somurchu
Irish expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
85
Contacts
3
About me
Irish
Lives in Jeddah
Registration: 07 February 2013
New: Gatherings and events in Saudi Arabia by Julien
Hi, Would you like to have a coffee, organize a dinner or find people for activities in Saudi Arabia? To help you meet people and find outings in Saudi Arabia, we launched a [b]Gatherings and Events section[/b] in Saudi Arabia: you can now ...
Flight attendants, shop assistants, cashers, bank helpdesks, company help desks..... People have to wake up to the reality that the country has changed! Read More
New: Gatherings and events in Saudi Arabia by Julien
Hi, Would you like to have a coffee, organize a dinner or find people for activities in Saudi Arabia? To help you meet people and find outings in Saudi Arabia, we launched a [b]Gatherings and Events section[/b] in Saudi Arabia: you can now ...
Why not? Nothing more boring than a group of guys sitting and talking, it has to be mixed! Read More
Films/TV shows
Get a VPN! That way your Itunes can be set up for your home country and you can download all the TV shows and movies that you want. Another idea is to get AppleTV and set that up with a VPN for your home country. Read More
Films/TV shows
With your paranoia, don't bring them and download them once you get here. Read More
Films/TV shows
Purchase a VPN prior to coming to KSA and your TV viewing will be a joy. Customs don't generally look at computers nor IPADS anymore. Read More
I want to have expat friends, I'm saudi female :) by Eng.Saudi
Hi, I want to practice my English with native speakers (Ideally, from western or non-Islamic\non-Arabic countries) first by emailing and then via skype (I want to improve my accent whilst helping others to understand my culture more). I don't ...
This is a great approach as generally expats are not invited to understand or integrate into Saudi society. I hope that you find a good teacher :) Read More
Bank Loans in Saudi Arabia.. by Z4N
Hi all... Please let me know which bank is best for Loans and what is percentage on the Loan..How much loan can we get and how do they calculate the loans..Al Rajhi Bank.. Thanks.. Like
Saudi Holandi are offering loans at 1.5 % Read More
Pet cremation by Tonybrock46
Good afternoon, Is anyone aware of any such facilities in or around Riyadh for the cremation of your pets once they pass away? This isn't a requirement yet, but I am due to bring my dogs out here early next month and want to be prepared should ...
As someone has pointed out, cremation is illegal in Saudi Arabia for humans and animals. And there aren't any pet cemeteries, so people just have to make do with digging a grave for their animals. Read More
Body Massage Service by Workshop Leader
Is there any one professional for body massage in Dammam
The Sheraton Dammam has a health club that does massage, but its expensive, SAR450 Read More
Riyadh Domestic Airport
While you can interline your bags to your final destination, you will have to clear immigration in Jeddah as this is your final exit location from the Kingdom. Read More
cab is expensive... by azfar789
I am new to Riyadh and I dont have car... If i want to go somewhere...I have to take cab.. and I must tell you, cabsa are really expensive. And most of the drivers don't know the places. I had to tell them the way with the help of my phone ...
Have you tried UBER? I usually find them cheaper than taxis. Read More
My husband got in trouble with Haya police man by Sofiamanaoui
Hey, my husband got in trouble with the religious police. He is kept in detention for 5 days as haya are claiming that he hit a member of them and he is in the hospital. Does anyone know what would happen?
Knadeem, get out of Jubail for a while and you will see that the Social values and regional ethics are slowing being changed by the younger generations, they are highly educated and don't want to live the same way as their forefathers. This ... Read More
My husband got in trouble with Haya police man by Sofiamanaoui
Hey, my husband got in trouble with the religious police. He is kept in detention for 5 days as haya are claiming that he hit a member of them and he is in the hospital. Does anyone know what would happen?
James i assume that you know the difference between POLICE and RELIGIOUS POLICE? Read More
My husband got in trouble with Haya police man by Sofiamanaoui
Hey, my husband got in trouble with the religious police. He is kept in detention for 5 days as haya are claiming that he hit a member of them and he is in the hospital. Does anyone know what would happen?
