I’m an American woman. I met my Saudi Arabian husband when we were both students at the Univ. of Arizona. After 30 years of living in the USA, my husband desired to move back home. We’ve been in Jeddah now since October 2007. I find my new home interesting, fascinating, and colorful. The people are warm and courteous and as interested in me as I am in them; however they highly regard their privacy. I try to take my camera with me every time I step out the door – I don’t want to miss a thing!
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About Me: Susie of Arabia
I am an American woman. I met my husband more than 30 years ago when we were both college students in Arizona. So after all that time in the states, my hubby desired to move back to his native home of Saudi Arabia. I've been in Jeddah now since October 2007. My new home is amazing: interesting, fascinating, and colorful. The people are warm, courteous and as interested in me as I am in them, however they highly regard their privacy. My camera goes with me every time I step out the door - I don't want to miss a thing!
Please be sure to also visit my other blog, SUSIE'S BIG ADVENTURE, which relates my experiences, observations, and thoughts about living in Saudi Arabia.
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hi,
i browse too much on internet, bt never ever see tht american women express her feeling abt my city ‘ jeddah ‘ , i wnt also to design sme website like this, in whic i will shw a good attraction to people, abt my city, my desret etc….i salute with honour to dedicated work with full expression of feelings to Sussie….Hope u wl b the best …..
Osama Riaz
jeddawee@hotmail.com
0507523285
Just stopped by to peak at what you’re doing. I’m back in the country. If you want to go to the beach anytime soon…call me up and I’ll come and get you. We can go for breakfast first! : ) M.
This is for Maria and anyone else inquiring about living in Jeddah, Riyadh, etc. As Susie has mentioned many times before, everyone’s situation and needs are different. I know of expats married to expats and people like Susie and I married to Saudis. Some are very happy and for some Saudi just isn’t for them. To go by any one persons view or experience will not help you get the big picture. To get a better understanding of how things are for each person in their own situation it is best to talk to someone in the same boat. I disagree with a lot of what Louise said. I respect that she was writing on her experience and giving her opinion. I have a completely different one. As I said I am like Susie, married to a Saudi but my situation is even different from hers. I have 3 children who go to school here, two of which are in university. I have been working here for 17 years, I have a driver, and have a lot of freedom. I have friends from all walks of life. It isn’t perfect here, as with every country it has its faults. It is up to each individual to gather as much information as possible to see if it is right for you. If you are bringing children to live here then you should include them in your decisions. If you google expats in Saudi, living in Saudi and such you will find many sites, groups and blogs to help you. If you are already in the Kingdom then picking up a Jeddah Today or Whats Up Jeddah magazine will help you find things to do. Whats Up Jeddah is online and also has a Riyadh edition. Facebook can also help. Go to networks, Saudi, Jeddah, whatever you need and you will find many companies, schools, restaurants and such advertising. There is so much here to help people fit in or feel more at home if you just look.
Okay that’s my 2 cents. Sorry it was so long.
Hello Susie,
I would just like to thank you for dedicating your time and sharing your experiences. I follow your blogs and you have helped me understand more about the culture and the country in so many ways. My husband is also from Saudi Arabia and we reside in the U.S. We do not plan to live in KSA, but we would like to travel & visit. I have a few questions, I know you probably get tons of emails, but if you have some time, might you be able to email me privately so we can chat? I am concerned about traveling and would appreciate any inputs from an American living there.
Hi Susie,
What obligations do the tourists have in this case?
I am an Italian woman and among few weeks I will come to Jiddah as tourist and to see some opportunities for a possible investment. Would I want to know that also in these cases I can go out only in abaya and accompanied by a mascular relative? Must I bring my father with me in Saudi?
Thanks
Hi Susie, I love your blogs…My fiance is in Jeddah and we are planning for me to go visit him and get married in December 2009. Im still attending college and I want to graduate before I go live with him for god Inshallah…But I have any questions and fears, but I also have a lot of love for him and I beleive in the future we want to build together. Can you please help me…
Hi Aima – I will email you…
Hi, Susie. The next moth i´m going to travel to Jeddah in order to visit my husband who is working there. We are both from Argentine and it would be the first time for me in so far away land. So that´s wy i was searching for some contacts there in Jeddah when i found your blog. I would appreciate if you can reply this messege and tell me how was the experience with the culture. I´m very excited to be in so extraordinary land. Thanks a lot.
