Western Compounds and Expat Housing in Saudi Arabia
Most expats find themselves living in Western compounds in Saudi Arabia (KSA). This expat housing is like living in a small self-contained holiday village (or prison, depending on your point of view). The better ones have multiple pools, restaurants, markets, and so on. Within the compounds the dress is Western, some going as far as banning any form of Saudi dress and certainly Saudis are not allowed on at all socially!
Generally accommodation on Western compounds in KSA is of reasonable quality and quite spacious. Compound living is quite expensive compared to living off compound (Anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000SAR for a 3 bed villa or even more) but most westerners choose this way of life due to freedom and security as well as the facilities. I would not recommend living off-compound if you have a wife and children; at least within the compound they have relative freedom.
Most expats have their accommodation costs paid directly by their employer who will also normally arrange housing. However, there is a shortage of good housing in the better compounds in the main cities, so it may take some time to get somewhere suitable for yourself and your family.
Personally, I lived in one of the medium sized compounds in Riyadh, known as Seder Compound which was at the time expanding its number of villas considerably to add many more guests. I also visited many other expat compounds in Riyadh and also Jeddah and Al-Khobar. When I moved to Jeddah however, I elected to live off compound and experience more about the local life here.
Compound Security
Security
The compounds are very secure. They have high concrete walls generally topped with an additional metal or net extension to prevent things being thrown over. Concrete blocks are placed all the way around the compounds preventing anyone getting close. To get to the entrance you normally have to drive through a concrete slalom course before getting to at least two security gates. The outer one will check your car and open the trunk. (Mine is often full of boxes, which could contain anything, but they don’t check inside!) The inner will check your ID, which, if you are a visitor, they will retain—a copy of which will then be sent to one of the ministries along with the name of the person you are visiting (big brother is watching you here!). They will also look after your moral wellbeing so don't expect them to let single girls through to see you if you are a single man!
In addition to the compound security you have the national guard, fully armed with automatic weapons, machine gun placements strategically placed to cover the entrance, and even a tank at one compound (at least one lighter vehicle at most compounds). The perimeter is often patrolled and cameras are placed around the perimeter to make further checks. It can be quite unnerving driving into one of the compounds if you are not used to this: hotels, embassies, and government buildings are similarly protected.
Living off-compound is not recommended for westerners, and is discouraged, as places that house Westerners are required to use and pay for the National Guard protection. I only know one Westerner living off-compound. I'm not sure if it's strictly legal under Saudi law, but he does it anyway as most people are not sure about the law!
Saudi Compound Video
Villas and Apartments
The quality and size of the accommodation can vary quite a lot between different Western compounds in Saudi Arabia, so it is best to go and have a good look around. However, when it comes to finding a place, it can be hard work. Most of the compounds are full and have a long waiting list for vacant space. However, waiting lists can be worked around if you know the right people and have the right tools (tools required are usually found in your wallet).
The best situation you can be in is if the company has already secured your accommodation; otherwise you could be in for a long wait.
Most accommodation on compounds aimed at Westerners is quite spacious and well maintained, normally around 150 – 200 sqm for a 3 bed type villa or apartment. A Saudi would consider this tiny! This will come with all of the usual rooms; kitchen, living area, bedrooms, and often multiple bathrooms—Saudis love bathrooms! If you are lucky you will also have a small garden, which is great for evenings.
Compound Life in Saudi Arabia
If your compound is aimed at Westerners then it will generally have a good range of facilities: swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, shops, restaurants, and so on. They are self-contained villages and you can survive without ever leaving them.
Some have social clubs and clubhouses in which various events happen: parties, discos, meals, films, etc. The management and relations with local authorities will determine on how “Western” some of these events can become. Some have “bars” although these are run by residents on an unofficial basis and entry strictly controlled to residents and a few lucky guests. The drinks, however, are usually home brewed and the quality can vary considerably.
Guests are strictly controlled, lists having to be provided and approved before guests arrive. You cannot bring the Saudis onto the compound in the evenings as guests. You may be able to during the day for work purposes, but they will be expected to be going to your accommodation only!
As a single man you cannot bring in women! All guests onto the compound have to have their ID checked and their names will be passed to the “ministry” along with whom they are visiting. You will have to get her to visit a friend’s wife! There are always ways around these rules as long as you have a few friends.
Life can be very boring on compound after a while: same location, same people, same small places, etc. Many of the guys I know end up in “holiday” mode, congregating around the pool or friends' places every evening to have a drink and complain about work.
