Hey Pete and Thea! What about a single guy? How is the dating scene over there? Is it easy to meet a singles? And an extra question, would you like more Jedah or Riyadh? Peace!
We are Relocating to Al Khobar soon.. And I’m so excited. Many of our friends are so skeptical about the ideas but Your vlog helped a lot with some confusions that we have (i,e, they said married couple can’t sit in one car or i have to be at the back 🙄) We are married and i don’t think its a problem isnt it. Love this vlog 😃
Ahh that’s so nice to hear, thanks Dee! People tend to talk shit about stuff they haven’t experienced 😂 You do not need to worry about that at all. You’ll be fine. It’s not even a problem if you’re not married… A few years ago it would have been, but now, not so.
Hey guys thanks for sharing this video I didn’t realise unmarried couples could live together now! Does that mean my partner could come in on my visa (unmarried)? Or do you both have your own separate work visas? Thanks very much!
Hey Pete & Thea..thanks for sharing your experiences here..really helps people who are thinking of KSA as one of their next destinations to stay for few years. One quick question - you did mention that there is not much of a life outside your home and your workplace, especially for expats..would you say it is still the case even today? Not expecting pubs and western night life there..but generally what do the locals do to chill out post work and how welcoming are they to the expats? Would really appreciate your views here. Cheers
Hey guys, i'm not sure if you will see this but I will try my luck. I am from Australia and I am looking to relocate to Saudi. My boyfriend got a job in Khobar (the Eastern Province region near Dammam). I am finding the job hunt quite difficult for myself though. Are you able to give any advice on what I can do to find work? I have a tonne of experience working for Universities, owning gyms, working in marketing etc. I am a world champion powerlifter and scuba diving instructor....so I have a few things under my belt but I am still struggling!! Any help is greatly appreciated as he leaves in a week and I want to aim to be there by the end of the year.
Thank you Pete and Thea for shareing your video. I have been watching several 9f your videos now. Me and my husband are planning to move to Saudi soon. We are muslim and he is Egyptian so we lived together in a muslim country before. The Islamic culture is simular. My question is he will come on a work visa, do I also need a special visa or can I stay on a tourist visa. Also how long did it take and the process for Thea to move in with you?
Hope you’ve been finding them useful 🫶🏼 I’d you’re on a tourist visa then you will have a limited amount of time in the Kingdom at any one time - I believe it’s valid for a 90 day stay.
welcome to Saudi Arabia first I enjoyed your videos very much I wish you success a wonderful life and a good time So don't neglect us bro and share wonderful videos with us
Hi, I recommend to take a trip around the country, especially south western of Saudi.. you’ll also be shocked by the diversity of cultures, nature in Saudi ☺️.
Hi Pete I’m coming over in June for a work trip and was just wondering if you could help me! Is there any laws about having tattoos and having them on display? Great video’s very useful
Hey Adam - exciting trip for you! No need to worry about tattoos, it’s not an issue if they’re on display. Never heard of an expat, or even a local, having issues because of their tattoos. The worst is you may get some inquisitive looks if they are a bit ‘out there’
It was a few years back, but from what I’ve experienced both with myself and others is that it’s absolutely fine. The only caveat would be coming from the compound owners discretion, but if they are owning a compound for expats then it’d be a non-issue.
