hi, thank you for your video! it gave me comfort after consecutive nights of overthinking and having anxiety on whether it was a good decision for me to accept a job offer in saudi (as a woman). it felt like a hug that everything will be ok 😊 more power!
You are most welcome Hannah and glad to hear you gained more confidence about accepting the job! Please also watch my other Saudi videos. May I ask which job you’re going to do in Saudi?
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert it's an it-related job, like a data engineer. I know it's a great opportunity career-wise, but I was just afraid of how'll I'll be treated by or adjust with the society as a female and asian expat. (Im filipino btw hehe) I watched a lot of your videos and subscribed already. You are a great help to people like us, really! I appreciate your content so much! :)
I was in Saudi Arabia 2 weeks ago on a biz trip and I can confirm all that you said in the video. It was the best experience in my life in terms of culture, professionalism and peace of mind.
Wow, I am sooo happy to hear this, and very glad you had the best experience of your life! Even better that confirm everything in the video! It’s great to hear others are having similar wonderful experiences 💜
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert What do you think , can I stay there :) ? I'm in Istanbul, it's very overcast here and strange weather , I don't like that, I want heat ☀️ and hot sun. Saudi is hot , hopefully?? It's supposed to be nice and hot ☀️ there ??? I'm also liking the ALLAHHHH 🔊 🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊 and I pray with the prayer times ❤I like that , allah = god , so it's all good 👍
This is a wonderful video. We lived for many years in the kingdom and raised our daughters there. You are spot on about being respectful and honouring local culture. My wife and daughters always wore abayas in public and hijabs. The garments the locals wear are suitable for the climate. When in Rome…
Thank you Marcello, I am so happy to hear that you and your family had a positive experience there, and that you knew how to be culturally respectful! This message really made my day. Thanks for watching and commenting! Do you miss living there?
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpertYes, we do. We found out that the Saudi government is now issuing visas for retirees, so we are seriously looking at moving there permanently once my wife is fully retired. She is Nigerian and worked in the oil industry there when we met when I worked for the UNF&AO In Rome after 25 years in the US Navy in public affairs. We would be closer to my wife’s family in Nigeria and I have a lot of family in Italy, rather than here in Florida. Our two daughters, who converted to Islam, are out on their own, and I know they would love us living in the kingdom, so they would be close to childhood friends and their cousins in Africa and Italy. We are all Arabic speakers, which does make life easier.
@@marcellocolona4980 wow, I am so impressed by everything you have written here. What a worldly family! You all speak Arabic?! Your daughters converted to Islam?! 25 years in Rome?! Amazing, I feel honored to be communicating with you. There are many similarities between us too: My husband also works in oil and gas in Saudi, I live in Italy now, and I also have family in Florida! Small world! By the way, Saudi now has a long-term residency option, so the good news is that you don’t need to wait until retirement to go back there! Please stay in touch, I’d love to meet you. I’ll be back in Saudi next month.
Saudi Arabia is certainly on my list of countries that I would like to visit. The prince is doing an excellent job in diversifying the country. The projects that are being built there are truly mind blowing. Hopefully the world can live in peace again. Your video was Compact and informative. Nice !
Thank you so much for this video. I got an opportunity in 2016 but was really worried about how l was going to live in Saudi Arabia. I recently was shortlisted for a position there and was informed that it has opened up since then. Really loved this video. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Bless your heart! Thank you so kuch for sharing! Im planning on moving for religious purposes and was a little nervouse sonce im a working woman. Now my soul feels at ease and im excited to make the move
You all videos are mind blowing and experienced based. Every information regarding to any area of research i learn alot through out your videos.. i really appreciate your struggle to make the people MINDS to mOVEe there instead of moving towards other high profile countries.. i wil also be there very soon INSHALLAH...
Hi Waqar, I’m so glad to know you find the videos informative! Yes, my goal is for people to know the real Saudi Arabia, and to break down stereotypes. I hope you have the chance to work in Saudi soon, inshallah. Best of luck to you and keep in touch! ✌️
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing your Saudi experience. I lived in Riyadh for a couple of years some 22 years back. It was a different country then.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert You’re welcome. But there is a note that Saudis who have a foreign driver’s license can’t use them inside Saudi Arabia. For Saudis only the Saudi license are valid.
Hi Cheryl. Great topics that you've shared. May I know the fasting month condition in Saudi Arabia? Do all restaurants closed for lunch during fasting month?
Wow! That’s an amazing video. Much appreciated. The more I learn about Saudi Arabia, the more I want to visit it. Can you recommend me a nice area to stay for tourists? Somewhere convenient for short walks when you want to have dinner after a long day sightseeing, for example, instead of taking a cab or something to cross the city? Shukran.
Saudi arabia is a huge country with more than 2 Million km. If u wanna heritage u can visit Alula in northwest of Saudi Arabia and Aldiria outside of Riyadh the capital. I recommend u to come in winter when Riyadh season statrts mid of october. U can visit St regis resort in Red Sea project in most gorgeous islands on Red Sea coast with stunning coral reef and diving, snorkling. If u wanna rainy greenery area all the time u can visit Albaha, Abha, Tanoma, Altaif, these areas in westsouth of Saudi Arabia, mountainous nature. U r welcome anytime time 🇸🇦❤️
My husband and I hope to relocate to Saudi in the future. I just graduated from nursing school so I want to get a couple of years under my belt before seeking employment overseas.
I lived in Saudi for 4 and a half years and all I can say is it was the worst years of my life. I always said if I could be free like an American is and live there it would be great. I was not free and you learn from living there how much you love your freedom.