For the women who do not work, there are organized events, coffee mornings, trips to the malls, and so on. The restrictive rules applied outside are not relevant inside, and residents are able to dress normally, drive around, and mix however they wish.
Schooling
Some of the compounds in Saudi Arabia have schools/nurseries for the younger children. However, you will want to send your children to an “international” school where they will be picked up and dropped off. The school generally starts early morning and ends mid-afternoon.
I do not have children here, but friends are on the whole happy with the education that their children receive. The more expensive the school the better the level of education on the whole.
Small update: the international school that my friend's children attend in Jeddah has just been closed as the books that were used were not "Muslim enough" and they were teaching "Christian Values." All of the staff at the school have also been deported!
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Housing Off-Compound in Saudi Arabia
Living in housing off-compound is generally much cheaper in Saudi Arabia. You can find a good quality apartment for 40,000SAR or cheaper in the center of the cities and find something much bigger or a place with a private pool on the edges of the cities for a similar price.
I have an apartment that has two bedrooms, each about 4.5M by 4.5M and each have a large bathroom with both bath and shower. The living area is very large, around 100sqm in size in which I have my sitting area with sofas and TV, a dining area (sound system and lights set up as a disco area for parties), and a large space for my pool table! It's very spacious, and there is a kitchen and an additional bathroom. This is a small apartment and costs me 33,000SAR per year ($8,800).
My only additional costs are my electricity (around 100SAR), water (again about 100SAR: some buildings are on main supply which is free but unreliable, since buildings top-up from tankers that have to be paid for), and 100SAR that I give to the building guard to wash my car every morning (you have to do this daily since the sand and dust settles on the car every night).
Finding Expatriate Accommodation Off-Compound
Finding expat housing in Saudi Arabia off-compound can be quite difficult, especially if you want to avoid getting ripped off! Most Saudis will just drive around looking for notices in buildings, written in Arabic, or go to local real estate offices and ask. The real estate offices are easy to spot as they will be with the other small shops but they will look like a plush office with seating for a few extra people. You will almost certainly be ripped off as they will try to increase their commission at your expense. Finding empty apartments can be quite simple: just drive around the area you fancy and look for gaps where air-conditioning units should be as most people have to supply their own. Gaps mean vacancies. Ask the guard on the building and he will be far more honest about the price (but this should still be bartered), plus the guard will be able to give you a tour of the building.
Most rent is paid six months in advance, but you may be able to negotiate quarterly if you are lucky. They actually prefer expats as tenants as most Saudis are terrible payers. One of my Saudi friends rents out his family's apartments and is in court regularly to get money from defaulters or to get them to move on.
The Advantages of Living Off-Compound
Living in housing off-compound in Saudi Arabia gives you the freedom of movement, including for guests, that you don’t have on a Saudi Arabian compounds, but it does become quite lonely if you are alone. If you are not easily able to mix and find your own “fun,” don’t do it!
If you are a single guy living on compound and you want to invite single ladies back to your villa or apartment, it can be very difficult here in Saudi Arabia. However if you are living off compound in KSA, there is no security to get through, just very nosey neighbors keeping an eye on you! They do watch, and they complain if they see anything they don't like!
I far prefer this option: if I want compound facilities and parties I just get myself invited!
A Final Word
For Westerners, living on an "expensive" compound really is the best and most secure choice to make, especially if you have a family.
Most others live off-compound as it is much cheaper to live and they have large communities of their fellow country people to rely on. So be very careful if you choose to live off compound.
The best of luck in finding a compound or an apartment and I hope that you enjoy living and working in Saudi Arabia as much as I have.
Comments
In Yanbu, there is 'The Cove'
Dear Tony,
Thank you for your nice article.
Tony I do have the opportunity to life and work with my wife in Jeddah. We life already 13 years in the Middle East ( Bahrain, Dubai, Abu-Dhabi) As I know you cant compare this cities with Saudi Arabia I would like to know how is the life in the described compounds in terms of Alkohol? Some they say you could buy alkohol there to very expensive prices, an some inform there is nothing? Where can I find an trustful agency who looks for me for an nice villa?
Your feedback would be very appreciated
Thank you in advance
Brds
Dietmar
House made per off month
Hi Tony my husband has been offered a position in Jeddah. I would be coming with him. It will be just the 2 of us and I think its doubtful that I will be able to work. Can you remommend compounds in Jeddah that will have all the facilites as I am probably going to spend all my time there. I would think we would be best with other families so that I would have female company. As long as there is facilties and other females I can cope with that.