I have emailed you privately. Wishing you a wonderful and safe visit.
Susie,
I dropped in to this blog accidentally while I was searching for Islamic Arabic movies with optional English/Arabic subtitles. As a learner of Arabic I intend to make a progress with such movies. If you don’t mind it, I would like to ask following questions:
1. Do you find it helpful in improving the language skills watching Arabic movies (fusha) with Arabic subtitles? Or is it waste of time?
2. Which way you personally consider to be the best in learning Arabic? Can you tell us your experience in detail?
3. In one of your comments, you said you are wearing hijab just because your husband wants you to. Have you ever considered wearing the same hijab just to please your Lord?
In answer to your questions…
1. Since I don’t read Arabic, watching movies with Arabic subtitles is of absolutely no value to me. However if you have enough knowledge of Arabic, I would think that it would be a great way for you to learn more.
2. Unfortunately I haven’t felt the pressure to learn as much Arabic as I had wanted to. I am finding that it is very difficult for me to learn new words in Arabic at my age, but I do remember most of the Arabic I learned when I first met my husband when I was in my 20s. I try to learn one new word or phrase a day – I always must write it out phonetically and repeat it over and over. If you are younger, you should have a much easier time learning Arabic than I do.
3. I went without wearing hijab for 55 years of my life and my lord never had a problem with it. I don’t feel that now suddenly my god would be any more pleased with me because I am wearing a piece of cloth on my head that makes me hot and uncomfortable. I don’t think that wearing hijab makes me a better person. I believe that God looks at our actions, our goodness, and how we treat others, not at whether I am covering my hair or not. I personally don’t feel that this is an important issue between me and my god. I wear it solely because my husband wants me to, even though he knows how I feel about it.
Amen to #3. Hopefully we will judged by our actions — not a piece of cloth. I have seen many wear hijab who behave indecently and many without the hijab who are models of morality.
Hello – Sorry for the delay in answering your questions. I was traveling. Here are my answers to your questions…
1- Since I don’t read Arabic, watching movies with Arabic subtitles is of absolutely no value to me. However if you have enough knowledge of Arabic, I would think that it would be a great way for you to learn more.
2 – Unfortunately I haven’t felt the pressure to learn as much Arabic as I had wanted to. I am finding that it is very difficult for me to learn new words in Arabic at my age, but I do remember most of the Arabic I learned when I first met my husband when I was in my 20s. I try to learn at least one new word or phrase a day – I always must write it out phonetically and repeat it over and over. If you are younger, you should have a much easier time learning Arabic than I do.
3 – I went without wearing hijab for 55 years of my life and my Lord never had a problem with it. I don’t feel that now suddenly my Lord would be any more pleased with me because I am wearing a piece of cloth on my head that makes me hot and uncomfortable in a sweltering place like Saudi Arabia. I also don’t think that wearing hijab makes me a better person. I believe that God looks at our actions, our goodness, and how we treat others, not at whether I am covering my hair or not. I personally don’t feel that this is an important issue between me and my god. I wear it solely because my husband wants me to, even though he knows how I feel about it.
I hope I’ve answered your questions to your satisfaction!
Best Wishes and Warmest Regards –
Susie
Thanks for reading my comment. There is a typo there though as i was reading it over. Ive been here since 1989, not 1998. Would be pretty odd if I had lived half my life here with 3 kids at that age. I was 21 when I came and my eldest daughter was 2 years old. My other two daughters were born here.
It must be really different coming to live in saudi later in life as you have. I must admit though, if I had to live anywhere but Jeddah, I probably wouldnt have stayed!