Sorry to hear you didn’t have a good experience and I wonder when you lived there. Things are very different now. It also depends also on where you work and live.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpertalso varies. What kind of freedom do you want? You do not have the right to do everything. You cannot walk naked in Saudi Arabia as you do in America. The limits of your freedom stop at the limits of others.
There are sooooo many. It’s a good idea to come here and spend some time so you can look around and meet people. You also join tech start-up groups on InterNations.org and Meetup.com. I would also recommend attending the LEAP conference and checking out eyeofriyadh.com.
More like slaves for men. If that what you mean. They are treated way inferior like “CANT EVEN DRIVE” “ CANT GET OUT OF HOUSE WITHOUT A MALE MEMBER OF FAMILY”
In Saudi if you have a problem you can go to the mar tam and talk to the king or his representative and they fix any problem you have. I had IQAMA problem and they fixed it immediately. Also I wanted to bring my Girlfriend from Iran. They fixed that in a week.
Hello!! And what about salaries?? What is a normal salary for an expat engineer? And companies normally paying house and accomodations for all the family?
Hello! Salaries vary a lot according to job and employer, as well as location. If you work in a remote area, chances are the employer covers everything for you and your family. If you work in a big city, sometimes the employer provides. housing and sometimes they give you an allowance instead, and you arrange it yourself. There are many variables, but you can calculate around 3-5 times your salary in your home country.
No, it’s not necessary to wear an abaya. Many people still wear it, though. If you don’t wear an abaya, just be sure your clothes are conservative and respect local norms. 🙂
Thanks for the video, could you please provide information on the cost of living, like rent, food and other. The information online seem to be overwhelming. Relocating to Riyahd.
Hi Moshood and thanks for your comment. This data is not so easy to provide because there is a wide range of costs for everything and it depends vastly on everyone’s individual lifestyle. Riyadh is definitely the most expensive city in Saudi and you should be prepared to have a lot of personal expenditures even if your employer provides a lot of benefits. Whenever relocating to a foreign country there are many unforeseen expenses. As a general guideline, I would say to budget around 3,000 USD per month for all living expenses in Riyadh. As time goes on and you understand where to find cheaper things, and save money, this may decrease. It also depends if you’re relocating alone or with family? Bringing a family will affect your costs significantly because you need to pay dependent fees every month, plus school fees for kids, which could be really expensive. I will try to make a video in this in the near future. 😊
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert Thanks for your reply. I have an offer of $3000 per month in Saudi Arabia, Riyahd. Is this a good offer in 2023? I will be relocating alone.
@@moshoodrafiu328 it depends on your qualifications, years of experience, and country of origin. It’s a decent salary but to be honest on that salary in Riyadh you probably don’t save much unless the employer is proving housing.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert during the interview process, the recruiter told me $1,000 would cover my expenses for a month including housing, if I don’t live extravagant.
They are not providing any other thing apart from the $3000 salary. I have a BSc degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering, and 3 years of professional experience.
I’m going to visiting Saudi Arabia soon for a short business trip. Am I able to pay for everything by card (e.g. taxis)? I’d rather avoid having to use cash
@@Sezfluffy This is great news, congratulations! If you want to have cross-cultural training and preparation sessions before leaving for Saudi, I offer this as a service. Contact me at info@cherylobal.com.
You know this is a good question! I have seen female taxi drivers in Dubai, but so far I have not seen lady drivers in Saudi. I’m sure it will happen soon!
Gracias por el video, me encanta lo que dices, pronto me ire a vivir alla y quiero saber muchas mas cosas del pais, por ejemplo las mejores ciudades para vivir y que trabajos pueden hacer los extranjeros alla, gracias!!
Visit Jeddah! it’s a city full of foreigners i’ve seen hundreds of Americans there also it’s so diverse and it’s known to be more open, i’m spanish but idk how to speak spanish i was born & raised there❤️ Or dharan!
Hi there ...loved ur content...could u pls tell me for how many years does the Saudi authority maintain an expat's data like finger prints Etsy in their database after the exit of that expat from the kingdom? Thanks .This is crucial for me to know ..God bless u
Hi JS, actually I worked in Saudi Arabia, not Abu Dhabi. I have been a permanent resident of Italy since 2005, so I left Italy only temporarily to work in Saudi Arabia.
I'd really like to go to the middle east so badly however I really do not want to wear any of those items ... I get its their culture but here in America we do not expect them to wear our clothing they often wear their hijab here .When its hot I do not want fabric covering all of my skin shorts tank top T-shirts, athletic clothing and bikinis mini dresses❤
You need to open your mind to new experiences and different ways of living. Otherwise you would never have the beautiful experiences that living abroad offers you. You would be surprised at how little it matters what you are wearing, in the grand scope of things. Will you really reject such a beautiful experience just because you can’t wear mini dresses? And by the way there are many situations here in Saudi where you can wear them, and there are so many shops where you will find the most beautiful dresses in the world.
Hi Ma'am Just want to ask hows the security of a female expat working on saudi Arabia walking on the street going on accomodation after end of work. I've heard a scenario while working on the street going through their house some guys following or harrasted some foreign woman ? Please enlighten me to this matter thank you 🙂
Hello, Saudi Arabia is a safe place and most women have said they feel safer in Saudi than in their home country. The Saudi police has a no-tolerance policy regarding inappropriate behavior towards women. If anything happens, all you need to do is go to a police officer and point to the man who bothered you; they will arrest him immediately, no questions asked. However, of course, just like in any country, you need to be careful and street-smart. Isolated incidents can happen anywhere and I’m not sure what happened in the story that you heard, but I would guess that whoever was following/harassing the woman was probably not Saudi but another nationality. Saudis have a strict policy and cultural values about treatment of women. But of course as in every culture, there can be a few exceptions and occasional bad ones.
