Other than the obvious, inability to drive, are there really insurmountable limitations placed on expat women in Saudi Arabia? Let’s take for example the woman who chooses to come to Saudi Arabia for employment. She has not come as a dependent spouse or is the wife of a Saudi. Correct me if I am wrong, but other than driving, I believe her status would be exactly the same as that of a male expat who has come to Saudi Arabia for employment. Both will have a sponsor and perhaps require the permission of the sponsor to go outside of the Kingdom or perhaps to even travel throughout Saudi Arabia. The woman, if going out to eat, would need to go to the women only or family sections but on the other hand the man would have to go to the men’s or ‘single’s’ section so it is not as if that is a big difference. An expat woman may actually have more choices and activities available for social outreach outside of the place of employment. Basically a woman needs to network to build up her support and social network and then will be aware of a variety of social activities in which she can participate.
I think it may take a little longer for an expat woman to get settled in than the man since it is after all a man’s domain in Saudi Arabia. It may take more time to acquire a mobile phone or get an internet connection in the home or get satellite tv installed. And whether a male or female, not knowing the Arabic language can cause limitations. For expats, the environment in which they spend most of their time usually does not require a strong knowledge of Arabic but it goes without saying ones abilities are enhanced by knowing the host language.
In my own personal view I think the biggest limitations on expat women in Saudi Arabia are perhaps for those women who are dependent spouses and live in a rental house in a residential area or even on a compound. The one who lives in a rental house in a residential area may feel the most isolated, particularly if she does not work or have children. The expat dependent woman on the compound will at least at a minimum have the other residents of the compound with whom she can socialize and the compound will also not only have its own planned activities but usually a shuttle bus which transports residents to various places of interest.
So important factors to acclimate as an expat woman in Saudi Arabia and to minimize the difficulties or limitations is to first prepare oneself in advance of arrival with as much information as possible. Reach out via forums, newsgroups and social networking to engage in contact and discussions with individuals already in the Kingdom. Build that social and support network before arrival. And lastly, keep a positive attitude and turn each challenge into a positive learning experience.
Filed under: America, culture, Dress, Entertainment, Freedoms, friendship, gender, relationships, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, Saudi Living, Women Issues Tagged: | America, culture, culture shock, customs, gender, gender issues, KSA, places, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, travel, women
Based on the comments of at least one single expat woman working in Saudi (Andrea, GP?) it seems the lack of women in a similar situation and the inability to socialize freely (outside of a Western compound) with men are isolating factors.
Expat women without work or children seem to be isolated everywhere, since work or the children’s activities and school provide most with their purpose and social life, although the challenges of language and cultural differences as well as segregation would be extra ones in Saudi. Compound living seems to be a boon to these expats in particular.
Ok Chiara..you stole my line.
“Based on the comments of at least one single expat woman working in Saudi (Andrea, GP?) it seems the lack of women in a similar situation and the inability to socialize freely (outside of a Western compound) with men are isolating factors.”
Ditto to what Chiara said.
anthrogeek10
I think folks are too quick to say “oh, it is too difficult or limiting.” There are in fact so many activities and clubs which are open to both men and women (if one wishes to mix) as well as so many other solitary activities too. A lot of whether one makes a success as an expat in Saudi Arabia is mindset and thinking positively.
Carol just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this blog,it has helped me a lot.I remember when i first got here it was like i’m loosing my mind,then one day i came across this blog i read everything that can help me,i then convinced my husband to move to another compound and must say i’m happy.I fall on the group who are dependent on their husband living in a compound and only have airline expirience and would love to work and women don’t work at the airport here.But i love being here.
Carol, I do agree with your post completely. As an expat woman, without work and children and not living in a compound, I do feel extremely isolated. However, I was able to contact women in KSA through forums etc. before coming, and it made a huge difference when I arrived. It was these social contacts and friends, that informed me of activities, events, and even job openings in Riyadh They were kind enough to invite me into their home and share their experiences with me, so now I’m slowly settling down. Your blog was one of the few sources of information on Riyadh that I would read religiously, and its been a tremendous help to me. Thanks
I have no doubt mindset and thinking positively, as well as planning and getting great advice from a blog such as this one, are extremely important factors.
