Difficulties everyone experiences when they go back to Riyadh

It's the end of summer, and tens of thousands of us are leaving our home countries to head back to work in Saudi.

In many ways, Saudi Arabia is a beautiful and safe country to live in. But when you're an expat, things tend to be a bit difficult. Not only do you leave the people you love behind in your native country, but you also re-adjust to living a very unique lifestyle.

Here's a quick run-through the challenges of going back to Saudi:

The minute you step foot in the airport, you immediately feel that you're in Riyadh. Seeing people dressed the same way in such a big place like this airport tends to make you feel a little gloomy, especially having returned from your county where the dress code is probably a little more...varied.

If one is a political science major who wants to work in the political field, they're going to need to change their job because Saudi Arabia is still ruled by the Royal family and working in politics is not an option. As for women, most of them end up working as teachers or in a school. Women working in other fields...we consider them heroes!

Think this an exaggeration? The photo above demonstrates just how grey, white, beige and black everything is, including the the cars! People in Saudi don't like to stand out very much. But at least the cars match the Thobes of men and the Abayas of women. They also go with the colour of the occasional apocalyptic sandstorms that are no strangers to Saudi Arabia.

The restriction take their toll on you a lot faster now that you've travelled and experienced life elsewhere. Eventually, it does get better but it also gets more difficult every year.

Going back to Riyadh means going back to tip toeing in public. It ranges from keeping a watchful eye out when you're hanging out with your guy friend, and going to a mall during prayer time . The good news? You get used to it!