9 struggles newcomers experience in Saudi Arabia

Living in Saudi Arabia can be difficult to get used to, especially for foreigners. Newcomers have a harder time adjusting due to the strict rules and laws the country follows.

Of course, the level of strictness and leniency varies from one place to another. Places like Khobar and Jeddah have more freedom than say Abha, Tabouk and Riyadh. But mind you, life in Riyadh is still considered more open than life in Tabouk and Abha, despite the difficulties women may face there.

Don't worry. You'll catch up to the language sooner of later. The good thing about Saudi Arabia is that it's so diverse. You will always find at least one person from your nationality or someone who speaks a language similar to yours.

Due to the difficulty of life in Riyadh, newcomers, especially women, sometimes fall into depression. If you're living in a compound, get to know your neighbors. Those living in compounds have a better chance of making friends than those who don't.

If you don't live in a compound, consider joining the gym. Unlike other places in the world, gyms are a new thing in Riyadh. Back in 2009, the nearest gym used to be an hour or two away. They weren't allowed to open gyms in Riyadh itself, but now things have changed.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to cover your hair or face all the time, especially as a foreigner. Now that Saudi Arabia forced its religious police to be more gentle with women, there is no longer so much pressure on them to cover when the religious police shows up at a mall unexpected. As a foreigner, you only need to wear an abaya. As for Saudi women, they are also free to cover or not cover their hair depending on what they're used to.

Applying for a job in Riyadh is easier than it used to be for women. All you have to do is go online and apply for a position. You will then be called in for an interview. The most common job in Riyadh is teaching. Of course your degree does matter but you can always find entry level jobs at certain schools such as assistant and what not. This is just one example.

Majors such as Political Science are difficult if not impossible to find a job in. Saudi Arabia is still a monarchy. You might want to work in a different field.

Well, this is partially true. People do get and even make their own alcohol but its not legal. Violators can end up in prison. So, if you find alcohol, drink at your own risk.

This depends on where you are. You might find a place or two who will allow you to smoke. However, the kingdom just passed ban on smoking, so the options are very limited.

Preferably after prayer time...