Firstly, this is a thing that happen in every country! But i really feel safe there (i’m spanish and 17yo) and i haven’t been in a situation like that, you can report him and he will get arrested
You’re most welcome. The best way to search for jobs is on LinkedIn. Check out my other video on working in Saudi Arabia which explains how to conduct a job search.
There is a potential job opportunity there, but can I live and work as a gay man or do I need to hide who I am ? I am a bit puzzled by your comments about 'refraining from revealing your personal life' in the name of 'respect' to be honest.
Hi there, I understand your concern. Let me explain. In Saudi Arabia, there is a strong privacy value. So what you do in your personal life, including who you sleep with, is part of the private realm that no one inquires about. You are not allowed to show anything about your romantic relationships in public, and the same goes for hetero couples. Straight couples cannot show any affection in public, apart from holding hands. There is no problem with being gay in Saudi Arabia as long as you keep it to yourself. I had several gay friends working in different parts of the country for several years and they never had any problems, because they kept it private. For more info, have a look at this article: edition.cnn.com/travel/article/saudi-arabia-lgbt-tourists/index.html
To be honest I don’t know much about that. I do know that Saudi is trying to attract more international students, and there are many scholarships available. However, my experience is with doing business/working in Saudi, and Saudi work culture.
The scholarship application can be applied in an easy way through public universities for international scholarship students, according to the opening dates for the application for registration for admission to study in a Saudi university. Apply to the Saudi Cultural Attache in your country.
@@ritlt Thank you so much for your comment. Do you know if this process also applies for PhD applications? I am interested in doing a PhD in Saudi. Thank you.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert Sorry to disturb you again. My Algerian friend who is single and living with her family.Is it still possible to work ?Because I heard she is required to have her father or brother in KSA.
@@adilabdulrahman9990I think all these "restrictions" that @mansellsutton29 is referring to have been totally eliminated, or reduced to simply guidelines....
Thank you for your content. I have been wanting to explore the beautiful places in Middle East. However, I am a transwoman. I am aware of the law in regards to LGBTQ community in these countries. But I would like to see the country one day.
Hi Tashfeenuk, the pay in Saudi varies a lot and depends on many factors including experience, education, and nationality. I didn’t mention it because it’s subjective to one’s individual circumstances. However, as a general guideline, you can count on salaries being around 3-5 times the salary you get in your home country-tax free!
Technically, you need to be married to share a hotel room. You can hire a car on a UK drivers license, yes. Your license is valid for 90 days, I think. Then you would have to convert it to Saudi license.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert I had read that they had now allowed none married couple to share a hotel room as tourists. But not live together if staying longer? But this was how dubai kind of got round it. I want to work on Saudi more than ever as does my girlfriend. Despite been enhaged we wasn't going to hurry a marriage. We want to work, live and a travel this amazing country together but don't want to end up in trouble. How strict is it? As a married couple or none married can you show any affection in public? As great as the country is in feel we'd struggle if we couldn't hold hands or hug etc in public. We've travelled dubai many times and thats the only thing that feels cold, fake and loveless.i want to embrace saudi but show our love and be legal at the same time. Thanks 😊
@@andrewhouston6631 I understand your concerns, and yes, Saudi is becoming much more flexible on the unmarried couple rules. The point is, probably you can stay in a hotel with your girlfriend and no one will ask you if you are married. Definitely living together long-term is not allowed if you are unmarried. Many couples get married before going to live in Saudi, to stay on the safe side. The point is to remember that if you are traveling to Saudi, you are a guest in their country. Any guests should respect the rules and laws of any place which is not their own. Instead of trying to get around the rules/laws I would always recommend doing things correctly according to their customs. That is also the case for showing affection in public: it is not allowed or appreciated, but holding hands in public is okay between couples. Hope this helps and good luck to you!
I left because I got married in 2019, then in 2020 the pandemic started, where no one could travel, so I couldn’t see my husband. However I started a business where I had a lot of Saudi clients, and just recently (Sept 2023) I moved back! I guess I missed it too much. This time I’m living in Riyadh.
Yes, Anita, you should be safe. Many nannies have great working situations in Saudi. Of course, I can't predict how the dynamics of living with one individual family will be, whether in Saudi or anywhere in the world. What I can tell you is that there are many more laws these days in Saudi to protect the rights of domestic workers. Hope this helps!
Salam Alaikum Sister, after living in Saudi Arabia, I think you were supposed to choose Islam as your religion, please I"m waiting to hear about to be Muslim, thank you...
Nice the reason I ask. In Islam everything happens for a reason. You were given an amazing opportunity by Allah to experience Islam. Didn’t want you to miss the most important part of your experience.
Welcome to your 2nd country sister. Glad you liked it. It would be my pleasure to give you an excellent hospitality experience when you visit Jeddah. Have a nice stay here sister 🌹.
Thank you so much for this message which absolutely made my day! I just love the Saudi hospitality! Thank you for calling me sister. I love it! It would be great to meet you when I visit Jeddah 🙂
Officially, it’s not allowed to practice one’s own religion publicly if it’s different from Islam. However you can practice your own religion in the privacy of your own home and that’s no problem. Nowadays, you even see some celebrating publicly. Check out this article in Arab news about celebrating Easter in Saudi Arabia: www.arabnews.com/node/2283526/saudi-arabia
hi, thank you for your video! it gave me comfort after consecutive nights of overthinking and having anxiety on whether it was a good decision for me to accept a job offer in saudi (as a woman). it felt like a hug that everything will be ok 😊 more power!
