Moving to Saudi

[islamirama]

Salams

I've been to saudi and syria and of course saudi was better since the kabah is there and stuff but when it comes to living i'd prefer syria any day, much more peaceful, and safw and islamic.

:w:

would you mind telling us a bit about syria (in a new thread) and the islamic learning opportunities there? I hear it's good for learning arabic but as for other stuff, it's mostly sufi based.

[forever.muslima]

salams

yeah syria's great fro learning. but its good to go when you already know some things from before. I mainly went for my arabic (as well as travelling- i love histroical sites) I could read write, knew grammar and speak from befre hand, but it was just brusing up on it and practising speaking it. its best ofr arabic as for other stuff I heard its hard to get teachers especially for sisters. if your thinkg of going i can reccomend palces, but in general mahad al-fath and abi noor are good. going for ijazahs and stuff is also good if you find the right shuookhs there.

i don't know where your from but here in uk thers perhaps more oppurtuntiy to learn about islam caus thers always courses happening which you don't get in the same way in syria.

gotta go-got an essay to do i for tomorow.

salams

[Umar001]

Ahh okay, my dad could be mistaken.
But for example, if you are employed with just a high school degree, then that's all you have to show, right? If you don't even need a degree for the job, then you don't have to show anything.
So if the job you are applying for needs a university degree, then you have to show that. But if not, then you wouldn't need it..right?

Yea, I think that you are right, in the sense that both can be reconciled by saying that if you needa degree then you post all those qualifications and if you didnt need any for a job then you dont post anything.

But yea, thanks sister, if you can ask at school or anything that'd be a plus.

Any news?

[crayon]

I totally forgot about to reply to this, sorry.
I'm not sure exactly what do you want me to ask, whether you need a university degree, or whether you have to show a copy of what led you to get the job?
I doubt I will get much info, though, I think men would mostly likely know about this, and all my teachers are female.

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[Umar001]

How about your dad? And ask the female teachers and maybe they can ask their husbands?

[crayon]

I asked my dad whether you need a university degree, he said no, like I said before. I didn't ask if you need to show what qualifications got you the job. But which question would you like me to ask, the first or second, or both? I can try asking the teachers, yeah okay inshallah, just tell me what exactly the question is.

[Umar001]

Both lol. thanks.

[crayon]

Haha, okay inshallah. My dad's away for a while on business, but when he gets back I'll hopefully remember to ask him.

[Umar001]

You can ask your teachers in the meanwhile insha'Allah.

[arabianprincess]

hey
salam wa 3lykom

well as far as the visa goes... well its very hard.. to get em.. actually my father hes " yemeni" and he wanted to go there for hajj but they rufused beacuse he had a american citizen they actually told him to go and get him self a yemeni passport it might be easier n it was... i guess it easier for arabs that is . and as far as life goes over there.. well my cousins live there and they told me if you were living ur whole life in a western or probably any country.. it would be hard on him/her bacause they arent used to the life style n if they did get used to it... they willl hate it... when it comes to there rules/life style etc... /... salam

[crayon]

Salam bro,

I've remembered to ask, but I haven't had the chance. I have exams now, so we just do the exam at school and leave immediately, so it's difficult to get hold of teachers. There's also this huge graduation party, so if there are any teachers around they're busy with that. I'll keep trying, but I'm only going to be at school for a few more days, and I honestly don't think I'll manage to get some answers. Did you try sending an email to any of the addresses you found on that website asking your questions?

[Ayoub]

I'm Pakistani but I live in Saudi Arabia. What city do you plan to move to?

[Umar001]

Salam bro,

I've remembered to ask, but I haven't had the chance. I have exams now, so we just do the exam at school and leave immediately, so it's difficult to get hold of teachers. There's also this huge graduation party, so if there are any teachers around they're busy with that. I'll keep trying, but I'm only going to be at school for a few more days, and I honestly don't think I'll manage to get some answers. Did you try sending an email to any of the addresses you found on that website asking your questions?

Wa Alaykum Salam

What website? And No worries, don't stress.

I'm Pakistani but I live in Saudi Arabia. What city do you plan to move to?

Jeddah since I have some sort of people I know there.

[crayon]

Ahhh nvm, got a little mixed up.
I found this site that explains the whole visa process in a very simple way, here's what it says about residence visas: link

"Residence visas

If you are going to live and work in Saudi Arabia, there is a great deal of paperwork that your sponsor will have to complete on your behalf.

