanced education. I have basically given up on that school and ...
I am sorry to hear that your child is struggling Insha Allah it will be better for them. I don't know your personal situation or if it is possible for them to change schools? I will try and find the exact name of the group but I have heard of a ... Read More
british curriculum school with islamic studies by guestposter525
Hi Any good school with British curriculum and Islamic studies in Jeddah?? know there r mushrooms of international schools but I am looking for a school with good standard. Thanks.
I am sorry to say forget looking for a good school with British curriculum and Islamic studies in Jeddah! Even finding just a good school is incredibly difficult here! I know Trapezius has mentioned some schools and i am sure people will also say ... Read More
Family accomodation in Riyadh by UmmeZahra
Hello All, Can someone please help. We are a teaching couple and have been offered about 32772SAR/month between both of us ( basic plus accommodation and travel allowance). Can someone advise if this is a suitable amount to live of comfortably, all ...
So are you saying that the 24k sar offer is saying that you can all come over together from the UK? If that isnt the case then I am not sure why you would choose that over KAU? I think in nearly all cases you are right that he will be required to ... Read More
Family accomodation in Riyadh by UmmeZahra
Hello All, Can someone please help. We are a teaching couple and have been offered about 32772SAR/month between both of us ( basic plus accommodation and travel allowance). Can someone advise if this is a suitable amount to live of comfortably, all ...
I am a little confused, sorry for this! did i miss a post about where you guys live + stay now? I thought you were currently in Manchester? but you have mentioned your husband is from US? Is there a reason why you are looking for an immediate ... Read More
Family accomodation in Riyadh by UmmeZahra
Hello All, Can someone please help. We are a teaching couple and have been offered about 32772SAR/month between both of us ( basic plus accommodation and travel allowance). Can someone advise if this is a suitable amount to live of comfortably, all ...
What happened to the 32k offer from KSU? Read More
visa, hijrah?
Unfortunately i think Trapezius covered most of the bases. What about trying to come on a student visa, I dont know if you would like to study or not but could that be a possibility? Read More
Monthly Car Rentals in Jeddah by six9four
I'm new in Jeddah and need a car for monthly hire ... does anyone know the usual monthly rates here? ... and can anyone recommend a car rental company for me to explore possibilities? Thanking in anticipation
My advice would be to also speak to someone in Benefits division of your company (if your organization is relatively large). I found out the the company I work with was a Gold member at budget so I was able to make significant saving there, 2,500 ... Read More
Seeking employment by Aliyas
Hello everyone, My name is Julia :) I am certified lawyer from Romania. Currently, I am working in Dubai as Legal Adviser however I am searching for job in Saudi Arabia. Ideally in my field if is possible or which opportunity I might have ...
I would like to point out that most of the classes (Islamic lessons) which take place here in KSA by the scholars in Arabic, depending on your knowledge of Arabic you may find it harder to gain Islamic knowledge. I used to attend more lessons and ... Read More
Buying a car
The used car market is very different in KSA and you are right to be reluctant to go to an individual. I have actually heard that dealerships here are just as bad though. I had never brought a new car in the UK and always gone down the used route, ... Read More
Seeking employment by Aliyas
Hello everyone, My name is Julia :) I am certified lawyer from Romania. Currently, I am working in Dubai as Legal Adviser however I am searching for job in Saudi Arabia. Ideally in my field if is possible or which opportunity I might have ...
Dear Aliyas, Firstly I would like to congratulate you on embracing Islam, this is great news. I think if it is your dream to come to KSA then you should do it, but possibly look at other ways to come here (as many have said a lawyer would be very ... Read More
Processing of Wife's Visa if all documents are certified & attested. by waseem.murade
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I agree with Randy. If you read other posts many people have said that 4,000 will be on the border with a family. Make sure to do your homework and be comfortable that you have enough before bringing your family here. all the best Read More
Moving To Jeddah with my family by Seashe1181
Hi all My husband has just got a job in Jeddah at the oil refinery, we hope that he will be in jeddah in April/may time and myself and our children (twin boys 5 years old) will join him in the summer. His company will be paying for our childrens ...
Dear Seashe, I would like to congratulate you on the future move over here, I hope t is everything that you want it to be. Yes I am sure you will find things difficult at first and it will take a little time to adjust but when you settle (all ... Read More
Interview at JKS by zmalik
Hi all I'm a new member here. I have been teaching for the past 18 years in UK and feel it is now time for change. Today I received an e-mail from JKS for an interview. I have applied for a Teacher of Mathematics post probably to teach the IB ...
Hi ZMalik, I am afraid that I cant give you much advice regarding the interview process / school, but rather would like to encourage you to go for it if you think that it is right for you and your family. A friend of mine work for a top Saudi ... Read More