What is life in Jeddah like for women. I will be staying in apartments.

Hi Rhe, Saudi Arabia is a very conservative country, where women's rights are largely restricted. Although Jeddah might not be as strict as the uber-conservative capital, Riyadh, you'll nevertheless have to get used to a very different lifestyle than you may have had back in the UK. Women are not allowed to drive, and generally should be accompanied at all times when out in public. You'll also have to wear an abaya over your clothes when out. You will most likely have access to a driver if your company is organising accommodation for you, which will be helpful if you plan to go shopping - Saudi Arabia is certainly not short of shopping malls and shopping is a very popular past time with Saudi women. I suggest you read our Moving to Saudi Arabia page for more info on the country and for some more specifics about women in the country, check out our Women in Saudi Arabia and Culture Shock in Saudi Arabia pages.

Thanks so much really helpful

You're welcome! Good luck with your move! :)

Hi Catherine, would you pl suggest if Saudi-Jeddah is safer for expat families and are there enough places for outing (other than malls) such as parks, beaches...I doubt even if these exist, would there be distubances from the locals/asian labours...I have seen such problems in UAE (particularly in Sharjah, Ajman, RAK emirates)

Hi Anonymous - Jeddah is generally a safe destination for expat families , who mostly stay in compounds where there are many activities available within the compounds, such as swimming pools and tennis courts - some of these complexes have even been likened to holiday resorts. Outside of the compounds, there are a number of activities and excursions to partake in - have a look at our Lifestyle and Shopping in Jeddah and See and Do in Jeddah pages for more on this. To read more about accommodation in the city, read the Accommodation in Jeddah page.

is it dangerous for a bisexual or homosexuals to work in jeddah?

Hi Anonymous

Homosexuality is illegal and can be punished by imprisonment or even the death penalty. Saudi law does not honour an individual's right to privacy and officials can raid homes and intercept communication. Added to this, there are no laws against hate crimes or discrimination, so if you get beat up on the street for being gay, you're on your own. It is not unheard of for police to entrap people they suspect of being gay and of torturing and beating them up in prison.

Obviously it depends on how open you are about it, but yes, I would say it is dangerous!

That said, many expats manage to take part in illegal activities, such as drinking alcohol, within the privacy of their Western compounds. It all depends on how willing you are to take risks.

look guys....despite all restrictions and limitations imposed on the society here...no matter where you are in Saudi... you learn to respect the laws ....but the reality is that you can find anything you want...locally made alchohol are wodely available. you can even buy Russian and Sottish made drinks too but a bottle will cost anything from 800 to 1500 riyal...( more than ten times what it would cost you at home...there are private beaches and you can go in bikini. all you need to know is that you keep low profile and you dont advertise your activities. if you live on a compound there are swimming pools and shops. life on a compound is so different, you can walk in short shorts and low cut tops and swimm / sunbath in bikini. you can go shopping a lone in Jeddah. it is better if you get a taxi driver number from friends as a reliable trust worthy driver...join a facebook group based in jeddah...such as jeddah expats network or jeddah adventure club or jeddah back packers or jeddah hash house 3 (JHH3) or jeddah expats....do not worry about living in jeddah there are parties almost every weekend with drinks involved all kept hush hush and it takes time to get to know what is on and where. but if you have expat friends in jeddah you will soon find about these events. take is easy and slow at the start at least for a week...lol you will find jeddah to be the best you can take up scuba diving and explore the beautiful red sea...

Hi Anonymous

Good points of course - if there's one thing you can know about human nature, it's that people are going to find ways around laws if it suits them and there're determined to. If that weren't true there'd be no murder, drugs, prostitution, political rebellions or people running red lights! When you've got a group of like-minded people (like American/British expats) in relative seclusion (like in expat compounds) then sure, of course you can find ways around laws you don't feel morally obliged to uphold.

Still, though, if the question is "is it safe?" - you should be aware that drinking is against the law, and that therefore it does carry a certain amount of risk.

Similarly, if you come from a country where being openly gay might get some raised eyebrows but that's about it, and you're coming to a country where you could technically be put to death - that's worth knowing beforehand so you can make the mental adjustment to living a different sort of life.

I am new from the USA and I live in the Palasteen area (Ibn Khalid Waleed Street) I was wondering is it acceptable to walk here and safe as I have seen very few women out and about in this area. Thanks for the advise.

hey . i will moving with my husbend next month to Jeddah from Jordan and in wondering if i can fibd a job but not a teacher! is it easy to find a good job in a company?

Hi Anonymous, it's safe to arrive Jeddah by Air anytime. However, moving to Mecca (alone) is another story. You will need to wear Abaya anyway, and you will need to have your face covered if you want to go anywhere alone. However, moving to Makkah is not advised if you are alone, because it's about 1 hour (or more) by car unless you already know the driver or driver is sent by someone you know. Although not common to be at risk, but you have to consider that not all taxi drivers are trusted, and some may refuse to take you alone to Mecca. It's also important to know that you must be Muslim if you want to enter Mecca otherwise you may be diverted away to Taif or back to Jeddah at the inspection area at the borders of Mecca city.

HAI IS IT SAFE FOR A GIRL TO REACH JEEDHA AT 23:30 HRS AS SHE WILL BE ARRIVING @ 23:30 & SHE WILL BE MOVING TO MECCA AND HOW SAFE ARE THESE PLACES WE ARE FROM BANGALORE

hi, I am a formal gay. i look neat but not nasty o showee as like the other gays. I am professional gay and i just got hired in a fast food chain in Jeddah, I am very oriented gay-person and my question is, am I safe working in Jeddah? Please help. Thank you.

Its not dangerous to hang out just don't at guys so they don't think you're flirting with them. I live in ksa-jeddah since 16 years I'm 18 years old Male from uzbekistan near turkey, and if anyone had a problem call me I can help and advice you or if you need to go anywhere to have fun ! Num: 0562747531 email: da-lonely@hotmail.com