Why We Left The USA for Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 4 Reasons & Things to Know Before You Go
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- Опубликовано: 19 янв 2021
- Josh and Kalie from ExpatsEverywhere left the US a few years ago and moved to Saudi Arabia. They give four reasons why they went there and talk about the different social reforms going on while they were there. Things have changed a lot since they were expats there but they explain why they chose Saudi Arabia in the Middle East. They also give you an insight into things you should know before you go that they learned while there. See what their reasons are, what expat life is like in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and what advice Josh & Kalie give.
Have you lived in KSA? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
Josh and Kalie have lived in several different countries and are sharing why they left the US for life as expats in a different country. Check out the playlist here: • Why We Left The US
Thanks for your awesome pics!
Yummy dates: Photo by Jocelyn Morales on Unsplash & Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash
Riyadh at night: Image by apriltan18 from Pixabay
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Tell us why you're interested in moving to Saudi Arabia.
Damn the timing your going in Saudi Arabia while there making huge changing it’s like the worst timing 😭
but trust me I am Saudi citizen and in Saudi we making huge changing and much love 🇸🇦🇺🇸
And Riyadh is top place to work and get a job 😇
Are you for real ? Have you ever heard about murder of Washington Post jurnalist ? You moved from free country to regime. Bravo !
I am Muslim and want to get out of the US. It’s very unsafe here.
@@iamamom4713 Sorry to hear that you feel unsafe. At minimum, maybe you should move cities.
One of the biggest pros you haven't talked about is SECURITY. These are the safest cities in the world. Almost crime free country. No mugging, no robbing, no car jacking, and definitely no home invasions...
@The Town That Dreaded Dog Poo hahaha
bro is it hurting u that much that we r a SAFE country ..awww
start learn from us then .UK boy
مغفل هههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههه
@The Town That Dreaded Dog Poo
are you being jealous? lol
@The Town That Dreaded Dog Poo buhahahahaha you got jokes all the important things that you want in your country saudi has that
Free medical service with good health care
Free education
Safe environment
Good salary
Many things that you want in your so called modern countries saudi has it for free
that’s because it’s a Muslim country. Muslims are the best people of mankind.
that's because they're following the teaching of Quran.
even if you have the best security in the world without morale it's like a freaking chaos.
I lived in Saudi Arabia for 3 years as an English teacher at 3 different universities, and I loved it there. It was so totally different from life in my native Chicago, but I lived a good life there. Your reasons for going to the Kingdom were the same as mine. I wanted to experience life in the Middle East firsthand and develop my own opinions of the people and culture. I was in Riyadh for 2 years and Al Baha for one year. Like you I made lots of money and achieved personal and professional goals there. The Saudi people were really nice, as well as curious about you and your life and culture. I even loved wearing the abaya and hijab. It's amazing how your mind adjusts if you come with an open mind in the first place. As foreigners we sometimes make mistakes, but Saudi people read you like a book. They can tell if you are being disrespectful or have made an honest mistake. They will correct you, but gently. You mention dates. YES! Kingdom Dates in Riyadh won my heart! There are times when I really miss it, but now that there are tourist visas available, I will return. So many great memories. I appreciate your assessment of the Kingdom very much.
Hey E Mack! How long ago were you there? If it was in the past year or so, we'd love to freshen up our Saudi content a bit. It's been too long for us to talk about now but we'd love to hear from someone else. Please write me at contact@expatseverywhere.com if you're interested. Thanks for your awesome comment. - Josh & Kalie
me too but now we left and i wish we didnt
Have u learns about Islam cause of u didn’t u had u chance cause if u die n u will u will be asked in ur grave
HI E Mack, interesting to hear your story. I'm having a job offer in Dhahran, do you know this place? In general, what would be a fair monthly salary? Thank you!!
@The Town That Dreaded Dog Poo not any more! sometimes, its more free than America! i know bc i lived there
I've lived in KSA for 14 years. Safest place I have ever lived. Most hospitable and best over all.
Do you still live there
Our pleasure to have you here in saudi 🙏 purely from my heart I pray that you have all good time amen
I relocated my family there for 2 years. Earned a silly amount of money, paid off my mortgage back home. Ive lived around the world and Saudi was fun. Culturally they are family-centric, humble and friendly people with such a rich history which you need to visit to remove the bias and stereotypes that the media share. I've made some amazing friends, the kids have made some amazing life memories. My wife didnt find it hard to wear an abaya and actually said it kept her cooler in the summer and made lots of amazing friends.
