Originally Posted by
mecabq
There are "compounds" in Riyadh (and probably Dubai, too), insular, secured Western bastions. Some people feel more secure there, and I suppose with more access to Western social venues, but for me this defeats the purpose of being in a place like Riyadh.
Housing in Dubai is expensive. Several thousand dollars a month for an upscale apartment in a high-rise buulding.
I agree. Again, I am all about enjoying the cultural exposure of a new place in the world. But
LIVING (not just visiting) in a place for a
long time(years) needs to have a balance of 'freedoms' that the rest of the world offers.
If I was in Europe, Singapore, Latin America or India, Hong Kong / Singapore / Thailand.. or even Dubai I wouldn't be asking. I know that in Dubai I'd take up the mainstream anytime, or in Spain or Latin America.
My concern area was Riyadh where as a single guy my 'people interactions' may not be as conducive. I am not passing judgment but a lot of people I know have told me that a young single guy like me would not be happy there.
Thoughts?
PS: I am all about cultural exposure but if I am going to be spending a couple of years some place.. shouldn't I be concerned?