Life in Saudi Arabia

Geography

Saudi Arabia is a huge stretch of land mass between the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. Covering approximately 80% (2,250,000 square kilometers) of the Arabian Peninsula, the country contains massive deserts, mountains, deep valleys, forests, and a wealth of resources. The Arabian Peninsula lies at the crossroads of three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. The local population is approximately 16 million, with an additional 8 million expatriates in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia, with an area of about 865,000 square miles, occupies the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. The country is divided into the Northern Province, Southern Province, Eastern Province, Central Province, and the Western Province. As is noted on the map on the District Information page, Jubail, Dhahran, and Dammam are all located in the Eastern Province. Yanbu is located in the Western Province.

Jeddah (Western Province), Riyadh (Central Province), and Dhahran/ Dammam (Eastern Province) are the major population centers of the Kingdom. All three are connected by excellent roads and Saudi Arabian Airline flights. Also, there is a rail service between Dhahran/Dammam and Riyadh.

Climate

The climate of most of Saudi Arabia is very hot in the summer, hot in the spring and fall, and moderate during the winter months. Contrary to popular belief, it occasionally rains in Saudi Arabia! The highest annual rainfall of 215.5mm (9 inches) occurs in Khamis Mushayt.

Culture

Many cultures co-exist within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia among the Saudi nationals and the expatriate population comprised of various nationalities. As a result, Saudi Arabia is unique in terms of contrasting life styles and cultural anomalies. The constitution of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the Koran, the Book revealed by God to the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon Him.). All laws and regulations comply with Islamic Sharia, the laws laid down by the Koran. The Kingdom is unique in its adherence to the Sharia as the basis for all its actions in every field of human activity and worship. The religion, which is practiced faithfully, is Islam.

In general, expatriates live comfortably in terms of basic needs. Modern supermarkets and specialized stores provide most necessities. In the Eastern Province, in the capital of Riyadh, and in the cosmopolitan city of Jeddah on the west coast, large shopping malls cater to every need. With prices competitive to those of North America or the United Kingdom, expatriates are now shopping in-Kingdom more than ever before due to the variety of brand name stores available.

Activities

Camping, football, theater groups, etc. are alternative recreational activities outside of the housing compounds. In the coastal areas, snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, windsurfing, and sailing are popular. Each school community develops clubs and activities based on common interests. There are no performing arts theaters, cinemas, or night clubs in Saudi Arabia. National television broadcasting exists in all school locations and satellite reception is widely available allowing expatriates to stay in touch with news and trends from home.

There are many excellent restaurants serving almost every imaginable cuisine. Many of these restaurants are located in hotels. In the larger cities there are numerous fast-food establishments including McDonald's, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Wendy's, Hagan Daaz, Baskin Robbins, Fuddrucker's, Starbucks and Joffrey's Gourmet Coffees.

Society

Despite aspiring to be a modern country in many respects, Saudi Arabia still has one of the most traditional societies in the world. Life in Saudi Arabia is governed by firm religious beliefs, rules and traditions, and expats living in Saudi Arabia have to get used to that as there is no way around it.

The traditions and attitudes of Saudi Arabia have been shaped by Islam as well as Bedouin culture. Thus, expats living in Saudi Arabia will discover that family bonds are still much stronger than in many other cultures, to an extent that they permeate all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia, even in the business world.

Conditions

Potential employees of Riyadh Najed Schools should be aware of some aspects of living and teaching in Saudi Arabia that may require a more flexible approach to life than that expected in the western world:

• Women and men must dress modestly in public.
• Women are not permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia.
• Exit/re entry visas must be obtained before staff may leave the country.
• Medical care is very good.
• Some people find it difficult to adjust to the hot and humid climate.
• Expatriates must conform to Islamic standards and are subject to Sharia Law.
• Women must wear Abaya in public Places.
• Gender segregation is common in all areas of public life in Saudi Arabia, from the more obvious places, like swimming pools, to the less obvious, such as restaurants..