Moving to Saudi Arabia solo

I haven't face any specific difficulties. all you need is arrival registration to be filled and print out the completed form along with tawakkalna immune status. rest everything is as usual.

Regards
KALEEL

Cheryl wrote:

Hello everybody,

Moving to Saudi Arabia is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing for this new life in Saudi Arabia.

Do you have any tips for people who are about to move to Saudi Arabia on their own? Is the country suitable, for instance, for a single woman?

What was your state of mind when you arrived in Saudi Arabia?

What type of accommodation did you choose: house-share, self-contained accommodation or apartment complex?

How did your integration go once settled? Do you think that being alone made it easier to make friends?

Did you encounter any particular difficulties, being alone when you arrived? If you had to do it all over again, would you take a chance?

Thank you for your contribution!

Cheryl,
Expat.com team

Do you have any tips for people who are about to move to Saudi Arabia on their own? Is the country suitable, for instance, for a single woman?
Saudi Arabia is safe for everyone, men or women. All you need is  to prepare your mind in way that you can wait for all the things, here things happens when they are suppose to be done, for example on arrival first thing is accommodation. I always recommend to all to stay in company provided accommodation in start for at least 6 months until you get settled properly, ohh yes it took at least 6 months to get settle here. after arrival reporting on duty and contract signing and medical test happens but do read your contract properly each and every single line take your time and memorize it and keep a copy with you. Don't sign it if it is changed what is committed to you before your arrival. second thing you must have a smart phone and you must arrange internet asap as there are many apps which you need to install like absher , tawakalna etc which are used on nearly daily basis. Do not hesitate to ask company to provide you proper clean furnished accommodation. you might need to compromise on small things but it happens do not consider each and everything will be provided for your comfort. from day one start making good relation with HR and during your whole contract keep good relation with HR. once iqama will arrive first thing get a sim car and proper internet package. multiply your internet data consumption 3 times which you used in your home country. find a near by restaurant for food and meals. i will not recommend  to start cooking form the first month bcuz you need to go out and discover your surroundings and city.

What was your state of mind when you arrived in Saudi Arabia?
mind was relaxed as i had been to many other countries before saudia but my advice is to keep your mind positive and be prepare for everything and keep your family updated about your status and also make up your mind things are done in saudi when they supposed to be done not as per your willingness , specially if anything is connected with Govt or HR department. just keep your self relax and dont get panic if iqama is not recieved in a week or medical insurance not arrived or confirmed in a week. do learn the basic laws.

What type of accommodation did you choose: house-share, self-contained accommodation or apartment complex?
i prefer to stay in company accommodation for six month later you can change but if you are going on sharing basis be noted share only with some one who you really trust. each and every area has diffrent rents, if you do not have your personal vehicle stay to the nearest place of your job.

How did your integration go once settled? Do you think that being alone made it easier to make friends?
people here are helpful, specially expats to expats. regardless of their nationality every one helps and advice to their limits. i made really good friends and yes offcourse when you are alone its easy to find friends of your own choice.

Did you encounter any particular difficulties, being alone when you arrived? If you had to do it all over again, would you take a chance?
OMG many, internet , international calling is way expensive, converting everything's cost in home countries currency, for smokers be noted here cigarettes' have highest tax 100%. every buddy will make you affraid to get license , just do it and you will get it and after a year you will find you will be giving advices to other new comers.

As long as you keep out of trouble, you are safe and sound. Be extra careful when driving because drivers in Saudi are called hell drivers especially the young locals. No car stops at zebra crossings, so do not gamble with your life.
Try to select a few good friends to socialize otherwise you feel so bored.
Avoid the shopping malls during the weekends because they will be so crowded.
Other than that, KSA is a safe place to live in, however I have heard of a few pick-pocket and burglary cases during my stay which I think is totally normal considering the various nationalities that live there.

saudia is safe country .eastern region is bit safe and very minimal crime rates