I’ve read a lot of blogs by non natives regarding SA. Your blog is quite uplifting. I think anyone confused or in disagreement of anything you write about is completely out of lifestyle differences. As it was noted, your experiences are molded by your husband. So true. There are different financial levels, religious levels and so on. No one persons experience will be the same as another. I’ve been living in SA since May of 1998. Half of my life has been here in SA. I am married to a saudi and we have 3 children. I have a lot to comment on and such and will be back to follow your adventures. I’m supposed to be getting ready for an akeekah (baby shower). The net always distracts me! Take care, Khadijah aka Michelle
Thank you, Khadijah – I appreciate your comment. I am miffed by those who misinterpret my intentions and think that I am criticizing when I am merely writing about my experiences and expressing that I don’t necessarily understand many things here. Questioning is not criticizing, but unfortunately some people seem to think that it is. My husband is Saudi, so why would I want to put him or his culture down? Thanks for your comment and understanding.
Excellent comment Susie. It would be indeed self-defeating to hate the culture of both your husband, and, by inheritence and now life experience, your own son! That doesn’t mean you may not always be totally happy with all of it, nor are they, probably.
susie,
you photos are amazing and so is your blog. You always speak the truth and the way you see the difference between KSA and the rest of the world. That is what I like and appreciate about you and your judgement. I like looking at pictures of KSA as I know I would probably not visit the country in my life as it is so different to other countries. I respect the custom of KSA, but it is so different to the lifestyle that I live in. Women who go there for holiday or to live from abroad, like yourself are more braver than me. I am an indian who has been born and brought up in Europe. I regularly travel to India, I can see the difference in the culture in the country that I have been brought up and the country that my parents have been brought up. Even though I can see the difference I do not mind it. KSA is a lot different to the traditions and cultures of a lot of countries. It is like a different world to the world that we live in. Some people like living there some people don’t. I may sounding a bit prejudice, which I am not trying to be. It is just my opinion. I respect all cultures, traditions and cultures. All I am saying is that the lifestyle of KSA does not match the lifestyle that I live in.
Hi SB – Thank you so very much for taking the time to comment. I totally understand what you are saying and you don’t sound prejudice. All cultures are unique – that’s what makes the world such an interesting place. Assimilating into a culture so different from our own is not easy at all, and I would say that most people feel most comfortable with what they are used to and grew up with. Thanks again!
Hi Susie,
I lived in Saudi as an exchange student several years ago. It was definitely a wonderful experience. There was this fish dish I tried and I can’t for the life of me remember what is was. It was a whole fried fish served with brown rice, i believe it was a specialty in Jeddah. I would love to go back to Saudi and work, right now I undertaking graduate studies in Public Health, what would be the best way of looking for employment their and would you happen to have the recipe for the dish I referred to above?
I’ve been following your blog for a while, it’s amazing. keep up, and God bless you.
Hello,
I have enjoyed surfing through your website.
I’m a Jiddawi studying at Montreal.
I thought you did a very decent job taking the pictures, but I thought that you misrepresented the picture as a whole. You only took pictures that would strengthen stereotypes about Saudi. I think that you have noticed that a minimum of 50% of Jiddawi women do not cover their faces almost all women of northern Jiddah don’t. My wife doesn’t, my sister doesn’t, my mom doesn’t almost 99.9% of my relatives do not. You haven’t taken any pictures of a happy couple walking hand in hand shopping, because my wife and I do. You didn’t take pictures of “Al-Salheya” beach (which is an extreme for me) where you can’t find a girl who is not wearing a bikini (Saudi women yes) I’m just saying that use your camera fairly try yo show the real picture of Jiddah. Because anyone who would try to know Jiddah through your website would hate it and hate Saudi.
Sorry for all the criticism.
I really enjoyed the pictures.
I’m just a proud Jiddawi.
Sorry if I came off as rude or anything of that sort.
Thank you.
You are the most ridiculous woman of a democratic country (origin) who tried to live in a the most anti democratic place of the world.
Are you happy to live there ? Where non Saudi Arabia workers are treat like dogs ? Where people live under protect of big guard barriers ?
Sorry to say but i’m sharing your blog for joking with real people (and friends).
Thx to show how is the mentality of some religious people.
Proud to live in a free and democratic country.