"However if you are living off compound in KSA, there is no security to get through, just very nosey neighbors keeping an eye on you! They do watch, and they complain if they see anything they don't like!' this is not always true!!
Hi, thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. Could you please advise what is the going rate for an expat to work in Saudi, in Telecoms (Team Lead role)....as I can see the accommodation is expensive. Thanks.
Hi Great tips! though things are changing so fast these days. I came to Riyadh with kids to stay with my husband. First year we ended up in a sort of "levant compound" - where you don't really feel at easy, when all men are smoking shisha in front of the pool on weekend... I hated it for not being able to enjoy... and after a year of searching for a right place, we moved to Al Nakhla compound (Al Nakhla Residential Resort)... That is fully western with all the attributes and fun! I managed to find a very decent job in the area , kids are taken to multinational school by a bus from inside the compound and they have a nanny/maid to look after them once they are back, every weekend there is a party or BBQ with friends and drinks.. Life turns to be very happy in KSA these days!!!!
Can we practice our religion freely in expat compounds
Hi Tony thank you for the information.
I am currently living in a building of the company, I am thinking of moving to an independent apartment, which area do you recommend?
After two years I have already made friends and some social life, I would like a place where I can have visitors.
Can you recommend something in particular?
I have no problem sharing a flat with someone if they are sociable
My husband is moving to Riyadh in July I want to go with him but worried about taking my 16 year old son, also heard I can't take 3 cats and a dog, any info would be a great help thank you
Great article Tony. I may have a job coming up in Jeddah and have been told that accommodation won't be a problem however I am not a driver. You don't want a car living a city in the UK! Will this be restrictive? Thanks.
Hi Tony , me and my wife we are moving to Jeddah for work . I just wanted to ask you about your opinion : I agreed with a 5 star hotel on the CORNICH to give me there 1 bedroom suite for yearly basis . Can you advise if living in a 5 star hotel suite is better for a year or living in a Compound still the best option ? Thanks for all the advise you have been giving many poeple on this forum
Oh wow, things have changed, I travelled to Al Khobar many times from Riyadh to visit my boyfriend. I was allowed on his compound (European) with no trouble as a single woman, oh the compound had guards of course but no National Guard. Never had to surrender my iqama either. I have to add, why would someone want to rent an apartment? Unless the company accommodation is so awful......if it is, then that's a pretty rotten contract. Still as I said times have changed. :-)
Hi Tony, I think it is really noble of you to host this Q&A forum for so many years, I am so glad I found this page and really appreciate your help. It is not confirmed yet but my husband may get posted to Jubail within the next 6-12 months. We have two young teenage children and we are planning to send them to the British International school. I cannot seem to find a any decent looking online property site. Could you recommend any good gated community near the Grammar School or links to their websites? do you have friends that are Asian expat wife and what it is like for them to live in Jubail? are there any internet streaming restrictions in Saudi ? the reason I asked because some of the stories I read written by expats have mentioned that they regretted not bringing in more DVD movies and downloaded more music before they leave their countries. sorry for my long post and thanks very much in advance.
Hi thabks for ur postings. Learnt a lot from them. I am offered a job in a college in al ahsa. Are the cars cheap to buy? What is the cost of living there?
Hi. Good post. Please i'm a nurse and would be moving from Nigeria(Sub saharan Africa) to Saudi soon. On a salary scale of 1000$ per month. Accomodation n transportation catered for. Do you think this is a rip-off?? Thanks.
I've been recruited by a college in Dammam, starting in February 2017 - could anyone recommend a compound in that area? my employer is putting me up in a hotel for the first week so i need to start house hunting before I even get there. All i need is a bachelor pad or a house share
My husband and I have both been offered jobs in KSA. He's Pakistani, nominally Muslim but extremely liberal, educated, "Westernised"; I'm English. I guess I'd prefer for us to live on a compound but is this even possible if he's Muslim? And how hard would living off-compound be for me as a woman?
Hi Friends,
Soon i will be moving to KSA, I got an offer from Oil & Gas industry located at 2nd industrial city dammam, Can some one suggest me on accommodation near to it. Either a good compound or Residential complex.
Hi Leanman,
My husband has a job offer to work in Rabigh, we have 2 daughters who are very sporty.
