A common theme when a non-Saudi woman speaks about a Saudi man is typically how charming and personable he is.  And those non-Saudi women who marry a Saudi man will also reinforce that his charm, his personality, his way of making a woman feel very unique and especially loved were traits which captured her heart and drew her to him.  I happen to agree that Saudi men do have a special charm and personality that can seem like it hypnotizes a woman.  Is it the extra measure of care and protectiveness along with the charm that make the Saudi man a powerful magnet as compared to non-Saudi men?  Is it because Saudi men have grown up in an environment where they are expected to cherish and care for the women in their life that teaches them to be a master at making a woman smile and feel special?  Do Saudi men feel more of an obligation than perhaps Western men to not hurt or disappoint a woman in their life?  These seem to be influencing factors and traits in relationships between Saudi men and non-Saudi women.  But I’d like to know, what do the Saudi women think?  Are the perceptions of non-Saudi women about the Saudi man accurate?  Why or why not?

Ahhhh…just imagine how all your senses stir when you inhale the aroma of a fine steak or chicken grilled to perfection on the ‘barby.’  And while you are waiting to bite into that succulent meat you can pass time enjoying a ‘Blooming Onion’….

It is indeed with great pleasure for me to advise that the Australian Style Outback Restaurant and Steakhouse has opened in Riaydh, Saudi Arabia.  This new restaurant is located right in the middle of the Localizer Mall on the popular Tahliya Street.  There are two separate entrances each with a staircase and an elevator for easy access as the store is located on the second floor of the mall.  Hours posted are Saturday through Tuesday from 4-11pm (1600 – 2300 hours) and Wednesday through Friday from  4 pm to midnight (1600 – 2400 hours).

Complying with the Saudi culture, there are two separate and spacious dining rooms, each which is the size of a stateside Outback, with the kitchen centrally located in the middle.  The restaurant has a total of 100 tables and a seating capacity of 397 people.  On the family side, there is a room that Outbook calls the “Microsoft Room”, with dividers and privacy screens available.  Each side has both smoking and non-smoking sections.

The family side has floor to ceiling windows that overlook the interior of the mall and the singles side has floor to ceiling windows overlooking Tahliya Street.  The space has been constructed tastefully with very good craftsmanship.

Although delivery service is not available, diners can call for advanced seating reservations.

Many thanks to Tyler Russell who has been part of the Outback’s US Training Team in Riyadh for the information on one of Riyadh’s new fine eating establishments.

It’s already Thursday here, and I am cooking a turkey as I write this.  Several of us Americans, and one close Syrian friend, will be gathering late this afternoon for an evening dinner.  I am bringing the turkey and stuffing.  Others will bring the complementary dishes.  Mmmm….

Then, we plan to watch a movie and/or try to stream one of the NFL games across the Internet, hoping to create a sense of Thanksgiving back home.  Thanksgiving is my personal favorite holiday.  So, I always want to make something out of it…no matter where I am at.  It’s not quite the same here; but, just as when I was in the Navy overseas, you do the best you can to make it is nice as you are able.

To you and all of yours:   A VERY HAPPY, HAPPY, SAFE AND ENJOYABLE THANKSGIVING!!!!

And, if you have a chance to give holiday greetings to one of our men or women serving in the Armed Forces, especially overseas, please do so.  As someone who has served overseas, in the military, during the Holidays, I can tell you just how important it is to know your friends and family are thinking of you.

Please use a designated, sober driver if you drink during your festivities.

If you are one of the few people on the planet who does not yet know, I will be leaving the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in December, just in time to be home for Christmas and New Years.  My contract is ending, and there is no follow-on work to keep a number of us busy.

It’s sure going to be nice to be home, though I am not sure how we’ll fill the financial coffers.  We’ll manage somehow.  We always do.  But, so far, the timing seems right to end this chapter in our lives.  I’ll have more musings on this subject in the future.

The blog will not end.  I have a lot more to say on many subjects.  I’ll bet you’re shocked by that, huh?

I will be making some more posts in the next few weeks about KSA, including photo links to some cool pictures.

Continuing a discussion of things it is good to know if you’re coming to visit, live in, or work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1.  A4 Paper – This will only apply to Americans, actually.  In the U.S., the standard paper size is 8-1/2″ X 11″, or Letter size as it is also known.  Because Americans believe themselves to be the center of the universe (and it’s true to some extent), they think everyone else in the world uses their standards.  This is not the case…certainly not with paper size.  The standard paper size over here is A4, which is slightly longer than Letter size.  This can be disconcerting when you print out a document from Word, and it is set-up for Letter size, only to find the printer has A4 sheets in the feeder.  To make it worse, some folks DO use Letter; so, you often won’t know what you are going to get until AFTER you print.  So, you always need to check.

2.  You Can’t Move Cars Involved In Accidents – Unlike in the U.S. (I don’t know about the UK or other European countries), you may NOT move a car involved in an accident here in Saudi Arabia.  You will be arrested if you do so before the police tell you that you may.  There are a lot of accidents in Riyadh, and this particular law causes an awful lot of traffic congestion issues.  Just a couple of weeks ago, I was about to walk into a restaurant and witnessed a wreck occur across the street.  The accident involved about six cars, on a major boulevard, so it caused a lot of havoc.  Then, going the other way, two lookie-loo cars got into a wreck at the corresponding spot on the near side.  More congestion.  Each major boulevard or avenue has a service street parallel it on each side for easier and safer access to stores.  Two more lookie-loos had another major wreck, with major damage at approximately the same spot.  None of these cars could be moved until the police said they could be.  We’re talking nearly three hours between the first accident to the clearance of the last automobile.

3. Dust, Dust, Everywhere Dust – I grew up in the Panhandle of Texas.  That means dust.  You can dust the house and come back an hour later to find more dust.  It’s a way of life.  It’s also about half the effort required to stay on top of the dust here in Riyadh.  Even if you keep our windows closed, you will find layers of dust on everything, regardless how often you dust.  Lots of folks employ maids (very cheap labor), so they don’t care.  But, if you do your own housekeeping, this is one of the most frustrating aspects of living here.  And, the dust is often red, which can wreak havoc on your white linens.  Dust is always in the air.  In fact, about the only time there is no dust in the air is right after a rain shower.  Given how often it rains hear, maybe 3 times a year, you can imagine how much dust is floating in the air – even on a clear day.

