Living Environment
Riyadh is the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and has a population of over 5,000,000. It is the location of all foreign embassies. The city is a blend of modern and traditional architectural styles, offering convenient transportation and a multitude of international shopping centers side-by-side with traditional Arab markets (souks). The weather is pleasant from October through May; the summer months, though hot, have low humidity. The city enjoys an extremely low crime rate, making it a safe place to live.
Five-star hotels provide a wide variety of international cuisine and other high quality services Spacious, well-stocked super-markets carry fresh and prepared foods from around the world. In addition, many of the most familiar international fast food and specialty chains have branches in Riyadh.
Excellent educational opportunities are available for children. Among the many international schools, the prestigious Saudi Arabian International School - Riyadh (American Section), isaccredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Over 1,500 students are enrolled in grades preschool through grade twelve. In addition, the British school accommodates approximately 1,100 students aged 4 through 14.
The Employee Social Club (ESC) offers many services such as membership for all KFSH&RC employees; internet/electronic mail services; TV satellite/cable systems; interest-free loans; shaded parking areas; exhibitions/purchases on installment basis; driver’s license insurance; commercial centre for shops, restaurants and retail outlets; and special events.
The ESC also provides recreational services that include exercise/gym areas; a bowling alley; lighted tennis/squash courts; basketball/ volleyball courts; large outdoor swimming pools, community halls and the Al Maather Cave Park.
Activities include swimming/ aerobics classes; team sports; horseback riding and special classes for Taekwondo, cricket, squash and special summer activities for children. Local sightseeing excursions are also offered monthly; which include trips to the desert, historical and scenic trips outside Riyadh. Pilgrimages to the holy cities are also arranged upon request.
Shopping
You can visit the local gold souqs (markets) or spend time strolling around the very modern shopping centers all located in close proximity to the hospital complex. Brands such as Zara, Nine West, Aldo, La Senza, Monsoon, Mango, Next, Kookai are just a few of the labels available. Department stores such as Debenhams, Ha and Sacs Fifth Avenue There are also a whole host of designer shops such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren, YSL as well as many other names one would expect to find in any major city across the world.
Riyadh has a plentiful supply of high quality restaurants to choose from in addition to those offered by the international hotel chains. If its just a normal burger and fries you fancy, we have Mc Donald’s, Wimpy, Burger King or Fuddruckers! If it´s just a coffee and snack you are after you can head to Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts!
Enjoying the outdoors
During the cooler weather and indeed at any time during the year there are plenty of outdoor activities available. These include:
- Enjoying the walking trails in the open parkland known as the Diplomatic Quarter.
- Trekking in the desert
- Diving
- Golfing – 9 and 18 hole golf courses
In addition, Day Care and Nursery facilities are provided for safe, reliable and conscientious childcare for KFSH&RC employees’ children ages 3 months to 6 years.
