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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.
That being said, what is the city of Riyadh like? Is it friendly to westerners? Especially U.S. citizens? 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.
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?
Lastly, assuming I get a hold of the culture enough to explore, what are some neat things to do while in Riyadh?
Thanks, all! I appreciate it!
Last edited by darrenlamb45; 03-17-2018 at 04:24 PM..
you will need to spend a lot of time researching but there is some very interesting stuff to see. in riyadh itself theres an old part that you might get courageous enough to explore.
Are you a man or a women. It makes a whole lot of difference in that part of the world.
Exactly what I was thinking and I worked in Saudi several years. OP, you should be fine, you will have to get accustomed to the different groups of people that are in Riyadh and their respective cultures (Saudi, Indian, Filipino, Western) and accept the dominant status of Islam in Saudi. You are aware no alcohol or pork right? Many people have done what you're doing and are just fine, just read the State Department reports and make yourself aware of what areas or dodgier just as you would in a US city.
Riyadh has a very nice airport. I teach in Kuwait and Riyadh's is way nicer. I will say that Riyadh and Saudi in general is opening up to foreigners and now has a tourist visa. Women will also be able to drive and cinemas are being built. It is a good sign. Food in the Middle East is great and compensates for the lack of alcohol. I find the locals okay - however high school students can be arrogant and lots of cheating. But definitely worth checking out.
Riyadh has a very nice airport. I teach in Kuwait and Riyadh's is way nicer. I will say that Riyadh and Saudi in general is opening up to foreigners and now has a tourist visa. Women will also be able to drive and cinemas are being built. It is a good sign. Food in the Middle East is great and compensates for the lack of alcohol. I find the locals okay - however high school students can be arrogant and lots of cheating. But definitely worth checking out.
While I agree that food in the Middle East is great, I can't agree that compensates for lack of alcohol.
I'm also in Kuwait but maybe for just another month or so.
I understand there is a thriving alcohol black market in Saudi something like the old prohibition days in the United States. Local law enforcement does try to curb this practice and violators are punished with fines and in some cases incarceration.
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