You are most welcome Hannah and glad to hear you gained more confidence about accepting the job! Please also watch my other Saudi videos. May I ask which job you’re going to do in Saudi?
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert it's an it-related job, like a data engineer. I know it's a great opportunity career-wise, but I was just afraid of how'll I'll be treated by or adjust with the society as a female and asian expat. (Im filipino btw hehe)
I watched a lot of your videos and subscribed already. You are a great help to people like us, really! I appreciate your content so much! :)
@@hmdperez Best of luck in your new job and let us know how it goes!❤
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert Thank you! 💗
How does it go? :)
I was in Saudi Arabia 2 weeks ago on a biz trip and I can confirm all that you said in the video. It was the best experience in my life in terms of culture, professionalism and peace of mind.
Wow, I am sooo happy to hear this, and very glad you had the best experience of your life! Even better that confirm everything in the video! It’s great to hear others are having similar wonderful experiences 💜
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert
What do you think , can I stay there :) ?
I'm in Istanbul, it's very overcast here and strange weather , I don't like that, I want heat ☀️ and hot sun. Saudi is hot , hopefully?? It's supposed to be nice and hot ☀️ there ???
I'm also liking the ALLAHHHH 🔊 🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊 and I pray with the prayer times ❤I like that , allah = god , so it's all good 👍
This is a wonderful video. We lived for many years in the kingdom and raised our daughters there. You are spot on about being respectful and honouring local culture. My wife and daughters always wore abayas in public and hijabs. The garments the locals wear are suitable for the climate. When in Rome…
Thank you Marcello, I am so happy to hear that you and your family had a positive experience there, and that you knew how to be culturally respectful! This message really made my day. Thanks for watching and commenting! Do you miss living there?
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpertYes, we do. We found out that the Saudi government is now issuing visas for retirees, so we are seriously looking at moving there permanently once my wife is fully retired. She is Nigerian and worked in the oil industry there when we met when I worked for the UNF&AO In Rome after 25 years in the US Navy in public affairs. We would be closer to my wife’s family in Nigeria and I have a lot of family in Italy, rather than here in Florida. Our two daughters, who converted to Islam, are out on their own, and I know they would love us living in the kingdom, so they would be close to childhood friends and their cousins in Africa and Italy. We are all Arabic speakers, which does make life easier.
@@marcellocolona4980 wow, I am so impressed by everything you have written here. What a worldly family! You all speak Arabic?! Your daughters converted to Islam?! 25 years in Rome?! Amazing, I feel honored to be communicating with you. There are many similarities between us too: My husband also works in oil and gas in Saudi, I live in Italy now, and I also have family in Florida! Small world! By the way, Saudi now has a long-term residency option, so the good news is that you don’t need to wait until retirement to go back there! Please stay in touch, I’d love to meet you. I’ll be back in Saudi next month.
Get my 15-page packet "Jobs in Saudi Arabia" HERE: cherylobal.gumroad.com/l/Saudijobs
Im going to Saudi in the next couple of months and I am very excited!! ❤
Me too
This is great news, I am happy for you!
Saudi Arabia is certainly on my list of countries that I would like to visit. The prince is doing an excellent job in diversifying the country. The projects that are being built there are truly mind blowing. Hopefully the world can live in peace again. Your video was Compact and informative. Nice !
Glad you liked the video, and you are right in all your comments!
Very good video! I've been living in Riyadh for awhile from the U.S. and agree with everything you've said.
I’m really glad to hear that! Thank you for watching and commenting😀
Thank you so much for this video. I got an opportunity in 2016 but was really worried about how l was going to live in Saudi Arabia. I recently was shortlisted for a position there and was informed that it has opened up since then. Really loved this video. Thanks for sharing your experience.
You are most welcome Betty. Please also check out the other videos about Saudi on my channel! Best of luck and let me know if you do go to live there.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert Thanks again. I certainly will!
Bless your heart! Thank you so kuch for sharing! Im planning on moving for religious purposes and was a little nervouse sonce im a working woman. Now my soul feels at ease and im excited to make the move
You are most welcome! I’m glad the video was helpful and I wish you all the best in Saudi!
Thanks for your kind words.. You are awesome..❤❤
You are most welcome Abu, thank you too for watching the video and for your compliments!
You all videos are mind blowing and experienced based. Every information regarding to any area of research i learn alot through out your videos.. i really appreciate your struggle to make the people MINDS to mOVEe there instead of moving towards other high profile countries.. i wil also be there very soon INSHALLAH...
Hi Waqar, I’m so glad to know you find the videos informative! Yes, my goal is for people to know the real Saudi Arabia, and to break down stereotypes. I hope you have the chance to work in Saudi soon, inshallah. Best of luck to you and keep in touch! ✌️
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing your Saudi experience. I lived in Riyadh for a couple of years some 22 years back. It was a different country then.
Oh wow, 22 years ago! It must have been very different back then! You should go back for a visit and see how much has changed.
Very nice and informative video with a lot of positive energy!
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! You made my day.
Am in dubai for 6 and half years now hopping to be there on my next movement
Good luck!
Correction 10:46 International licenses is valid for only 3 months after that you should get Saudi license which is relatively easy to get.
Thank you so much for the information!
