An Expat Talks about Living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Jeddah

How long have you lived there?

4 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Hijaz choir

Drama group puts on plays at Sierra ( O R P)

Al Bilad beach, Sheraton beach, Silver sands beach

Buffet meal weekend at Al Bilad hotel

Buffet lunch at Hilton also walk around gardens

Any concerts /events on at Sierra

Parties at Sierra eg Rhino ball

ABJ or BBJ the two groups American business of Jeddah (great social and mixing as well as sports, balls, parties, etc also if full member invites to weekend nights at embassy). Must be US citizen or work for US company- all nationalities though. British businessmen ( I think you have to be British)

Hash- running and walking group well organised great social in mountains and hills near Jeddah

Rugby club- excellent social - beginners welcome ( at American school)

Diving/ boat trips/ snorkelling- ring desert sea divers A MUST DO do not leave Jeddah without seeing the fish on the reefs- snorkel if necessary. Diving lessons also available. Meet people amazing experince.

Walk along the Cornishe- absorb Jeddah life- visit Aroma restaurant.

Malls- all worth a visit for architecture alone (I do not shop) - Red Sea Mall, Mall of Arabia, Oasis Mall, Megamall, Roshan Mall (also got nice Fudruckers)

Thalia street and GOODIES- the best restaurant at the back of Talia.

Islamic museum.

Old Jeddah (near Ballad - read up history - first amazing old buildings now international heritage site)

Souks- Ballad

Petromin (great for bargains and second hand - we would call it a flea market)

Old airport- great for antiques and coins etc

Al Bawardy the new part Mall as well- best gold place.

Natural history society- great for info about Saudi- held in national geology society.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

I do not agree with previous poster. There is only one religion allowed. Wahabi Islam. Bible banned - no crosses allowed. Women must wear and abaya- and in some places it is wise to waer headscarf. Men should cover kness and wear long short and long sleves. In Ramadan- no drinking, eating of smoking from dawn to dusk. Stay at home.

People though are mostly really friendly if you obey rules

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

All sorts. Most people recruited from overseas initially.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Silly question!! everyone is very different

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Only accept a job that provides accommodation on a western compound (key to access of facilites/ friends/ parties) especailly for women- it would be a nightmare for a western woman to "live out." If you have kids, ensure school fees will be paid.