So you want the girl to get lashed and for your husband to walk away without punishment? How do you know that she isn't his 2nd wife? Read More
Halloween Party by GuestPoster351
Any Halloween party ?!! I'm interested
The other thread rapidly went downhill, unfortunately it just demonstrates what life is like with the Kingdom and it also shows the stupidity of people openly posting party locations. Read More
Halloween Party in Jeddah by AsemBasit
hey guys i want to check if there is any halloween party in jeddah we can attend it ?? :)
Gotta love Wiki....... Either way, its part of my culture :) Read More
Halloween Party in Jeddah by AsemBasit
hey guys i want to check if there is any halloween party in jeddah we can attend it ?? :)
You do realise that there are millions of Christians who live in Saudi Arabia? So whats wrong with them following their traditions in private? Read More
hi guys!! anyone want to join me to go the beach in Jeddah? by skinno
Anyone available to go have some fun on a beach? I have never been on a beach before here in jeddah and i really would like to go. They say single man are not allowed on the beach.. Is that true? You guys r all invited to join me if u wish. Ciao
Go there during the week and you wont have problems, then once your faces are known you can start going at the weekend. Read More
Halloween Party in Jeddah by AsemBasit
hey guys i want to check if there is any halloween party in jeddah we can attend it ?? :)
There were some excellent Halloween parties, its amazing how far peoples imagination will take them, but unfortunately Asem, no one is going to invite a stranger from the internet, unless the party is for money and these are best avoided. Read More
"Saudia City in Jeddah" 1 year prices? by truhestory
Hi! My wife and my daughter shall be moving to Saudia City next year FEB from KOREA, can anyone tell us there information? What facilities are there that are in use, Any information would be gratefully received. We really have no idea, but we are ...
Are you sure that you are talking about Saudia City? Where does the luxury come from or what part would you consider beautiful? As for facilities, all of the shopping area shall be shortly knocked down for renovation, so no one is sure as to what ... Read More
Watching Rugby World Cup in Jakarta/Bali
The earlier games can be seen in scruffy murphys irish bar in Jimbaran, I dont know if they will stay open for a 3am kickoff. Read More
Passport Stolen!! Help!! by MotherHen
My husband has been in Riyadh for a day. He moved there on the 8th. Today while he was walking down the street near Olaya a man on a scooter knocked him down and snatched his laptop bag. It contained all of his documents including his passport as ...
Not anymore, this is becoming a daily occurrence for expats and saudis, its advisable not to leave any valuables on display in your car and to be aware whenever you are walking. Read More
Western woman in Saudi by Willywonkxx
Hi all! I will be relocating to Saudi with my husband and two little boys. 18months and 3years old. What's it like living out there for a woman? I stumbled across a thread on here which was posted back in 2009. Probably didnt help much and ...
Once again the question is what city? I have seen women running in Jeddah dressed in modest attire. Read More
Rugby World Cup viewing in Bali
Thanks for the response, Setanta had a very short life on local satellite providers, its now gone. Streaming games is very hit and miss as it all depends on the internet quality on that day. Read More
Rugby World Cup viewing in Bali
Any ideas which Balki satellite provider is showing the Rugby World Cup. I have BEIN 1/2/3, but worried that most of that will be in Arabic. Thanks Read More
should i take up this job in cork of salary 110,895 ? by drfuzz
hello, i got this offer from a university in cork for the post of a lecturer. i am 33 yr old married man. my family consists of wife and 5 year old son. will this salary of 110,895 be sufficient for living with family in cork? or i could save only ...
What is the university doing about your work visa? Too many times these job offers appear, but then the employee is expected to start paying for paperwork visas etc. So what's the catch? Why can't an Irish person fill this position? Read More
Paragliding by Horst
Hi, I'm a freshman from Germany, does anybody know anything about paragliding in Saudi-Arabia, specially near Jeddah? I'm trying to get in touch with people I can meet and explore too. Horst
I learned to paraglide opposite the Red Sea Mall, but they were towed launches. We also launched from the desert south of the Jeddah-Makkah road, but these were hills not mountains. Go talk to the Saudi Aviation Club people opposite red sea, join ... Read More
Road from Jeddha to kuwait
Sounds like an interesting trip, highway 50 goes all the way, but it will bring you across some desolate desert. You might be better off routing to Riyadh first then Damman. Read More
Looking for a share in Bali or Ireland on the Aran Islands to write by Maggie4867
I am educated with high level of common sense, happy, fun to be with, respectful of others peace, and quiet wishing the same. I would like to write my book in Bali or on the Aran Islands Inishmoor, Ireland. Wish to move by August first week. Am ...