It would seem though that there are more challenges for some people, as there are in any expat or immigrant experience. Those with a husband have a built in support system (hopefully) and access to certain social activities, even if of only the “corporate wife” variety. More single expats are men, still, so that unless one were in a particularly female-dominated sector, it would be more difficult to meet women “in the same boat”. However as Dr Gunta Ahmed showed the adaptation can be ultimately very positive.
Women whose lifestyle (and sometimes identity) were previously car-oriented would seem to have a challenge where those whose wasn’t wouldn’t–in the same way as poor phone service never bothered me as much as it did my fellow phone-dependent students in whatever country I was studying.
Best to emphasize the positive and find positive solutions to challenges, including with the help of others.
KSA has it’s limitations but socialising was never one of them
.. in fact there are way too many late night parties !! The driving thing is not so bad once you get used to being driven around. I’m talking about 10yrs ago..and even then we always had mixed gatherings in our homes and friends homes. maybe since they all belonged to the medical profesion and were more free. i’m not sure but even non-working saudi spouses of collegues mixed with us in our non-segregated home. I think socializing is easier for expat women than men. just my 2 cents .
@ Chiara and American Bedu…
Ditto–think positively and a sense of humour helps but I think one needs to network before they leave.
The first time I left to Middle East I researched all the social venues and clubs and connected before I left. It helped out a lot.
As far a KSA is concerned, the one barrier I think would pose an inconvience is I am single and most likely face a lot of barriers just to get a pint of milk. Is it required to have a male escort (assigned to you if single) to travel outside the compounds–yes or no.
Carol, I’ve met a few single women who have lived here very happily.
Living in a rental is very isolating….no place to meet unless you meet some other neighbors in the building.
Most expats can go to any of the beaches in Jeddah, whereas a Saudi national cannot. Expat life is really what you make it…and what you want it to be. You have to be the one to take the initiative and organize parties and get togethers.
An Expat woman at work once told me that she misses her daily cup of wine with dinner, and walking outoddors to do her errands, but you are right, not much of difference exist between expat men and women in adjusting to the new environment in KSA.
It would help much if women socialize with Saudi coworkers, I’ll always remeber my expat friend who was keen to attend a Saudi wedding and couldn’t wait to tell all her family back home about all the 3 weddings that me and my sister arranged to take her to, it can be a rich learning experience if one put his mind to make it so…
Many of the issues addressed are features of expat living anywhere. Saudi would probably be most unique in the legal requirement to cover, the illegality for women of driving, and the higher degree of segregation.
Where there is a high expat population, as in a capital city or a specific centre it seems easier for expats to find each other, familiar activities, international groups, and groups that explore the new environment..
Hala-=agreed. The point of living abroad seems to me to explore the other culture, and make friends from that culture. Having a workplace in which to do it would be helpful to either men or women.
Is it possible for an single expat women to live in Saudi WITHOUT having an employment ? I doubt that is possible.
Since single expat women in most cases will be working, she should have some sort of a network at work. How much she chooses to engage in it, is her choice.
Aamer–agreed!
Those single women who have complained in the blogosphere, or in my expat life elsewhere, find that work relationships and group activities are very valuable. However, their social life is not multiplied exponentially by spouse and children. That would be true anywhere but may be harder if one finds oneself the rare single person in the group, again possible anywhere.
Jacee, it depends on what part of Saudi you’re in and what your compound is like. Some have stores and restaurants and gyms and libraries and everything you can think of, and you can do anything you need to right there – and women can drive on some of the compounds. In areas like Dammam/Dhahran/Khobar, you do need someone to drive you, but you can get dropped off and go shopping or whatever; you’re not required to have a man with you everywhere you go. Riyadh is more strict, though.
@gugu – thank you very much! I’m so pleased that my blog has helped you.
What kind of airline experience do you have? Is there a way to make it work in a differing capacity? Can you do any work with the Tourism Commission? Travel Agencies?
And lastly, finding that “right” compound can indeed make a huge difference to ones mindset!
@Jacee – whether a male escort is needed to travel outside of a compound sounds like it depends on your employer. Since you mentioned you are single, I am assuming you probably live at a compound located at your place of employment? Most single women can go out on their own shopping, et al, but it is recommended to do so with a trusted driver or limo service.
@Miriam Mac – good advice! And the beaches in Jeddah are absolutely beautiful!!
@Mehvesh – thank you very much. I am pleased to hear of your experience and how your advance networking led to friends on arrival. I also try to speak with if not meet new arrivals to respond to their questions and make them feel welcomed.
