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Originally Posted by darrenlamb45
I have recently accepted an English Teaching Job in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia working for the U.S. Dept. of Defense. Essentially, I would be working on an Air Force base teaching Saudi Arabian Air Force members English due to their constant exposure and working environment involving a lot of English speakers.
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I hope you are being well compensated. I hope your a man and not woman.
Quote:
Originally Posted by darrenlamb45
That being said, what is the city of Riyadh like? Is it friendly to westerners? Especially U.S. citizens?
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Some of the people are great, overall though its not particularly friendly to westerners or any outsider really.
Quote:
Originally Posted by darrenlamb45
I know that the city itself is very big and has a handful of foreign workers there (obviously, not all westerners). While I try not to be too bigoted, I just want to make sure that I will be safe if I do decide to wander from the base for a while and check out such a marvelous looking city.
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I wouldn't wander too much without a friend or two. Its not unsafe but its easy to get into trouble innocently if you don't know your way around the customs and laws. Stick with an expat friend or two at first.
Its easy to steer clear of trouble so long as you follow the laws and customs.
Alcohol isn't terribly difficult to find, many people do a homebrew called sid. nasty stuff. Many underground private clubs where they have liquor, expensive. All of it is very illegal. I recommend avoiding it entirely. They raid these places occasionally to keep them in check, collect some payoffs and toss a few people in jail.
Don't criticize or agree with anyone criticizing the royal family or Islam. If someone starts talking politics, the Saudi royals, religion trying to get your opinion just play dumb, excuse yourself and walk away. Seriously.
If your gay, better keep that in the closet, pretend like you aren't and get rid of anything that might out you. seriously.
Oddly, if your straight forget about the women. Its illegal to be in public with a woman who isn't your wife or a family relation.
There are different sections for single men, families and/or women. Learn the difference and sit in the right section when you go to a restaurant or whatever.
porn or even racy pics can land you in hot water. get rid of it before landing.
Be mindful of the religion, prayer times and the customs during Ramadan. If your religion isn't Islam, then leave any related items at home, don't talk about it and practice it privately. Don't try converting people.
Don't photograph people or government buildings.
drugs - just don't.
Do a complete clean of your electronic devices before going there. Get rid of anything I have mentioned above, especially porn or even scantily clad women/men. Also comb through your social media.
Don't screw with the religious police. Don't photo any police.
Your best bet for fun is to head to Dubai or Bahrain on the occasional weekend. Much more relaxed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by darrenlamb45
Additionally, I know the culture is going to different than what I am used to. Is there any advice, or even a website, anyone would suggest for Americans/foreigners visiting not only Riyadh but Saudi Arabia in general? Proper attire, greetings, social norms, etc?
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Start reading blogs or articles written by expats who have worked in Saudi. Lots of good info. You should read up on whats required currently as far as ID and exiting/entering the country.
Its been a while since I have been there and I wasn't there for very long, (honestly I couldn't wait to leave), so some of the info might be outdated but I kinda doubt it.
If your passport has an Israeli stamp get it replaced. Don't visit Israel directly and don't get stamped if you do it indirectly. They used to allow the option to not stamp your passport, I am assuming this is still true but its been a while since I was there.
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