It appears that King Abdullah is now making his moves towards significant reforms in Saudi Arabia.  KAUST is up and running as the first international and co-educational university in the Kingdom.  And recently Saudi Arabia announced its top 10 projects which are further indicative of major changes which will likely to lead towards additional reform.  Last but not least, there is also a proposal circulating to allow female lawyers to represent female clients within the Saudi courts.

The Top 10 Saudi projects according to Construction Week from 10 to number one are as follows:

10- Jeddah Gate Development

Jeddah gate is a US $1.6 billion project under construction and expected to be completed in ten years.  The projects is comprised of constructing both new residential and commercial space in the vicinities of King Abdullah Street and Abdullah Al Suleiman Streets in Jeddah.

9- Haramain High Speed Rail Project

Haramain High Speed Rail is a US $1.9 billion project and expected to be completed in 2013.  This project is for the construction of a much needed rail link connecting the two Holy Cities of Makkah and Medina via Jeddah.

8- Jizan Economic City (JEC)

The Jizan Economic City is a US $3 billion project anticipated to be completed by 2020.  This is a massive project which will be comprised of residential, commercial and industrial zones.

7- North-South Railway

The North-South Railway project is a US $3.5 billion project already under construction and expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2010.  In addition to transporting passengers in Saudi Arabia it will also be used for the transportation of minerals mined at Az-Zubairah and Al Jalamid to the processing facilities located at Ras Azur Port.  Some Saudi residents along the new railway will have to become accustomed to hearing the whistles of passing trains.

6-  Knowledge Economic City (KEC)

The Knowledge Economic City project is a US $8 billion project which is expected to be built in phases over a ten year period.  The project is to build a Knowledge Economic City in Medina which will help establish a catalyst for knowledge based industries in Medina.  Knowledge Economic City Developers claim that KEC will generate 20,000 new job opportunities.

5-  Prince Abdulaziz bin Mousaed Economic City

The Prince Abdulaziz Mousaed Economic City project is a US $8 billion project which is start in 2010 and completed in phases by 2022.  The project is to build a city within Hail with 12 distinct components for trade and services in sectors such as agriculture and food processing, mining, education, housing and entertainment.

4-  Landbridge Project

The Landbridge Project is a US $10 billion project.  A BOT consortium consisting of Trabot, Saudi Oger, Bin Laden Group and Al-Mada will construct a 950km railway network.  The railway will connect Jeddah to Damman and King Fahd Industrial port with Jubail Industrial City.

3-   Princess Noura bint AbdulRahman University for Women in Riyadh

The Princess Noura bint AbdulRahman University for Women in Riyadh is a US $11.5 billion project and anticipated completion is the first quarter of 2012.  This project is construction of a new university for women north of Riyadh.  The university will include administration buildings, 13 faculties, 700-bed student hospital, laboratories, research centers and residential housing for both students and staff.  This university will accommodate 26,000 students.

2-  Sudair City Development

The Sudair City Development is a US $40 billion project which will be a mixed use development including residential, commercial, entertainment and educational facilities.  Sudair City will be located north of Riyadh.

1-King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)

The King Abdullah Economic City is a US $50 billion project located in Rabigh.  This massive project is construction of a city which will be divided into Industrial and Residential Zones as well as a Sea Resort and Sea Port.

In addition to the top ten projects this posting would not be complete without citing another significant project under the jurisdiction of the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA).  This project is the construction and implementation of light rail metro system within the city of Riyadh.  The metro will have two lines consisting of 23 and 13 stations respectively.  A metro system in Riyadh will be a real plus where the city streets are already over-congested.  Although there is some controversy on how well a metro system will be received in Riyadh due to perception of those who will use the metro.  There are factions of Saudis who believe using public transport such as a metro system is degrading and that the metro is oriented more for expats and foreign laborers who are already accustomed to mass transit systems like metros.  The announcement of a metro in Riyadh also does not address whether certain cars will be designated as women or women/families only.  Nor does the announcement state if the metro would close during prayer times.

However in my personal opinion all of these large and costly developments are signs of both reform and progress in Saudi Arabia and initiated by King Abdullah.  I see these plans as steps which will also lead the way to the time when women will be able to drive in Saudi Arabia.

In your view, which of these projects is the most significant for Saudi Arabia and why?

Ahlan Wa Sahlan

Assalmu Alikum..
Just wanted to welcome everybody in this blog ..
I believe that blogging is just an easy and effective way for communicating ..

I’m looking forward making this blog a small connecting point for all students in Saudi Arabia.. specially in Riyadh coz I’m one of them ..
Please feel free to comment , add , edit , suggest anything that you think will improve this blog .. we’re all in the same boat and communicating with others can really enhance the group achievements .. feel home and bring all your stuff here to share it with us ..
Best Luck for all of us and welcome all again ..

The success of Dubai’s Metro should surprise nobody.

In the middle of last year’s crises, the chat in the Emirate’s watering holes was that that the Government would economize by canceling or delaying every project in the area except the Metro. Now we get news that a few months after completion, the Metro is a roaring success; almost 3 million people used the train in its first two months of operation, while the Transit authority has leased out nearly all the commercial space in the 10 open stations. The 37 other incomplete stations are nearly fully booked also. The government will of course trumpet the wild success that this positive contribution makes to the municipality. They will cite the volume of traffic as an example that the Emirate is recovering from the recent downturn. And why not?

Harry can think of a few reasons and is thus less ready to shower the government with points. Readers may have noticed a certain aversion to absolutist rulers, and a preference that government should serve all the people, not just the most economically prosperous. Dubai provides a robust defense for this view. Plentiful censorship, a near absence of domestically generated culture, and an oversupply of 5 star hotels and shopping malls conjures up a kind of Disney-Does-The-Desert, a bizarre cross between Orlando and Kuwait City. Vanity projects proliferate at the expense of more boring, but necessary investments as the Emirate pursues the mass affluent tourist. The loser here is Joe Commuter, who gets to waste his life away in Dubai’s endless traffic. Meanwhile, the Emirate’s glitz distracts the casual traveller from the Emirate’s real asset: it is relatively more free than its neighbors. Riyadh has plenty of shopping malls, but far fewer foreign visitors. A lengthly sojourn in Saudi will convince even the most hardened rejectionist that democracy in the region is just a touch too scarce. Harry thinks the recipe for recovery calls for more freedom and less glitz.

