Living in the Gulf
It’s the weekend! Well it is for me. I just got back from a shopping expedition to Bahrain (and dropping my boyfriend off to the airport, he’s gone home for 2 weeks to Australia and I wish I could have gone too!) Wow, 2 visits to Bahrain in 1 week is a little unusual for me, I only aim to go there once a month but sometimes it just happens.
Gulf Map
Here are some tidbits about Bahrain & Saudi for those of you that don’t already know: (for those newbie readers I am an Australian, living in Saudi Arabia)
- Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf (made up of 33 smaller islands) joined to the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia by a causeway toll bridge – that’s how we get to Bahrain.
King Fahd Causeway from Saudi to Bahrain
- On a good day, it can take usually an hour from our where we live in Saudi to Bahrain which includes getting through both countries’ customs and immigration checkpoints, on a bad day you could be looking at 4 hours!
- Bahrain, unlike Saudi, is NOT a dry country, however drinking rules are a little stricter than most countries, being a Muslim country, you can only drink in 5 star hotels.
- There are no movie theatres in Saudi, so when I get the chance to go to Bahrain, I like to try and schedule in a movie in when I can
however we do have a small movie theatre on our compound which shows a combination of recent releases, Indian and Arabic films. - When I go off our compound here in Saudi, it is highly advisable that I wear an abaya, similar to this one, however I am not required to cover my hair or my face, but sometimes I might cover my hair in more conservative parts of town. I may or may not wear my pyjamas underneath my abaya to go out shopping
I’m told even Chanel, Burberry, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton design abayas also. Even in the budget range they can come in many different styles and fashions however they are mostly preferred in black. Only in Saudi is it law to wear this abaya, however you will see women wearing them also in other Gulf countries (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman etc)
Abaya
- The compound I live on is like a slice of little American suburbia (or so I am told) and I am not required to dress any differently than normal, but just with respect.
- Women are not permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia, however on the compound we can. I have a beat up ‘Raw Mobile’ and also a scooter (which excuse me needs a wash) and a push bike that I use to get around the massive compound.
Raw Mobile
Check out the RAW sticker!
My scooter needs some TLC
- Saudi Arabia is the custodian of the two holy mosques, Median and Mecca (the two holiest places in Islam).
- Dogs are not usually owned by locals unless for protection, however many expats have their dogs, like me with my Lucy girl. However cats (stray and homed) are EVERYWHERE. This is a real problem here both in Saudi and Bahrain with stray cats breeding like crazy.
Me & Lucy
- Shopping in Saudi needs to be planned out whether you are grocery shopping or otherwise, as prayer time occurs 6 times a day for around 20minutes each time. When prayer time falls within business hours, most stores are required to close to observe this time. Some larger stores however will have a lock in, where you cannot leave or come in or make any purchases. I have a prayer time application on my iPhone as the times change weekly based on sunset and sunrise. Although all other Gulf countries observe these times, business are not required to close. Also, it is not permitted for women’s clothing stores to have fitting rooms. I HATE that so I usually wait for vacations to stock up my wardrobe or go shopping in Bahrain.
- Coming to Saudi Arabia as a tourist is almost impossible for non muslims. Sorry guys, no visits, but if you want we can catch up in Bahain which is much easier to visit for tourism. They even have the Formula One there every year!
- Saudi business days are Sat-Wed and Bahrain’s are Sun-Thurs. My weekends are Thursday and Friday and I still call Friday a Sunday
Well I hope that has given you a little more insight into where I live and the differences in customs, traditions and environment.
Maybe later this week I’ll give you a bit of a video tour of the compound and my house if you like?
Tell me a bit about where you live! I’d love to hear about it!
Australian Readers: Don’t forget about the spiraliser giveaway here. It ends next Tuesday at midnight EST time. You gotta be in it to win it!
UK Readers: Have I got something exciting in store for you!!! 3 Awesome Giveaways that I will be announcing next week so stay tuned. I am really thrilled!
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Thanks for the insight into life for you Robyn, have always wondered what it was like over there!!! Always a joy to read your blogs!
Thanks for coming back and reading them Dallas
So interesting, I love learning about where others live. May I ask why you choose to live there (since you are from Australia)? Just curious!! You can ask me why I choice to live 45 min from my hometown..lol!!