In addition to his work in the Kingdom, you will also have to show copies of your employment contract and academic or professional qualifications. You will also have to have a comprehensive medical examination for which the embassy provides the forms. An important part of the medical examination is a blood test showing that you are HIV negative.

Once you and your sponsor have completed the paperwork, which usually takes about six weeks, you will be informed of your visa number, which will entitle you to collect your visa. Once you have arrived in the Kingdom, your visa will be converted to a residence visa and in almost every case, you will at this point give your passport to your sponsor and be issued with an iqama, or residence permit, which you should carry with you at all times.

In the event of leaving the country on a holiday, your sponsor will obtain an exit/re-entry visa for you; upon returning your iqama to your sponsor, you will be given your passport which is only valid for travel outside the Kingdom if there is an exit/re-entry visa stamped in it.

If you are leaving the country and not returning, you will be issued an exit-only visa. "

[Umar001]

In addition to his work in the Kingdom, you will also have to show copies of your employment contract and academic or professional qualifications.

Insha'Allah seems clear that the qualifications are tied to the work, i.e. if work needs qualifications then you show them.

[manaal]

This thread is so long, i tried to read it entirely before posting this, but i lost patience.

Anyway, here is what I have to say:

- The best way to live in KSA is finding a job in one of the top companies E.g. Almarai, savola, NADEC, Panda
such companies give their employees many facilities over and above the monthly pay these may include, housing allowance, medical insurance, a vehicle for office and pvt use, return air tickets to fly to your home country once a year etc.,
- Medical allowance and air tickets are provided for the employee's wofe and 2 children as well.
- You can find a job by either directly applying (most of the top co's have websites) or by going to employment agency specialising in middle east jobs
- This way is easier because the company makes all the arrangements for obtaining the visa. you will have very little to do on than part.
- there are a few jobs avaialble for women. E.g. there are ladies' banks, schools. transport is usually provided for working women

[manaal]

I've heard from quite a few people now that the Arabs there can be racist toward non-Arabs.

I've also been told that when you start work in Saudi, as a foreigner, the employer takes your passport and keeps hold of it, for the duration of your employment.

Yes they do. But it is returned to you wheneve you need to leave the country, like for your annual vacation, or some emergency

But can you work there and keep working there as long as you get the sponsor from a company? And the host has to be arab, so any arab business can sponser you?? Am confused, so if I know someone with an arab business i can get sponsored and keep renewing it??

As long as you are working for the co that provided your visa, they will renew it for you when you renew your contract. If you want to chamge jobs, your company might transfer your visa to the new place. But some comapnies dont transfer visas. if that is the case you have to leave KSA for a certain period and return with another visa provided by your new employer.

Al Habeshi : Also do you each have individual iqamas like id cards or what?

crayon: No, the iqama is just one document. It's a residence and work permit, so the person working, ie. the father or husband, carries it.

In my case, each person in my family (my husband, myself and my 1 1/2 yr old son each have a seperate iqama which is like a id card with our photos on it.

[ayan333]

:sl:

im planing to go to a universityafter this year Insh ALLAH

do you think Americans will get acepted

il be crushed if i dnt get accpted..Insh ALLH Ill Pray to ALLAH (SWA) that i do

:w:

[manaal]

Yea check this:

· Copies of academic qualification certificates that have been used by you to obtain the employment, also authenticated by the Legalisation Office of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Thats why I thought that.

Copies of academic qualifications certificates are required to prove that you are of the profession mentioned in the Visa. For instance, my husband's visa was gave his profession as "marketing specialist" and he had to forward certified copies of his marketing diploma to prove this.

[ayan333]

:sl:


i so mad i didnt see this post earlier....im so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


ok im 17 n i finish high school nxt year Insh Allah

i live in atlanta ga here in the u.s..it pretty hothere until about
Asr time...how would it compare to Mekka?how hot is it there in degrees

i want to attend umma al-Qura Insh Allah(if thats how u spell it)

how hard is it for american to get it?

if i get accepted Insh ALLAH,do i get to live in a dorm? can women study Da'wah or is it only men?

im aware of the racism in ksa but how bad is it really?

what is the best thinga women can study over there for a overall better pay?

do i have to come with a Mahram or can i come by myself?
and also if i have family/friends that live there can i stay with them while in school.

what are the major pros and cons


plz answer my questions Insh ALLAH


:w:

[manaal]

^ Sis ayan333, you might find these links helpful insha Allah:
http://www.bakkah.net/studying/ummalquraa.htm

http://www.uqu.edu.sa/english/

Yes it is very hot here during the summer. right now its about 40 degrees during the day and about 35 degrees at night.