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert
You’re welcome. But there is a note that Saudis who have a foreign driver’s license can’t use them inside Saudi Arabia. For Saudis only the Saudi license are valid.
Good to know! Thanks again! 🙌
Thank you very much! Very informative! I truly appreciate this.
You are most welcome!
Wow Cheryl , I liked what did you say because this is the truth about Saudi Arabia
Thanks for watching and commenting. I’m so glad you liked what I said! I want everyone to know about the REAL Saudi Arabia!
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert thank you so much for what did say about my country, Saudi Arabia
@@dammamboy2002 most welcome. Little by little we can teach people about the truth! 🙌
Great video! thank you for sharing!
You are most welcome MoonKey and thank you too for watching and commenting!
Great video, going to Jeddah in 2 weeks... very informative!!
Glad to know you found the video useful! Hope you saw my other Saudi videos.
Thank you for information ❤
You are most welcome Moataz!
Very good explanation..hope always sucses for you
Thank you so much for watching and commenting. You made my day!
Thanks for sharing your Saudi experience
You are most welcome! Thanks for watching.
Hi Cheryl. Great topics that you've shared. May I know the fasting month condition in Saudi Arabia? Do all restaurants closed for lunch during fasting month?
I have a video about Ramadan, please check my channel. Most restaurants close for lunch, yes, but some remain open.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert Thank you.
I wouldn't mind living in Saudi Arabia, more than ever, given the state of the Western world
I totally hear you!
Thank you so much how kind u r💓💓 All appreciation and respect to you 🇸🇦♥️♥️♥️🌹
You are most welcome Najat and thank you too for watching the video!
Wow! That’s an amazing video. Much appreciated.
The more I learn about Saudi Arabia, the more I want to visit it.
Can you recommend me a nice area to stay for tourists? Somewhere convenient for short walks when you want to have dinner after a long day sightseeing, for example, instead of taking a cab or something to cross the city? Shukran.
You are most welcome and glad you appreciated the video. You might like to visit Al Ula!
Saudi arabia is a huge country with more than 2 Million km. If u wanna heritage u can visit Alula in northwest of Saudi Arabia and Aldiria outside of Riyadh the capital. I recommend u to come in winter when Riyadh season statrts mid of october. U can visit St regis resort in Red Sea project in most gorgeous islands on Red Sea coast with stunning coral reef and diving, snorkling. If u wanna rainy greenery area all the time u can visit Albaha, Abha, Tanoma, Altaif, these areas in westsouth of Saudi Arabia, mountainous nature. U r welcome anytime time 🇸🇦❤️
@@Noura-n8sThanks a lot.
many thanks. @@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert
Great video 😍👍🏼
Thank you for watching AZ!
Thank you❤
Most welcome!
My husband and I hope to relocate to Saudi in the future. I just graduated from nursing school so I want to get a couple of years under my belt before seeking employment overseas.
This is a good idea. Best of luck!
Great video
Thanks for commenting, glad you liked it!
I lived in Saudi for 4 and a half years and all I can say is it was the worst years of my life. I always said if I could be free like an American is and live there it would be great. I was not free and you learn from living there how much you love your freedom.
Sorry to hear you didn’t have a good experience and I wonder when you lived there. Things are very different now. It also depends also on where you work and live.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpertalso varies. What kind of freedom do you want? You do not have the right to do everything. You cannot walk naked in Saudi Arabia as you do in America. The limits of your freedom stop at the limits of others.
Celebrate your country full of crime
Why on earth would anyone want to walk naked?? You consider that an expression of freedom? Sorry but that’s gross.
I would like to explore the start-up/tech scene in Saudi Arabia - could you advise any particular organizations/places I should visit in Riyadh?
There are sooooo many. It’s a good idea to come here and spend some time so you can look around and meet people. You also join tech start-up groups on InterNations.org and Meetup.com. I would also recommend attending the LEAP conference and checking out eyeofriyadh.com.
in Saudi Arabia, all women we treat like our Queen..
Yes! This is how I felt there!
@jimbojimbo6873please what do you mean?
More like slaves for men. If that what you mean. They are treated way inferior like “CANT EVEN DRIVE” “ CANT GET OUT OF HOUSE WITHOUT A MALE MEMBER OF FAMILY”
@@domevct9065
It means very highly, with great respect
Saudi Arabia 👏🏻
I love this. I really want to visit my fiancé there but I don’t want to offend anyone.
You can visit him, there’s no problem for that as long as you don’t show public affection.
In Saudi if you have a problem you can go to the mar tam and talk to the king or his representative and they fix any problem you have. I had IQAMA problem and they fixed it immediately. Also I wanted to bring my Girlfriend from Iran. They fixed that in a week.
True it’s easy to get help here.
Can a employer there take your passport away from you? Yes or No and way they take your passport.
No, this is no longer allowed.
I am from Saudi Arabia
That’s great! Thanks for stopping by my channel
Nice ❤
Thanks!
So as a general rule, wearing shorts won't get you into too many tourist locations and is generally frowned upon?
You cannot wear shorts here unless you go on an outdoors trip somewhere, like to the desert.
Hello!! And what about salaries?? What is a normal salary for an expat engineer? And companies normally paying house and accomodations for all the family?
Hello! Salaries vary a lot according to job and employer, as well as location. If you work in a remote area, chances are the employer covers everything for you and your family. If you work in a big city, sometimes the employer provides. housing and sometimes they give you an allowance instead, and you arrange it yourself. There are many variables, but you can calculate around 3-5 times your salary in your home country.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert3 or 5 times more my gross salary in my country but receiving tax free in Saudi Arabia?
