Moving to Riyadh next year! Any suggestions?

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! In terms of your question:

Q: I would also like to have a circle of friends who are expats around my age.

Here are a few ideas you can consider, which I used when I moved to Singapore without knowing many people:

1. Facebook groups of expats (via Facebook)
2. Local clubs (via Google)
3. Circles of people from your country (via Facebook)
4. Alumni of your university (via LinkedIn)

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

To add on top of other great response, Apps like Tinder have features to just meet new friends without any dating interest.

Good luck in your career move!

Alberto

Hey!

Start doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu :) You'll be surprised how many successful people with a business background are doing it. 

For example, I stayed in Belgrade, Serbia, this August and attended a local BJJ gym where I instantly connected with a bunch of IT guys with whom we shared a lot in common.

If you are not into martial arts, try any other sports that fosters camaraderie and teamwork.

Good luck!
Nick

Hi there!

Congrats! Hope you have a good start there!

Yes, LinkedIn is a good place to start if you're looking for fellow professionals, but indeed you'll mostly find locals. This also has to do with some of the current policies in the region to retain mostly local consultants rather than international ones. 

Aside from this, you can use websites such as MeetUp. Facebook groups should also be a good place to look into. 

Best,
Cristian

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Hi,

Congrats on your offer and the new opportunity. 

I would say that the first avenue you can try and leverage is your firm's network. 

The other common avenues would be facebook groups, forums (specifically for expats), as well as sports leagues.

All the best!

Hi there,

First of all, Riyadh is booming and particularly in the international scene! One of my current candidates there (international) loves it.

This isn't the right forum for your Q (try reddit, for example), but I've lived in 7 cities across 5 countries and 3 continents so I can help a bit here:

1. Google - find online groups/forums - search “Riyadh, meetups, communities, meet people” etc.
2. Local communities - I joined a francophone community/hangout group and became super close with them
3. Hobbies (gym, biking, chess, climbing, etc.) - I've made friends at the gym, in soccer clubs, at the pool, etc.
4. Local shops (I've made friends at local coffee shops that I frequent, for example)

Just put yourself out there and find consistency in where you go and what you do!

Hey there, great choice, the region is booming indeed and could boost your career! Ian's points are spot on, would just add that thinking of taking at least a beginner language class could help, both to find expats friends ;-) and to also get some basics on the language (will be very helpful!). Best, Frederic