Best job for a woman in saudi is to be a teacher. Good pay and treatment. But make sure you go to a reputed school.

Everyone talks of racism in KSA. Let's not discuss this. There is racism everywhere, i wonder why peole think KSA should be any different.

As for the major pro and cons sister, that depends on each person. There are many blogs by poeple who are living/have lived in KSA. Take a little time and use google to find out whatever you need. this way you will have many differnt views.

[ayan333]

^ Sis ayan333, you might find these links helpful insha Allah:
http://www.bakkah.net/studying/ummalquraa.htm

http://www.uqu.edu.sa/english/

Yes it is very hot here during the summer. right now its about 40 degrees during the day and about 35 degrees at night.

Best job for a woman in saudi is to be a teacher. Good pay and treatment. But make sure you go to a reputed school.

Everyone talks of racism in KSA. Let's not discuss this. There is racism everywhere, i wonder why peole think KSA should be any different.

As for the major pro and cons sister, that depends on each person. There are many blogs by poeple who are living/have lived in KSA. Take a little time and use google to find out whatever you need. this way you will have many differnt views.

:sl:

thanks so much sis..reputed school as in..?
and what do yal measure your temperture in.The Kelvin scale...with celsius?
ya i figured english teacherbut im not a big fan of it myself..i wanted to go into Da'wah and Islamic studies

:w:

[manaal]

Temp measured in celcius sis.

What i mean by reputed school, is one that has good accreditation. There is an organization called CITA (Commission for int'l trans-regional accreditation) that conducts appraisals of schools. These schools are those that follow proper standards in education. It is always nicer to teach in a good school that take the job very seriously.

There are some schools in KSA that are run in a business like fashion, i.e. they are in the filed to make money and dont care much about education. in such schools students are taught the bare minimum and teachers dont have much work!

This btw is not the fault of the "saudis". The private international schools are all run by expatriates and are meant for expat students. Saudi Arabian children are not allowed to be educated in such schools.

Here is a list if CITA schools in KSA. There are only 30 listed her but its a good place to start.

A junior school teacher can ear a minimum of 2000 riyals per month and senior school teacher a min of 3000 per month.

[S_87]

^^ 2-3000? gosh that sucks... that is quite little. I read on another forum something along the lines that if they quote you around 6500, then negotiate till you get at least 8000sr per month :? (because even 6500 is not a good salary)

[Ayesha Rana]

i'd love to go and do Hajj, ive never been to Makkah or Madinah before

[manaal]

^^ 2-3000? gosh that sucks... that is quite little. I read on another forum something along the lines that if they quote you around 6500, then negotiate till you get at least 8000sr per month :? (because even 6500 is not a good salary)

I guess that's for men who have to support a family and get their iqama (work permit) from the school. But most female teachers are here either on their husband's or father's iqama. So their salaries are in addition to what their husband or father earns. Most schools prefer to employ such teahcers, otherside they will have to hike up the tuition. And i think salaries are higher in Riyadh than Jeddah and the reseidents of Riyadh are more affluent.

I think the American and British schools pay really well, but they dont employ a teacher unless they have some teaching credential (e.g. dip in edu). In the school i teach in, a teaching credential is not a must, but you have to have a bachelor's degree in your field.

[ayan333]

:sl:

oh,thank you sis,i do really appriciate it,how do you like being a teacher?i really would like to get into Dawah and Sunnah,do they teach that in tehir public schools or in private school?

:w:

[manaal]

I'm not sure of that sis. Maybe you should try the open university? But i dont know much about higher education here really.

I love being a teacher, specially because i teach older students and its easy to talk and discuss subject related issues with them. Wouldn't want to teach primary classes though! I cant deal with so many little kids at the same time.

[BlissfullyJaded]

:sl:

Female foreigners can apply to Umm al Qura and Imaam Muhammad Uni to study Shariah, Aqeedah, Dawah, and Quran and Hadith, provided a mahram will join them..