Mostly because of my hubby’s job!
Hey Lauren! Well good question, but I think it stems from my upbringing as an army brat moving so much as a kid, it’s kinda gotten in my blood a little. I’ve lived away from Australia for almost 5 years and although I miss home, I also like the adventure and excitement or experiencing other cultures, countries and people. But for the most part, in regards to why I chose here, I was offered a great job here, so I took it and haven’t looked back. Sure life is different, but I often remind myself what great stories I will be able to tell my children and grandchildren one day. I have a very adventurous soul
Great question.
Oh and btw, it is quite common for Australian youngsters to go abroad (usually to the UK or Europe for a couple of years) before they decide to settle down. I first left Australia and moved to the UK then came to Saudi
I’m glad you answered this, because I was wondering the same thing. It must be exciting!!! I’ve always wanted to live some where unusual. I’m not sure I could get used to where you live though without knowing someone really well! This is a lot of great info here on your blog
I love it!
That’s awesome!!! I wish I was more adventurous!! But my mother would die if I lived that far..she already complains about the 45 min drive! HAHA! I love learning about other cultures, so thanks for sharing! Maybe one day you will move to the US!! 
Haha too funny! I WOULD love to move to the US and I told my boyfriend that on Wednesday!! I think I told him a few times!!!
PS Lauren, my mum hates that I am so far away but we chat often on skype and msn. My poor mum, my little sister also lives overseas, she lives in Italy. Only my little brother is back home with no desire to leave!
Oooh, Italy! Now we are talking!
Hopefully you can move to the US soon! 
NYC!!! Then we can be neighbors (I’m about 30 min away).
very interesting, I have always wondered about this!!
You know where I live because I sent you all the info
i would love to see a video, sounds very interesting!!!
very interesting. thanks for sharing! i know tasha and hippiemom from raw journal live in saudi arabia as well. i’m intrigued.
so how long have you lived in saudi arabia? how often do you visit australia? and where did you attend russel’s school? (if you don’t mind me asking.=)
i live in southern new jersey, usa. i’m about 2 hours from new york city and 10 minutes from philadephia (the city of brotherly love=) i live in a very small working-class city at the base of the walt whitman bridge. i spent most of my life in the suburbs. we follow philadelphia’s news and sports teams here in south jersey. weird.=)
the pros of living here in “the garden state”=): i’m an hour drive from the beach, close to some natural health food stores and and an organic farm. there are also lots of beautiful trees and wildlife, especially birds and deer. and my family members live pretty close by.=)
the cons: my family members live pretty close by. KIDDINGGG!=)
Hey Kelli! Yes Tasha and I live on the same compound and have walked our dogs together
i’ve lived in Saudi for almost 3 years and I attended 105degrees in OKC in April this year which is where Russell James teaches. You can check out my archives in April
I go home to Australia 1-2 times a year!
I loved hearing about where you are from! I’m thinking of going to NYC in August
This is fascinating – thank you! For the times when I can’t travel myself, it’s glorious to be able to read about other places on blogs like yours
That causeway is amazing – and kinda scares me. I’d heard that women can’t drive, but I had no idea about the prayer times + shops closing thing. Amazing what you have to adapt to in other countries!
(P.S. Somehow I don’t think I need to tell you about Australia
)
Hehe yeah, but it’s still nice to hear about home
Thanks on the info Robyn
That looks like a nice compound!
BTW its 5 prayers a day not 6!
Aha! Well I have 6 times down each day on my iPhone, wonder why that is? Thanks Areej for clearing it up!
Very interesting Robyn. Thanks for sharing!
This is prob a silly question, and I have no clue about geography in your area, but are you near Dubai ? Ive always wanted to go there, esp to the Burg Al Arab (the crazy hotel).
Wow, quite the rules you have to follow over there. Do you ever feel its too much and you want to go home? Or do you always love it?
Hey Heathy! I am very close to Dubai actually! It takes about 50mins to fly there and I was only there a couple of weeks ago for a Salsa convention lol. I am a crap salsa dancer but my boyfriend loves it! I have many friends who live there. Dubai is a welcome relief from Saudi as it is so much more relaxed there, but the traffic is horrendous and they spend way toooo much money on things just for novelty factor ie an island in the shape of a palm :S
If you ever make it there I would be happy to be your guide!