I lived in Jeddah Saudi Arabia from 2001-2016 I miss the country so much and once a week I look for jobs in Jeddah I was there before Red Sea mall before mall of Arabia before all the large buildings and modernisation I really wish I could one day go back and relive my childhood I will always love Saudi
You can go back home. Loads of opportunities for you in this life. Trust me
i was there 2016- 2021
@@greeting68 how about your work?
@@wirawira6608 i didnt work i was 6 when i moved there and moved away when i was 10 ;-; but my mom and dad say it was very good and i agree
We lived in Riyadh for three and a half years, it was an intense and life-changing experience. As a family we made some great friends and I worked with some wonderful Saudi people, some of the kindest and most hospitable people I've even met. I also loved the heat, but my wife and son weren't quite so keen. Plus the driving was just as crazy there as you describe where you were - you just couldn't let your concentration lapse for a second. Oh, and I loved the dates too - Ajwat Al Madinah dates were my favourite. Plus the gahwa and the tea... and the hummus
That's fantastic, Jordin. (?) Thanks for sharing your experience. When did you leave Saudi? - Josh & Kalie
@@ExpatsEverywhere we left in 2017, when it looked like the anti-expat sentiment was heating up a bit in the press, but friends of ours have stayed on and it's been fine for them. We also had some family stuff that required us being a bit closer. Ironically, we're now looking into moving to Portugal (in 3 years after our son finishes high school) - we've been enjoying your videos on Portugal, keep them coming!
@@jordinja we understand. We had to take some videos down around that time because of all that but it came of nothing in the end.
And the shawarma ,albaik
Kingdom Dates in Riyadh won my heart. Their Sukhary dates were the best - a crisp exterior and moist tender interior. BLISS!!!!
I've been going to the Middle East for 30 years now. Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Muscat in Oman, and Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi. I raised a smile when you advised anyone (from the US) thinking of re-locating to the region not to worry, everything is OK "You can go to Starbucks, you can go to Nike". For most Europeans (like me), part of the attraction was to avoid the mostly US commercialism we see permeating local culture. Frozen Yoghurt (sorry cant remember the chain name) may have a fine reason for opening the desert market, but Arabic coffee is not offered by Starbucks in the region. Immerse yourself in local culture, invariable it is more pleasurable than alternatives offered by the Stack it high, sell it cheap American dream.
Otherwise I wholeheartedly agree that the region holds vast riches in every aspect of human goals and well-being. Good travels
Glad to see that you've enjoyed your time here. Hope to see you again!
Thanks, H! We appreciate it. 🙏
I'm glad you guys have appreciated Saudi Arabia. Its really the most peaceful living here. More improvements and developments Saudi Arabia doing for the country. Very good business here too
Thanks for watching, Fatima! 🙏 - Josh & Kalie
Is it difficult for ladies to get a job there ?
LOVE THIS!!!!! Thank you so much for posting!!! I really enjoyed this and everything that you said is very consistent with what I've heard. Thank you so much again, I really enjoyed that.
I met my husband who is British in Jeddah. We were office colleagues. We worked there for 4 years until we started a family. I found the Saudis very friendly. The Saudis and various nationalities were easy to get along with. Our office was like a one big happy family. I'm truly pleased I have had the opportunity to live in Saudi Arabia. We had many fond memories of Jeddah. We loved it there. Missing Jeddah! ❤
You are welcome here in Saudi guys ❤️🙏🏼
Thanks! 😃 - Josh & Kalie
This is great just what I needed could be moving there from the UK 🇬🇧. You two are too cute together love it 💪🏾
Thank you very much! We're interviewing someone tomorrow about their living experience in Saudi. We're not sure when it'll be ready to post but stay tuned. - Josh & Kalie
Awesome video! I will (hopefully) soon be working there.
Thanks. Keep us posted if you move. - Josh & Kalie
I just found your channel and it's super informative thank you!
Best wishes and prayers for you , enjoy saudi arabia
Thanks! 😃
Thanks, this was helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for sharing a great insight.
Our pleasure! And things have changed even from when we lived there. - Josh & Kalie
I was in Saudi Arabia 09/10. I was in Riyadh and Buraidah. Buraidah is hardcore. Jedda is a more easygoing city to some extent. If you are a muslim getting a visa for Saudia Arabia is usually not a problem The one thing you should know is that you are red flagged. The average Saudi person is very welcoming and kind. When I came back to California from Saudi I was taken aside by Homeland and they asked a few questions. A friend of mine who works for Homeland Security told me that all Americans who travel to Saudi are red flagged. That was a bit concerning to me. Other than that Saudi is a beautiful country and I met some kind and nice people.