Does the international schools have sports like hockey, athletics??
Do the kids enjoy the schools and compounds?
Thanks,
"Most" westerners do not live in compounds in Saudi Arabia. Only a few do.
Is it true that there are third county nationals (young ladies) that have access to the compounds because they have 'work' visas and can help with services?
I just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful blog....and to let you know, I am Single - Indian living off compound.
I moved to Dammam last year . I enjoyed full freedom at my home country without any worries.
Here, really finding it difficult even to talk to any stranger.Making any sort of relation is far more difficult.
six years in Jeddah working for Saudia, this was back in the 70's.
Would love to revisit to see the changes at Saudia City now!
hello Lean man i am shifting to riyad next week , i am single (bachelor) i have no friends and family there. i will be staying off compound , Do i get entry for compounds social gatherings .. Parties?
Hi:
I just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful blog....and to let you know, we are a western family living off compound :)
We are an American family with 2 children, never lived or seen a compound in Jeddah but we rented a 4 bedroom 4 bath Apartment with a very a huge balcony (for the kids to ride their bikes) and we are very happy with it. We have a security code to enter our building (6 floors) elevator and trash chute...The only downside is no pool...so we pay for a pool/beach membership at one of the resorts.
Al Nakhla Residential Resort (new 2015) 100% western
Facebook: Al Nakhla Residential Resort
Ranked #1 in all aspects from security to facilities
Experience Riyadh in a luxurious resort setting ... Welcome to Al Nakhla Residential Resort. Situated at Exit 8 with an easy access from Dammam and Airport roads away from Riyadh’ traffic yet within few steps from major shopping malls, International schools, business offices, main government facilities and linked into Al Nakhla Plaza which gives our residents the luxury of being able to go shopping and dine out without the need for transport. The resort has 23 pools around it with a stunning state of Art Gym and a luxurious Ladies & Men SPA with treatments that suits your body & Soul. An impressive lobby overlooking the Central Park will welcome you with various services such as Majdool Int'l restaurant, Costa Cafe and many other outlets and amenities. Al Nakhla Residential Resort is a new concept up-scale life style in Riyadh. It’s simply Everything You Want It to Be..
khalid@alnakhla-sa.com
As I can see from your replies that you are panic from facing a new life! First of all, I would like to thank you for participating in building my ccountry. Secondly, life is difficult and different everywhere. You see hings here as restrict rules but to us its normal because we have our own life and social activities. I can see the same thing happened to Saudi when they travel abroad. Although life there is ( pretty wild and open) but they still not feeling secure, happy or pleasurable. Its a matter of life style that you are used to live. Its not about gaps btween cultures. You can live in Saudi and be happy. That experience here where you are only prisoned teach you or open your eyes to different things. If you can't love yourself then how can you be happy!
I have an expat friend. Yes I can't meet him , I can't visit him but we talk daily. He's nice, he hardly understand that sex is illegal here ( especially with saudi women) and he complained about living lonely in Saudi. So he travels to Bahrain or UAE during the weekend to have more freedom their. He returns back with crazy stories and he keeps telling me all that. His friendship is one of the greatest thing but its hard to understand western mentality! !
So just enjoy your trip as much as you could ♥♥♥
Thanks for your answer. One more question, do you think that's secure for a European single man to work and live nowadays in south arabia.
do you please can tell me witch compound are used by the National Guard hospital in riahd to single men health care professionals? Is it nice and secure?
Like previous post by Michael I have the opportunity of working for J&P Contractors on a large construction site as an engineer. They provide accommodation, but I am worried what it will be like.
Generally, is it a 5 or a 6 day working week and are the working days long? (In Kuwait some years back it was 6 days from 6am to 6pm). Although the money is good, if it was all work and any spare time spent in a lonely grubby compound then perhaps I should not come. Would Doha be better conditions generally, even if more expensive?
Hi there.
I'm planning to start a business inside one of the compound in Riyadh. The original idea was a beauty salon but I need to expand the business to provide more services.
What you think that is really needed inside compounds? Let's say a travel agent ? Any ideas?
hey lean man!
I've just been offered a position 'tentatively' in Tabuk, I'd be looking to take the misses can you recommend any sites or pass on a bit of what it's like to set her mind at ease!
Hi Lean - I have a job offer in Riyadh and the company will pay me SAR170,000 / yr for accommodation. What would this housing allowance get me in a western compound? And how long a wait one typically goes through these days to get accommodation in a western compound? Thanks!