Yes
Is it really strict to go to Mecca?
Only Muslims can enter Mecca
Is it necessary to wear abaya for foreigners and Saudi women ?
No, it’s not necessary to wear an abaya. Many people still wear it, though. If you don’t wear an abaya, just be sure your clothes are conservative and respect local norms. 🙂
Thanks for the video, could you please provide information on the cost of living, like rent, food and other. The information online seem to be overwhelming. Relocating to Riyahd.
Hi Moshood and thanks for your comment. This data is not so easy to provide because there is a wide range of costs for everything and it depends vastly on everyone’s individual lifestyle. Riyadh is definitely the most expensive city in Saudi and you should be prepared to have a lot of personal expenditures even if your employer provides a lot of benefits. Whenever relocating to a foreign country there are many unforeseen expenses. As a general guideline, I would say to budget around 3,000 USD per month for all living expenses in Riyadh. As time goes on and you understand where to find cheaper things, and save money, this may decrease. It also depends if you’re relocating alone or with family? Bringing a family will affect your costs significantly because you need to pay dependent fees every month, plus school fees for kids, which could be really expensive. I will try to make a video in this in the near future. 😊
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert Thanks for your reply. I have an offer of $3000 per month in Saudi Arabia, Riyahd. Is this a good offer in 2023? I will be relocating alone.
@@moshoodrafiu328 it depends on your qualifications, years of experience, and country of origin. It’s a decent salary but to be honest on that salary in Riyadh you probably don’t save much unless the employer is proving housing.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert during the interview process, the recruiter told me $1,000 would cover my expenses for a month including housing, if I don’t live extravagant.
They are not providing any other thing apart from the $3000 salary. I have a BSc degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering, and 3 years of professional experience.
I’m going to visiting Saudi Arabia soon for a short business trip. Am I able to pay for everything by card (e.g. taxis)? I’d rather avoid having to use cash
Yes, you can pay for just about everything by card. You can pay for taxis by card by using the apps (Uber, Careem) otherwise you need cash.
Thanks!
Thanks God bless you
You are most welcome and God bless you too!
Wow that's good God bless you and your family.
Cordial Salutations from Chile
Thanks for visiting my channel!
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert I am teaching English in Santiago and have always wanted to see Saudi,
I have an interview for a job in Saudi on Thursday with the British council to teach x
This is great news! Wishing you the best of luck! Let me know how it goes!
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert i had my interview, they were very nice. I have to wait two weeks for the outcome. The job is in Riyadh
@@Sezfluffy that’s great! Let me know the outcome!
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert i got the job..1st September start...lots to question...how will I be treated when I first get there
@@Sezfluffy This is great news, congratulations! If you want to have cross-cultural training and preparation sessions before leaving for Saudi, I offer this as a service. Contact me at info@cherylobal.com.
Hi!Please give me information about the school when the kids start to kindergarten
I’m not sure about that, sorry!
Nice
Thanks!
How to get residence? And how to apply? Thanks 😊
Check this website pr.gov.sa
hey i am your new subscriber
Hey Sweet Sparkle! Welcome to my channel 😀
Since women can drive, are there female driven cabs?
You know this is a good question! I have seen female taxi drivers in Dubai, but so far I have not seen lady drivers in Saudi. I’m sure it will happen soon!
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpertit already happened
Yeah ofc you can find some female drivers on an app called “Jeeny”
Gracias por el video, me encanta lo que dices, pronto me ire a vivir alla y quiero saber muchas mas cosas del pais, por ejemplo las mejores ciudades para vivir y que trabajos pueden hacer los extranjeros alla, gracias!!
Estoy muy feliz! Ok, I will try to make videos on the best cities for foreigners to work and live in Saudi, muchas gracias para tu mensaje!
@Pianist girl oh yes! I lived just one hour from Jeddah and visited often. Lovely city! 💜
@Pianist girl thanks for the recommendation!
Visit Jeddah! it’s a city full of foreigners i’ve seen hundreds of Americans there also it’s so diverse and it’s known to be more open, i’m spanish but idk how to speak spanish i was born & raised there❤️
Or dharan!
I offer a consulting service and personalized job search assistance for finding a job in Saudi. Contact me at info@cherylobal.com for more info.
Moving to saudi in feb on work purpose....any suggestions for me?
What would you like to know? If you want cultural training for Saudi Arabia check out my website: workinginsaudiarabia.com/
Can i carry my religious book like Bhagwat Geeta or Ramayana in Riyadh?
Yes you may have one copy for personal use. You just can’t bring many religious books to distribute or promote your religion.
Thank you for answering my query, few answered me that they( riyadh govt officials )will trash it at Airport only.
Hi there ...loved ur content...could u pls tell me for how many years does the Saudi authority maintain an expat's data like finger prints Etsy in their database after the exit of that expat from the kingdom?
Thanks .This is crucial for me to know ..God bless u
Hi, sorry I don’t know anything about that.
People fearing God lives there!
That’s true!
My husband is currently working there and I was wondering if he would be able to bring his family to live there... Can he?
Hi Maria! It depends on his contract and benefits. I would recommend him to ask the HR department of his company.
I think yes, but there are additional yearly fees for the family (dependents). But, some companies may pay them for expats as contract benefits.
Hi Dear, I have a question for you. You worked in Abu Dhabi for four years and then how did you move to Italy
Hi JS, actually I worked in Saudi Arabia, not Abu Dhabi. I have been a permanent resident of Italy since 2005, so I left Italy only temporarily to work in Saudi Arabia.