Go to the Aran Islands, it will be so cold and wet during the winter that you will be forced to stay inside and write..... Bali is too beautiful and too distracting :) Read More
Where to get American breakfast...waffles / bacon etc? by katocy
BESIDES AMERICAN CORNER....who else serves the typicality American breakfast? Searched the whole day but couldn't come up with one place. Surely American Corner can't be the only place!
It has to be American Corner, many have tried to copy the US style, but none have succeeded, that includes IHOP. Nothing beats the BigBoy breakfast :) Read More
moving to jeddah by eitujh
Hi all :) This is my first time posting, I'm just looking for some advice please! I've been given an opportunity to work as a nanny with a lovely family, I have met them and we get on really well... I'm just wondering what is life like ...
There are quite a number of Irish people in Jeddah, make contact with them and you will be fine :) Read More
Party in Jeddah by fedail
Hello All, There is a party in a compound in jeddah. who would like to join us?
Fedail.. when you are in jail, do you want us to bring spicy Al-Baik or the normal one? Didn't anyone ever tell you that discretion is required for any such activities in Saudi? Read More
Western woman in Saudi by Willywonkxx
Hi all! I will be relocating to Saudi with my husband and two little boys. 18months and 3years old. What's it like living out there for a woman? I stumbled across a thread on here which was posted back in 2009. Probably didnt help much and ...
aajeena.... if you believe that none of the crimes that you listed happen in Saudi, then you are extremely naive. Saudi is a relatively safe country, but its not utopia. People have to remember that Saudi is the size of Europe, therefore you will ... Read More
Is it common for Saudi Arabian men to wear "western" clothes? by its a trap
Hi. I have seen in some vidoes from Ksa quite many arab-looking people who werent wearing the traditional thobe, but were rather wearing "western" clothes such as jeans and t-shirt. I would like to know if it is common for Saudi arabians ...
You need to come over to Jeddah, lots of Saudi's wear western clothes in work, and they are even more casual hanging out by the beach. I have Saudi friends who don't even own throbes! Read More
I got a problem. a fiance working as a nurse in Riyadh. by stigandre-norway
the thing is, we were supposed tosget married and establish a life together. now that she has been there nearly 9 months she just got more strange by the minute and I've had it. cheating, dating patients and so on.. one of her patients sent ...
How is it going to affect him? He doesn't live here. Read More
Is it allowed to fly a drone here in KSA? by gonzrule
Hi all! I have been wondering whether it is allowed here in KSA to fly a drone with a camera mounted/installed to it. I have been thinking it would make a good hobby, as I myself like discovering places. If it is (or not), do we need to obtain a ...
Model aircraft and helicopters have been flown in Saudi Arabia for years, there is a thriving community in Jeddah which used to involve a large number of aircraft engineers who actually built their own models. You can join the associated clubs and ... Read More
Looking for Information on compounds in Jeddah and really worried!! by Michael V
Hi all, I hope you might be able to help me, I am looking at a move to Jeddah in late January. I am getting really worried since I started looking at the issue of accommodation. Ideally a 1 bedroom apartment in a compound would be my ideal ...
I believe it includes utilities as houses aren't setup with meters. Read More
Looking for Information on compounds in Jeddah and really worried!! by Michael V
Hi all, I hope you might be able to help me, I am looking at a move to Jeddah in late January. I am getting really worried since I started looking at the issue of accommodation. Ideally a 1 bedroom apartment in a compound would be my ideal ...
Saudia City is about 45000 for a single and 70000 for two room, if you can gain access. They may not like the idea of your being without a family as it is considered a family compound. Pity about the Guinness, but don't worry I'm sure that ... Read More
women are allowed to driving in KSA by aamira sultan
Slam to all!dear all I heard that 30+ women are allowed for driving in KSA!is any body have information regarding this.
