Should i go to Saudi Arabia?

Question

My parents have split up, and i am wondering if i should visit my dad in saudi arabia. we are australian if you are wondering. He lives in a compound (not as grim as it sounds) and apparently there is a lot of things to do there. Also men have heaps of rights over there. There are two reason why i am hesitating to go. 1: i am kinda paranoid, i hate throwing up and i don't trust the quality of the food/water. 2: From stories and news reports i've heard saudi arabia doesn't sound that safe. Replies appreciated.

Answer 1

I am a Canadian who has lived in Saudi for 18+ years,  All of the answer's are correct.  However, the nasty part is driving, Saudi is crime free but the Highway carnage is 10x North America's rate.  Living there is GREAT, driving in Saudi is the most dangerous thing I do.

Good Luck

Answer 2

i completely agree with mintee.

Answer 3

I'm American living in Saudi Arabia.  I don't think that you have to worry about the food and water here.  The only bad thing with the water is in most places it's salty, so there's either an extra tap for drinking water or you have to drink bottled water.  I haven't gotten sick from the food here, and I've been pregnant the whole time I've been in Saudi Arabia, so I don't think you should worry too much.

Saudi Arabia is very safe.  The most common crime is theft, but usually not directly involving people...involving metal and stuff that can be resold, or maids stealing valuables from the house.

There are a lot of things to do inside compounds.  Some of them, like Aramco, are very nice.  It's like it's own city inside.

I think you should come for a visit.  If you don't like it, then you can always go home.  But, at the very least, you had a nice cultural experience, right?  It's a great opportunity to see a different part of the world.

Answer 4

lol... just as you fear us, we fear you.. We wouldnt want to drink Aussie water either.. Everyone tells everyone not to drink the water from a country they are visiting..

anyways.. We Saudi's dont drink tap water.. its all bottled to to the salt content of the tap water.. So dont worry there, you'll find evian here.. haha!

And I dont know your eating habits, but we have McDonalds, Hardees, Burger King, Pizza hut, Pizza Inn, Dominos pizza, Little Ceasars Pizza, Kentucky  Fried chicken, Popeyes Chicken, Wendys hamburgers,  Fudruckers, Chilis mexican, TGI Fridays, Dairy Queen, Crispy cream donuts, Dunkin donuts, Pizza factory, Taco Bell, Subway sandwiches, Quiznos sandwiches, Geez! you name it, we have it here.. and a whole thousand more ethnic restaurants from all over the world.. Our stores sell goods from USA, England, Australia, Germany, Spain, Philipines, Japan, CHina.. what4ever your taste is, we sell it, we have it..

Crime is extremely low here, no war going on (and never was, that is in Iraq and far from us).. Westerners are treated like Gods here.. You might as a teen find it a bit boring.. As Islamic lifestyle doesnt suit teenagers.. There is no mixing of boys and girls in public, since Islam doesnt allow dating.. so the teens find it hard to be entertained.. But having said this.. Private housing compounds do hold their own entertainment and activities... So if you are social you'll be fine...  

Answer 5

Saudi Arabia is safe. depends where you go, the cuisine will be different but interesting and tasty if you go to the right places!

You should go because Saudi Arabia is a very interesting country different to others. Its extremely hot as well.

I've been and its worth going to have a taste and it will be healthy to see your dad again too! :)

Answer 6

lool .. i hate throwing up 2 and i really fear it ( i know thats kinda wierd ) ,,, but i asure u that the food here and the water is clean ... as a matter of fact we have really gd restaurants here ... ( but personally when i travel 2 diffrent countries i like 2 eat from there local restaurants and eat there traditional food esspecially if its done in the street , i know thats wierd . lool ) anyways when it comes 2 food it depends on what u preffer most of the restaurants here are well known like we have chillies , fridays , fud , stakehouse , applebeez , and that sort of stuff ,,, and we have very sufisticated plases 2 eat also ,,, if ur comin 2 jeddah ... we have alot of gd restaurannts and coffee shops .... theres byblos ( serves lebaneese food ) , toki ( chinese ) , bubbles ( international , they have gr8 sushi by the way )

theres la roia ... and much much more ... coffe shops ( costa coffee , teyana , la rissa , andalusiah , waterlemon , caffe blank )  thats whats in my head right now but seriously dont wry about the food :D , trust me :) ........

then when it comes 2 safety , ksa , is one of the most safest countries in the world .... honestly its really safe , rates of crimes here r verry verry low , dont believe evrything u c in the news .. we also have gr8 shopping here ... so i think u should come and discover new things ... and either u like it or dont just think of it as an adventure ,,,, o . by the way its really hot here .... and i noticed that ur Q. said that " men have heaps of rights over there " .. so do women :) .. so gd luck and hope ive helped ..:)