@@petedoessaudi thank you so much for such a quick response. I am moving out to Riyadh on the 22nd September. Your videos have been very helpful. Thanks again Ben
@@petedoessaudi coming over with my existing company to head up Facilities Management division, covering all KSA. Looking forward to a new challenge. Just trying to find out as much information as possible ahead of the move, which from the uk is quite challenging
Thank you so much for this content guys, I am planning on moving to Jeddah with my gf / common law wife from Chicago Illinois USA . As salamu walaykum ❤
Salam alaykum bro, could you tell us about finances please? Presumably you get paid in riyals - do you need an account with a local bank in that case? How would you then move that money to a UK account? bank transfer I presume, are there any taxes to be paid - is this expensive/a rip off?? are there any other more streamlined ways to keep more of the money when bringing it home? what taxes do you have to pay as a foreigner to Saudi government? If you have children, would they be eligible for free schooling? can you buy property there? Are you worried about not paying into your UK pension? Anything else finance related would be good. Thanks
Hey, thanks for messaging. This has been a pretty common question so I’m thinking about doing a whole video on it now. I’m not 100% sure on some of the questions, like with regards to schooling / kids etc, and I really should be more clued up in some areas. Let me know if any other questions come to mind and I’ll do a whole video on cost of living etc
It’s really complicated an I’ll probably never be able to explain how dating works here but it’s there and people eventually get married aside from the arranged marriage thingy
From what I’ve heard from some Saudi’s is that it’s one of those cases where people know it’s happening, but just don’t acknowledge it - especially families of the people who are dating. It’s like if you don’t mention it it’s not happening.
If it’s in a compound, generally yes, but is ultimately down to the management of the compound. Usually the contract will be in the person with the IQAMA’s name though. If it’s a ‘local’ apartment, it’s much more difficult from what I’ve heard although ever experienced it myself as have always lived in a compound / complex.
My experience is that it largely depends on the individual and the family and what their beliefs or customs are. For example, I know expats who are now married to Saudis and I also know Saudi’s who date non-Saudi’s, but have to keep it hidden from their families. It’s much easier now for men / women of any race to mix and spark up connections, and ultimately that is what drives people’s behaviour. Whether it be just a fling, a relationship or if it ends up in marriage.
Hi. I’m Saudi like what pete or Thea said to you, it depends on the person and the family because families specially the father has a say in accepting you if you were happened to be a man, also Dating is still frowned upon socially so some Saudis date in secret, and when it comes to dating it has to be with purpose of marriage even with the Saudi liberal families they expect for their daughters to be engaged so they will allow her to go out with him, and kissing and Hugging and sex .. etc all of it we don’t accept it or doing it during dating even during engagement, some Europeans might think that a bit excessive or weird not to do it but I think generally we value the marriage and value the relationship between the man and the woman, so doing that would be not taking the other person seriously, most important thing and it could be hard for you if you were a man, if the family, the father, everyone accepted you, you would be asked or expect to convert to Islam because it’s not allowed for a Muslim woman to marry non Muslim man, so keep that in mind so you will not get hurt if you loved Saudi woman and get rejected by her. If you were a woman it would be easier for you to date or marry Saudi man, Muslim are allowed to marry Jewish or Christian woman, any other religions are not allowed, and one sign if the man takes you seriously if he introduce to his family early in the relationship except also that Saudi men will talk about marriage because like I said we take marriage very seriously. Saudi might be open more to let their sons marry foreign women more than letting their daughters marry foreign men, and also very important thing if you happened to be a woman you should know that not just in my culture but every culture that I know of weather it’s a Muslim culture or not, people have this stereotype about western women that they’re easy, give themselves to any man, and I guess it’s because of the western media and Hollywood movies how they portray western women as easy and sleep with any man she meets even if it’s someone she doesn’t know his name, and that’s a problem many western women face when they date outside of their culture, I know that it’s very insulting and hurtful stereotype to many western women but I think they should know abound this stereotype because not every western woman are like that. Finally our views about Europeans it’s positive in general but for the Saudis who went abroad and faced racism from some people in European countries they might not have a pleasant view because of rude treatments, on the good side we Europeans as friendly, fun and nice, on the negative side some Saudis might see Europeans as racist, disrespectful or ignorant, but that view is very rare and probably they took it from the western media. I hope my long paragraph will be useful to you, and also once you come here and mingle with locals they will invite to their homes or worst some of them will fight over your bill to pay instead of you to pay 😂 if you made Saudi friends you might see them fight with you so you will not pay anything, they will pay instead
@@نجودالمطيري-ب8ز do expats date each other? Or is it easy to meet someone.. i am muslim so it would be dating for marriage as well but how would you meet people?!