Probably because foreign women don't have family members who will object to the resort and will then cause trouble. Once again, this isn't a female issue, but one of male ignorance. Read More
Looking for Information on compounds in Jeddah and really worried!! by Michael V
Hi all, I hope you might be able to help me, I am looking at a move to Jeddah in late January. I am getting really worried since I started looking at the issue of accommodation. Ideally a 1 bedroom apartment in a compound would be my ideal ...
What are you coming to do? Single rooms in compounds can be expensive so I hope that you company is paying you accordingly :) Please bring some Guinness with you :) Read More
women are allowed to driving in KSA by aamira sultan
Slam to all!dear all I heard that 30+ women are allowed for driving in KSA!is any body have information regarding this.
Nope i don't believe that it would, the women who would drive are presently still doing their daily business, so they are getting driven by drivers or family members, so it would be the same car, just a different driver. It would also put more ... Read More
women are allowed to driving in KSA by aamira sultan
Slam to all!dear all I heard that 30+ women are allowed for driving in KSA!is any body have information regarding this.
Women drivers the world over have lower insurance rates than men as they have proven themselves to be safer drivers... However for me in Saudi, i have a immense desire to see women driver, but the infrastructure needs to be improved first, as do ... Read More
Iqama for 20 yr old Daughter refused - British Citizen by NazirYNWA
Appreciate any help and advice. My 20 year old daughter is unmarried and solely dependant on. As a result of her being refused an Iqama, my family is unable to move to KSA to live with me. I have obtained a letter from my employer stating my ...
What exactly do you expect her to do in Saudi? At 20 years of age, surely she should be starting her own life and getting a job in the UK? If you get her to Saudi, do you plan to keep her there until she is 22, 24, 50? Read More
getting a residency visa for my wife by mememeow
I've just spent the last three days searching the web for simple instructions on how to bring my wife to KSA. I've now got a list, but beside every item I've got one or two additional questions. Is there anyone also currently going ...
Word of warning, be very careful of submitting original documents, i jumped through the hoops to get everything notarised etc, submitted them to the UK embassy who promptly shredded them once they issued the visa!! I only go the visa back, not one ... Read More
Exit Re-Entry Visa Return date
You entered: 25 / 9 / 2014 The conversion result is: Thursday 1 Thw al-Hijjah 1435 A.H. *There is a small probability of one day error. Be careful as the return date is the Hijri date, and the new month will start when the new moon is sighted. You ... Read More
Visa applications from Ireland by annpreilly
Hey guys hearing varying lengths of time taken to get visa organized for Saudi. Anyone applied for one from Ireland and if so how long did it take? Straightforward or difficult process and costs? Any info would be greatly appreciated:)
I spend time in both cities, as a man, i love Jeddah as it offers a lot of personal freedoms and has a more mixed population. Riyadh is just too dry in every meaning of the word. As for religion, the only impact that has is if one is Moslem, then ... Read More
Visa applications from Ireland by annpreilly
Hey guys hearing varying lengths of time taken to get visa organized for Saudi. Anyone applied for one from Ireland and if so how long did it take? Straightforward or difficult process and costs? Any info would be greatly appreciated:)
You are wasting your time calling the embassy as they won't entertain you, the process is for the employer to get the visa / igama approval, this is then sent to the embassy, you have to deal with the only appointed agent for Ireland, google ... Read More
Saudi City Compound - facilities - social activity - sports - etc by Tigeroo
Anyone know anything about Saudi City Compound, what facilities population mix, sports facilities, social activity etc?
SC Compound isn't renting to non-Saudia people as they are full. Read More
Student Iqama Transfer - Rumors and Possible Reason for Rejection by gunner757
Good Morning All Dependents :P Well , Indeed , students and dependents transfer services are currently stopped ! There are few reasons , am not sure , but I've heard from a government source that [b]Ministry of Labor [/b]is making changes ...
They do it all the time :) Read More
IQAMA EXPIRY BEFORE TRAVEL by franciskitx
Dear All, Good day! I have short vacation this month, my Iqama will expire in August 14, 2014 and my flight going to Manila will be on July 22, 2014. My dilemma is someone told me today, the immigration will not allow me to travel outside KSA ...
