My husband has been offered some work in saudi arabia doing IT training. I have read lots on the internet about the risks, but would like to know from anyone in saudi western or otherwise what the real truth is. I think many western news and TV pinpoint the bad parts. Also I know tourists are not common in Saudi at the moment but would it be permitted for me to travel with him too. I am aware of the need to cover up thats not a problem i would expect to have to adhere to local rules and customs. Thankyou in advance.
Saudi Arabia - 10 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Um its as safe as going to any new country however you will have to cover up when your in public and not wear make-up.I dont think there are many tourists but im sure there are lots of foreigners actually living there.um if you have children girls dont have to cover up and there are international schools there. It is a bit risky and depends on the job ur husband has been offeredBut i hear the shopping there is great!!
2 :
it not that dengerouse, he can be safe dont worry for you i think they would you go with him by visit visa ,
3 :
yes its very safe.. its all depends on were your going to live and how.. their are many Americans in Saudi.. and they all live in huge compounds with a totally western fell inside, if u need specific info ..plz email me.. and dont forget to add an email at the end, because i dont usually use yahoo mail..
4 :
I am not westerner, but I am in touch with many of them. Currently yes, it is safe, very safe. the government is seriously taking measures to protect them. But the question is, when the violence will start again? No body knows, like what happened 1996, 2003; there were no signals before it occur. Regarding the visit visa, I think it is possible, go to www.mofa.gov.sa you will find all the visa requirements.
5 :
Yes there is no problem at all. I'm sure he'll be fine. Have a safe journey!
6 :
I dont think it is safe. Westerners are being shot dead there and we dont know b'cz the news doesnt leak from govt. So, be careful.
7 :
Yes, its pretty safe at the moment. You can travel with your husband, of course. If he is staying for long you can get a residence permit along with him, with you as one of his dependents. If you'll just be visiting from time to time, you can get visit visas each time.
8 :
i am an american living in jeddah with my husband and kids, i personally have never had any negative experiences here for the 4 years i have lived here. Make-up is not a problem at all you will see many saudi women wearing full makeup out. Personally I feel like a compound is not safer since it would be targeted opposed to an apartment. i think jeddah is the safest place to live in ksa. I love here and I don't feel "oppressed" or like a "second class citizen" but it makes a huge difference if you have your own driver or if your husband has a car. The shopping is great and you can get a lot of western products,food and restaurants except of course alcohol and pork which are bad for your health anyways. btw the abayas are cool especially the custom made ones you can choose from many designs. Good luck! Pick me!!!!!!!!!
9 :
I think Lebanon is the only safe place for westerners in this region.
10 :
We live in the Capital (Husband and wife). We live in an american compound. We are told not to go to the malls unless we actually have too. You should try and learn as much arabic as you can as you will be accepted more but they still dont really want you there. Dont give the thumbs up as this is like giving the finger. Remeber women can't drive , are not allowed out of the house with out your husband or a male cousin and arab women have to walk behind the husband and kids. when you meet arab women dont put your hand out to shake it . always say salam alakum. good bye is maasaalama You state that you dont mind covering up but when its 50 degrees outside and your covered from heard to toe in black you will start to hate it and start to cinfine yourself to the house and airconditioner. Money is good but, we have no freedom . its all work when we first arrived it was pleasent after 911 we live in a compound like fort knox. You are in for a BIG suprise as a women if you go .Its a mans world and watch your back.
