Expert Info

Posted by
on 31 Aug 2012
Hello everyone! I'm a seasoned expat living in Dubai, and now moving to Riyadh. I don't know,yet, the location of my company paid for accommodation....but my fiance is still here in Dubai and i'd like to bring her over to Riyadh to join me. I know she can get work in Riyadh because her company is international, but i'm sure we won't be in the same compound, so,,, 1. is it easy to get a drivers licence there so i can drive back and forth from my place and hers?( i already have a uae licence ) 2. She's filipina so is it possible for the two of us to rent our own place on a western compound so we can live together? 3. and finally...is the whole no booze thing blown out of proportion? Can we get booze somewhere to bring back to our flat and drink in privacy??? Thanks all!! Looking forward to my new destination! Tim from Toronto!
Anonymous (not verified) on 3 Sep 2012 - 09:04
Hi Timothy !

I think you'll find life in Riyadh very different to life in Dubai. I will try to answer each of your questions in turn.

With regards to driving, if you have a UAE driving licence already, it should make acquiring a Saudi Arabian licence easier. You will however, be required to take a couple of tests. It is advisable to contact a local driving school to assist you with this. Maybe your employer can recommend a company that has been used by expats before.

When it comes to getting yourself a car, take a look at this page of Buying a Car in Saudi Arabia for more details - it is quite a complicated process !

Even though, life on Western compounds is less strict than elsewhere in the Kingdom. It is still illegal for unmarried couples to live together. While there is won't be the Mutaween (Saudi religious police) on hand to watch you within a complex, it is still not a good idea to try and consquences for breaking the law in Saudi Arabia are severe.

While alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, you'll find that people do drink within the Western compounds. 

Take a look at our Expat Arrival's Saudi Arabia Country Guide for more information on what to expect. I think the page on Culture Shock could be particularly useful.

Good luck!

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