Living Inside an Expat Compound in Saudi Arabia

Hi everyone! I have been meaning to make a little video showing what our home inside an expat compound here in Saudi Arabia is like. After two months here already, I finally got around to it! I'll give you a bit of a tour of our villa, show you how the kids and I get around inside the compound, and take you through a bit of the compound as well.
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Music by:
Artist: Nicolai Heidlas
Title: Hawaiian Winter
Artist: www.bensound.com
Title: Sunny

[@missperson]

It looks so peaceful and calm

[@healthyscents]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Your babies are so adorable. My sister moved there few months ago, she says there's something depressing about it, she can't wait to leave.

[@racerk99]

I liced there twice! My favorite mission ever!!

[@wernererikatheron3252]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@ramonantonio81]

Thanks for sharing, your video is self explanatory. Please share much more, if possible

[@brandonc5965]

Nice villa

[@milletrandolph3168]

I used to lived there, its a good place to raise kids.

[@weihoi7912]

This is Salwa Garden Village Compound: the BAE Systems compound in northeastern Riyadh; near the airport.

[@marsamuk]

Hi. Do you live here?

[@NadiAngeL137]

Is this compound anywhere near the old Dywidag compound located at 24°48'39"N 46°51'58"E? I used to live there and am trying to figure out how to revisit the site.

[@Martha-rs6yb]

What arrangement did you make for education for the children

[@pragmatist3899]

Which compound is this.my brother lives in Aramco compound dhahran

[@user-cs3cz5ms8p]

whats the name of the compound? and whats the price?

[@mikeymike1001]

Some compounds are better than others depends on the company you work for, but the all have bars, which is good!! Its like a peace of normality inside the compound where the women can wear what they want. Its only when you leave the compound you see what its really like!!

[@rayyannawwab1399]

trust me its only normal for you guys we just keep you entertained in a large space of land where we can enjoy our NORMAL life in peace with out the wests influence to our children

[@mikeymike1001]

@@rayyannawwab1399 So you think keeping women covered up in public and praying 5 times a day where everything stops is normal??

[@rayyannawwab1399]

@@mikeymike1001 okay first of all we dont keep them covered up they do it of free will 2nd of all yes it seems normal a country were a guy can see a bunch of naked women in a club with a bunch of people also being ther at the age of 18 or any age seem normal?

[@mikeymike1001]

@@rayyannawwab1399 The women keep themselves covered of their own free will?? You have to be joking, if they are not coverd in public, they can be arrested. The 3 years i spent in KSA I actaullt saw this happen. Look what is happening in Iran another Muslim country. There are protestts all over because the religious police killed a young woman over the fact she was not waering a hijab.

[@rehanpatel9797]

@@mikeymike1001 at least it's a country where I don't need to get worried about my house getting robbed or getting robbed on the street for my smart phone.

[@solidyaboytattoo6160]

Is this in exit 28??

[@ThuyLe-rj7ig]

Hay quá

[@azrazaheer6287]

Which compound is this?

[@a.w2776]

where in saudi is this?

[@reemabdullah9877]

Hey! Gorgeous video

[@mimidomenyo13]

I know know from the compound i work in but i left there 2 weeks ago

[@anaragalaxy5112]

hi, that's looks a nice compound, we are also moving soon to SA, i will very appreciate if you u can tell more details about compound, such as name or exact location. Thanks

[@mimidomenyo13]

Hello mom please are in Saudi now, am Nanny and cleaner looking for job from European family i only work with European family in a compound house and it was nice experience for me 🤗😘

[@dyannarosepretty3321]

Is this in riyadh ? British company?

[@Muhammad-oy4xj]

May i know wt is rent

[@evgeniyap.554]

How much do you pay for accomodation? Or Saudi Aramco pay for your housing? What type of accomodation do they offer? I mean apartments or villas? Are you still there?

[@priyankagaikwad9242]

Plz give idea about rent also

[@mimidomenyo13]

It's very expensive but nice place

[@umartimtooni1339]

I love Saudi Arabia...

[@Solitiam]

Privileged

[@HS-dh1zq]

Are animals allowed?