Define short vacation? YOU MUST be back in Saudi to renew the Iqama. the exit visa will be issued, but it has no relationship to the Iqama expiry date. I fell foul of this years ago, was outside on a proper exit-reentry when my iqama expired, it ... Read More
MULTIPLE VISIT VISA EXPIRED
How did this work out? Did he end up paying a fine? Read More
BUSINESS VISA
Go to evisa.gov.sa and enter your passport number, it will give you the details on the visa Read More
Visit Visa for Brother
Its not allowed as they wouldn't be classified as a dependant. Read More
requirements for wife visa by Rebecca Laxa
Can you please send me the requirements needed for wife visa and the procedure including the fees Thanks
OP, did your husband get PERMISSION to marry you prior to the wedding? If not, then it might be incredibly hard to get permission for the visa, hate to tell you, but i have seen this dragging on for years with people getting married without ... Read More
Transferable Iqama
Above answer is 100% correct, spouse visa only allows you to be a wife/mother, this is one of the big issues affecting foreign schools as they lost the use of spouses as teachers. To transfer you will have to leave the country on an exit only, get a ... Read More
question about wife visa by mitchtcenidoza
Hi, Is it possible for a non-saudi muslim to bring his wife on dependent visa in the kingdom even though the ex-wife whom he divorced months ago is still in his kafeel? Thanks
I take it that you mean his ex-wife is still registered as his wife? Then the answer to your question is no, he will not be allowed a visa for a 2nd wife and strangely enough it would be considered adultery as he is not a Moslem and therefore cannot ... Read More
Transferring a Work Visit Visa to an Iqama by 685itujghrnf
Hi Everyone. I have been offered a teaching position in King Saud University through EduGuide/Al Hussan Education & Training. The position is teaching first year, or freshmen, college students in preparation for higher education. As far as ...
It sounds more like they don't have the Iqama approval or they want to wait and test you out before wasting an Igama on you. But generally, there are no issues with granting Iqamas to Irish people. You could also give the Irish embassy in Riyadh ... Read More
Bringing food and non prescription tablets by cassieindubai
I've seen the massive list of stuff not allowed but how strict is this? I have some dairy free protein powder and wheat free pasta I'm bringing in my suitcase. Worse case scenario, will it just get confiscated or is this a big ...
Customs is Saudi have relaxed over the years, as their drug searching technology has improved they are easier on the normal passengers, I routinely bring in dog food without any hassles, but i refrain from bringing in any packed meat products as i ... Read More
Saudia City Jeddah by Karen9734
Hi my husband and I shall be moving to Saudia City this August, can anyone tell us what it is like there? What facilities are there that are in use, I have read there was a cinema but that is now closed, swimming pools are now dry...is this true? ...
We used to have them, also prayer meetings..... but as i said, the demographics changed, so all of these were stopped. Also there was something in the compound called "respect", unfortunately thats gone, now young children are getting ... Read More
Saudia City Jeddah by Karen9734
Hi my husband and I shall be moving to Saudia City this August, can anyone tell us what it is like there? What facilities are there that are in use, I have read there was a cinema but that is now closed, swimming pools are now dry...is this true? ...
Saudia City certainly isn't the western compound that it used to be, the demographics have changed dramatically. They have even gotten to the stage where they have banned pets such as dogs and cats, not be mention ducks chickens and ... Read More
Compounds that allow dogs by jjo333
Hello all, compounds that take dogs?
Are you sure that you can get the dogs into Saudi? It's not as easy as it sounds. Plus there is an issue with obtaining dog food once they are here. Read More
new to bali
Why don't you just go to the best pub in Jimbaran and see who you meet up with, much easier than the internet. sean Read More
business in bali by Indoboundchick
hi to all question... do i need to register my business name in bali if i do how do i? BJ
Anywhere else, someone to run the company would be called an EMPLOYEE. Sean Read More
Stuck in female only compound! by Kat2404
Hi everyone, Living in a female only compound makes it very hard to socialise out of work as everyone at the compound works in the same place. so just wondered if anyone was having any gatherings whether they could let me know so me and my friends ...
