When my husband and I first announced our decision to move to Saudi Arabia we received a variety of responses. Most people were excited about our new adventure, a lot of people were concerned, and some didn’t understand our decision at all. Although the support was appreciated and the apprehension was noted, we ultimately knew this path was right for us and we were thrilled to experience a new life in a new culture.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about our move and living in the Middle East:
Q: Why?
A: My husband and I got this question a lot! For us, at this stage in our lives, one of our biggest priorities is traveling. We both want to see and experience the world, and what better way to do so than to immerse yourself into a culture that is a complete 180 from your own? Would there be a learning curve? Absolutely! Was that intimidating? Yes! But think about how much you grow as a person when faced with a different mindset, lifestyle, language, and culture? It was an opportunity we did not want to pass up. It was a bonus when we saw this route had financial benefits as well. So, after some serious discussions and contemplation, we knew this expat journey was right for us!
Q: What is an expat?
A: An expatriate, or expat, is someone who lives outside of their native country (typically for work).
Q: Is it safe?
A: Would you believe me if I said I felt safer in Saudi Arabia than I do in some parts of the U.S.? Well, it’s true! Before our move, I was told this was a common feeling and I was skeptical, to say the least. However, now that I’ve had first-hand experience, I can confidently confirm. Because KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) has strict criminal laws, crime rates in the Kingdom are very low. I’ve left my shopping cart FULL of purchased items outside a store while I roamed in another! Would I feel comfortable doing that back in the states? Nope. Granted this is a small example, but as a white woman living in Saudi, I feel a comfort I wasn’t expecting.
Q: What is the culture like?
A: The culture in KSA is one of the reasons my husband and I are enjoying this country so much. We all know Saudi Arabia is a very traditional and conservative country. However, many people don’t know how strong the moral codes and cultural values of the Saudi people are. With Islam being a powerful influence in the country, hospitality, loyalty, and the sense of supporting one’s family and community are characteristics that shape the culture.
Q: How has the transition been? / Did you have any culture shock?
A: Generally speaking, my husband and I are pleasantly surprised with how easy our transition into a new continent, a new time zone, a new culture, and a brand new lifestyle has been. I did experience some culture shock the first full day in the country- mostly because I felt extremely out of place- but it has been a smooth move since. Overall, I think the easy transition has been due to our open mindset and the full support of leaning on one another.
Q: Now that you’re here, does what you thought about KSA align with what you think now?
A: Funny enough, we get asked this by people living in Saudi ALL. THE. TIME. and the answer is no. Before our move, I tried to keep my thoughts and feelings neutral because I don’t think it’s fair to judge before experience. I tried to hold back my anxiety brought on by others thinking they knew what to expect and focused more on the information I had heard from people already living in the Kingdom. Overall, our experience has been a positive one so far and I’m SO glad we are on this journey!
Q: How’s the food?
A: In a short answer- the traditional food here is **Chef’s Kiss**. A typical dinner includes freshly baked khubz and hummus for an appetizer, some sort of meat like camel, goat, or chicken paired with flavorful rice and vegetables for the main course, and coffee and logaimat or kunafa cake for dessert. And traditionally, all of this is eaten with your hands. However, because we live in one of the biggest cities in KSA, we can find a variety of food options if we aren’t craving the ‘traditional options.’ Almost every chain restaurant you can find in the states you can find in Saudi Arabia too- but what’s the fun in that?
Q: Do women have rights?
A: YES! One of the biggest misconceptions about Saudi Arabia is the lack of rights women have. Are they behind the times a little? Yes. BUT everyone here will say how much the country has changed even in the past five years. Now, women can drive, wear what they want, hold jobs they were previously not allowed to have, and live alone. Here, women’s freedom isn’t seen as limited but overly protected.
Q: What do you wear?
A: When we’re in public, my husband wears long pants and a t-shirt, and I wear my abaya- a long robe worn over my clothes. I’ve come to enjoy the abaya life because it brought me back to my school uniform days. 1. I don’t have to worry about what to wear. 2. No one is judging me on what I’m wearing. 3. You could wear PJs underneath, and no one would know. You’re comfy AND conservative at all times! That’s a win in my book.
Q: Do you live in a city?
A: Yes, we live in a compound in the Eastern Providence in Al Khobar. Khobar is the third biggest city in the Kingdom, with over a million people. It’s VERY westernized, so sometimes I forget I’m living in the Middle East.
Q: What is a compound? / What is it like living there?
A: A compound is a gated residential community housing other expat families from around the world. It has everything you need to live comfortably without needing to leave the compound walls if you don’t want to. Ours has a grocery store, laundromat, hotel, gym, bowling alley, spa, salon, multiple pools, and more. Honestly, think of it as a resort. We chose this option for the tight-knit community, the safety, and because Saudi traditions aren’t enforced within the compound walls.
Q: Do people speak English?
A: For the most part, English is sporadic in KSA… so let’s just say Google Translator has been my friend. Most of my Uber drivers have known some common words and phrases, but holding a conversation at times can be difficult. However, the people I have run into that know English well, usually have the best stories about how they learned the language. One Uber driver told me he learned English from watching Friends with subtitles! We became fast friends after that.
Q: How is COVID being handled?
A: KSA takes COVID very seriously. Masks are a must, and everyone HAS to get their shots and boosters with no questions asked. Your shot records and health status are then recorded in an app that is checked before entering any public building. If you were to get COVID or be exposed to it by someone in your household, the app would turn red and you wouldn’t be allowed to go anywhere until it turned green again.
Q: Do you like it?
A: Yes. Yes, Yes. The people are amazing, the culture is intriguing, and the food is delicious. KSA is progressing fast, and I’ve been told this is the best time to be living in the country so we can experience the progression firsthand. To say I’m excited to see where things go is an understatement.
Q: How long will you be there?
A: We have no idea! We are taking it day by day, but at the moment, we’re enjoying our life in the Middle East and do not plan on moving back anytime soon.