Hi mate,
I am a Saudi citizen and i was wondering if i could rent in westeners compound in Jeddah? My wife is Spanish from Barcelona and she'll join me in jeddah in few months and we decided to live in a compound so she can handle the big change form living in New Zealand and Spain to a big different life style in Saudi!!
Btw i aslo wonder if there is any type of language exchange events in Jeddah so I could meet some expats to know what compound could be good for us, as well as making some friends before my wife arrives!
Thx for your help
I've been in Riyadh for a couple of weeks and am struggling to meet people from compounds. Can you recommend any forums? Keen to connect with people whilst I am here.
Hi Leanman. Just found this site and have learned a lot in the last ten mins. I have just secured a job on a massive development in Riyadh for a company called J & P Contractors. Do you know anything about them and could you tell me which compound they put their staff too? Thanks.
Hello LeanMan,
Great post, I am glad I found you. I have an interview with Aramco in a few weeks and so I have been trying to do as much research about living in Saudi Arabia as possible. My main concern is being an American and living in Saudi Arabia. I am a pale skin Caucasian and am worried about being singled out/kidnapped/harassed, etc.
Could you possibly shed some light on this concern for my safety?
Also I am single and wondering about single women in the compounds, you say there might be single nurses and other professional women?
Any help advice would be appreciated
HI LeanMan,
My family, 2 young kids(6 and 4 years old) my husband and I are thinking moving to Dharhan for a couple of years. My question is if there in the compounds good aducation or must my kids off the compound for good aducation? We live in the Netherlands but do you know if my children learn only English or also dutch because that's our mother tonque? Thanks for your great info.
Hello guys!Awesome blog keep it up!! want to share my experience with you If you are looking for an apartment or room wants to rent out your place , you might want to check out PlaceMatch Singapore. Posting an ad is Free and I found it to be useful in finding my place.
Hope that helps
Cheers, Aqsa Rao
Hi LeanMan,
Very interesting forum, really.
I've worked myself in Saudi and lived in Riyadh for about 5 years between 2008 and 2013 (under a 5-yr contract...). Naturally, I lived (with my wife) in one of the better residential compounds (Kingdom Compound) and it turned out to be quite OK...
I'm now about to ''return'' to the Kingdom (for everybody's reasons), but that will have to be in the Dammam/Khobar area this time...
Can you tell me what are the better western compounds there so I can start looking around ?
Also, my wife is French and she'd like to know whether there is any significant ''contingent'' of French expat families there similar to what she had successfully found in Riyadh...
Thanks for any useful info you can share...
djvxxx
You and agree with you you are scum and selfless known to come to my country and you do high salaries and your complete privacy and are Maamatkm best treatment but you are the same cats eat and deny the same dogs bite the hand that feed it tarnishes the country which Agntek of hunger and harm to the people of the Holy hospitable words this racist because you Terbeetm racism in your country if you do not like the habits of this country, you can leave, we respect religions and respect the customs of the people because it is something of its own On the other hand, you respect our customs you mockery of the daughters of Muslims and our habits to maintain We do not allow our women Baltberg and nudity and do not allow relations forbidden because they bring crimes proportion of AIDS large with you because relations Forbidden bass indecent for women Calceaj that surrounds the garden and the garden without a fence enter and have intercourse with her feet all of the passes by a pimp is only allowing his wife and daughters to freedom of movement between men and striptease in front of strangers than men, but in our society women Aajalsha Sawa her husband and become uncovered charms Sawa to her husband in contrast, the man it to be true to the seeking for women outside the home and do not betray his wife that her husband got a foot in obedience and chastity for men and did not allow strangers to approach her all the monotheistic religions sanctity of adultery and betrayal
Spent 7 years at raytheon compound as my father worked there. I was in early teens and let me tell you ... quite a ride I had there :) I made lots of friends off the compound (saudi's) and spent my time partying just about every day. This is a very strict country with very different culture but I think I smoked more Hash/Thai Stick/Brown Sugar there than anywhere in my entire life.... What I would say is, watch out as it is easy to fall into the party trap (I saw many other adults my dad worked with fall into this same trap) and find yourself in deep water.
I managed to never get caught up with police but totally trashed my life in the drug scene. Things can get pretty boring as people mentioned and it leaves room for lots of partying since there is nothing else to do. Let me tell you if you get caught with drugs or alcohol it can be brutal. I had many friends that did and even one that died......