Harry has spent a number of days mired in Dubai traffic, most of it on the eight lane ‘Sheikh Z’, the Emirate’s central artery. Piloting around the city – which was one enormous engineering project for the last seven years – invariably begged the question: why didn’t they build this earlier? The Emirate’s planners knew that congestion would be an issue; any observer of the concrete canyons that line the Sheikh Z could see that the road network would continue to suffer compounded congestion after their completion. But the Government’s focus was on flagship projects which appeal to rich people, and rich people travel by car in the Middle East. Planners were therefore not focused on mass transit. Tourists come to Dubai for the shopping, the sunshine, and the skiing  (in the Dubai mall). They don’t come because it is easy to get around the city. Businesspeople, however, have different needs and rely on excellent infrastructure to communicate and compete. One of Harry’s friends in the Emirates posits that the reason the main international flights go out at 2 am is not to allow tourists one more round of shopping but instead to make sure that they actually make the flight, such are the snarls of traffic on the road network during the day.

New York made a brave decision in 1869 to plan and build an extensive metro system far beyond what it needed at the time. Dubai has done this with local flavor, extending lines to places like Jebel Ali. Harry cannot but wonder about priorities; if the city had made rail transit an earlier focus, how much of the population’s time would have been saved? What could have been done instead of sitting in the back of a Dubai taxi attempting to improve one’s Hindi?  And then there is the environmental cost of widespread traffic jams to be considered, itself the product of an exclusively private transport system. The contract to build the metro was only awarded in 2005, suggesting a late response to an economic boom; only the absence of spaces for tracks in the central areas hints that the planners didn’t move fast enough. The Burj Dubai complex’s 3.2 million square feet of space will house more people than a small London neighborhood; it has one metro station, so you know rush hour will be fun in a few years time. More lines are planned, and this time they are going in before the developers, which is encouraging, but mass transit needs to go places people want to visit – like the center of the city.

Neglecting mass transit is the sort of planning error than only an absolute monarchy can make. When decisions are made in palaces far from the traffic jams and chaos of regular life, rulers get priorities wrong. Dubai’s apologists will point out that the Emirate is the only Arab city to actually have a working Metro; Cairo is still trying to respond to endemic congestion, while Saudi rulers have attacked Riyadh’s traffic with ostrich theory. And that closes the circle: Dubai succeeds because it is relatively better than its neighbors. Governments more in tune with the population address the community’s needs quickly – like the need for civilized commute. Harry would like Dubai to become demonstrably better than its neighbors and thinks more freedom is the answer.

Grocery shopping in Saudi Arabia can be unique on various levels.  I have written previously about the etiquette while shopping in Saudi grocery stores and now I’ll address other unique aspects that one may encounter while grocery shopping in Saudi Arabia.  These aspects are unique in that it is unlikely to see or encounter such experiences in typical American grocery stores.

Grocery shopping in Saudi Arabia seems to be family occasion.  In addition to the husband and wife (remember, she cannot drive herself to the grocery store), the children and housemaid will also be in accompaniment.  The housemaid will either “attempt” to keep an eye on active children or push the cart while the family make their selections.

Unlike the majority of grocery stores in America, it is overall acceptable for individuals whether a child or an adult to eat or drink while shopping in the store.  What I mean specifically is that these are not items which were brought with the individual into the store but items that have been taken and opened from the shelves and refrigerators during shopping.  It is expected that anyone who has consumed anything while shopping will inform the cashier at checkout to be charged for the item.

While in most American grocery stores which have the option for shoppers to create their own bags of candy from a bulk candy aisle one may encounter a sign advising a charge associated with sampling any individual piece.  Whereas in Saudi it is accepted for a child or adult to freely sample a few pieces.  I experienced this myself when I was at a candy kiosk selecting a mixed variety of candies to share with family.  I could not make up my mind so the vendor just started handing me different pieces to sample!

And of course another aspect that I have only encountered in very small specialized Halal shops in America is that in Saudi Arabia the grocery stores will indeed close down for 30 minutes during prayer times.  Many of the grocery stores will request all patrons in the store at prayer time to leave the store.  A minority of grocery stores will allow shoppers to remain in the store.  Usually those shoppers are women, foreigners and children.  The men are expected to go and pray but it is understood that some muslim women are unable to pray as they may be menstruating.  And most stores that allow shoppers to remain will not challenge a westerner to leave the store during prayer.

Individuals shopping in Saudi grocery stores such as Panda or Tamimi for example should remember when  selecting fresh fruits and vegetables to have them weighed and priced before going to the check out.  There is usually a small kiosk set up in a central location to the fresh fruits and veggies with one to two individuals working who weigh and price.  Whereas with the majority of American grocery stores fruits and veggies are weighed and priced at the checkout counter.  I have had my own occasions when newly arrived in Riyadh forgetting about this aspect and would find myself at the checkout without having had fruits and veggies weighed and priced in advance.  Fortunately the clerks have been kind and would usually have someone take my items to be weighed and priced while continuing to check out the rest of my items.

The major grocery stores such as Panda, Tamimi and others will accept debit cards.  However do not count on a debit card as the sole source of payment for groceries.  There have been multiple times I have been in one of the grocery stores to find that the network is down and debit cards cannot be processed.

When checking out be watchful to ensure all your bags are placed into the cart.  The employees who are loading up the bags are usually from third world countries and while they have a job, their salary is on the lower end.  When a shopper has many bags of groceries, sometimes (not always) a “bagger” will place a bag of groceries underneath the counter to keep for himself.  This has happened to me twice during my time in Saudi and I’m aware of it happening to others as well.  If you notice and remind them the bag was placed on the floor, the bagger will be apologetic and put the bag in the cart.

The bagger is usually the same individual who will assist in taking the bags to your car (or taxi).  He will expect to receive a tip.  If there are only a minimum number of bags (like four to six), five riyals is an adequate tip.  However if you have a full cart or more than one cart full of bags, I suggest tipping ten riyals.

Segueing to additional observations in grocery stores there is usually a distinction between what one will notice in a cart of a Saudi family as compared to a Western family.  Popular shopping favorites of Saudi families will include buttermilk, lebna, yogurt, olives, honey and puck (a very popular type of cream cheese).  A lot of Saudi families prefer to go to a butcher shop where they will buy their cuts of meat.  Bread is typically bought fresh daily from the many bread stores which abound throughout Saudi Arabia.  It is actually cheaper to buy the fresh bread too!  A dozen freshly made rolls cost about 3 riyals (slightly less than one US dollar!