[ayan333]

:sl:

Female foreigners can apply to Umm al Qura and Imaam Muhammad Uni to study Shariah, Aqeedah, Dawah, and Quran and Hadith, provided a mahram will join them..

:sl:

thanks sis..but ive been searching my options,no mater what i want to attend collage somewhere in Saudi,but i really want to atted Umm al Qura,ive been on their website many times...but it soumds to good to be true...it states that they will give you round trip tickets every year to go home back.visa,allowence,here in america we pay for almost everything when it comes to books,classes,parking,and even scantrons that we take the tests on...so is it really like that or is there a catch,do they accept random plp or is it based on on you grades and so on?

i really dnt want to stay here so im really pushing to go to that school insh ALLAH

and also what would increase my chances of getting accpeted besides getting all the paper written in arabic,,i know someone who works at a university in Mecca do you think if he writes me a recomandation it would increases my chances of getting in?


thanks in advance


:w:

[BlissfullyJaded]

:sl:

There's no catch to them paying for everything and granting free education. There are a few students on here from Madeenah University, and they're even fortunate enough to go for Umrah every now and then mashaAllah. I'm not sure if Umrah applies to Imaam Muhammad universities as well, but I think it may. I believe they do have some requirements regarding grades, but they're pretty liberal. I've heard of brothers getting accepted to Madeenah University having had Bs and Cs on their transcripts. Umm al Qura is a lil more harder and their standards are a bit higher, so if your grades are mostly A's and B's you'd have a better chance. Make sure you fill out everything required from you for the application and send in every single thing. If one thing is missing, the application is tossed out. You also do need two recommendations, so definitely ask the brother in Makkah for one.

If you can actually go for Umrah and apply in person, that would be better and increases your chances of getting in inshaAllah. And you'll get to take a tour of the university as well and ask them all your questions. The latest you can apply for the 2009-2010 year is this coming Hajj, and the acceptance letter is sent around May or June. Any application after Hajj is considered for the next year, 2010-2011.

Ultimately, being accepted there is the will of Allah. So make lots of sincere dua, especially since it is such a huge honor to study in a university in His beloved city. May Allah grant you admitance to Umm al Qura, and may He make your knowledge a source of benefit to the ummah, and may He let you be amonst those who are blessed to stay in Makkah and treat it with the respect it deserves. Ameen. <3

And all that I have said is what I have heard, and if anybody see's an error please correct me. Jazakallah khair.

[malayloveislam]

:sl:

I have been to Holy land Mecca and I like it there because it is the land where Prophet Muhammad S.A.W was borned and there is Kaaba and Masjidilharam. South Asian there too are as racist as Saudian. I nearly had a fight with a Pakistani and an Arab I guess from Syria because of his fair skin. But at that time I am in Ihram, I have to be patient even if they kill me.

But my sister who worked in King Faisal Hospital in Riyadh said that Arabs there behave like barbarians rather than acting like Muslims. She hates them because they treat Muslims from other countries like lower class people. We in SEA are polite people especially those from Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand. Our culture too blended well with Islam and we receive Islam as old as 8th C. So, we can see many Saudian behaviour that contradict Islamic moral teachings in fact that we agree Syariah law should be and a must be imposed in a country with majority Muslim inhabitants.

[ayan333]

:sl:

:sl:

There's no catch to them paying for everything and granting free education. There are a few students on here from Madeenah University, and they're even fortunate enough to go for Umrah every now and then mashaAllah. I'm not sure if Umrah applies to Imaam Muhammad universities as well, but I think it may. I believe they do have some requirements regarding grades, but they're pretty liberal. I've heard of brothers getting accepted to Madeenah University having had Bs and Cs on their transcripts. Umm al Qura is a lil more harder and their standards are a bit higher, so if your grades are mostly A's and B's you'd have a better chance. Make sure you fill out everything required from you for the application and send in every single thing. If one thing is missing, the application is tossed out. You also do need two recommendations, so definitely ask the brother in Makkah for one.

If you can actually go for Umrah and apply in person, that would be better and increases your chances of getting in inshaAllah. And you'll get to take a tour of the university as well and ask them all your questions. The latest you can apply for the 2009-2010 year is this coming Hajj, and the acceptance letter is sent around May or June. Any application after Hajj is considered for the next year, 2010-2011.