And YES it does sometimes feel too much and I want to go home, but the beauty of my job is I work a rotation of 10 weeks on 3 weeks off (why it seems I have so many holidays) because you do need to get back out into reality sometimes! And no I don’t always love it, but I have to try and remain positive for the times I find it tough!
being a Muslim country, you can only drink in 5 star hotels. = okay?! as if that makes ANY sense LOL
but the whole can’t visit, stop for prayers/need an iphone app!, lock ins/outs (yikes claustrophobia!), no dressing rooms wtf?! , cant drive, etc etc..
Wow, Robyn! I actually had NO idea of any of this. I mean I knew it was a lot “different” there than here but i ADORE hearing the nitty gritty. this is the best post Ive read all week in the entire sphere b/c it was so different…thank you!
Yeah sounds a bit strange doesn’t it, but I guess it is to allow visitors (ie business people and expats) to still be able to indulge without it having to be in the local’s faces? That’s my guess anyway, what do you think?
And yes, it is a BIG adjustment to live here right? I don’t intend to be here forever, but it is really interesting and humbling to see how the other half live and be priviledged enough to experience something not all of my friends and family will ever get to see. I am really lucky at times (even though yes it does have it’s challenges) that living here makes me appreciate so much more where I come from! I really needed that as when I left home 5 years ago I thought Australia sucked. Now I realise we really are THE LUCKY COUNTRY!
Thanks so much for your kind words Averie. It was a fun post to write!
I’ve lived in Bahrain my whole life and I can assure you it is very liberal when it comes to alcohol consumption – despite being a Muslim country. There are tons of licensed bars and restaurants all around the island (including in hotels and various expatriate clubs), and there’s even a large alcohol distributer (BMMI) where you can buy pretty much anything.
Sorry – I just had to correct this! Bahrain’s pretty liberal in general really – most people here are so friendly and open minded and especially considerate towards expats (I have a lot of expatriate friends), I’d hate for people to think otherwise.
So very interesting! Glad you shared because I had no idea! And the bridge to Bahrain looks so cool! You definitely have an interesting life – one to envy – so many stories and memories I bet! Are you diggin the new ‘do yet? You look great! And of course Lucy does too.
I know, most people don’t have any idea and there is loads more that I could share but didn’t want to bore people! My life is very lucky at times, but of course it has it’s challenges like everyone, but living here has definitely shown me how lucky WE all are really. You do get to see things over here that I would never have dreamed of happening in this day and age, and it really humbles me!
Thanks for the hair comment too. I’m still getting used to it haha!!!
Thanks for this interesting post! I have been a newbie reader for a little while, so I was starting to wonder how this Australia/Saudi Arabia works…;-)
I’m not about to travel anywhere myself so this is SOOO welcome. Love the pic of you and Lucy
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Aw Welcome Anne and thanks for saying hi! Lucy says hi back at ya
Just to be a total geek and back you up babe, since I used to live there too I KNOW it is 6 prayer times!!!
Prayer Schedule June / 2010
Date Day Fajr Sunrise Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha
24 Thu 3:15 4:47 11:42 3:08 6:36 8:06
25 Fri 3:15 4:48 11:43 3:08 6:36 8:06
26 Sat 3:16 4:48 11:43 3:08 6:36 8:06
27 Sun 3:16 4:49 11:43 3:09 6:36 8:06
courtesy of http://www.islamicfinder.org
Wow – thankyou so much for sharing this post! I was actually wondering not than long ago how it must be for you living over there. I bet it makes you appreciate the ‘freedoms’ of Australia so much more….
That was really interesting thank you! The closest i have come to that part of the world was when we stopped in Qatar airport on our way to Thailand from the UK – only saw the airport though!
I am sooooo excited to here about your giveaways – us folk in the UK tend to miss out on them x
Awesome Amy, I am really excited to have them too!
I grew up in Adelaide and have lived in Belfast (NI), Brighton (UK), Athens (Greece), Pardubice (Czech Republic) and London (UK). This is such an interesting post! I used to work for Debenhams and went to Dubai with them once but that’s as close as I’ve got so far. I’d love to hear more about life there when you have time
Wow you’ve certainly had an interesting journey too!