I'd really like to go to the middle east so badly however I really do not want to wear any of those items ... I get its their culture but here in America we do not expect them to wear our clothing they often wear their hijab here .When its hot I do not want fabric covering all of my skin shorts tank top T-shirts, athletic clothing and bikinis mini dresses❤
You need to open your mind to new experiences and different ways of living. Otherwise you would never have the beautiful experiences that living abroad offers you. You would be surprised at how little it matters what you are wearing, in the grand scope of things. Will you really reject such a beautiful experience just because you can’t wear mini dresses? And by the way there are many situations here in Saudi where you can wear them, and there are so many shops where you will find the most beautiful dresses in the world.
Hi Ma'am Just want to ask hows the security of a female expat working on saudi Arabia walking on the street going on accomodation after end of work. I've heard a scenario while working on the street going through their house some guys following or harrasted some foreign woman ? Please enlighten me to this matter thank you 🙂
Hello, Saudi Arabia is a safe place and most women have said they feel safer in Saudi than in their home country. The Saudi police has a no-tolerance policy regarding inappropriate behavior towards women. If anything happens, all you need to do is go to a police officer and point to the man who bothered you; they will arrest him immediately, no questions asked. However, of course, just like in any country, you need to be careful and street-smart. Isolated incidents can happen anywhere and I’m not sure what happened in the story that you heard, but I would guess that whoever was following/harassing the woman was probably not Saudi but another nationality. Saudis have a strict policy and cultural values about treatment of women. But of course as in every culture, there can be a few exceptions and occasional bad ones.
Thank you so much for the information appreciated your message im enlighten 😊
Firstly, this is a thing that happen in every country! But i really feel safe there (i’m spanish and 17yo) and i haven’t been in a situation like that, you can report him and he will get arrested
I want to do job in saudiaa like teaching plz guide me my father is there i also want to go saudiaa
You should definitely try to join your father and work as a teacher there. Good luck!
hi thanks for the best information I'm from Ethiopia How can I find a job in Saudi Arabia
You’re most welcome. The best way to search for jobs is on LinkedIn. Check out my other video on working in Saudi Arabia which explains how to conduct a job search.
What do you mean with not talking about past life abroad
Sorry could you clarify your question please?
@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert 5:25
There is a potential job opportunity there, but can I live and work as a gay man or do I need to hide who I am ? I am a bit puzzled by your comments about 'refraining from revealing your personal life' in the name of 'respect' to be honest.
Hi there, I understand your concern. Let me explain. In Saudi Arabia, there is a strong privacy value. So what you do in your personal life, including who you sleep with, is part of the private realm that no one inquires about. You are not allowed to show anything about your romantic relationships in public, and the same goes for hetero couples. Straight couples cannot show any affection in public, apart from holding hands. There is no problem with being gay in Saudi Arabia as long as you keep it to yourself. I had several gay friends working in different parts of the country for several years and they never had any problems, because they kept it private. For more info, have a look at this article: edition.cnn.com/travel/article/saudi-arabia-lgbt-tourists/index.html
How can I become expert in Saudi Arabia. What are the qualifications for an expert
Well, to start, you should live here, spend a lot of time with Saudi people and read a lot of books about Saudi!
Hello. Id like to know how to get a. Scholarship to further my education in Saudi after doing my MBBS
To be honest I don’t know much about that. I do know that Saudi is trying to attract more international students, and there are many scholarships available. However, my experience is with doing business/working in Saudi, and Saudi work culture.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert that’s okay, thank you! If you can guide me to anyone that can help me that’s be great😊
The scholarship application can be applied in an easy way through public universities for international scholarship students, according to the opening dates for the application for registration for admission to study in a Saudi university. Apply to the Saudi Cultural Attache in your country.
Thank you!
@@ritlt Thank you so much for your comment. Do you know if this process also applies for PhD applications? I am interested in doing a PhD in Saudi. Thank you.
Is it possible for unmarried expat woman to work in the field of logistics in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, definitely Nadeem. There are no restrictions on expats and working in Saudi. When I went there I was single.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert Sorry to disturb you again. My Algerian friend who is single and living with her family.Is it still possible to work ?Because I heard she is required to have her father or brother in KSA.
@@nadeemahmed4969 Yes of course. Why wouldn’t it be possible to work?
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert Thank you so much
Single/divorced with kids ?
Can foreigners teach at Saudi Arabia?
Absolutely! There are so many foreign teachers here.
Wow all the restrictions... Ill pass.
All the restictions? Not anymore. Why don't you visit Saudi, and see for yourself how much personal freedom you actually have.
What all restrictions are you aware of?
@@adilabdulrahman9990I think all these "restrictions" that @mansellsutton29 is referring to have been totally eliminated, or reduced to simply guidelines....
Thank you for your content. I have been wanting to explore the beautiful places in Middle East. However, I am a transwoman. I am aware of the law in regards to LGBTQ community in these countries. But I would like to see the country one day.
I am sure you will be able to visit one day!
Check out this news @Nattasha Kole edition.cnn.com/travel/article/saudi-arabia-lgbt-tourists/index.html
U didn't mention how much is the pay in Saudi.
Hi Tashfeenuk, the pay in Saudi varies a lot and depends on many factors including experience, education, and nationality. I didn’t mention it because it’s subjective to one’s individual circumstances. However, as a general guideline, you can count on salaries being around 3-5 times the salary you get in your home country-tax free!
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert thank u
@@tashfeenuk you’re most welcome!
