Your first days in your home in Saudi Arabia

@Cheryl I loved it right away!  It was our second time living in Dhahran. I did get beat up by two 5th graders who were picking on my sister the first week. I was in second grade and didn't stand a chance. The poor kid my sister kicked off of me had to go to the hospital and had badly bruised ribs.  The kid lied to his parents and said he got beat up by an older kid. They came to our house and the father took one look at me and new something was wrong.  Pretty funny welcome!

@Cheryl  Hi, I don't want to discourage anyone from coming here but my advice to all expats is to make sure that you read all reviews about the company that has hired you. Read the reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor and please take these reviews seriously. I failed to do so and my journey has been one nightmare after the other. I was moved 3 times due to poor housing conditions. Since I have been here, I fight constantly to be paid on time. There is a lack of transparency when trying to understand different regulations, policies, and laws pertaining to my job from the HR Department. Why do I stay? My students and my supportive parents. I love the work that I do and the things that I have accomplished. It is genuinely gratifying work! Again, make sure to read reviews about the company if you are going to make a serious life decision such as moving to Saudi Arabia. I hope this helps.

@Cheryl

My time in my home when I first arrived in Saudi Arabia on my first project was 15 years ago.

upon arrival when I wasn’t met at the airport as I was informed. I reviewed all my emails looking for a mobile number of someone, anyone.

Finally I found a number which I called and the phone was answered. I explained my situation to the guy on the phone. He took my number and said he would try to contact someone and call me back. When he did call me back, he said to locate a hotel and check in and send my location to the people that were going to handle my arrival documents.

I was contacted the next day and was informed that someone would come for me the next day.

once onsite I was given keys to the Compound Home I was assigned.

I had a 2 bedroom home, living room, full Kitchen, washer and dryer and dishwasher.

Only 1 TV in the living room.

The compound had 2 swimming pools, Gym, tennis court, basketball court and a room to do activities in a group with other residents.

Not a bad place and I met many people mostly US and UK.

@Cheryl

hope you are well. Where are you flying in from and which city are you flying too in saudi?

so I’m from uk moved to Jeddah 5 years ago. So few things to look at :

are you here for work or as a wife of someone working? So if you are working you will most likely socialise with people at work and they will tell you the best places to go too for chills, food, shopping etc however if you’re coming as a housewife you really have to do a lot of research as I had too.

first thing in terms of stay I assume you’ve already chosen but compounds are probably best if you’re looking to meet like for like, in apartments and villa’s you’re basically alone unless you have a community I found communities quite reserved here.

what I started to do when I first came is getting out in my local area, go to the nearest grocery store, nearest ikea centrepoint to set up my home.

slowly started getting to. Medical facilities for check ups to get myself registered.

visited malls they have all English brands,

if you have children attend mommy and me playgroups - your best bet for that is Instagram depending on the city you’re in.

the first few months are tough but once you meet just one person slowly you’ll start meeting more.

you will be fine, just take it easy on yourself and don’t be shy to ask around locally for best facilities for salons shopping etc xx

@smittyml8849

we are also looking for a similar compound if you don’t mind sharing which compound is this? I am from jeddah