Expert Info
on 3 May 2011
I'm due to move with my wife to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia over the course of the next few months. That said, I have been doing research and I'm wondering if we should consider basing ourselves in Riyadh rather? There seems to be a more relaxed atmosphere in Jeddah, and it's by the beach - which is nice. But, Riyadh seems to have a larger expat community and more events put on by emabassies and foreign organisations. I'm also an avid golfer and Riyadh seems to have more courses available, can anyone comment?
I would say give some more thought to Riyadh. It's true that Jeddah is more relaxed, but the pollution and the dirt in the city is worsening. The Red Sea does offer great opportunities for diving and snorkeling, but if you're more into golf than Riyadh is definitely the place for you. Also, the humidity in Riyadh is not nearly as hectic as in Jeddah.
The public spaces in Jeddah and the artistic installations can make it more attractive, but then again, as a westerner you'll probably source most of your entertainment from within you compound anyway - so what's the difference.
The deciding factor for me would be the expat community. Much more going in Riyadh, and in such an insular environment this can make a huge difference.