In closing, I welcome readers to share their views on either shopping in Saudi Arabia as well as comments on the grocery shopping experiences of Saudis who are or were outside of Saudi Arabia.

If you have been following my blog for a while you are likely aware that I have been a consulting writer for Oasis Magazine which is one of the best magazines that is owned and published by a partnership of Saudi Women!  Additionally I am a strong advocate for empowerment and education of women, any women – not just Saudi women.  Lastly as one who was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in Saudi Arabia I want to do all I can which helps promote and support organizations like Zahra which continue to spread awareness throughout the Kingdom about this disease and provide so many resources and assistance to women in the Kingdom who have been affected by breast cancer.  Therefore if you are in the Kingdom or even the region, do make every effort to attend and participate in this noble event.

Oasis Magazine – media partner of: The 4th Modern Woman Forum (Four Seasons Riyadh)

4th Modern Woman Forum and Exhibition: 5th of December, 2009

Under the patronage of HRH Princess Haifa bint Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (CEO of Zahra Breast Cancer Association)

Oasis Magazine is proud to be one of the media sponsors of the fourth Modern Woman forum and exhibition. Held at the Four Seasons hotel, the forum’s aim is to show the role that Saudi Women have reached in the economic development process of the Kingdom. The forum annually showcases the entrepreneurial spirit, talent, creativity, and awareness of Saudi women. The forum will be accompanied by talks and workshops led by well-know Saudi female figures. Benefits from the forum & exhibition will go to Zahra Breast Cancer Association.

تتشرف مجلة أوسيس أن تكون من الرعاة الاعلاميين لملتقى ومعرض المرأة العصرية الرابع

ملتقى ومعرض المرأة العصرية الرابع، تحت رعاية صاحبة السمو الملكي الأميرة هيفاء بنت فيصل بن عبد العزيز آل سعود، سيقام في فندق الفورسيزنز بالرياض. يستمر لمدة ثلاثة أيام ابتداء من يوم السبت 18/12/1430هـ الموافق 5/12/2009

The 4th Modern Woman Forum
Four Seasons Hotel – Riyadh
Dec. 5, 2009 – Dec. 7, 2009

www.modernwomanfair.com

The event is for ladies throughout the 3 days.

For men, it’s from 1:00 pm till 3:30 pm and 11:00 pm onwards.

Preregistration and a fee of SR 50 is required only for those who wish to attend the workshops.

–
Oasis Magazine

P.O.Box 285099, Riyadh 11323, KSA
T. 9665 43494086
F. 9661 4605632
www.oasis-mag.com
oasis-mag.blogspot.com
www.issuu.com/oasismagazine

I recently received a request from a follower of American Bedu on the topic of how to communicate with a Saudi husband.  In this particular case the wife is an American who has been married for a while to a Saudi.

While the quick answer may appear to be as long as a couple talks to one another they are communicating.  However this is not necessarily the case.  A couple needs to ensure that although they may be speaking to one another, is the message being conveyed actually understood?  I can attest even from own personal experience that -I- may believe I effectively stated my point of view or feelings to my Saudi spouse but then later on it is clear that what I said he in turn interpreted differently.  This was not intentional on his part or mine but simply due to the fact that we process information differently.  Effective interpretation is critical in any relationship but has even more significance when participants are from differing cultural backgrounds.  And of course an open Western upbringing and a traditional Saudi upbringing with segregation can have an impact on the way each communicates and interprets due to differing exposures and experiences.

Some tips that may work if a couple fears they are losing the ability to communicate or not being understood is to take a time out and try some simple exercises which help ensure a couple are on the same sheet of music.  For example the wife could make a list of HER understanding of the responsibilities of an effective wife.  The husband also makes HIS list of what he understands are the responsibilities of an effective husband.  The lists are then compared and discussed in a non-confrontational manner.  Equally important, what are the expectations of each other as a partner?  How does each define partnership?

Such discussions should not try to take on each and every subject or issue in one standing.  A couple should decide on a topic they feel needs to be addressed and similar to any appointment, set a time and place for the discussion.  Additionally, set a time limit.  And as hard as it may be, try not to get too emotional or distracted when speaking.  Lastly, LISTEN to what the other says and repeat it back with examples to ensure understanding.

And in closing, any relationship takes work and takes both parties wanting it to succeed.

Today’s post will help you to better understand the effect of operating temperature on consumer electronic products which are widely used at homes. The effect of operating temperature is also related to derating curve of electronic components. Look for example at the derating curve of 2N3055 transistor:

Earlier this year I  decided to buy a new digital camera and some NiMH batteries with a charger. I simply went to a consumer electronics shop in Riyadh and bought them. Actually, before I joined electronics industry field I didn’t bother myself about reading devices specifications or datasheets. However,  after being deeply involved in designing some electronic devices I got to know what is called a Derating Curve. Derating is defined as the operation of a product at less than its specified power at higher temperatures. In other words, what would be the effect of high temperatures on a running product. Since that time I was checking any product I buy to make sure of its operating temperature that it should match my requirements.

Back to my camera example,  the maximum operating temperature was 40 C!  Keeping in mind that in Riyadh, it’s normal to measure 40C at night during August! and around 50C during day hours. So this means my digital camera won’t work well “as it should be” during an off-road safari trip in Thumama area! This also means that my camera will have a faster again rate,   or  the life time  will be decreased by at least 20-30%. This also applies to my NiMH batteries where the manual mentioned that you should charge at room temperature, but which room! is it in Riyadh? or Tokyo? What manufactures usually mean by room temperature is 25C which is basically not the case in Riyadh or any  other hot area.  On average, the charging of NiMH batteries might take up to 7 Hours, but in hot conditions  this number might fold to 9 hours! Add to this that life cycle or number of charging/recharging cycles will also decrease by at least 20%. This is what the effect of operating temperature on a device could be. It’s the derating! This phenomena applies to many other products around us, like mobile phones, iPods, headphones, mobile phone chargers, etc.