I’m not too sure of teaching jobs, but I would recommend look at the best / international schools in the area you want to move to and then follow up with them on Linked In / their website. Always best to go direct and bypass a recruiter…! Good luck
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
I spent my childhood in Al Khobar. It'll forever have a place in my heart. like the content. This channel brings back a lot of memories.
Ahh thanks, hopefully good memories!
I spent my childhood in Al Khobar. Orbit Manarat School :)
Hey Pete and Thea! What about a single guy? How is the dating scene over there? Is it easy to meet a singles?
And an extra question, would you like more Jedah or Riyadh?
Peace!
We are Relocating to Al Khobar soon.. And I’m so excited. Many of our friends are so skeptical about the ideas but Your vlog helped a lot with some confusions that we have (i,e, they said married couple can’t sit in one car or i have to be at the back 🙄)
We are married and i don’t think its a problem isnt it.
Love this vlog 😃
Ahh that’s so nice to hear, thanks Dee! People tend to talk shit about stuff they haven’t experienced 😂 You do not need to worry about that at all. You’ll be fine. It’s not even a problem if you’re not married… A few years ago it would have been, but now, not so.
@@petedoessaudi thank thank you. Can’t wait to see KSA 😃
Hey guys thanks for sharing this video I didn’t realise unmarried couples could live together now! Does that mean my partner could come in on my visa (unmarried)? Or do you both have your own separate work visas? Thanks very much!
Hey Pete & Thea..thanks for sharing your experiences here..really helps people who are thinking of KSA as one of their next destinations to stay for few years. One quick question - you did mention that there is not much of a life outside your home and your workplace, especially for expats..would you say it is still the case even today? Not expecting pubs and western night life there..but generally what do the locals do to chill out post work and how welcoming are they to the expats?
Would really appreciate your views here. Cheers
“It’s a nuance”. 😂 Very important difference. Great video.
Everything is subjective I find, largely depends on context
Hey guys, i'm not sure if you will see this but I will try my luck.
I am from Australia and I am looking to relocate to Saudi. My boyfriend got a job in Khobar (the Eastern Province region near Dammam). I am finding the job hunt quite difficult for myself though. Are you able to give any advice on what I can do to find work? I have a tonne of experience working for Universities, owning gyms, working in marketing etc. I am a world champion powerlifter and scuba diving instructor....so I have a few things under my belt but I am still struggling!! Any help is greatly appreciated as he leaves in a week and I want to aim to be there by the end of the year.
Thank you Pete and Thea for shareing your video. I have been watching several 9f your videos now. Me and my husband are planning to move to Saudi soon. We are muslim and he is Egyptian so we lived together in a muslim country before. The Islamic culture is simular. My question is he will come on a work visa, do I also need a special visa or can I stay on a tourist visa. Also how long did it take and the process for Thea to move in with you?
Hope you’ve been finding them useful 🫶🏼
I’d you’re on a tourist visa then you will have a limited amount of time in the Kingdom at any one time - I believe it’s valid for a 90 day stay.
welcome to Saudi Arabia first I enjoyed your videos very much I wish you success a wonderful life and a good time So don't neglect us bro and share wonderful videos with us
Thank you! You’re too kind. I will keep the videos coming 🙏🏼
Hi, I recommend to take a trip around the country, especially south western of Saudi..
you’ll also be shocked by the diversity of cultures, nature in Saudi ☺️.
In that place, every tribe has own culture , but they all have Arab culture with a slight diff between each tribe 😍
That’s definitely on the list! Already been to a few different places and seen a very wide range of cultures, it’s so nice to experience 🙌🏼
Welcome to Saudi “your second country” , I hope you’re having a great time in here , you should visit Riyadh & Khobar , have a wonderful day 🙏
Thank you Khalid - definitely our home 😊
Aayyyyyy I’ll see you guys soon. Two weeks and counting. Happy to extend my friends and fam to you guys too if you like 😊
It’s all about connection!