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert i wanna work there. before i worked at Abu dhabi
I offer a consulting service and personalized job search assistance for finding a job in Saudi. Contact me at info@cherylobal.com for more info.
Do you need to be married to visit as a tourist? Can we share a hotel room legally? Can you hire a car on a UK driving licence?
Technically, you need to be married to share a hotel room. You can hire a car on a UK drivers license, yes. Your license is valid for 90 days, I think. Then you would have to convert it to Saudi license.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert I had read that they had now allowed none married couple to share a hotel room as tourists. But not live together if staying longer? But this was how dubai kind of got round it. I want to work on Saudi more than ever as does my girlfriend. Despite been enhaged we wasn't going to hurry a marriage. We want to work, live and a travel this amazing country together but don't want to end up in trouble. How strict is it? As a married couple or none married can you show any affection in public? As great as the country is in feel we'd struggle if we couldn't hold hands or hug etc in public. We've travelled dubai many times and thats the only thing that feels cold, fake and loveless.i want to embrace saudi but show our love and be legal at the same time. Thanks 😊
@@andrewhouston6631 I understand your concerns, and yes, Saudi is becoming much more flexible on the unmarried couple rules. The point is, probably you can stay in a hotel with your girlfriend and no one will ask you if you are married. Definitely living together long-term is not allowed if you are unmarried. Many couples get married before going to live in Saudi, to stay on the safe side. The point is to remember that if you are traveling to Saudi, you are a guest in their country. Any guests should respect the rules and laws of any place which is not their own. Instead of trying to get around the rules/laws I would always recommend doing things correctly according to their customs. That is also the case for showing affection in public: it is not allowed or appreciated, but holding hands in public is okay between couples. Hope this helps and good luck to you!
I live there, and yeah you can share a hotel room if y’all aren’t married
So why have you left?
I left because I got married in 2019, then in 2020 the pandemic started, where no one could travel, so I couldn’t see my husband. However I started a business where I had a lot of Saudi clients, and just recently (Sept 2023) I moved back! I guess I missed it too much. This time I’m living in Riyadh.
I'm a vlogger ...can i shoot there in Saudi for my UA-cam channel content ?
Yes, you can! Blogging is very common there now. Just be careful not to shoot footage of women’s faces without them knowing.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert oke thankyou 🤩
@@simridhimattoo most welcome!
how about practicing Christian religion?
Everything is changing nowadays. Have a look at this article about Easter in Saudi Arabia: www.arabnews.com/node/2283526/saudi-arabia
is it in mars?? so many restrictions
There are not so many restrictions anymore!
Hello . I'want to fine the job in saudi arabiya.you can help me. Please
Make an appointment with me here:
calendly.com/cherylobalandassociates/30min
ARABIC audio in
Gideon bible App
Please share friend
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I'm i safe as a house help in Saudi??🤔😢
Yes, Anita, you should be safe. Many nannies have great working situations in Saudi. Of course, I can't predict how the dynamics of living with one individual family will be, whether in Saudi or anywhere in the world. What I can tell you is that there are many more laws these days in Saudi to protect the rights of domestic workers. Hope this helps!
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert thanks a lot 🙏
@@AnitaEstherAfiaAsare-fg6qt Most welcome and best of luck!
Mostly it depends on the family, but yeah it’s safe..
did they pay her?
You are funny. No, no one paid me,
Allaha Hafiz
Am going to Pakistan Today
Have a safe trip Ammi!! 💜❤️💜
Duolingo!!
Yes!!!
Salam Alaikum Sister, after living in Saudi Arabia, I think you were supposed to choose Islam as your religion, please I"m waiting to hear about to be Muslim, thank you...
I do have a strong affinity for Muslim principles and tenets.
May Allah protect and guide you to the right path 🤲
Have you read the Quran?
Yes, I have read the Quran! It’s a beautiful book.
Nice the reason I ask. In Islam everything happens for a reason. You were given an amazing opportunity by Allah to experience Islam. Didn’t want you to miss the most important part of your experience.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert have you considered reverting to Islam?
@@100favorite I have considered it, yes, but I am not currently ready for that step.
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert I’ll keep you in my prayers 💕💕💕💕💕
It doesn't exist. Its just a lucid dream. Like a nightmare. Don't make a big deal about it. You still need to wake up from this nightmare.
🤔
Of course you forgot to touch some important issues like the tremendous prejudice against queer people…
Everything is changing. Check out this article! www.cnn.com/travel/article/saudi-arabia-lgbt-tourists
Cameraman has a gun to her head 😂
Guess what, I am the camerawoman, so I am definitely not putting a gun to my own head!
Welcome to your 2nd country sister. Glad you liked it. It would be my pleasure to give you an excellent hospitality experience when you visit Jeddah. Have a nice stay here sister 🌹.
Thank you so much for this message which absolutely made my day! I just love the Saudi hospitality! Thank you for calling me sister. I love it! It would be great to meet you when I visit Jeddah 🙂
how about practicing Christian religion?
Officially, it’s not allowed to practice one’s own religion publicly if it’s different from Islam. However you can practice your own religion in the privacy of your own home and that’s no problem. Nowadays, you even see some celebrating publicly. Check out this article in Arab news about celebrating Easter in Saudi Arabia: www.arabnews.com/node/2283526/saudi-arabia
@@cherylobalcrossculturalexpert ok thanks😉👍
@@micomarinas2753t’s not a problem since you’re not promoting it you can still pray and read the bible in public js don’t promote it
@@lana9188 ok thanks👍