So what should I do? Fortunately, manufacturers have some of their products rated at  Industrial Operating Temp which has a wider temperature span like +85C or +125C that should be fine  for Saudi environment. So before buying a new product, don’t  forget to check its operating temperature because this will determine the derating profile. Always make sure to buy and operate a device at its specified operating temperature. Famous electronic manufacturers like: Texas Instruments, NXP, Microchip, etc. always mention different operating temperature options for the customer. Look at the next fig. to see how TI states the operating temp:

Also, operating temperature plays a big role in other fields like medicine and that’s why many people in hot areas like Saudi Arabia used to keep medications  in a refrigerator.

Finally, if you’re interested in designing a circuit that switches on an alarm signal using a temperature sensor at a specified temperature then you can use one of the following two circuits:

1.  Stand alone Temperature sensor TMP302a  by Texas Instruments: pretty easy to interface. It trips at threshold temperatures. TMP3201 datasheet.

2. Comparator circuit based on NTC thermistor. A comparator circuit will generate a DC output = Vcc if input voltage at non-inverting pin is grater than input voltage at inverting pin. If you look at the circuit you can see if we placed an NTC in place of R5 then as temp increases the comparator will generate a signal that can be used to switch on an alarm signal. The beauty of this circuit is that you can design it the way you like. You can also improve it to have a hysteresis effect.NTC datasheet

Saudi Arabia simply abounds with hundreds if not thousands of stray cats when you think of the Kingdom as a whole.  And finally there is a very noble organization in Saudi , Saudi Paws, which is taking proactive action towards not only bringing attention to these cats but getting the word out that these cats are creatures deserving of loving homes.

First of all a group of volunteers, which includes dedicated veterinarians and cat lovers, have networked throughout the Kingdom to spread awareness of the need for the TNR (trap, neuter, return) of Saudi street cats.  This process makes a significant difference in decreasing the stray cat population in Saudi.  In essence stray cats are trapped which usually involves placing food inside a cat carrier.  The stray cat is usually always hungry and will enter the carrier to eat.  As it eats, the carrier door gets closed effectively trapping the cat inside the carrier.  At that point the cat can be taken to a vet where it is either neutered or spayed and receive other immunizations at that time too such as rabies, Feline AIDS and Feline Leukemia.  After the procedures are completed the cat is returned back to its “home turf” where it is then released. 

While taking measures to decrease the Saudi stray cat population is important, perhaps even more essential is finding individuals who are willing to adopt a Saudi cat.  The Saudi cats are distinctive with their narrow delicate face and long thin tail.  I have personally experienced that if they are fed regularly they eventually start to relax their guard and like any creature come to enjoy being loved. Many of the cats saved by Saudi Paws volunteers are now in need of a loving home.  If you would be interested in adopting a cat from Saudi Arabia you can contact Saudi paws via their email:  help@openpaws.org.

Tony and his family are looking forward to relocating from Australia to Riyadh where he has accepted a position. He and his family have kindly allowed me interview them in what will be a two-part interview.  Part one – this interview – they will share their thoughts, views and expectations as Tony prepares to leave Australia.  Part two will take place circa three to four months after his arrival in Saudi Arabia to learn how well he has settled in and how his views have or have not changed.

To begin with Tony and family, thanks for following American Bedu!  Can you tell me exactly how you found the American Bedu blog and what drew you to it?

Well, firstly, we saw a position advertised that ticked many of the boxes we had when it came to seeking out and securing overseas employment.  One of the boxes it didn’t tick was the “”Preferred Countries” box. Truly, Saudi Arabia was not on the radar.  So, not prepared to let go of a dream so easily, we decided some research was in order.  Neither of us knew anything about Saudi Arabia, all our friends had fairly subjective views and advice, contemporary books are difficult to source and the two I found focus largely on Islam but not much on the country, its history, people, culture, customs and politics etc.

So, to source up to date objective information, we decided to track down expatriate web sites that we could “censor” a little, ignore the clearly despondent and disappointed, temper the overly enthusiastic and exuberant and focus on the factual, contemporary and unbiased.  That pretty much left American Bedu and very few others.  We’ve been impressed with American Bedu from the start of our journey and are avid daily readers.  The fact that we can ask questions, make comments and access a wealth of past entries, as well as have direct access to the author – who by incredible chance lives in the city we will be living and working in – makes American Bedu essential reading for the prospective expatriate worker relocating to Saudi Arabia.

Do you believe the American Bedu blog is a good resource for someone seeking information on Saudi Arabia?

This is a 5 star blog and an excellent resource for researchers and travelers alike.  Should anybody ever ask me where to source current, accurate and reliable information on Saudi Arabia, your blog will be at the top of my (rather short) list of must see sites.

What prompted your desire to apply and accept a job in Saudi Arabia?

Like I said, initially, Saudi Arabia was not the lure, securing an overseas job was, and we had several other countries in mind.  The truth is that we have passed up opportunities in the Pacific to pursue and secure a job in Saudi Arabia.  Why? A myriad of reasons exist.  Top of the charts is mystique, there is something alluring, intriguing and mystical about Saudi Arabia, we’ve been drawn in by that.  Mystique is closely followed by our little family’s sense of adventure and love of travel.  Professional development is a consideration and certain elements of Saudi Arabian daily life will provide me with relevant work experience in a volume, the like of which is limited in Australia.

Another big consideration was where our children are going to learn the most about another culture, another religion, another language, another people.  Where can we as parents give our children the greatest opportunity to learn tolerance and understanding of the things that cause the greatest divisions between people?  Saudi Arabia ticked all these boxes.

Have you lived in the Arab world before?  And if so, what were your experiences?

This one’s easy, no and none.  Watch this space.

If applicable, what was most positive from your time living and working in the Middle East? What was least positive?

Again, stay tuned.

What do you expect your life in Saudi Arabia to be like?

Amazing.  We’re not starry eyed tourists.  We’re a mum and a dad, both well travelled, with two little kids embarking on the family adventure of a life time.  We expect to be challenged.  We expect to be confronted. We expect to prevail.  We also expect to meet and make lifelong friends and to share as a family an experience most people can’t imagine.  We want to immerse ourselves in the culture, absorb the smells, take in the sights and delight in the food. We want to make the most of everyday and come away from the experience, when ever that may be, as better people, and an even tighter family, because of the shared experience.

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how prepared do you think you are about life and living in the Kingdom?  And why?