Hey! That’s awesome news - extending the ex-pat family here 🙌🏼 We’ll have to meet for coffee/dinner when you’re feeling settled
Hi Pete I’m coming over in June for a work trip and was just wondering if you could help me! Is there any laws about having tattoos and having them on display? Great video’s very useful
Hey Adam - exciting trip for you! No need to worry about tattoos, it’s not an issue if they’re on display. Never heard of an expat, or even a local, having issues because of their tattoos. The worst is you may get some inquisitive looks if they are a bit ‘out there’
Relax Half of the Saudis have studied in America or Britain and know all your habits, so don't worry
Is it the same in Riyadh, in relation to having a girlfriend visit me/ stay in a compound. I have read various information that says it’s forbidden ?
It was a few years back, but from what I’ve experienced both with myself and others is that it’s absolutely fine. The only caveat would be coming from the compound owners discretion, but if they are owning a compound for expats then it’d be a non-issue.
@@petedoessaudi thank you so much for such a quick response.
I am moving out to Riyadh on the 22nd September. Your videos have been very helpful.
Thanks again Ben
@@benjaminblackaby8815 Exciting times! Good luck with the move. What are you coming over to do?
@@petedoessaudi coming over with my existing company to head up Facilities Management division, covering all KSA. Looking forward to a new challenge. Just trying to find out as much information as possible ahead of the move, which from the uk is quite challenging
Thank you so much for this content guys, I am planning on moving to Jeddah with my gf / common law wife from Chicago Illinois USA .
As salamu walaykum ❤
No problem at all! I hope it helps 🫶🏼🫶🏼 Good luck and let us know how you get on!
Can you make a video about International schools there and how much are the fees please
Super sorry, but as I have no kids I’m afraid I have zero experience of this!
Will you please send a apartment site for 1 bed room in Jeddah/please 🙏
Salam alaykum bro, could you tell us about finances please? Presumably you get paid in riyals - do you need an account with a local bank in that case? How would you then move that money to a UK account? bank transfer I presume, are there any taxes to be paid - is this expensive/a rip off?? are there any other more streamlined ways to keep more of the money when bringing it home? what taxes do you have to pay as a foreigner to Saudi government? If you have children, would they be eligible for free schooling? can you buy property there? Are you worried about not paying into your UK pension? Anything else finance related would be good. Thanks
Hey, thanks for messaging. This has been a pretty common question so I’m thinking about doing a whole video on it now. I’m not 100% sure on some of the questions, like with regards to schooling / kids etc, and I really should be more clued up in some areas. Let me know if any other questions come to mind and I’ll do a whole video on cost of living etc
@@petedoessaudi nice one, look forward to it!
Love your videos
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 You’re too kind
U know most of locals go out on dates since forever
It’s really complicated an I’ll probably never be able to explain how dating works here but it’s there and people eventually get married aside from the arranged marriage thingy
From what I’ve heard from some Saudi’s is that it’s one of those cases where people know it’s happening, but just don’t acknowledge it - especially families of the people who are dating. It’s like if you don’t mention it it’s not happening.
And thanks for the comment!
Could you make a video on the cost of living ?
We could definitely look at that - anything in particular you’d like to know?
@Flowerbloom the VAT starred 4 years ago, it was 5% before COVID and these days it is 15% vat
@@petedoessaudi yes please the cost of living for a family of 6
Welcome bro in Saudi
Thank you buddy 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Welcome to Saudi ✌️
🙏🏼🙏🏼 thank you
Thank you for the information, i have one question please, is it possible to rent an apartment and live with ur gf ? ( riyadh city )
If it’s in a compound, generally yes, but is ultimately down to the management of the compound. Usually the contract will be in the person with the IQAMA’s name though. If it’s a ‘local’ apartment, it’s much more difficult from what I’ve heard although ever experienced it myself as have always lived in a compound / complex.
