Jeddah - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The expat community was very large. You had a large diplomatic community, very large number of expat teachers, as well as professionals in almost any other line of work. Morale tended to be highly individual; those with functional workplaces and a solid friend/support network tended to love it, and many stayed for years, whereas those with less functional workplaces and/or less well-developed social networks tended to dislike their lives more. Morale at the school I worked at was quite low. Morale at the BISJ was quite high. YMMV. - Oct 2022
It's a few hundred at the consulate. It is a close-knit society with people spending time with co-workers even on weekends. Morale is high. - Aug 2022
There is a sizable expat community, though constricting in size in recent years due to Saudization where more jobs are being prioritized to Saudi citizens. There is strong morale amongst western expats that want it, and existing expats are very welcoming to newcomers. - Nov 2020
The expat community is fairly large, especially once you look beyond the diplomats. Lots of expats are there with banks, construction companies, and international businesses. The morale is mostly good; many expats live in Jeddah for years and years before moving away, but there's also a bit of stress because (a) Jeddah and (b) no one knows if they're going to be have to leave immediately or not. - Oct 2019
Jeddah has a significant expat community ranging from the mission to a variety of businessmen, engineers, consultants, etc. Morale varies; the hikes in residency fees have led more than one family decide they are not wanted and to decamp for home. This is probably the most gossipy expat community I have seen, and I think it's fed by a sense of isolation on the compounds. - Mar 2019
Not small, but getting smaller due to economic reforms happening in the country. Expats outside of the diplomatic community tend to have been here for 7+ years. Morale among them is good. In many ways, Jeddah can be an easy life if you're a homebody or happy just hanging out by the pool every weekend. For the consulate community, it's a mix. Few love it, some hate it, most don't mind it but are waiting to leave. - Jan 2019
40 direct hires. Low morale - Apr 2016
It was OK, but now that they took the danger pay so the EFMs are kind of disappointed. - Nov 2015
During the past year it was okay. But now that they have removed the danger pay and we are going to move to the new compound ... who knows? - Oct 2015
The morale in post is very good. - Oct 2015
44 American FTE @ the Consulate. Many others working for companies in the Kingdom. Overall, there is likely 3,000+ western expats. - Aug 2015
People with young kids are actually happy. Couples and singles are miserable. - Feb 2014
There aren't a great many Americans in Jeddah, but the overall Western expat community is fair. Morale varies among those I know. Some are counting the days until they can leave this backward country, others are delighted by the place. I suppose it's what you choose to focus on. Focus on the bad drivers and the despicable way women are treated and you'll probably be unhappy. Focus on the fascinating culture and the fact that you're in the midst of an experience so few Westerns can ever have, and you'll have a pretty decent time. - Dec 2013
Big. There are a lot of expats working for banks and infrastructure companies. - May 2013
This is my first expat experience, but I think it's large - there may be more foreigners here than Saudis. If not, it's close. - Nov 2010
