AboutLauren Gilkey Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to local culture and daily living for Westerners (expats) and what they do for vacation within Saudi. I am limited to questions about the Western Coast, since I never visited the Eastern part of the country. I have knowledge about Yanbu, Jeddah, Medinah, and Abhah. I can also answer general questions about what it was like to live there, etc. Please note that I cannot help with job market, job placements, and employment opportunities.
Experience I lived in Yanbu for 4 years and did some travelling in the country.
Question I got a offer from SABIC placed in Yanbu can u please let me know the lifestyle in Yanbu whether a family can stay there and what is the cost of living in yanbu ..
Answer Dear Anup,
You need to understand the culture and laws of Saudi. I will cover the basics here.
Religion: Saudi is an Islamic state and all religions other than Islam are illegal. There is no tolerance for worship of other religions. What you do in your home is your business, but anything else in public would be considered a threat to Islam and is illegal. Prayer happens five times a day, during which time there is a public call for prayer by the Imams. All shops close during this time. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day, so there is no eating or drinking in public.
Dress: All men and women must dress modestly. No shorts or skirts above the ankle for men or women in public. No sleeveless shirts for men or women. No showing of skin below the neck to the ankle for men or women. In public women must wear the black abaya, which is a think black fabric robe that covers from the wrist to the neck to the ankle and is worn over regular clothing. Muslim women must cover their hair and face with the burqa, but this is not required of non-Muslims. Clothing is monitored by the religious police, who are in charge of the prevention of vice and protection of marriage and modesty.
Food: Muslims do not drink alcohol or eat pork, so you will not find any of those foods in Saudi. All other meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables can be found with no problem in grocery stores. There are many restaurants in Saudi that offer a variety of food. There are two sections in restaurants - one for men only and the other for families (married men, all women, and all children).
Women: Women have few rights in Saudi. They are not allowed to travel out of their home city without their husband's permission (written permission). Women cannot drive. If allowed on public transportation, they must sit in the back. I do not recommend that women go out alone; I recommend they have at least one friend to go out. While Saudi is safe, women alone can be harassed by single men, so go out with friends is best.
Housing: There are several types of housing in Saudi. There are independent homes that are in neighborhoods. Each home is surrounded by a wall and may have a small private yard or patio. There are townhomes, which have several courtyards that are private and hidden from neighbors eyes. There are also compounds that are available to non-Saudi citizens. Usually housing is provided by your employer, or you can find housing with your employer's help.
So those are the basics with living in Saudi. Yanbu can offer a good international school for your children. The local hospital is of good quality. It is near the Red Sea, and you can enjoy some wonderful snorkling at the beach (at a private beach - there is no swimming at public beaches).
I cannot help you with cost of living; that changes a lot based on economy and what you expect to be a standard for living. Sorry.
