What's life like off-compound?

Member since 20 January 2013

Upper VoltaNew member20 January 2013 10:11:47

Hi again,

I've been reading through the forums and there's some great information. However, I don't see many posts from Westerners who live outside of the compounds.

I'm going to Riyadh soon for six months and will stay in non compound accomodation. I'm European, mid 40's, reasonably well travelled but this will be my first time in the Middle East.

The thought of not living off the compound doesn't bother me and I know there are at least a dozen other Europeans in the complex I will stay in, so I won't be alone.
But I would be interested to hear of experiences from those who have stayed "beyond the walls" - what are the good and bad sides to this, what to expect and what to avoid.

Look forward to your comments!

Riyadh Networker Active member

Member since 19 December 2012

Riyadh NetworkerActive member20 January 2013 10:29:31

The good thing about that is you will have more opportunities to interact with local community (i.e. Saudis and Arabs) and will be exposed more to their culture and Arabic language.

The bad thing is that you will be living in a completely conservative environment where interaction between genders is prohibited other than in hospitals.

Keep in mind that living in a non-compound residence is far cheaper than compounds.

Wail

HRGuru ViP

Member since 12 January 2013

HRGuruViP20 January 2013 10:34:59

2233

Riyadh Networker wrote:
The good thing about that is you will have more opportunities to interact with local community (i.e. Saudis and Arabs) and will be exposed more to their culture and Arabic language.

The bad thing is that you will be living in a completely conservative environment where interaction between genders is prohibited other than in hospitals.

Keep in mind that living in a non-compound residence is far cheaper than compounds.

Wail

houstonian Serial expat

Member since 05 October 2011

houstonianSerial expat20 January 2013 10:38:24

229

The only bad thing that can potentially happen is your neighbor not liking you and calling the cops on you. Sounds far-fetched but happened to a friend of mine a couple of months ago. They were having a birthday party - lots of folks coming and going during the course of the evening. Some music playing, some singing going on. One of the neighbors called the cops saying that there is a party with men and women. Fortunately for my friend all the women came with their husbands so no big deal.

I guess the lesson to be learned is - if you are planning on having aparty, invite all your neighbors. LOL

Alliecat ViP

Member since 13 October 2009

Alliecat
=^.^=

AlliecatViP20 January 2013 13:30:39

8790

@houstonian It's not that unusual. I've heard of it happening, too.

Upper Volta New member

Member since 20 January 2013

Upper VoltaNew member20 January 2013 18:53:06

Thank you - good to know.

Bruckner Contributor

Member since 16 March 2012

BrucknerContributor20 January 2013 20:40:41

181

It's great!

If you like to party, you're better off in a compound. Same thing goes if you're paranoid. If you'll get a "do nothing all day and get overpaid" job, then you'll need to entertain yourself and if you don't know any method of keeping yourself busy, you should stay in a compound.

Also, my opinion is pretty much biased.