This seems particularily harsh. Everyone should show respect for other’s opinions and not everyone’s experiences are the same. There are good and bad people everywhere on the face of the earth. Yes, there are some inequiities in the treatment of people and yes, they must be changed. But every country has things they need to change. Being “democratic” does not mean that all are treated equally — you only have to visit the slums of all the big cities in all the “democratic” countries to see that. In addition, many of our own citizens have to decide between medication and paying their rent. I do the value the freedom of my country of origin but I also value the people of other countries who, for the most part, want the same things we all want. Neither governments or religious fanatics (of all countries) are truly representative of the population.
Having lived in Saudi Arabia for 18 years and still returning at least twice a year my experiences being married to a Saudi are different. I used to give talks at the US embassy about what it was like being married to a Saudi and the first thing I would point out that is that you can not stereotype that since each marriage is different depending on the two people involved. I was fortunate to have a driver and was able to go out by myself and had a very active social life with other women friends. I also shopped by myself most of the time since my husband did not like shopping. I found life in Riyadh very enjoyable because of the active social life I had both with my women friends and with couples both my husband and I enjoyed spending time with. Our three children were very happy living there as well. Although my husband has a large family they never interferred and were always very nice to me. I have never covered my hair amd my husband never requested me to do that. I would say 80% of those married to Saudi’s do cover their hair, however. I believe the western coast and eastern coast are more relaxed than Riyadh but I prefer Riyadh because of the lack of humidity and think there is more to offer in the way of shopping in Riyadh. There are lots of spas, restaurants, etc in Riyadh as there are in Jiddah. I saw Riyadh grow from one stop light in the town to a traffic nightmare, however! Unfortunately, how open your life is in Saudi Arabia greatly depends on being comfortable enough financially to have your own home (without in-laws), a driver so you can go out when you need to and are not dependent on anyone and an understanding open minded husband who is confident enough to let you be you. Otherwise, there is no question that it can be difficult to adjust to life there and the lack of independence. I have seen a lot fewer mutawahs in my last visits although they can sometimes suddenly appear. Many restaurants let people remain inside during prayer but many do not as well. Grocery stores usually allow shopping during prayer but other shops usually require everyone to leave. I am fortunate my husband remained the same whether we are in Saudi Arabia or in the States. Unquestionably, we are both more careful to adapt our behavior when in Saudi Arabia but our personal interaction and our life inside our home always remained the same and I was always free to go out as I wished. Even our Saudi woman friends go out alone and many run their own businesses by themselves. If you look at the cars in the streets probably 50% have women on their own with a driver. So that is one more person’s perspective and as pointed out everyone may have different experiences.
Dear Suzie,Whilst I applaud your initiative for this blog, you have some facts totally wrong. I have lived in Saudi Arabia most of my adult life and I now live in Riyadh. We do not have to cover our hair. Abbays are not polyester ( unless they are cheap) many are made from silk and other fine materials and are very attractive. We are allowed to stay inside most shops/restuarants during prayer time.Mutawa are not on “every corner” and are less prominent than ever.Women can go out alone if they want to. There are so many activities in Riyadh other than shopping and eating.Why would you say don’t go to Riyadh? It is a beautiful city and the social life is great! There are also many well equipped and tastefully designed ladies spas and gyms.I hope my comments help to put a more positive spin on this country.I am a British expat living a very good quality of life here. It is all about attitude.
Dear Philipa – While I appreciate the fact that your experiences here have been totally different from mine, either you are not married to a Saudi and are living in a compound, or you are married to a very progressive Saudi who doesn’t care if you adhere to Islam while you are here. My experiences have been totally shaped by my husband – I wear the hijab because he wants me to. I have never been out alone. I don’t wear an expensive abaya made of silk. We have been kicked out of shops at prayer time or locked inside restaurants – BTW, we are rarely out at prayer time anyway because my husband wants to be home for prayers. I’ve never said Muttawwa are on every corner. I did not say don’t go to Riyadh – I’ve never been there, but I have been told by many women here that Riyadh is more strict about dress and muttawa are more prominent. I don’t feel that I have presented this country in a negative light. I’ve tried to highlight many of the things I find fascinating and interesting. I am a very upbeat person – questioning things I don’t understand doesn’t mean I am criticizing or negative. I’m happy for you that you love it here. Most of my adult life except for the last two years have been spent in the states. I am now 57 years old. Some might say that I am too set in my ways at this point in my life to put up with some of the severe changes in lifestyle I have had to face, but I have always been flexible and open-minded. Since my husband spent 30 years in the states with me, I thought I knew him and didn’t think he would revert back to being so Saudi when we came here, but he has. Everyone’s experiences are different – I am presenting mine as I see them – I hope you can appreciate that.
