Every year plenty of expatriates
move to Saudi Arabia mainly for employment and business purposes. The main
attractions for foreign workers and professionals consist of tax free wages,
low cost of living. Some companies give generous allowances in the form of
housing benefits and four to six weeks paid leave. But expatriates who are
coming for the first time, or who hail from liberal societies may experience a
culture shock. So kindly consider these five things before relocating to this
desert kingdom.
Hot weather
Expats who hail from cold Western
countries will face a lot of discomfort initially since the temperatures often
soar to 50 degree Celsius in daytime during summers. Generally, companies
provide housing known as compounds which have air conditioned facilities. But
there are lots of restrictions on the dress and costumes for both foreign men
and women, once you are outside the compound. The main reason for this extreme
heat is that the country is mainly a desert.
Document
legalization
Saudi visa rules requires that all
foreigners who wish to work or do business in Saudi Arabia have to get their
educational, personal and commercial certificates legalize from the
Saudi embassy in India. These rules vary from country to country. For
complete information, please contact the Saudi Embassy/ Consulate authorities
in your home country.
Timings of prayers
Saudi Arabia is governed by strict
Sharia law and therefore all shops, offices close down for the five times
prayers as per the Islamic rules. When you reach Saudi Arabia, you will be
notified of the prayer timings in your workplaces. The call to the prayers is
made through loudspeakers. You are expected to strictly abide by the prayer
timings. Nowadays for the convenience of expatriates, special prayer apps have
been designed which will keep you updated.
Religious
restrictions
There are several restrictions for non-Muslims
with respect to practicing their religion. Public worship of all religions
except Islam is forbidden. You are not allowed to bring alcohol legally in the country.
If you wish to consume alcohol, you will be issued a special license to
purchase alcohol from certain hotels.
Consumption of pork is prohibited. Also, possession of narcotics and
weapons is forbidden. If you are on medication, then you must always carry your
doctor's prescription.
Restrictions on
women
Women who wish to live and work in
Saudi Arabia have to face many restrictions. They are not allowed to drive and
must always be accompanied by a male relative when they have to travel.
Both Muslim and non-Muslim women
have to wear a long black covered robes called abaya. Then there is complete
separation of women and men in public. For example, in restaurants, there are
separate sections for men. Women cannot enter the men's section.
It is to be noted that since Saudi
Arabia is governed by Sharia, the punishments for violating the rules are very
severe. For example, public flogging for consuming alcohol is a common
punishment.