Ultimately, being accepted there is the will of Allah. So make lots of sincere dua, especially since it is such a huge honor to study in a university in His beloved city. May Allah grant you admitance to Umm al Qura, and may He make your knowledge a source of benefit to the ummah, and may He let you be amonst those who are blessed to stay in Makkah and treat it with the respect it deserves. Ameen. <3

And all that I have said is what I have heard, and if anybody see's an error please correct me. Jazakallah khair.

:sl:

Thanks so much!!!!!

Ameen to the Duas....Insh ALLAH ill be making alot more Duas soon,especially in Ramadan Insh ALLAH

i cant believe i have to turn in my trascript so early,i know its all the way in Mecca but dang school is just starting for in 2 weeks in sh ALLAH...my grades havnt been all to great because ive taken Advanced Placement classes ,its basically ofr collag credit,its iso hard,if i new i would be so intrested in going over seas i would have taken regular classes and gotten a A's..but thats not how it went lol

ive had c's,plenty actually but my average is still a B so would that make a difference or do they look at each class speartly

there is no way ill be able to come to Umrah.it would be a dream come true though


oh n do they look at the Advance classes ive took or is it all the same to them

does the recomandaions have to be from a well known person,if so i have the best person,my qu'ran teacher,i want to be jus like her lol,its funny because she has a Phd in eveything,she doesnt consider her self scholar like although shes been studing for over 20 something years..hoepfully their recomandations will seriously help

i really wish i would have known earlier i would have had everything ready,but thats not how it was written,Alhamdulilah,im glad i found out before deadlines.


do i have to apply before Hajj or is it after?

you seam to know alot about this,did you go to these collages or do you live there?

thanks to all those helped!!!

im so excited!!!!

:w:

[ayan333]

:sl:

I have been to Holy land Mecca and I like it there because it is the land where Prophet Muhammad S.A.W was borned and there is Kaaba and Masjidilharam. South Asian there too are as racist as Saudian. I nearly had a fight with a Pakistani and an Arab I guess from Syria because of his fair skin. But at that time I am in Ihram, I have to be patient even if they kill me.

But my sister who worked in King Faisal Hospital in Riyadh said that Arabs there behave like barbarians rather than acting like Muslims. She hates them because they treat Muslims from other countries like lower class people. We in SEA are polite people especially those from Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand. Our culture too blended well with Islam and we receive Islam as old as 8th C. So, we can see many Saudian behaviour that contradict Islamic moral teachings in fact that we agree Syariah law should be and a must be imposed in a country with majority Muslim inhabitants.

ive been mistaken as an Arab but im not....how bad is it there wth the racism
...either way dnt really care how im treated if im blesses to live in the Holiest city in the world,i could careless

anyway you blessed..i could only dream aout living in such a place


so hows an average day like..how far from Masjid Al-Haraam can u still hear the Atham..i would love that so much


:w:

[BlissfullyJaded]

:sl:

Wait...have you graduated high school yet? You have to have graduated high school first before applying there, so if you haven't then apply next summer or so inshaAllah. A "B" average is pretty good mashaAllah, and I'm sure they'd take the AP classes into consideration inshaAllah.

The recommendations gotta be from any imaams or person you know who is qualified. Pretty sure your teacher would be a good recommendation.

You have to apply before Hajj I thinkkk. As far as I remember, they close right after Hajj.

Have you checked out all the requirements of stuff you need to send in with the application? If not, I'd be happy to look for it and post it. :D

Make dua you get to go for Umrah... Whenever you apply to a university, even in America, when you actually get to talk to people in the university, the chances of your being accepted when they review all the applications becomes higher... May Allah make it possible for you. Ameeeen.

Nah, never studied there or lived there, inshaAllah some day though. I know people who got accepted there / wanted to go there so ended up finding out some stuff.

Racism is all over the world. It's not unique to Saudi Arabia, even though it is tragic that it happens there. However, I will say, I do of people living in Riyadh who are treated well mashaAllah. So...not all Saudis are the same. And by judging them all to be the same, we are also bein racist. No offense intended.

[malayloveislam]

ive been mistaken as an Arab but im not....how bad is it there wth the racism
...either way dnt really care how im treated if im blesses to live in the Holiest city in the world,i could careless

anyway you blessed..i could only dream aout living in such a place


so hows an average day like..how far from Masjid Al-Haraam can u still hear the Atham..i would love that so much


:w:

Yes sister, we should not take our race as barrier to expand our brotherhood in Islam. Prophet Muhammad S.A.W never taught us so and Allah S.W.T too forbid us to practice racism.