Hi Susie,
Both the blogs were very interesting, especially Islamic people’s view of the Western lifestyle.
My overall comment is that what is good for the goose is good for the gander. So men have to not be allowed to drive. Men have to cover up, not be allowed university education or allowed to go out alone. Men have to follow all the rules and restrictions, they set for women otherwise it is a case of do as I say and not as I do. Finally, men should be paid what women are paid. What is the point of unequality, one gender simply thinks that it is unreasonably superior. Men voting for men.
My cousin and family are presently living and working in Jeddah and appear to love it.
Hi Susie,
I tried accessing your other site today but it seems the Saudis have blocked it. I had no problem yesterday though. Have you tried contacting the relevant authorities to have this ‘ban’ lifted within the Kingdom. Often, once informed that a site is ‘harmless’, they will reverse their decision – it’s just a case of putting them right.
Really great blog! It reminds me of so many memories! I recognize a lot of your photos! I went to Jeddah 2 years ago during 3 months for a training. It was so great and I want to come back there again but it’s almost impossible for me to have a visa
Hola Susie! soy una fiel seguidora de tu blog Susie’s big adventure pero desde hoy tu paguina esta bloqueada para los que vivimos aqui en Arabia Saudita. Admiro mucho tu punto de vista al tratar temas considerados polemicos. Que esta censura no calle tu voz!
Hi Susie, I just came upon your blog today and am fascinated since we share so much in commom. I also met my Saudi husband at the University of Arizona. We were married in 1970. I lived 18 years in Riyadh (1972-1991) and since then Irvine, CA is our homebase although we travel and back and forth. My husband got his Ph.D from Riverside, CA and taught at the University in Riyadh and then became Deputy Minister of Agriculture and eventually moved into the private sector. I also love photography, taught school and then had a jewelry making businss. I am now administrator of my son’s preschool here in Irvine. We have 3 sons and 4 grandchildren. Would love to hear from you by email and share more of our experiences. Patty
Assalamu Alaikum,
I would appreciate if you could forward me your email address to m.diouri@ed.ac.uk.
I would like to request your copyright permission to use your images for educational/non-commercial purposes to teach the Arabic language online.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Thank you
M
* about our country *
hello,
i would like to say that i’m so proud of u
what a nice way to talk about country =)
and i want u to support my group please,
thank you
http://www.facebook.com/groups/create.php?success=1&customize&gid=83147000988#/group.php?gid=83147000988
Hi Mohammed – I’ll have to check out the Endowment Project next time I’m out in that area. Thanks for letting me know.
i also recalled that when i was entering makkah coming from jeddah i passed through this monument and then going down a kilometer or so i also noticed the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project peeking from behind a huge mountain.(a distance of atleast 25 kilometers)
for the other readers: this project is locates right infront of the holy mosque between the King abdul Aziz and King fahd gates to the mosque.
a spectacular piece of construction i must say.
Your blogging about halal meat is getting a lot of reader response and you should read it and send a response.
Check the article posting at-
http://sikhcommunitycenter.org/index.php/Opinion/
Thanks, Lakhinder.
hi susie .. actioly i lived in saudi arabia for 19 years ago and now i am in the U.S.A florida miami , I am studying english language right now ,and I have a peresentation about my hometown jeddah city i took a look about your profile and i like it. But you know we have amazing things in saudi arabia and we should take a look for it for example did you see those beaches : crystal beach , al-remal beach, al-durrah beach, al-ghous beach ,fall beach
and there is many malls for shopping too i wonder if i had pictures for it to show my teacher and student how jeddah look like .. and have fun in jeddah ,and be carefull because you are a women lol
Hi Sultan – You are welcome to use any of the photos for your presentation in your class – good luck! And thanks for asking.
hey forgot to say one thing the huge cycle that u posted we used to call it as ADAM`s cycle.