@@petedoessaudi Thank u so much
Ok random Q. What is it like dating out there? I 😅
Better then in Europe that’s for sure
Is it possible to date a Saudi Or is it impossible? Like would they date Europeans or not and what is their view about us
My experience is that it largely depends on the individual and the family and what their beliefs or customs are.
For example, I know expats who are now married to Saudis and I also know Saudi’s who date non-Saudi’s, but have to keep it hidden from their families.
It’s much easier now for men / women of any race to mix and spark up connections, and ultimately that is what drives people’s behaviour. Whether it be just a fling, a relationship or if it ends up in marriage.
Hi. I’m Saudi like what pete or Thea said to you, it depends on the person and the family because families specially the father has a say in accepting you if you were happened to be a man, also Dating is still frowned upon socially so some Saudis date in secret, and when it comes to dating it has to be with purpose of marriage even with the Saudi liberal families they expect for their daughters to be engaged so they will allow her to go out with him, and kissing and Hugging and sex .. etc all of it we don’t accept it or doing it during dating even during engagement, some Europeans might think that a bit excessive or weird not to do it but I think generally we value the marriage and value the relationship between the man and the woman, so doing that would be not taking the other person seriously, most important thing and it could be hard for you if you were a man, if the family, the father, everyone accepted you, you would be asked or expect to convert to Islam because it’s not allowed for a Muslim woman to marry non Muslim man, so keep that in mind so you will not get hurt if you loved Saudi woman and get rejected by her.
If you were a woman it would be easier for you to date or marry Saudi man, Muslim are allowed to marry Jewish or Christian woman, any other religions are not allowed, and one sign if the man takes you seriously if he introduce to his family early in the relationship except also that Saudi men will talk about marriage because like I said we take marriage very seriously.
Saudi might be open more to let their sons marry foreign women more than letting their daughters marry foreign men, and also very important thing if you happened to be a woman you should know that not just in my culture but every culture that I know of weather it’s a Muslim culture or not, people have this stereotype about western women that they’re easy, give themselves to any man, and I guess it’s because of the western media and Hollywood movies how they portray western women as easy and sleep with any man she meets even if it’s someone she doesn’t know his name, and that’s a problem many western women face when they date outside of their culture, I know that it’s very insulting and hurtful stereotype to many western women but I think they should know abound this stereotype because not every western woman are like that.
Finally our views about Europeans it’s positive in general but for the Saudis who went abroad and faced racism from some people in European countries they might not have a pleasant view because of rude treatments, on the good side we Europeans as friendly, fun and nice, on the negative side some Saudis might see Europeans as racist, disrespectful or ignorant, but that view is very rare and probably they took it from the western media.
I hope my long paragraph will be useful to you, and also once you come here and mingle with locals they will invite to their homes or worst some of them will fight over your bill to pay instead of you to pay 😂 if you made Saudi friends you might see them fight with you so you will not pay anything, they will pay instead
@@نجودالمطيري-ب8ز do expats date each other? Or is it easy to meet someone.. i am muslim so it would be dating for marriage as well but how would you meet people?!
Is tinder any good out there or is it asking for trouble?
I can’t speak from experience, but from what I hear it’s just as bad as everywhere else in the world 😂
😎👍😎👍😎👍😎👍😎👍😎👍😎👍
Still one of the worst places to live , but money is great
I feel like this is quite the overstatement… Care to elaborate?
Hi, thank you for your videos. Can you assist me on how l can apply for teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia.
I’m not too sure of teaching jobs, but I would recommend look at the best / international schools in the area you want to move to and then follow up with them on Linked In / their website. Always best to go direct and bypass a recruiter…! Good luck
Koi KSA sy couples hn for friendship
Cuyooot
🫶🏼
So why dont you get Married and prove youre serious about her?
What a ridiculous thing to say 🙃 Why don’t you keep your thoughts to yourself? Please and thank you.