Thanks for sharing. We never got "red flagged" in the US, but did feel that way in other countries. - Josh & Kalie
That's not shocking. 9/11 was done by Saudi citizens. If they are gonna flag someone, Saudi should definitely be on the list.
The U.S does that to make Arab countries look bad. It is part of the agenda the government is trying to push sadly.
Yes it’s completely different and y’all should visit Riyadh and Jeddah someday
Yea, since we didn't live there, we didn't want to speak on it. - Josh & Kalie
Hoping to return to the Kingdom next year and finish my career there...I love this country
I’m glad you guys like it here. Have fun 😊
Thanks! - Josh & Kalie
You said it well to be honest
Good job guys
When you go over to the Middle East with a good American company, they cover the cost of everything but groceries. It’s a blessing.
True story. - Josh & Kalie
I used to live in Dammam city, then RT then Riyadh, eastern province drivers are way much better than Riyadh and Jeddah, i hope you come to visit KSA again 🤍all the love from Texas
Thanks for sharing, JoJo. 😊 We hope all is well in Texas. - Josh & Kalie
We in Riyadh understand each other in leadership😂😂
@@lllz3 I won't survive there not going to lie 🏳️
That's y Dammam is the odd city in saudi lol ..i love jeddah anyway the pearl of the red sea
@@jojoj3907 🤣👌🏻
You are always welcome guys , what a wonderful couple god bless you
Thank you so much. God bless you too. - Josh & Kalie
Nice informations thank you for sharing
Great information
Both of you lookin awesome.
Welcome to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Thank you 🙏 We love all the welcomes we’re getting. We appreciate it.
Hi guys, trying clothes while shopping used to be inside the shops before COVID, its just temporary for now to ask taking clothes back home
Not where we were. Thanks though. - Josh & Kalie
@@ExpatsEverywhere It's a hit and miss sort of thing. I might be wrong but it was only a few years back where municipalities started allowing malls to have changing rooms, the problem was some stores didn't have any option in their space to add a changing rooms so it's like a bit of coin toss with stores.
Love your first reason! Very different way of thinking.
Are you still in Saudi. We are going to live in KSA for the 2nd time, really excited about it. I can recommend a tour guide who will take you all over.
We’re not. We made a commitment to our audience to tell them more of our origin story as expats and get personal with everyone in 2021. We’re in Portugal now. - Josh & Kalie
Josh & Kalie you're most welcome. Feel home
Great 😊 welcome to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Thank you! 😃 - Josh & Kalie
You are awesome guys 👍
Thanks! - Josh & Kalie
And the food is amazingggggg❤️
True
Hello guys thank you so much for sharing your experience. My family and I are moving there in December and we are both excited and anxious at the same time. We wanted to ship some of our stuff, did you guys know of any shipping companies to Jeddah?
Thank you so much ❤
Welcome to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 enjoy
I like your video. I used to live in Dhahran in the '80s. I loved it, I was some of the best times in my life
Thanks for the love, Stella (Artois 🍺)!
Great video guys!!
Beautiful people in Saudi Arabia ❣️
I admire you so much for going for it and living your dreams.
Do you find many people that speak English?
Thank you so much, April!
💯 we agree. Thank for the support. We certainly found a lot of people that did albeit at times heavily accented. But hey, we knew very, very little Arabic so we were grateful for people to speak English with us. - Josh & Kalie
Hi I'm from Pakistan but very like USA.
@@proudbeachristian1958 Hi 👋
@@proudbeachristian1958 Hi!
It's nice to meet you and thank you 😊
@@aprilshrader7978 well come nice to meet u too.
Wow wow wow! Such display of courage. Beautiful! 00:54
U are so so so welcome 🤗🇸🇦❤️🇺🇸
Thank you!!! 🙌 - Josh & Kalie
You guys are adorable 😂❤
Welcome to Saudi, hope you enjoy it
Thanks! 😃- Josh & Kalie
Folks you should visit Qatif and Tarout Island in the Eastern Province . It is beautiful.
Thanks for the recommendation. - Josh & Kalie
I wish I could translate the video into Arabic for millions of Saudis to follow you
Please do. If you can do it, we'll add the translation. Write me at contact@expatseverywhere.com if you're genuine. - Josh & Kalie
welcome to KSA and i hope u enjoy it😃💞💞.
Thank you! 😃- Josh & Kalie
Is it possible to move and practice medicine in Saudi?
@@rhazes779 sure, there are many foreign doctors. If you’re asking about opening your own practice, we’re not sure.
Expats Everywhere noo not talking about opening mine. I was asking if one could a job there after completing his mbbs
Expats Everywhere also what’s the salary like for starting doctors with atleast 2 years experience
I am pleased to see you two work as a team and are open to new experiences. My wife and I moved to Jubail in 2016 and stayed in Saudi until 2020.