I miss the Al-Baik restaurant.
Hi Mohammed – I’m so glad I am able to bring back some happy memories for you. Al-Baik is still here and does very well all over town!
Hi.
I am an indian by nationality but born and brought up in Riyadh all my life.I had to come back to india as my parents needed me here (they came back after 35 years in Riyadh -worked for saudi aramco).I recently came accorss this blog and (the first blog i ever read)I was moved to see all that, that i left behind.
I personally like to say that you have done and are doing the best thing a person can do with a camera.
Great pictures.
I love your site. Keep it up !
Thanks so much!
Hi Susie
so you cant go with a driver either? I used a “pivate driver” who did a lot of driving for the nuses exreamly honest. Also cheaper than our comp. drivers.
And I didn´t always had to book a time..
I’ve only gone with drivers with other women friends or my sister-in-law…
Wow, Frida – Sounds like you were able to take advantage of many things Jeddah has to offer in your year here! My problem is transportation…
Hi Shanthalal – Send me more info and I’ll see what I can do.
Thanks, Amanda!
For Anyone Interested in Beaches in the Jeddah area – I just picked up a brochure that lists several JEDDAH BEACH RESORTS:
2-656-8888 Crystal
2-606-6644 Nakheel
2-656-1880 Remal
2-656-1980 Dive Village
2-618-0000 Durrat Al-Arous
2-656-0033 Fal
2-234-1900 Blue Beach
2-655-5500 Movenpick
2-656-0702 Coral Beach
2-656-1444 Andalus Resort
2-656-3030 Obhur Resort
2-234-2264 Sheraton
2-234-2332 Huda Beach
ALSO – I also have a few more numbers for local MARINAS, DIVE RESORTS AND DIVING COMPANIES. Let me know if you’re interested.
Hi Marc – You must be talking about my other blog’s music because I haven’t figured out how to add my playlist on to WordPress yet! How do you dub in blue sky? There are some great sites out there with info on Riyadh. Try clicking on the link under N. Alrajhi’s comment above – it’s a wonderful site.
Hi Louise – I am actually about 9 hours ahead of your time so I think it was more like noon? I think the time is shown on your local time.
dear mam
i am a srilankan work in saudi arabia in a fishing company name of al otheshan which situated in jizan.i saw ur site and it’s great and i would like to send some snaps of fish which i have.if u have any possibility to promote our fish in saudi market (specialy in damam,riyadh & jeddah )please inform me.
thank you
dear mam
i am a srilankan work in saudi arabia in a fishing company name of al otheshan which situated in jizan.i saw ur site and it’s great and i would like to send some snaps of fish which i have.if u have any possility to promote our fish in saudi market (specialy in damam,riyadh & jeddah )please inform me.
thank you
Hello Susie.
regrding the beaches, I lived in Saudi 2003-2004 the best year of my life!! I don´t know if any of the places are still there of course but I liked Intercontinentals beach the best, but there were mostly ex pats. Also god for children. I didn´t like Al-bilal cause I´m not such a great swimmer. But I spent most of my time at Trio Ranch were I had a horse. I also road (?) at Jeddah eqestrian club, but I think it´s gone.
Best regards Frida (Sweden)
http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=Jeddah&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=XW_BSdz3DMzD_gbA0syvDg&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title
http://images.google.com.sa/images?hl=ar&um=1&q=Jeddah&btnG=%D8%A5%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%AB+%D9%81%D9%8A+%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1
Susie
Congratulations on your astounding work. I would love to speak with you directly about a project I would be honored to have you participate in.
Warmly (from NY)
Amanda
Susie – Thank for your comment about the Photo of the Day.I will check out the Skywatch site.I note that you sent your comment at 4:00am. Do you always go to “work” so early in the morning? Louise
I think it’s actually set on FL time!