On a scale of 1 to 10 you have to give us 10/10 for trying to be prepared.  As for actually being prepared, barely a passing grade I think.  5/10 would be kind, and even then we only squeaked in on the bell curve.  We’re probably better prepared than some.  Lots of research has gone into this, we’re not blinded by the “attractive expatriate package”, we’ve researched this beyond what most people would consider reasonable.  We’ve even managed to meet some Saudi nationals who live and work here in Canberra, a married couple, who have been gracious enough to meet us and answer our questions.  So we’re not walking in completely blind – but we’re certainly prepared for the culture shock that will undoubtedly meet us on our arrival

What do you hope to achieve while living in the Kingdom?

The family goals have probably been outlined previously in this interview I think, maybe at this point I can talk about what I hope to achieve professionally. I’m an intensive care paramedic and the position I’ve secured is with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority.  I’m under no illusions here; this is a difficult role in a difficult environment. The cold, hard and sometimes brutal truth is that road related trauma will be the predominant clinical presentation during my duty hours. Clearly, I want to provide the best possible pre hospital outcomes that I can, the benefit to me is that I will gain incredible case exposure and experience in Saudi Arabia that simply does not exist in Australia.

Do you speak any Arabic?  Do you think it is important for an expat working in the medical sector to know any Arabic?

No I don’t speak Arabic, and yes I do think it is important in my field, but not entirely essential.  In a whole other life time I worked for the United Nations and spent some time working in non English speaking countries.  Clearly this is difficult, but doable. Of course relevant language skills make it a whole lot easier however a lot of my work can be applied through medical signs and symptoms with some help from a language assistant.  I’m assured that language assistants will be available to me in my duty hours (again, no starry eyes here) and over time I’m confident that I’ll pick up and be able to apply key words and phrases.

What kind of adjustments are you prepared to make for life in the Kingdom?

Is it blasé to say “whatever it takes”?  We wouldn’t enjoy this experience if we arrived and wanted to live like Australians, we can’t see the point in that.  We don’t propose to give up our nationality or identity, but we are prepared to accept and respect Saudi culture and adjust our lives accordingly.

You have a beautiful family who loves you dearly.  What are their reactions to your accepting a job in Saudi?

Bizarrely, I’m the one who had reservations.  I thought I was being selfish and that I should accept the Pacific option so my family could have a more “conventional” adventure.  Amazingly, but then again, knowing her, probably not, it is my wife, Sky, who has been the one driving our decision.  She’s been sourcing her own information, balancing that against what I’ve found, and importantly, she’s made the effort to meet local Saudi women here in Australia, join them for coffee and listen to their stories, anecdotes and advice.

The kids, at the moment, it’s still all about the camels!!

How much do you think your children understand about moving to Saudi Arabia?

Well, Hannah has her head around it a little, she’s six.  She knows it’s a long way away, the cat has to stay with poppy, her friends can’t come but she will make new ones in a new school and yes, we’re moving house again!

Liam, he’s three (NEARLY FOUR) and hasn’t assimilated too much of the available information yet.  It’s Sowbi Abdabia and it has camels!!  That’s about it for him at the moment.

How have you prepared them for the move?

No secrets.  It’s an open discussion around the house and our family and friends know about it.  We’re talking about our new home, the plane flight, taking just a few favourite toys and books in our bags and so on.  We’re talking about our annual leave and how their grandparents will meet us where ever we go on holiday, and of course, yes – one day we will be coming home.

We’ve looked at a few pictures, discussed how school will be different and that we’ll be living in a villa in a compound.

Importantly, they know we’re together, and our personal routines and family dynamics will remain unchanged

What advice can you give to other families considering relocation to Saudi Arabia?

This is a qualified answer of course seeing as how we’ve not yet arrived, but certainly, pre arrival.  Be honest with yourselves; identify your strengths as a family, and importantly, your weaknesses.  Validate your motivation and importantly – research, research research!

How does the family feel that they can not join you until three months after your arrival?

This is probably the toughest aspect of this move – we are very close, we share a great interdependence between all four of us so we know there will be sadness and tough times – but we can look past that to the joy of reunion and the benefit of our upcoming adventure.

What benefits do you hope for the family to receive from the time in Saudi Arabia?

There are many, some of which I’ve already outlined previously in this interview.  The important and most genuine one of course, is the life experience that will come from living and working in a different country.  From this we hope we will all develop greater tolerance, understanding and respect for other cultures and religions.

However, I’ve discussed the “nobler” of our motivations at length already, so now for the benefits we envisage that have slightly less depth to them.

We’d love to make friends with people from not just Saudi Arabia, but from as many nations as possible, and working with the SRCA and living amongst a large expatriate community will facilitate that.  We’d like to think that our kids, as young as they are, will have grasped a second language during our time abroad.  We love to travel, and what a great base to work from – Europe, Africa and Asia just a short flight away, as well as the rest of the Middle East!  The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is considerably less than here in Australia (remember – research) and then there are the benefits that come from a tax free income and free housing, schooling and medical – not to mention the free flights etc, so we can anticipate some financial savings – which will more than likely fund the aforementioned travel.

Do you feel ready and prepared for this new chapter in your life?

We’ve moved beyond second thoughts now – we are most certainly committed to our decision, as well prepared as we believe we can be and we don’t believe we have missed or not considered anything in our preparations.  Interview us again in a few months – you may get an entirely different answer!!

How easy was it for you to identify and obtain a job in Saudi Arabia?

Surprisingly easy really.  Off and on over the last few years I’ve looked around for suitable positions and it was on one of these occasions, whilst searching the web, I came across an advertisement for Intensive Care Paramedics with the SRCA.  As luck would have it, a mate from Australia had recently completed a contract with them and was able to put me in contact with other Australians (with family) still working there.

After some positive feed back, I made an online enquiry, followed by an online application.  Things moved fairly quickly – initially – and my referees were calling me to say they had been contacted and clearly, my application was progressing.

No personal interview was conducted, however the amount of detailed, corroborated evidence (university qualifications, registration, authority to practice etc)  I had to scan and forward to SRCA was considerable, and fairly so!  Within 14 days, I had received an initial offer via e mail, and shortly after that an official offer via FedEx in the mail.

This is where things slowed down a bit – the offer came up short of expectations, and so sadly, I had to decline.  Thinking that an opportunity had been lost, we were a little despondent, until, about a week later, in the middle of the night our phone rang and it was an official from SRCA seeking to renegotiate their offer (within limits) and make it more attractive for us.  We were able to achieve an amicable solution that I think has worked out well for all parties.