As you guys mentioned, the money was great, but most importantly, the cultural and life experience. We had such a great time and had the opportunity to travel to many other countries. We had also our daughter there.
We are now back in Houston, but I think I would consider another opportunity in the Middle East again some time in the future.
Be open-minded and take advantage of the opportunities in life. It is short.
Thanks for the video
By the way, the driving is indeed insane. Probably one of the worst in the world.
Thanks for sharing your experience! We really appreciate hearing it. 🙏 If you do move again, keep us posted. Congrats on the baby daughter there too. - Josh & Kalie
You miss fanateer mall? 😆
@@cawagoshy Absolutely. I lived nearby and used to go for lunch at Piatto very often. Good memories. 👍
Life is short right God send U to land of his last prophet U didnt learn anything about Islam U kept Ur ignorance
Any tips on finding a good recruiter? (I’ve spent ten years as a senior IELTS examiner with the British Council.)
Cheers 👍🏼
Replied to your other comment. Thanks for watching. - Josh & Kalie
Welcome bro to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Thanks, bro! 😁 - Josh & Kalie
Do you have a generic apartment tour by any chance??? After living in UAE, now back in UK... thinking of making the switch to Saudi.
Aww, unfortunately we don't. We weren't doing that kind of content when we were there. It's possible that we can find someone to do a walk through of theirs but we don't have anything lined up right now. - Josh & Kalie
Thank you for this video. I secured a job in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and I have to pay for Iqama. I have arranged a meeting online to dispute that. Any advice of what I should say will be appreciated. The Iqama cost was not mentioned to me before and it is putting me off going.
You're welcome. That's really weird that your company isn't paying for the Iqama! Have you already sunk money into your move? If not, maybe find a new company to go work for or negotiate them paying or you walking. - Josh & Kalie
It’s like taxes in the USA, do companies pay taxes for their employee?
cool video thanks
Aww 🥰Thank you, fauaz! We appreciate it. - Josh & Kalie
You are more than welcome , you won’t leave it
Thank you. - Josh & Kalie
Unfortunately, those are silly reasons. Saudi Arabia is huge ( not as big as USA) but very rich in culture and each city/ region has something to offer. Also, the people there are some of the kindest and courageous people one can find. Also, expats represents over 35% of the population.
Ha everyone knows it's not as big as the U.S. We can look at a map.
Ha, those aren't silly reasons. StoP being sillY 😜 🤪
@@vshekar lol do you know the mercator map is NOT represent the correct size of the countries?
Any tips finding a job in Saudi? Currently working as a project manager construction in the Netherlands.
You are welcome in Saudi Arabia of course there are also a lot of activities that you have to go to the camps and Preparing a 👏🏻😍video blog
Thank you! We appreciate it. - Josh & Kalie
May I ask what school you are working for? And whether or not you think this place is family friendly? Considering working there with my spouse.
Hi Monica, if you'd like to write us at info@expatseverywhere.com for a more detailed analysis, we can share more with you. We worked at King Faisal University but were employed through Shabaka Training. Our time then and what we've heard it's like now are two different things. There are young families on the compound and it's probably okay, but very boring. - Josh & Kalie
Josh and Katie, how can I contact you?
Try chocolate dates with almonds, it's the best 😭
Kalie will love it! - Josh & Kalie
Welcome ❤️
Thanks, Legend! - Josh & Kalie
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. How much are you saving per year per person on an average?
You are not an expats you are in your home ❤️
😊 that's nice. - Josh & Kalie
Sweetest💜
Really interesting
I grew up in Dhahran in the late '70's, early 80's. Didn't realize how awesome it was until we had moved back to the U.S. Where exactly are you living?
Maybe in Riyadh
How can one go to saudi arabia and get a job there? Do you need visa or work permission? What about language skills? I am from Slovakia.
Great video 👌🏾 was wondering if you know any agencies I could get in contact with to find a job in Saudi Arabia, I live in the uk.
Thank you. It's a little industry specific. What do you do? - Josh & Kalie
Hows the Job market in Saudi in general and Riyadh in particular? I work in IT in the US and may consider moving to maybe Saudi in the future to get a job in the IT field.
Saudis are frustrated with the government since many are unemployed including Saudis who are US graduates. You can come, They like westerners but that’s the situation.