Susie – Thank for your comment about photo of the day i will checkout the Skywach site.I note that you sent your comment at 4:00am. Do you always go to “work” so early in the morning? Louise
…I’ve actually left your website on, after viewing, because I like the music mix. A few songs I like, but didn’t know the name of. So much sincerity in your photographs. And they’re good photo’s as well, such blue sky. I usually have to dub in a deep blue sky background. I’m looking around for current info about living in Riyahd, as a Saudi company has expressed some interest in having me join the firm. Enjoyed your blog and so on….
Hi Dr Shakeel – Thank you for your kind comments. I too have passions for photography and culture. I think you would enjoy blogging if that is the case with you too!
hi susie ,
just got to say wow and apreciate the way u have taken every detail into pictures with keeness. great blog there .
i have been in saudiarabia for past 25 year or say since my child hood .great place is saudi arabia ..
i hope i start some thing like u r page coz i am passionate about photography and culture.
thanx
Hi Reemoo – I am flattered and interested as well. I love Hyper Panda and I love photography! I think it would be a great match for me.
Dear Susie,
My Name is Rami Rajab, I’m the marketing & PR director of Panda company ” no.1 supermarket & Hyper Market in the kingdom.
we are interested to recruiter you excellent talent in photography in some of our advertising project.
Please let me know if you are interested.
Thanx,
Hi there Susie, great blog saw your other one a while back. I’ve started my own http://www.riyadhciti.wordpress.com
I’m a College student, raised in the states all my life
Hi Susie,
thanks for your answer; I’m going to work as a House manager for a prominent saudi family so that means that I’ll be living with the family but I would like to have my own moments of “freedom”… do you understand me?
Hi Maria – I am probably having a totally different experience than what you will have. I don’t live on a compound and I don’t have access to transportation and my husband is Saudi. My ex-pat friends who are here to work or are married to other ex-pats seem to have more freedom and more things available for them to do. You can do things by yourself, but it would probably be advisable to go with a girlfriend. There are plenty of other women who will be in the same boat as yourself.
Hi Thabit – You probably need to check out some of the private beaches in the Obhur area. Take a drive out there and tell the guards you are interested in seeing the places. They should allow you in to check them out. One that is really nice and is strictly for ex-pats is Salhiya, but they may not have any memberships available right now. I highly recommend Al Nakheel – it’s very nice. There’s another one called Al-Bilad. I don’t know that there is a compiled list of available beaches – maybe I should work on one?
Hi Vanessa – You asked about women going out alone here in Saudi Arabia. The answer could be Yes in some cases and No in others. I think you could go out grocery shopping or to the mall alone. I never have though because my husband is paranoid about my safety. I feel very safe here though, but he is Saudi and thinks all men look at women as sex objects so that’s why he’s paranoid. There are some places where women cannot go. There are some cases when you might get harrassed or approached if you are alone.
For the most part if you are living in a compound, you will make friends with other ex-pat wives and will have access to transportation. I don’t and this is my main problem here. I have to depend on my hubby to take me places and he hates to drive here!
Hope this has helped!
Warmest Regards – Susie
Hello,
I was also wondering if women could go out alone?
My husband is thinking to move to Saudi Arabia, and it would be nice to know things before planning tomove.
Regards,
Vanessa
hi,
I’m planning to go to Saudi Arabia because I have an interesting job offer. I would like to know how is the life for an european single woman in KSA? Are we allowed to go out alone for shopping, walking, visiting the town or the country?