I am only in Mecca for pilgrimage and I live in a Muassasah. It was not so far from Masjidilharam, I use to walk for prayers in Masjidilharam.

The temperature there at the time I was performing pilgrimage is around 16 degree celcius to 20 degree celcius because it is cold season. It is dry, sandy and our nose bleeding but it doesn't affect our health don't worry. Drink a lot amount of water helps.

My sister told me the temperature around June-August is about 50 degree celcius. Make sure you drink a lot of water and if possible don't forget to take bath frequently when you live in Saudi during hot season, I think water is so valuable in a country like Saudi. We Malaysians always taking bath or shower 4-5 times per day in our country if the temperature is high, it is just a habit.

In Medinah I live in a hotel and it is just in front of Masjid Nabawi. I have been in Saudi for almost a month and I almost grab local Arabic slang. It is good for you to live there if you want to improve your Arabic rather than taking class in places where there is nobody to talk with in Arabic. I learned Arabic formally for almost 6 years in my country and yet it doesn't help much except I can understand few passages from Al-Quran and understand standard Arabic spoken in Saudi television.

I am also thinking to further my study in Islamic field in Saudi as my sister is currently working in Riyadh. But now she refuse to renew her contract with the hospital she is working in because she feels treated badly. Eventhough the pay for her job is quite good even higher than the same job in our country, she still refuse to renew her contract and willing to come back to Malaysia. I hope that she will not regret that she had miss the opportunity of performing Hajj and Umrah.

Last time she encountered bad experience with a Saudi guard at the hospital while she is seeking help from the guard because her house which is near the hospital had been entered by someone, but the guard is trying to spoil her dignity even when she is wearing Hijab.
Alhamdulillah Allah the Most Merciful had saved her when her friend arrive home at that time.

She said it is not a place for her as a woman without Mahram even my family persuaded her to live there a bit longer because we can have accomodation if we perform Hajj or Umrah or if anyone in my family want to further Islamic study. She said the law is unfair where women will be accused as guilty even it is actually mens fault, in the case they can't hold their bad desires and bad thinking.

I think it is not a part of Syariah law as Syariah is flawless, that narrow judgement is a part of Saudi Arabians customs.

I would like to advice you to bring together your Mahram who would be your brother or sister if you are going to study there in Saudi someday. And do not talk with strangers especially men, because their way of thinking is weird unlike people from other places. I myself avoiding talking to female during Hajj because I am afraid being misunderstood. And wearing Hijab particularly black in color all the time when you are outside your house there.

Yes, Mecca and Madinah are blessed cities. But we must be strictly careful even if the cities are blessed, Syaithan are everywhere. Those are experiences that we encountered in Saudi, they are by no mean to give bad impression about the country, just sharing some precautions because we have different cultures and way of thinking although we are all the same Muslims.

May Allah protect you sister and also pray for your success in your study, Insyaallah you will get the place in the education institution there as your intention is very good, Amin!

[ayan333]

:sl:

Wait...have you graduated high school yet? You have to have graduated high school first before applying there, so if you haven't then apply next summer or so inshaAllah. A "B" average is pretty good mashaAllah, and I'm sure they'd take the AP classes into consideration inshaAllah.

The recommendations gotta be from any imaams or person you know who is qualified. Pretty sure your teacher would be a good recommendation.

You have to apply before Hajj I thinkkk. As far as I remember, they close right after Hajj.

Have you checked out all the requirements of stuff you need to send in with the application? If not, I'd be happy to look for it and post it. :D

Make dua you get to go for Umrah... Whenever you apply to a university, even in America, when you actually get to talk to people in the university, the chances of your being accepted when they review all the applications becomes higher... May Allah make it possible for you. Ameeeen.

Nah, never studied there or lived there, inshaAllah some day though. I know people who got accepted there / wanted to go there so ended up finding out some stuff.

Racism is all over the world. It's not unique to Saudi Arabia, even though it is tragic that it happens there. However, I will say, I do of people living in Riyadh who are treated well mashaAllah. So...not all Saudis are the same. And by judging them all to be the same, we are also bein racist. No offense intended.