I must say, at this point things have bogged down a little, the renegotiated official offer is yet to arrive, but I’ve been assured it’s “in the mail”.

What comments and advice can you share on the paperwork process for getting ready to go to the Kingdom?

I’m obviously still working through this – but it is a bit of a process.  So far I’ve sent, and then resent seemingly endless copies of documents that are required to substantiate my claims of qualifications and skills.  This is all perfectly understandable, however sometimes I get the feeling that “the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing”.  I’ve dealt with 3 different entities within SRCA HR, all extremely helpful and prepared to answer questions and provide guidance – and on one occasion go well outside of what their role requires – but then I end up dealing with someone I’ve never spoken to before and have to resend something I already sent a week ago!!

I sense that employment through an agency may have fewer hurdles to jump, but in my case the employer is case managing every individual applicant in what appears to be an international recruitment drive.  Understandably there will be delays in such an involved process.

I’m not sure if it’s the right advice, but I’ve been, and remain, quite patient but gently persistent. I’ve sent everything I’ve been asked for, no matter if I’ve sent it before, and I see nothing to be gained by jumping up and down about the process.  It is what it is and I have faith that it works.  With millions of expatriate workers already in Saudi, it must work!!

How much of the process must you do and how much in turn is handled by your employer?

It’s been pretty much a case of just providing what’s asked for and leaving the rest up to them.  That’s current at the time of writing – who knows what’s going to happen from here.  I’ve no complaints about the process though – I’m the applicant, now the recruit, so therefore I need to be proactive at my end.

Do you feel like your prospective employer has given you timely and accurate information on your position and expectations of where you will be working?

I think so, and I’ve been able to enhance this, again by being proactive and conducting my own research with compatriots already working and living in Saudi Arabia.

And in closing, what do you believe are the most important attributes to have to making a smooth and positive adjustment from life in Australia to life in Riyadh?

In our case, our internal family bonds will make this transition easier and our adventure a more positive experience for all of us.

I also think that a big broad open mind is essential.

Being equipped with the knowledge that we will be confronted and challenged by what we see and experience, but having the strength of character and commitment to face those challenges and prevail is important.

The attitude that we’re not moving to Saudi Arabia to live like Australians in Australia. We’re moving to Saudi Arabia, as Australians, who want to live within the Saudi culture and experience Saudi life and reap the benefits that will come from that!

Thanks again Tony and family and wishing you all the very best!  It will certainly be a pleasure to meet up with you next in Riyadh.

We’re looking forward to it – thanks for your interest in our story, and the help you’ve been able to provide to us, both personally, and through Bedu.

BRITNEY, JACKO, JESUS AND RON JEREMY

“Dear User, عفواً، الموقع المطلوب غير متاح. Sorry, the requested page is unavailable. إن كنت ترى أن هذه الصفحة ينبغي أن لا تُحجب تفضل بالضغط هنا. If you believe the requested page should not be blocked please click here. لمزيد من المعلومات عن خدمة الإنترنت في المملكة العربية السعودية، يمكنك زيارة الموقع التالي: For more information about internet service in Saudi Arabia, please click here: www.internet.gov.sa”

If the screen 0n your desktop shows this message, you might have typed one or more of these words on your search engine…breast, boobs, tits, ass, butt, sex, Britney Spears, Micheal Jackson, Jesus Christ, Ron Jeremy, jew, Judaism, anal sex, rimming, fellatio, gay, homosexual, Madonna, Pamela Anderson, Tommy Lee, bisexual, erotic, erection, ménage à trois, blow job, Pope John Paul, pig, Piglet, pork, bacon, pork chop, Budha, Budhism, Hinduism, Catholicism, Scientology, glory hole, butt plugs, hymen, penis, vagina, foreskin, clitoris, Playboy, Playguy, Basic Instinct, Babe: Pig in the city movie, honcho, Seancody, slut, hooker, Chichilarue, transsexual, transvestite, lesbians, dikes, semen, sexual intercourse, fuck, uncut, bottom boy, circumcised, cybersex, Paris Hilton, Ana Nicole Smith, dildos, twinks, fags, deflower, virgin, vibrator, dominatrix, hoar, erectile dysfunction, naked, stripper, blackjack, poker, casino, BangBus, Girls Gone Wild, xxx, crucifix, holy rosary, bible, Christianity, Mother Mary, sadomasochism, David Bowie, Boy George, George Micheal, Israel, masturbation, kinky, bdsm, fetish, leather daddy, bareback, hand job and now even the new term “gay chicken” and Oprah’s “vajayjay”

BABE: PIG IN THE CITY

In 2000 my second job was in Riyadh for more than a year, in Dhahran for 2 years, and it’s really hard for a movie buff like me to search info in the net when you’re a graphic designer who likes American Movies, and I’m not even talking about porn,  just mainstream movies like “BABE: Pig in the City”, even my friends who are doctors and nurses can’t search for “breast”cancer because of the word “breast”-even for medical research purposes your not allowed to see tits. Saudi Arabia ranked 161st out of 173 countries for “freedom of the press” according to Reporters Without Borders in 2008. Going online in Saudi Arabia where internet censorship is common is rather like visiting a parallel universe run by the world’s strictest, most bigoted parents. Entire sites disappear without warning. Keyword filtering and ISP blacklists prevent you from accessing any sites that the kingdom doesn’t think you should see. The most aggressive censorship focused on pornography, drug use, gambling, religious conversion of Muslims, and filtering circumvention tools.

SEXUAL NATURE

Incoming press is strictly controlled by censorship officials, primarily for content of sexual nature. Photos of women in books, magazines, and product packaging are routinely censored with black markers if any skin is showing and sometimes pages are just ripped right out. Meanwhile, books, videotapes and electronic media brought into the country may be subjected to censorship at customs. Pork in any form is prohibited, and so is pornography.

Other countries that have censorship in the internet and other medias are Belarus, Burma, Cuba, Iran, Libya, Maldive, Nepal, North Korea, Syria, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Turkmenistan and China.

Nov. 6, 2009

I’m not saying this is the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.

On the other hand, it’s certainly not up there with remembering the principal products of Brazil in 4^th grade or deciding not to see if my dad’s Lincoln Continental could do 120 on a Pennsylvania country road.

Picture the scene.

