Expat communities in Jubail?

Hi-

Most expats in Jubail live in compounds sponsored by their company - are you in one of these? This is generally the best way to meet fellow expats in Saudi Arabia. Though, if you're teaching at one of the international schools you shouldn't have any problem linking up with colleagues as well as expat parents.

Also, I think there's a branch of Hash House Harriers up and running in nearby Al Khobar.

Lastly, phone up your embassy or ask your organisation about contact information for fellow Brits living in Jubail or current clubs.

For more information about moving to Saudi Arabia have a look at the Expat Arrivals Saudi Guide.

Hi Stephanie Thank you for your quick response. The company I work for doesn't provide housing for its employees in compounds. We receive a housing allowance and find our own accommodation. I'm currently living in an apartment in Jubail city centre at the moment. I've been surprised by the cost of rents here as I'm paying 2000 riyals a month for a small apartment. I have only seen 1 compound in Jubail and that's the one by the corniche. I've been told that generally the compounds are far from Jubail itself. Is this true? I work for a Saudi organisation and have no contact with international students. Thank you for your advice and I will contact the embassy to see if they have details of any clubs in the local area. In the meantime if you could notify me of any social events which will happen soon in Jubail's expat community please let me know. Thanks once again and all the best Andrew

Hi Andrew-

I know you posted your original questions ages ago, but I recently made contact with an expat in Al-Khobar who seems to have her finger on the social pulse of the Eastern Province. If you're still in Saudi Arabi you can find her contact information in the expert profile alongside our "Moving to the EP" page. She let me know there's a lot of groups in the area that spearhead social engagement, but most of them do their marketing/advertising via word of mouth. So if you're still looking for to make some friends in Saudi, perhaps she'd be good to get in touch with. 

Thanks for all information. I am moving to Jubail in September 2012. Kindly explain the social life for non muslims ?

Hey Andrew/Stephanie, I just moved here to Jubail and finding it really hard to meet people, from the UK near Manchester and haven;t found any other Brits, could you please let me know if you had any luck as I would love to start playing football again! Cheers Asif

Hi Asif / Stephanie, Thanks for the information Stephanie although this is the first time I have checked this site for about 8 months!I hope you are well. Hi Asif, I'm still in Jubail and unfortunately there's very little expat scene here unless you live on a compound. Most expats here keep themselves to themselves. There is a running group called the Hash which run every fortnight in Jubail and I may be able to put you in touch with someone if you want to play football. My e-mail address is [email protected] . If I have your e-mail address I can send you some info. All the best. Andrew

If you are still in Jubail, there is an active branch of the Hash House Harriers. They go on their runs every other Thursday. You can meet other expats if you contact the International school in Jubail which will have British and American expat students. The Brits should be able to hook you up with the hash and to get involved. It is not easy when you don't live on compounds or work for a large company with alot of expat employees. I know from experience. Good luck and it has been a year since you first posted so I don't even know if you are still there. If so, I hope you have gotten connected with other expats.

Hi, unfortunately there seems to be little social life in Jubail unless you live on a compound. I don't and it can be difficult to meet other westerners here. There seems to be far more expats in the Khobar region. There is, however, the Hash House Harriers which is a running club which meets every other Friday to go on runs in the desert near Jubail. It's a great place to meet other expats. Other than that, I'm not really sure of any other social clubs in the Jubail area. Hope this helps and please let me know if you'd like contact details about the Hash.