:sl:

wow! here in america we apply before we graduate ,basically u rlast year inhih school,so if we get accepted we wouldnt have to waste anytime and we would start school the very next year,thats weird..i guess there school schedule is different,what is the typical school year dates,like when do they began and end.

im realy bumed out,if i do apply then it would have to be after i graduate and you dnt get aaccepted until may or june of the folowing year,correct?

thatll mean that if i must stat classes here in the u.s for one year becasue there is no way my Father would let me take the year off since it isnt garunteed ill get accpeted

on the other hand...that'll give me a chance bring uo my averages and grades in general which is good

and yes sister please send me wat ever it is that you have that woul d help me in anyway


thank you so much for all the info!!!!!!


:w:

[ayan333]

Yes sister, we should not take our race as barrier to expand our brotherhood in Islam. Prophet Muhammad S.A.W never taught us so and Allah S.W.T too forbid us to practice racism.

I am only in Mecca for pilgrimage and I live in a Muassasah. It was not so far from Masjidilharam, I use to walk for prayers in Masjidilharam.

The temperature there at the time I was performing pilgrimage is around 16 degree celcius to 20 degree celcius because it is cold season. It is dry, sandy and our nose bleeding but it doesn't affect our health don't worry. Drink a lot amount of water helps.

My sister told me the temperature around June-August is about 50 degree celcius. Make sure you drink a lot of water and if possible don't forget to take bath frequently when you live in Saudi during hot season, I think water is so valuable in a country like Saudi. We Malaysians always taking bath or shower 4-5 times per day in our country if the temperature is high, it is just a habit.

In Medinah I live in a hotel and it is just in front of Masjid Nabawi. I have been in Saudi for almost a month and I almost grab local Arabic slang. It is good for you to live there if you want to improve your Arabic rather than taking class in places where there is nobody to talk with in Arabic. I learned Arabic formally for almost 6 years in my country and yet it doesn't help much except I can understand few passages from Al-Quran and understand standard Arabic spoken in Saudi television.

I am also thinking to further my study in Islamic field in Saudi as my sister is currently working in Riyadh. But now she refuse to renew her contract with the hospital she is working in because she feels treated badly. Eventhough the pay for her job is quite good even higher than the same job in our country, she still refuse to renew her contract and willing to come back to Malaysia. I hope that she will not regret that she had miss the opportunity of performing Hajj and Umrah.

Last time she encountered bad experience with a Saudi guard at the hospital while she is seeking help from the guard because her house which is near the hospital had been entered by someone, but the guard is trying to spoil her dignity even when she is wearing Hijab.
Alhamdulillah Allah the Most Merciful had saved her when her friend arrive home at that time.

She said it is not a place for her as a woman without Mahram even my family persuaded her to live there a bit longer because we can have accomodation if we perform Hajj or Umrah or if anyone in my family want to further Islamic study. She said the law is unfair where women will be accused as guilty even it is actually mens fault, in the case they can't hold their bad desires and bad thinking.

I think it is not a part of Syariah law as Syariah is flawless, that narrow judgement is a part of Saudi Arabians customs.

I would like to advice you to bring together your Mahram who would be your brother or sister if you are going to study there in Saudi someday. And do not talk with strangers especially men, because their way of thinking is weird unlike people from other places. I myself avoiding talking to female during Hajj because I am afraid being misunderstood. And wearing Hijab particularly black in color all the time when you are outside your house there.

Yes, Mecca and Madinah are blessed cities. But we must be strictly careful even if the cities are blessed, Syaithan are everywhere. Those are experiences that we encountered in Saudi, they are by no mean to give bad impression about the country, just sharing some precautions because we have different cultures and way of thinking although we are all the same Muslims.

May Allah protect you sister and also pray for your success in your study, Insyaallah you will get the place in the education institution there as your intention is very good, Amin!

:sl:

thanks so much for the highlights,i would love to her some of your experiences

im seriously thinking about going for Umrah...its just a dream but im the kinda person who dreams big!!!

when is teh best month to go do you thing

i would like to go in the winter but school is always in the way.

Your so blesses,i would love to live in either places


Alhadmdulilah ALLAH (SWA) has blessed as all



shuran
:w:

[Abu Ibraheem]

Salamun alaykum

How much would it be to live in Riyaadh? Where can i find the best houses for sale, etc?
I am looking to move to Arabia in these next five years insha'Allah any suggestions?

