redgems
American expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
30
About me
American
Lives in Riyadh
Registration: 13 March 2010
Car usage for short-term
We're in KSA for 6-8 months and would like to figure out our options for getting around. We would mostly be making long treks - Mecca, Medina - very little city usage. I know rental cars are available but does anyone have experience with renting ... Read More
Moving to Riyadh from San Jose, California by nkhawaja
Moving to Riyadh soon. Wanted to know about some good Pre-K schools. Also thinking of shipping refrigerator, bed set and/or LCD TV. any advise? i plan to stay in some apartment near to school, any advise here please. thanks
Is your employer providing a shipping allowance? If not, it really doesn't make sense to ship your furniture, TV, fridge. TVs are fairly inexpensive here and unless your TV can also operate on PAL, you will need a converter and the picture quality ... Read More
Bipolar by turomp
I聮ve just accepted a position in Riyadh, and now I聮ve heard that bipolar disorder will make it impossible to get a work visa. Great timing. So, if I happened to be a bipolar US citizen (and I only mention the US as a point of reference. I don't ...
did you try asking the embassy your questions? dont give your name, obviously. people at the airport dont know anything about perscription drugs, they don't generally open your suitcase but your baggage does go through xray. however, the xray guy ... Read More
Visa question by g100f
Hey guys, Sorry to bother you, I normally try to dig through the forum's extensive build-up of information before I post a question, but here I guess I wanted to get your opinion besides asking you a specific question. Here's the deal: I currently ...
once you're here, to my knowledge, visa extensions are no big deal. what is the reason that your employer provided for bringing the family later? once you get here, the story changes and you might encounter hurdles. i think a lot of how much of ... Read More
Working in Saudi Arabia - Visitor visa Vs. Work Visa by milesboyd
My HR contact let me know its take time to obtain my work visa and we've been waiting for awhile now. So i was asked if i want to travel on visitor visa and then change once in KSA. This is very confusing to me because in USA if are not allowed ...
a visit visa is like coming to ksa in handcuffs. you will not be able to do anything with it - as people have said, no car - rental or otherwise, no bank account. also, if you're coming with a family, i dont know what impact your visa status has on ... Read More
Non GMO in Riyadh by Mudrinjo
Well I noticed that all food in Riyadh is genetically modified. Im wondering is there ANYWHERE in Riyadh where you can buy 100% natural food?
jillndave - you mentioned fruit and veg markets - i assume different from the grocery stores i've been frequenting - can you please tell me where these markets are? thanks! Read More
Princess Noura University Jobs - Contacts/Suggestions Please!
Hello All - I've been trying to find information on jobs at Princess Noura University - but not much luck. Does anyone know of leads/contacts/have any suggestions on how I can go about finding out about leads there? Teaching, admin jobs, ... Read More
Setting Home... by hatsoff20
Hi to all my freinds. How much do we need in Riyadh to set an apartment, I am not talking about a posh one but a moderate kind of setting. If my company is giving me allowance to set up over there how much do you think is suitable....also where to ...
mirfarali - where is harraj? MadMaz - Faisaliya district (not the tower, its a district close to exit 17) - any more specific directions? Any particular store you can recommend that's in the center of the district that we can ask about if we get ... Read More
Will an American TV work in Saudi? by redgems
Hi All - Does anyone know about or have experience with bringing over an American TV to KSA? We want to bring our Sony Bravia/NTSC TVs to KSA - will the TV work? Is there anything we should be aware of before we try plugging away and subscribe to ...
Thanks for your responses everyone. What about the NTSC to PAL issue? We're concerned whether we'll be able to receive picture once we have the TV plugged in with the adaptors. Read More
Will an American TV work in Saudi?
Hi All - Does anyone know about or have experience with bringing over an American TV to KSA? We want to bring our Sony Bravia/NTSC TVs to KSA - will the TV work? Is there anything we should be aware of before we try plugging away and subscribe to ... Read More
Moving stuff from the US to Riyadh
Does anyone have experience or recommendations on moving personal affects to Riyadh from overseas? Starting point is the US. We'd like to be able to bring some of the items we're attached to (no big pieces of furniture, just clothes, a lot of ... Read More
Can I buy ZamZam water in Riyadh?