Welcome to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦🇺🇸
Thanks! - Josh & Kalie
Pls come back to the usa we miss you
So nice video, if you guys still in KSA you’re welcome to visit my city anytime ☺️
Thanks for the love, Mariam! - Josh & Kalie
Very good Advise thanks 🙏🏼 and can you tell me Which company you going to Saudi Arabia please,And how much company job is good service and everything please
I will visit Saudi Arabia soon InshaAllah
Love you guys God bless you guys great
I hope Josh and Kalie are safe.
We're definitely safe. Thanks. - Josh & Kalie
Questions for you? Can you kids go to college in Saudi Arabia or they are not allowed?
Welcome 🙏❤️
Thank you! - Josh & Kalie
How did you find saudia arabia vs usa. Which is more better?
Im glad you are in my country! Let’s link i will be more than welcome to show you around my country you will like it. Hve a good day !
Thanks for the welcome! 😃 We hope you have a great day as well. - Josh & Kalie
Thank you
You’re welcome
hey welcome to saudiarabia 🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦
Thanks! - Josh & Kalie
Welcome to Saudi your home, if you need anything I’m always here to help.
We might move to Jubail Saudi Arabia . Can u please do a video on that?! We are American Muslims currently in Massachusetts. Thank you very much
My wife and 2 kids want to move there as well. We are Muslim living in Virginia. America is not for us unfortunately
@@6r0ck19 i am Saudi Muslim woman,i might marry Amrican man and move to USA could you tell my why America is not good place for Muslims
@@ShSh-bi1lh America is great if you are a liberal person.. sure you have all these liberties and freedoms but the truth is.. as a righteous Muslim you are not as free as you think. We have no adhan to wake up to, Ramadan is not recognized, you have to take lots of time off work to go pray or go to masjid.. the entire American culture is work work work work.. and more work. They are now and have been pushing religion and family values away from homes. Children are being brainwashed with gay/trans content everywhere. The only good thing about America is the law does protect you and there’s always police to respond in an emergency. But the lifestyle and is not suitable for a Muslim. I wish I could leave and go to an Islamic country but the west has bombed or destroyed most of them
Welcome Saudi, am working as housekeeping here in Saudi ,l miss one day to work with American family
What?! you guys never visited Qatif?! It’s n the Eastern region right by the sea. It’s so beautiful & colorful 😍
Nope...sorry, Rose. - Josh & Kalie 😊
@@ExpatsEverywhere ok.. I’ll forgive you guys if you promise to come visit the next time you’re in Saudi 😃
Can you complete a course in journalism and write an article or do a video editorial critical of the kingdom. Let me know how that works out.
Okay. We'll let you know.
🔥
Cool!
so how much are you making in Saudi Arabia? Over $100k USD? What's the range?
How have you practice your Fus'ha?
I hv been living n working in ksa from 20 yrs.
Nice! Thanks for sharing.
what jobs are you doing? how do I get started?
what are the different tourist destination on saudi arabia? are they open already to different religion?
Yes open to different religion
@@abosami8031 but it Christianity cannot be express in public in Saudi? or is there a Catholic church in Saudi?
which cities?? I was just in Riyadh and Jeddah
I am Saudi and my husband is Australian, he has been trying to find a job for almost 6 years now and he never get it. We have been living sperate and just meet for holidays, we never could make family and nothing. He is working in Australia in his field finance as finance manager and I am working in Saudi Arabia. We submitted a lot of applications through Linkden or other recruitment agencies, million of applications were not attended. I always watch videos for expats living in Saudi Arabia in my country and feeling sorrow and pain in my heart that my husband could not find any.
Sadly then, one of you has to sacrifice your job and live with the spouse
Both of you apply to USA.
The stories you hear here are all roses but they forget to say that if you do not have a university degree life is hard
Finance manager sounds good to me though
@Tema Is - you mean your husband from an arranged marriage has Australian citizenship, but you were never granted a visa for Australia and therefore thought he would want to come back to SA?
Ever considered the option of him deliberately sabotaging his applications?
Cos why would they not offer him a job anywhere in SA if so many foreigners work there? I think he's enjoying his time in a normal country, while you're believing his excuses of not getting a job in SA 😂
OMAN, O Man it is awesome. Love it. Born and raised in Alain UAE: but thinking about moving to Madinah KSA. No plans of working there right now. Need some help with proper visa details. Can you guys assist & point me in the right direction.
What part of United States are you all from?
Also, in what part of Saudi Arabia do you all live in?
VA and FL respectively. We lived in Hofuf, Al-ahsa in the Eastern Province. - Josh & Kalie
Hey guys I am John. Very good video. You are both lucky to have each other, It`s really difficult to find wife like Kalie in western countries. Good luck!
You're most welcome.
Thank you!! - Josh & Kalie
Im an American citizen and i want to move to saudia arabia but I’ll need place to work or stay