@Hala – you are correct. Expat women should not be shy or fearful to reach out and make overtures to Saudi female coworkers.
@Aamer – if a single expat woman has a legal sponsor, she can live in Saudi without employment. Of course it would likely state on her visa application that she is coming for some kind of work. Please bear in mind that this is possible but very seldom done. The very few cases I have heard of are a bit nefarious such as a single female being the girlfriend of a Saudi. The Saudi either sponsors her or has some large organization sponsor her for him so he can get her into KSA. He then supports her. As I said, not right or even legal but has happened.
I would like to see some comments and experiences from actual expat women here, instead of just readers in the ”free” world ahving an opinion, not founded on experience.
Bedu has a few really inetresting links to blogs of expat women and their trials, tribulations and joys.
Carol I was customer service agent,so all kind of service you can think of at the airport.I’m very sure Ican work for travel agencies and travel commision.I’ve tried some travel agencies but was told they don’t accept females.Thanks again Carol.
As I’m just finalising my visa application for a move to Saudi Arabia for 12 months to work this post couldn’t have come at a better time. Its quite an exciting and frightening prospect. I’ve been fortunate enough to have made a contact over there through family acquiantances and look forward to meeting her at home in Australia in a few weeks before I leave.
I have actually found it difficult to find a lot written about the experiences of a single employed female in the kingdom. A lot of blogs seem to be written by married women who have come with their working husband. I’m sure there are similarities to the lifestyle but it just doesn’t really fit into my shoes. I guess my decision to blog about my experiences can add one more point of view…
@Aafke – I agree it is very beneficial to hear from expats in the Kingdom and therefore learn from them on what works as well as areas for improvement.
@gugu – try large organizations such as hospitals and universities which have travel departments. Also consider thinking out of the box since customer service transfers over to so many differing industries – hospitality, health care, etc. Think about any of the women only spas, clubs or hotels. You might check and see if the Luthan hotel (women only) has a travel agency or thinking of starting such a service? Good luck!
@Aafke-
I am a brand new dependent-on-her-husband expat woman in Saudi
From my past 2 weeks here, I have seen there are not too many limitations on women. Everyday, we have a bus that picks us up at 8:45 AM and takes us all out to wherever we want to go. Apart from the bus driver, we have no male escort. He drops us off and we shop freely and alone. Some of the women go in packs; some go alone. Every day, the bus has a different schedule, and goes to different areas of town.
Unfortunately, me being shy, I didn’t introduce myself to any of them and was pretty much a wallflower 
As my compound is very very small, everyone is really close friends with each other. I like that fact, but not that they all speak Arabic, so if its me and one of them, it’s fine. But, if its the whole group, or even 2 or more, I do NOT understand a thing and feel left out!
Also, last week, my husband’s company had a Coffee Morning. Its basically the Spouse Association hosting all the wives of the men that work for that company in the whole city. There were about 200 women there, and I heard people speaking in English!!!
The Coffee Morning was at a larger compound, and in it they had their own supermarket, a salon/spa, and a HUGE gym.
My husband offered to move there so I can get to know some English speaking people, but the houses are TINY and old. Our house is brand new and HUGE.
I’m starting to think; maybe I should move? Give up my nice house so I can have some friends? What do ya’ll think?
I hope this helped give some insight. And, any other questions, just ask!
And, if you live in the Al-Khobar area PLEASE contact me!
@TXGAL,i’m also a wife spouse dependent,like you when i first got here i was at the smaller compound,big new house and was bored to death.Then decided to move to a bigger compound,smaller house,with all facilities and i’m very happy in Saudi.I’m in Riyadh.Love it.must say the only thing i missed in my country now are my friends and family.I would love to learn arabic on the other hand.Stay strong,you will definately be fine.
@Carol,once again thank you.Will definately try everything,will surely get something.
TXGAL–as a former expat myself, and one who treats expats, I would echo ququ’s advice about going for the big compound with the social activities, especially as you describe yourself as shy. A Saudi woman also advised me in general to go to one of the big well- equipped compounds eg. Aramco (where she herself lives), if I were ever to live and work in Saudi.
“Expat life is really what you make it…and what you want it to be. ”
Stacy… Saudi Arabia will pleased to have you too! I Hope you all enjoy your stay here!
