What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Saudi Arabia. They wrote...
"Abnormal (lack of) male/female interaction that led to a huge number of homosexual advances being made by the obviously sexually frustrated men," said another expat in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
"Many expats in Saudi Arabia find the local culture very different from their own and may struggle with cultural expectations. One of the biggest challenges for expats is the stringent gender segregation in Saudi society, including being segregated from the opposite sex when in public. Additionally, the conservative dress code can be difficult to get used to, as women are expected to wear a ‘hijab’ or veil which covers all of the hair and body except for the hands and face. Finally, conservative religious values and laws are a large part of Saudi culture, with rules specific to religious holidays, modest behaviour and restrictions on alcohol consumption," wrote a member who made the move to Saudi Arabia.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Saudi Arabia?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Saudi Arabia?
- Will I be able to find a job in Saudi Arabia?
- What is life like in Saudi Arabia?
- What do expats in Saudi Arabia appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Saudi Arabia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Saudi Arabia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Saudi Arabia like?
- What are healthcare services like in Saudi Arabia?
- What are medical services in Saudi Arabia like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Saudi Arabia?
- What are emergency services like in Saudi Arabia?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Saudi Arabia?
- How are local medical facilities in Saudi Arabia?
- As a foreigner living in Saudi Arabia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Saudi Arabia, newcomers to Saudi Arabia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