I know Zam Zam is available in Medina and Mecca but does anyone know if I can get/purchase it in Riyadh? I'm hoping they come in small enough containers to take via plane! Thanks. Read More
Riyadh Restaurant Recommendations by redgems
Help please! I'm looking for some nice dinner places for myself and the hubster - steak, arabic, anything you recommend as yummy? Thanks.
Thanks for the recommendations everyone! The hubster is a seafood guy...any suggestions? Read More
Social Events at Embassies by redgems
How can I find out about events going on at embassies in Riyadh? I've heard there are paid and non-paid events. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
LOL - do you know any janitors we can kiss up to? Read More
Social Events at Embassies
How can I find out about events going on at embassies in Riyadh? I've heard there are paid and non-paid events. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks. Read More
TV Channels by musicman
In response to redgems inquiry on another thread I mut say that my experience tells me that SHOWTIME is the best service provider for American Music, TV, Soaps, Documentaries, Educational and News Channels. I am a subscriber to SHOWBOX on Showtime ...
thanks for the info. if you can provide some info on cost, would be great! thanks again! Read More
Returning to Riyadh - Info needed by CoffeeAndDates
Hi guys, I am returning to The Kingdom after a couple of sabbatical years charging the western batteries in Europe :D . I hope current residents in Riyadh can provide some info: 1.Current prices for 3 or 4 bedroom villas in some of the most well ...
I don't mean to hijack the topic but can someone please tell me what providers are the best for American channels/TV? I haven't started researching much but guidance/direction would be great! Read More
Access to Buses/Transportation by redgems
are there buses that women can take to get to the mall (or any where for that matter?)! we're at one of the compounds and i was hoping i'd be able to get around in riyadh while the hubbie is off working. please help maintain my sanity!
LOL - Alliecat - thanks for the clarification. I was definitely trying to find an alternative to relying on others (including a cab). I also am thinking about dressing up so I can drive. Where did you get your beard from?! Read More
My Job is turning me into Anti-Social Soul by Fidgety Soul
All my life I have been a working Lady but when I moved to Kingdom with my Spouse I stopped working and due to some reasons and suffocated surroundings[comparatively Pakistan]I turned into a couch potato & internet addict with nocturnal nights and ...
nonz - i understand your hesitation. you have to do what feels right to you - you might be less miserable sticking with your current job (and hunting for another) than at home just plain old job hunting. i totally understand wanting extra pocket ... Read More
Riyadh Restaurant Recommendations
Help please! I'm looking for some nice dinner places for myself and the hubster - steak, arabic, anything you recommend as yummy? Thanks. Read More
Cost of Netbook? by prasadpauti
Hi All, I am going to Riyadh on Job. Please anybody can tell approx price of starting range of netbook in Riyadh city. In India it is INR.16000 to 20000 How much in SAR in KSA? Please help! -- Prasad Auti Mumbai, India
what would be the best place you would recommend in riyadh for electronics? i'm looking for a laptop. Read More
Access to Buses/Transportation
are there buses that women can take to get to the mall (or any where for that matter?)! we're at one of the compounds and i was hoping i'd be able to get around in riyadh while the hubbie is off working. please help maintain my sanity! Read More
Riyadh events 2010 by Alisan
Hi everyone, I thought that it's a good idea to start a thread about the events taking place in Riyadh, so all the Riyadh expat community are invited to share upcoming events, & preferably by providing all details. The event that is taking place ...
hello all - my husband and i are in riyahd for a month - any events/sight-seeing you would recommend? i've heard high tea is something we need to try at one of the towers - what about desert outings? and other? thanks much! Read More
FESTIVAL JANADRIYAH 2010
Can you please tell me where this festival is being held? New to KSA - the more detail about location, the better. Thanks much. Read More