I agree with Miriam Mac… life here (and almost anywhere else) is what you make it.
Mehvesh, gugu and TXGaL, welcome to Saudi Arabia!
@Nader – you receive one of the nicest Saudi awards. You make everyone feel so welcome and I am honored to know you.
Nader has my vote!!!
*\o/*
Hello, I am a single female – I just received an offer to teach English at a company in Ridyah which seems to have 2 seperate names – European Information Technology Center and International Group for Information Technology, and I wonder if anyone out there has heard of them. I wrote back asking for more details and to be put in touch with another English native teacher but the HR guy just directed me to their website, which doesn’t tell me a lot. My accommodation is paid for but no info on what it will be like. Any feedback about Ridyah or this company would be helpful – thanks!
Hi Stephanie and welcome to the blog.
Can you provide their web site? I’ll take a look and see if I recognize them by their logo or location.
Hey Everyone,
I got an offer to teach at PMU in Al-Khobar and was wondering if anyone knew anything about Al-Khobar. All I’ve read online indicated that many westerners are living there, however can women go out shopping by themselves or do they need a male escort? I wonder if I can do simple errands like buy milk without too much hassle?
Thanks!
@Sarah,
There are many westerners living in and around Al-Khobar thanks to Aramco facilities, hospitals and universities. While you will not be able to drive, you can use taxis or better yet, a private service, and be able to run all those errands, shop and see the area. I would recommend that in addition to your abaya at least carry a scarf. For example, if you happen to be near a mosque at prayer time, it shows cultural sensitivity to cover the hair (even loosely) at that time.
saudi womens are enjoying her life with veary indipedantly.
bcoz all saudi womens and all muslim womens have respect.
sorry 4 say…in ur since freedim of womens mean..
fuking the women at the road.
is this freedam ?
please mind ur self.
hello,
My husband has won a job in Saiud Arabia and we will move over with our 3 children soon, can anyopne give me information which will help us when we move across, what sort of things do we need to be prepared for and have ready for when we arrive? any help would be grateful,
thanks,
Hi Abbie,
Welcome to the blog. Congratulations to you and your family on this upcoming move. I have written many posts about expatriate life and things needed (or not needed). You did not say where you will be located as that can make a distinction on type of life in Saudi Arabia too.
Here are a few earlier posts to help enlighten you:
http://americanbedu.com/2009/11/22/grocery-shopping-peculiarities-in-saudi-arabia/
http://americanbedu.com/2009/10/30/time-to-stock-up-in-saudi-arabia/
http://americanbedu.com/2009/10/28/fitting-reminder-%E2%80%93-clothes-shopping-in-saudi-arabia/
http://americanbedu.com/2009/09/04/saudi-arabia-children-and-eid-al-fitr/
http://americanbedu.com/2009/08/24/expat-life-and-living-in-saudi-arabia/
http://americanbedu.com/2007/12/18/home-sweet-home/
I encourage you to use the search bar on the upper right side of my blog to do key word searches. My blog has been in existence since 2006 and I’ve written on many diverse subjects over the years.
Best Regards, Carol
carol,
we will be based in Al Khobar, we dont have a compound selected yet but are looking at a few different ones, do you know any of the compounds here and which ones are ok for british families??
thanks,
Dear Abbie,
I am not as familiar with the Al Khobar area but I do know there is a large expat community. I hope that someone more familiar with Al Khobar will give you some specifics!
Dear American Bedu,
Hi, my name is Elisabeth and I am an American. I have been living in China, in Shanghai for the past 3 years. I am 24 years old. I guess I will be moving to Riyadh to teach English with a company called Ezitec Consultants. They want me to teach at Princess Nora Bint Abdulrahman University. The recruiter has told me that I would be living in a furnished apartment with possibly a roommate who is also from the States. Could you shed some more light for me on what I can expect in Saudi? Thank you.
Elisabeth
Hi Elisabeth, my name is Thamer, I am a Saudi citizen, I can help whatever you need in The kingdom. you have been granted a job in the largest university in the world for female which it just has been built. feel free and ask anything in your mind.
Thanks
Thamer
This is such a great blog! I’m a single african american female engnieer and i’m thinking of joining a project in Jubail Industrial City II, in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Can anyone tell me more about this area? I could potentially be training Saudi men in an industrial atmosphere..would I be effective?
I thank you all for sharing your experiences!