Living Environment

Riyadh is the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and has a population of over 7,000,000. All foreign embassies are located in Riyadh. 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 cuisines and other high quality services. Spacious, well-stocked super-markets carry both fresh and prepared foods from all around the world. In addition, you will find many of the most familiar international fast-food and specialty chains all over Riyadh.

There are excellent educational opportunities available for children. Among the many international schools, the prestigious Saudi Arabian International School - Riyadh (American Section) is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Over 1 500 students are enrolled in grades ranging from preschool through grade 12. 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; 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, and 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 centres (malls) which are 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. You will find all the notable Western brand names together with a wide array of local fashion. Department stores include such names 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 it's just a normal burger and fries you fancy, there's McDonald's, Wimpy, Burger King or Fuddruckers! If it's just a coffee and snack you are after you can head to Starbucks, Costa Coffee 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 (Hash)
  
• 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.