Maria,
Before I came here I found almost nothing about how it’s like to live here. I hope my experience here give you an idea of how it’s like.The first thing you need to know is that this country is sex and civil status segregated, think South africa’s apartheid.At restaurants, banks,airline offices there is a family section and a single section, by this understand single male and married men who are without their wives. This also applied to Starbucks, Donkin’ Donuts. etc. There are two 2 lifestyles for expats here: the first one is the one like I have in a compound, western style military guarded gated community with amenities such as restaurants, golf courses,tennis,squash, gym and swimming pool,mini market, laundry service, 24hr maintenance, etc.Keep in mind swimming pools outside a compound is off limits for women even at western chain hotels because they will have to build a wall to separate men and women.The residents at these compounds are mostly americans, canadians, europeans,south africans and aussies. Compounds provide transportation, as women are not allowed to drive, to supermarkets and shopping malls and many of us have our own driver.You won’t see many of us at night since the only public entertainment men and women are allowed to do is shopping and eating.At night,you will see the locals by the thousands at malls and restaurants as well as mutawas( religious police)making sure not related men and women don’t mingle plus traffic is pure hell.We can travel anywhere domestic or international because we keep our passport and don’t need permission from husbands unlike muslim women who do.Having said that,unless you live in Riyadh, we don’t go there because all women have to cover the head with a scarf and mutawas are on every corner as well as. Makka and Medinah which are holy places for only muslims.About the passport, your employer can exercise the right to hold your passport and this is common practice with foreign labour,unless you have high paid position, and you will carry an ID residence/ employment card called Iqama, but if a problem arise between you and your employer, you won’t be able to leave the country. I know that embassy or consulates can do very little to help you. Check your with country’s website in Riyadh for info.You’re coming here as single and I will sugest you find western expats as soon as you can in order to have some kind of normal life as we know it.Saudi’s are very protective of their families and you won’t be invited to their homes.
The other lifestyle is for the labour from the east:India,Pakistan,Sri Lanka,Malaysia, Indonesia,Nepal,Philipines.To see them working and being up close and personal to human misery was very shocking to me. They do all the hard work, housekeeping,nurses at hospitals, etc.
I also did not find anywhere about tha said abaya is mandatory. Well is not mandatory excep in Riyadh,Makka, and Medinah,not in the eastern province, instead one can wear loose long sleeve shirt and pants.The con about this is that you draw the attention of locals and sometimes women are followed and that’s why is better to wear the abaya and blend in.During the hot months (April-November)is very uncomfortable to wear since it’s made of 100%polyester and black.It feels like being in a sauna inside of a garbage bag.I wonder how the women with abaya, nekab, head scarf,wool gloves and sock don’t die of heat stroke. You see abayas with embelishments but no matter how many swarovsky crystals you put on, it doesn’t make it pretty.It’s like putting swarovsky cristals on an orange inmate jumpsuit. Valentino or de la Renta did not come up with this model,it was designed to hide any curve you may have and look utterly unattractive.But there are ways to feel pretty and that’s with makeup.The second most profitable market after US is Saudi.As in every store in the country, the sales people at makeup stores are men, most of them from Syria and Jordan, they cannot put in on you but they can sell it to you when the stores are open from 10-12pm and the reopen at 4pm but will close for prayer (salaat) around 5 pm and again around 7pm depending on the month of the year.Every shop closes and you will have to get out of the store or mall and wait between 15-30 mins to resume you shopping.This is the only muslim country that does this.This can be frustrating at the beginning since you have to plan your chores around it.
You don’t see expat women working out outside the compunds since we our concept of athletic apparel does not include the abaya and we have facilities inside the compound. Local women go for walks at the corniche in the afternoon.We go to the private western expats only beaches, where western attire is the rule and abayas,hijabs, nekabs, thobes, burkinis are not allowed.
These are the some of the things here from our home countries but you will find the Saudis cordial, polite people, who want the same things we do for our kids and families but look at some aspects of life through a different lens. My advice to you is to be respectful of their customs, this is their country and you’re a guest.
Hi,
Great site. I am currently residing with my family in Jeddah (We are from South Africa).
One thing i realised from your website, is that no matter where you go, there is beauty to be found(referring to your pics). Saudi is a cool place to stay.
I do require a few suggestions from you regarding expats beaches in Jeddah. As a family we enjoy water and it would be refreshing to swim in sea water again. It might sound simple, but in life, it is the small things you tend to miss.
We are muslim and swim within the rules of Islam, so it does not necessarily have to be a completely expat beach.
Please let me know.
Regarding one of your previous pics, there is a desalination plant just opposite Saudi City where they process the water. (I think it was a comment on the water trucks).
Thanks in advance