What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Saudi Arabia. They wrote...
"Juggling your life around no entertainment and prayer times. Life can be rather boring in Saudia in many respects and that is where board games and things done back in the good old days are known here. Dinner parties with other expats was often good as you could mix and mingle with others- without alcohol of course. It was a quiet life there and sometimes I went across the boarder to Bahrain just to see a movie or to not wear my abbaya, but I felt safe there too which was good," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
"Many expats in Saudi Arabia find the local culture very different from their own and may struggle with cultural expectations. One of the biggest challenges for expats is the stringent gender segregation in Saudi society, including being segregated from the opposite sex when in public. Additionally, the conservative dress code can be difficult to get used to, as women are expected to wear a ‘hijab’ or veil which covers all of the hair and body except for the hands and face. Finally, conservative religious values and laws are a large part of Saudi culture, with rules specific to religious holidays, modest behaviour and restrictions on alcohol consumption," commented one expat who made the move to Saudi Arabia.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Saudi Arabia?
- How do I find a place to live in Saudi Arabia?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Saudi Arabia?
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- What are typical rents in Saudi Arabia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Saudi Arabia, newcomers to Saudi Arabia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.