Sure I will talk more about Saudi in another post for sure
Wow I didn’t know clothing shops aren’t permitted to have womens fitting rooms!!! How are the local women expected to know how well their abaya fits???
Very insightful post Robyn, it’s strange how we can live just an hour flight away but experience a way of life that is so different…
Wow, I really enjoyed this post. I live in New York City so I don’t really have quite a story.
Loving the hair!
Thanks for sharing about living in the Gulf. I love hearing how others live. It’s so interesting. Video tour of your house and compound sounds awesome! I can’t imagine living on a compound. Living in Bristol is really bog standard. It’s like any other UK city in the south- multi-cultural, full of interesting architecture and always lots happening. It’s stupidly hilly and awful to drive around.
Very excited about your giveaway to UK readers; you’re so generous!
xxx
Fascinating place you live in! I love hearing all the details
The picture of you and Lucy is just beautiful, she looks like a real sweetheart… thanks for sharing with us.
This is such a wonderful post. You are totally rockin’ it over there in Saudi, girl.
Tokyo where I live has none of the restrictions you mention but the language is pretty hard to learn but I take lessons so I can slowly improve the way I communicate with Japanese. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I hate it. Tokyo is a cool, uber modern metropolis where it’s easy to get lost in, literally and metaphorically.
Very interesting post, thanks for sharing. And such a cute pic of you and your pup. I enjoy hearing about different cultures and a video tour would rock.
Hey there, how crazy that you live there! I used to live on Monopoly Village, then Al Zamil Compound, and then Atheib Village. I had friends on Dana, Oasis, and Rashid as well =) We went to Dhahran Academy. Crazy that I ran into your post!
I love reading how different the customs are over there as compared to the US. I love the RAW sticker.
I loved reading about your life in Saudi! I’ve been a world traveler since the age of 12, but have never been to your corner of the world.
The whole abaya custom fascinates me, as does the fact that women’s clothing stores are not permitted to have fitting rooms. Wow.
LOL, that there’s an iPhone app to alert you to the Islamic prayer times!
Hey, I have a RAW mobile too – sticker and all!
fingers are crossed that this works…
i think it is so fascinating to see how others live…and what the norm is for them…thank you so much for sharing thins glimpse into your life…
i wish i was as adventurous as you are…totally amazing trait!!
and i absilutely love lucy…and your bangs are fabulous!
Thanks for this post! I’ve been wondering for a long time how you came to live in Saudi. So you got a job there, and I’m guessing they told you where to live? Is it all expats in your compound?
Saudi is so different and much stricter than the rest of the Arab/Muslim world. And I wonder why there are six prayer times in Saudi — traditionally it should only be five.
I was born in Germany, I lived most of my life in Indiana (about four hours away from Chicago), I lived in Beijing, China, and now i live in Los Angeles. I haven’t been to the Middle East yet but I really want to go.
I think we’d all love to hear more about your experiences and impressions of Saudi, Bahrain, etc. It’s fascinating!
Haha, Rob, I was going to tell you what life is like for me, but since it’s the same as Australia, but colder and with a kiwi accent, and with Marmite instead of (ew) vegemite, I figure you’ve got it sussed.
This post was awesome, by the way, the insight into what life in Saudi is like is very cool.
Wow, I didn’t know many of the facts presented here but some were familiar to me. It’s very exciting to learn about other countries and cultures
I love hearing about other peoples lives in foreign countries, thanks for your post! I have been living in Hong Kong for 3 years now, and although it’s a very different culture it’s still alot easier than living in Saudi Arabia…Well done for embracing another way of life so effortlessly
I love HK! I would live there in a flash!
Stumbled across this post via your about me. My uncle lives in Bahrain as a civilian contractor for the Navy. He’s been there 7 years and loves his job, seems to like the country too, though he makes frequent trips to Dubai. What are you doing in Saudi, out of curiosity?
Hi Errign! I am in Saudi because my husband works for an oil company out there, but prior to getting married, I also worked for the same oil company as a flight attendant on their corporate jets. Life is very different out there, but we choose to be there so it can’t be all that bad eh
Thanks for stopping by!
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