Villa Palma Compound
(The Perfect Neighbourhood...)
Riyadh...
For a young, single guy that is.
Hi LeanMan, do you know of any good expat apartments in or around Riyadh?
If anybody is looking for best Western Compound in (North Riyadh) with all kind of facilities. Then Don't hesitate to call me on my mobile 059 77 21 361 or email me @ sikandar@alwakkan.com
Welcome to Jeddah.
If you are looking for a comfortable villa, we have the ideal offer for you.
4 br, 2 living rooms, open reception, kitchen fitted with all appliances.
Shared common facilities for sports, swimming pool etc.
The offer is for Companies seeking a compound for rent, or Expat tenants only.
Please e-mail us for further info.
Hi I am British Citizen got an offer from MOD (ministry of defense) to work in armed forces hospital in Khamis musahyt as a Head nurse and they offered me 18400SAR per month with free accommodation.
It's a single contract but they have assured me that i can bring my family after 3months .
Now my questions is i have 2kids going to primary school in uk is it easy to get a school admission? do i have to pay for the school?and once my family arrived will they offer me a free accommodation? or do i have to find my own? and is the salary they offered me is enough or do i have to consider negotiating? i honestly don't know whether to take it or stay in UK?
Please advice me on my email: alvinkaruna@gmail.com
my contact e.mail
romel_l@hotmail.com
I'm Translator.
English to Arabic to French and the opposite.
It will be my pleasure and honor working with you having a job in your compounds and your group. Thanking you.
Hi there
Really enjoyed reading your hub as i contemplate moving my family to Saudi from the UK.
My prospective employer is offering me a similar salary to what i earn in the UK (£60k)but has now decided they can only pay accommodation costs for the first 2 months. id be looking at a 3 bed on a good compound - what do you think is a reasonable amount to expect them to pay for accommodation (all of it or a contribution)? If moving to Saudi is principally a financial situation how much more should i expect the overall package to be compared to my normal UK salary do you think?)Much appreciated - a big move to consider armed with so few facts
Hi Lean man ,
Which is best place in riyadh for indian family ? I mean safe place for indian family ?
Hi, Great blog. My name is driss, ireceived a job offer from KSD, but i dont think its great. the job would be in Jeddah, and the salary is 110.000 RSD per year everything included (transport, housing, evertgh else). I wanted t know if (with a normal style of life, i mean i dont need fancy things or spend a lot of money ) i can have a calm life in jeddah, knowing that i have to look for appartment. I would appreciate so much your answer. I have to decide very soon if i should accept. Than you
Hi Leanman,
Your apartment looks quite nice by your description. I moved to Jeddah a few months ago and am looking for one myself. Can you recommend which areas to look into for something similar. Thanks.
hi leanman and all indian........ i am from india working as an engineer recently i get an oppurtunity to work in dammam including fooding an accomadation.. just i want to know the culture of arabian in dammam i belong to hindu family.. is there any hindu temple ?? is there any resistriction for worship of hindu'god or godess ....
if any body knws about the indian culture and locality in dammam plz tell me.......
Hey Leanman, great info..I have worked in manufacturing industry implementing various lean initiative for the past 5-6 years in UK. I am very close to receiving an offer from one of a manufacturing firm based in Riyadh. Can you suggest a salary range I should ask... how much a western educated lean practitioner can earn?...
Hey Leanman
Thanks for a very informative forum on life in KSA. I enjoy reading your advice.
Quick question - are there any long stay accommodations in Jeddah for say 4 week stay ? I am tired of paying the business hotel daily rates for decent room + internet. I usually stay for a week at a time, but this time I may to extend for many more weeks. Hence looking for slightly cheaper options that are still decent.
Any help is appreciated.
Why would car windows be blacked out? Are women driving themselves pretending to be men?
Well you can hire a taxi on monthly basis, but this will be very expensive. Tabuk is like Shimla and it can be very very cold during the winters.
There is a large Indian and Pakistani population all over Saudi Arabia including Tabuk.
Carrying the pictures of Hindu gods is not allowed in Saudi Arabia on person or in the house.
You are free to roam around,and visit various places, mix up with local population and enjoy yourself as long as you dont violate the local law and culture.
The simple rule is, love and be loved, respect and be respected. Wish you all best in your new appointment.
Dr. Shamim A. Hassan
170