[Cabdullahi]

I am alright with any place where there are muslims and i can buy shawarma sandwich with pickled vegetables woooho :) :)

[S_87]

Salamun alaykum

How much would it be to live in Riyaadh? Where can i find the best houses for sale, etc?
I am looking to move to Arabia in these next five years insha'Allah any suggestions?

can none saudis even buy houses?

[malayloveislam]

:sl:

thanks so much for the highlights,i would love to her some of your experiences

im seriously thinking about going for Umrah...its just a dream but im the kinda person who dreams big!!!

when is teh best month to go do you thing

i would like to go in the winter but school is always in the way.

Your so blesses,i would love to live in either places


Alhadmdulilah ALLAH (SWA) has blessed as all



shuran
:w:

Of course it is good to perform Umrah in Ramadhan. The experience would be superb. You can perform Umrah in Muharram too I think. There aren't many people circumambulating Kaaba in Masjidilharam during Muharram, but I strongly recommend you to perform Umrah in Ramadhan :D

Insyaallah your dream will come true, it is a very good dream indeed :statisfie

[manaal]

Originally Posted by Abu Ibraheem

Salamun alaykum

How much would it be to live in Riyaadh? Where can i find the best houses for sale, etc?
I am looking to move to Arabia in these next five years insha'Allah any suggestions?

Don't know about Riyadh. I live in Jeddah. But i hear that rent is higher in Riyadh than Jeddah.

can none saudis even buy houses?

This may sound strange to you, but no sis, non saudis cannot buy houses or own any kind of property. This btw, is true in Most middle eastern countries. I don't why it is so. I think maybe because there are so many foreigners living here that if they are allowed to won propert, there'll be non left for the citizens!

Most expats live in apartments and the highly paid ones live in villas in special compounds

[ayan333]

Of course it is good to perform Umrah in Ramadhan. The experience would be superb. You can perform Umrah in Muharram too I think. There aren't many people circumambulating Kaaba in Masjidilharam during Muharram, but I strongly recommend you to perform Umrah in Ramadhan :D

Insyaallah your dream will come true, it is a very good dream indeed :statisfie

:sl:
when is the weather better,of course wi woud love to go to the Holiest place in Holiest month,Alhamdulilah,that would be dreaming Big...

see,its not that easy for me to jus get up and leave,my Father is strictly educational and dnt antto dissppoint him so itll be hard leaving while school is going on..Alhamdulilah now that i think about it,its kinda good though,Ramamdan is moving up the calender and next year it might be during our summer vacation so it might work InshALLAH

so,yes,when is it cooliest there,as in climate and all..im nota big fan of the heat,although ill have to get over it if i do Insh ALLAH get accepted.

and you need a Mahram to come wih you right,even if its jus for Umrah...and how old does this Mahram have to be.

:w:

[manaal]

^ I am told that the weather will cool down by the end of august.

Mahram for Umra is one of these: father, husband (won't apply to you right now :)), brother (who has reached puberty), grandfather, Uncle (mother's bro or father's bro)

[S_87]

:sl:

jawharah if you have the documents required for uqu for females can u please post them here.
thankss

[ayan333]

:sl:

jawharah if you have the documents required for uqu for females can u please post them here.
thankss

:sl:
thank sis! ive been on the schools official website and any othe rwebsite that contains information about the school but i havnt realy got straight foward answers thanks to all who've respnded to my posts,evrything little thing has helped.May ALLAH (SWA) guide you all and grant you success in this life and in the hereafter,Insh ALLAH..Ameen

^ I am told that the weather will cool down by the end of august.

Mahram for Umra is one of these: father, husband (won't apply to you right now ), brother (who has reached puberty), grandfather, Uncle (mother's bro or father's bro)

Really? Alahdulilah,thats great,I no i wont be able to go nex tyear,but Insh ALLAH next year if i work hard enough.I was worried about the mahram part,if i was to go along with my aunt would we need two mahrams or is one fine,he'll only be 16,although MashALLAH he could fall for older?

and i was told that applications would have to be turned in after Hajj,will i be able to apply and turn it in if i was to go for Umrah in august?If so when are the exact deadlines?

[yunusa]

Asalamu alaykum.

Iam a nigerian and reali wish to relocate to saudi-but madina to be precise.any advise on how to achieve that pls....................

[Scimitar]

lol bro you dreaming.

Scimi