Which country are you from? There is a very active social life in jeddah, but its nationality based, and unfortunately a lot of it wont be posted on an open forum like this. sean Read More
New member saying hello - looking for new business oppotunities by locky84
Hi everyone, Around 12 months ago I completed my Bachelors Degree in Public Relations & Marketing. Since then I've been in full time employment in an uninspiring role which has been invaluable for the experience that I have gained since ...
Oops.... we opened one of each of these, fingers crossed both are breaking even, not making a fortune but they are producing a better return on our investments than most banks are offering. If you ever come to Jimbaran, check us out :) Sean Read More
Hi guys i got an job offer to move to Jeddah can anybody help me... by Frotabjj
here is the offer : 300.000 sar broke down to: 18.000 month salary 4.800 housing/month 2.000 transportation/month 200 phone/month 30 days paid vacation medical insurance performance bonus measurable by KPIS(Key performance indicators) is ...
Jeddah is extremely cheap to live in compared to Brazil, we went there to collect some Embraers, I was shocked at the concept of instalments for most items in stores, and the cost of electronics was crazy. Like most countries, housing is one of the ... Read More
Horse riding in Jeddah? by Sin茅adBrownLONDON
Any one know of any stables where I can go horse riding in Jeddah. I am a single female.
I wouldn't exactly call that horse riding :):) sean Read More
Animal trasportation requires a special permission? by katspyro
Hi, I will move to Jeddah in the summer and I would like to know if somebody is experienced with an animal transportation procedure in KSA. I checked with the embassy of Saoudi Arabia in my country and they told me that my cats have to issue a ...
Alliecat, judging by the number of newbies who show up in our compound with their "guard pets", the importation of cats/dogs is possible. Sean Read More
Stuck in female only compound! by Kat2404
Hi everyone, Living in a female only compound makes it very hard to socialise out of work as everyone at the compound works in the same place. so just wondered if anyone was having any gatherings whether they could let me know so me and my friends ...
1st weekend that i was in Jeddah, i got invited to a "battle of the bands", 5 rock bands, food and homemade drink, all for 100 Riyals. They were the fun days :):) As for the idea that women shouldn't shop/travel alone, I have no problems with my ... Read More
Young Aussie wanting to move to Bali by Nate018
Hi everyone, I'm a 18 year old, I have traveled to Bali two times and I have loved it, iv been considering moving there once I have a greater idea of what is involved in the move to Bali from Australia. I am looking to stay in Bali for 6 - 12 ...
If you remember the first Irish bars in Boston were opened by Irishmen, it was only later that the 2nd generations became the american owners, this is kind of like employing an expat to exchange knowledge :) But as you asked, what would i prefer to ... Read More
Young Aussie wanting to move to Bali by Nate018
Hi everyone, I'm a 18 year old, I have traveled to Bali two times and I have loved it, iv been considering moving there once I have a greater idea of what is involved in the move to Bali from Australia. I am looking to stay in Bali for 6 - 12 ...
Are you seriously asking that question? trust me, life is too short to make this into a quandary, we will serve every type of Irish whiskey that we can legally import. And the Irish flag outside the building will be Green White and Orange. You have ... Read More
Young Aussie wanting to move to Bali by Nate018
Hi everyone, I'm a 18 year old, I have traveled to Bali two times and I have loved it, iv been considering moving there once I have a greater idea of what is involved in the move to Bali from Australia. I am looking to stay in Bali for 6 - 12 ...
Both :) For the Hostel, locals as they have the abilities and the talents required, and in this case foreigners offer no benefits. The present manager is Australian trained and is an absolute gem. For our bar, I would hire wondering Irish bar-staff ... Read More
Young Aussie wanting to move to Bali by Nate018
Hi everyone, I'm a 18 year old, I have traveled to Bali two times and I have loved it, iv been considering moving there once I have a greater idea of what is involved in the move to Bali from Australia. I am looking to stay in Bali for 6 - 12 ...
I co-own a bar and a hostel in Bali, we presently employ about 10 Indonesians. We cannot hire foreigners due to the local regulations without a lot of hassle, and unfortunately as the monthly salary for a barman is $150-250, it isnt worthwhile for ... Read More