I’m walking down a side street from my apartment in an ethnic neighborhood in central Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,  heading to a small laundry run by a Bangladeshi. It’s about 4pm on a Wednesday afternoon — the beginning of the weekend here. I’m holding three sizeable bags of laundry ranging from bedsheets to shirts, so picture the bags pretty full and formless.

About a block and half away I see a black SUV fishtailing crazily out of a parking spot and heading in my direction.

Now, I’m not sure I can explain why the next thing happened. Let’s just say that having been here approximately two months now, I’m feeling like I have certain rights to walk down the street like any other resident. Let’s also say I was in a cranky mood and hadn’t had my afternoon nap.

What I do is I step out in the middle of the street and start waving my laundry bags in the air all around…at the approaching SUV driver.

In truth, unlike certain governments who don’t like to see major industries fail, I cannot say I had a bail out plan. All I know is that I’m waving these three white plastic bags and yelling down the street some kind of gibberish like “Hey, what are you doing driving like that, you madman!” I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a question so I’m not going to bother putting the correct punctuation there.

I see the black SUV coming toward me, but he’s stopped fishtailing and the next thing I know is…he’s come to a stop, about three-quarters of a block away.

In my mind’s eye of memory, I believe I saw the vehicle as though it were out of some Ferdinand the Bull episode, with the SUV sort of paused, snorting, preparing to disembowel me and leave bedclothes and button-down shirts scattered amongst the stray cats and poorly parked cars.

I am now replaying that memory as a reality check to see if what happened next really happened. I’m pretty sure of it.

What happened was that the driver executed a neat right-hand turn, slowing down as he did so, smiled and…flashed me the Hawaiian “hang loose” gesture.

I could see that it was a 20-something Saudi in Western-style dress—that’s how close I was.

I flashed him a hang-loose in return and off he went.

I guess sometimes the laundry is mightier than the sword.

TV presenter covered from head to toe
Fatima Sidiya | Arab News

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=128058&d=4&m=11&y=2009  

UNCOMPROMISING: Sawsan Salah Al-Deen and her colleagues present an episode of Asrar Al-Banat (The Secrets of Girls) on Awtan TV. (AN photo)

JEDDAH: A new TV show that discusses issues concerning teenage girls and female university students was recently broadcast with Saudi presenters dressed in black from head to toe.

The show — named Asrar Al-Banat (The Secrets of Girls) — is broadcast on Awtan TV, a Saudi religious channel that was first aired in August 2008 and has women broadcasters who are covered in the all-enveloping abaya and niqab.

There are over 60 religious satellite channels that are broadcast across the Middle East via Arabsat and Nilesat networks. The channels represent different extremes when it comes to women presenters. Channels such as Iqraa and Al-Resalah have women presenters who do not cover their faces and dress in different colors, not necessarily black. On the other hand, channels such as Al-Majd have no women presenters. Awtan is perhaps one that toes the middle line by allowing women to appear but only when covered from head to toe.

Presenting Asrar Al-Banat is Sawsan Salah Al-Deen, a 26-year-old Saudi BA graduate in Media and Guidance.

Sawsan presents the show with her sister, Sarah, a specialist in blood diseases, and psychologist Nawal Dawood.

Sawsan, who is from Riyadh, said she has long been looking to work as a journalist and has previously tried writing for the print media. She, however, finds TV shows effective in conveying her message. Asrar Al-Banat was the idea of Sa’ad Al-Obaid, the program’s director, who wanted a program that provides an insight into girls’ issues.

“He presented the idea to me and I liked it. He gave me the main points and I’ve been preparing the discussions ever since,” she said.

Commenting on how she looks on TV, Sawsan said, “Basically, this is my hijab and I don’t wear it because of the channel. The channel is an Islamic one and has a rule that I appear in full hijab.”

Sawsan, who is appearing on TV for the first time, said she was initially anxious. Her family has, however, been supportive, particularly since “people will not see me” and the program reaches out to young women.

Something that has also appealed to her family is the fact that her work environment is women-only; male technical assistants do not enter the studio while women are inside and carry out their duties from outside.Commenting on feedback on the program, Sawsan said, “I’ve seen comments on the Internet, spoke to my friends and heard varying opinions in my community in Riyadh. You can’t please all — everything new is refuted by some and welcomed by others.”

Speaking about a woman who criticized her appearance on TV she questioned why would people criticize her while she is in full hijab and leave other women who appear in improper dresses on various channels.

Sawsan added that in addition to compliments from the channel’s owner and the program’s director, the support of religious scholars — such as Sheikh Salim Al-Gadani and Sheikh Ghazi Al-Shammari — has been very encouraging for her.

Answering a question about some opposing religious views that regard the voice of women as Awrah (something that cannot be revealed in the presence of men), Sawsan said that scholars deem women’s voices as Awrah only if they are speaking softly or on immoral topics.

She added that the Prophet’s wife Sayyidatuna Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) would verbally issue religious rulings (fatwas) to men and that none of the Prophet’s companions criticized her at that time.

Commenting on whether her appearance on TV would now lead to women appearing on cooking and children programs, she said, “When it comes to cooking, men can present them. However, there are some issues relating to women which men cannot handle in the way we can.”

Asrar Al-Banat, which discusses different issues relating to teenage girls, has so far broadcast four episodes. It is aired from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday and receives live phone calls from members of the public.

Has the weekend come along in Saudi Arabia and you are not sure what to do?  If you live in or around Riyadh one suggestion for consideration is a day or weekend at the Safari Club.  The Safari Club is a short 30 minute drive from Riyadh to an area called Droma.  At the Safari Club one can enjoy all kinds of sports, activities, relaxation and comfort in a private and secure, safe area.

For example, activities at the Safari Club include camping in beduion style tents, football fields, volleyball courts, cycling, tennis courts, horseback riding, camel rides, sightseeing tours, billiards, swimming, hiking, shisha (hookah) and much more!  A family or group can even rent their own VIP palace equipped with luxurious furnished rooms, private swimming pool and gymnasium center which includes its own Jacuzzi and sauna.

A collection of old cars in pristine condition from the 1940’s are on view for enjoyment as well.

Among the rules at the Safari club is that ladies CAN drive inside the Safari Club property AND abayas are restricted.  In other words, women are encouraged to shed their abayas on entrance in to the Safari Club.

The Safari Club offers both single and family annual memberships.

For more information from within Saudi Arabia call:  055.742.7530 or 056.969.7489.  email:  safari.sa@saudi.com

Safari Club

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