[@mimidomenyo13]

Yeah from the compound i work in, dogs and cat are allowed but it's expensive compound

[@munkypunkymartin4256]

Beautiful compound. My husband lives in Riyadh, but his company forced him to find accommodation of his own, in an apartment building. I lived in Jeddah, on Sharbatly compound for 6 years, then on Saudi City compound for 3 years until I moved into an apartment off compound. I wish more people could watch your video so that they can see that life in KSA isn't as twisted as the international media portrays it.

[@nassims8022]

I lived in sharbatly alors...awful place full pf coacrach and mouse ...it was impossible to Live their like this

[@VladimirDolgih]

@@nassims8022 What place would you recommend to live in Jeddah?

[@muhammadhuzairy621]

i can sense peace in there which make me feel so calm to watch you video tour,also nice background music.. i hope you will enjoy your day staying here in saudi..

[@loklife5316]

Muhammad huzairy thank you so much for your kind words!

[@hajamaryamabah1497]

Thank you so much for the tour, it’s almost what I have been waiting for to finally make up my mind about moving there. Great video and love your family ❤️

[@loklife5316]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed the video! Really appreciate it :)

[@wonderland1985]

Did you move here?

[@faisalal893]

Welcome to SA 💚,, I hope you enjoy your stay in the kingdom

[@loklife5316]

thank you!

[@margaretbolton1323]

Hi Lok I was interested to see your video .I lived and worked in Jeddah for 5 years as a nurse in the King Khalid National guard hospital when it was new .We started off in Medical city and then moved to a compound called Sharbatly when I got married .My husband worked with Arabian Homes .I enjoyed my time in Jeddah and I hope you will .We now live in Australia .....big change .Anyway Good Luck with you life

[@Abdullah-eg9gy]

Welcome🇸🇦💙

[@halimahamed7362]

Thank you so much for the vid! It’s exactly what I was looking for. I am Canadian too, currently living in MTL. I’m moving there soon, so yeah thanks again...

[@loklife5316]

Halima Hamed have a safe journey and good luck with your move over here! 🤗 🇨🇦🇸🇦

[@MrObrien01]

That’s a beautiful place 😀

[@pastelseba2168]

Nice tour, more like a British house like, I love it!

[@loklife5316]

thanks!

[@pastelseba2168]

@@loklife5316 yw!

[@teetee7783]

Welcome to our beautiful country 🇸🇦❤️I hope you enjoy your stay ❤️

[@loklife5316]

thank you!

[@AhlDhean]

Wow.. i enjoyed your video. and now we are friends here . i supported your vlog. keep it up! 😎

[@loklife5316]

Thank you so much for your support and kind words! :)

[@wandajackson5689]

You sound upbeat but your expressions don’t look the same!

[@maiaa1010]

You should go to bustan compound it’s so nice

[@burnburn143]

hello .. im from riyadh ..

[@siyabeanland9777]

For a moment there I thought this was my compound in Sara Village 😀 I guess they are identical 😉

[@aag7274]

Welcome to Saudi Arabia As far as I know foreigners love the sun so don't worry the sun always up there

[@muhammadkhalequzzaman2953]

Yes I like the sun everyday to boost myself to do more work. Planning to move in KSA inshallah.

[@marilyngrace7886]

Lok life thats an awesome vid, we may move here too ,,, seems a nice and safe place and not what the media shows really😅wish you and ur family the best .

[@loklife5316]

Thank you so much! And I wish you all the best if you decide to move here too! :)

[@abdulkarimsaleh]

what media shows you boi don't believe

[@johndoe-io8fh]

the wall? to keep people in or people out...or both?

[@katiempojer]

I have always wondered what this was like.

[@gamerworld6912]

Where is your compound dear??as we are also here in Riyadh and never see houses like this

[@danayousef8378]

Yall should visit jeddah ❤️

[@loklife5316]

Hopefully sometime this year!

[@berryvlue]

Villa in compound and houses outside are the same. Compound has open garden only, pool, and gym. No abaya to be put on coz it's a private if you go outside in their jurisdiction but of course out of compound, you have to wear abaya. That's the difference. Flats outside nice to live in too. Cheaper but no garden ,pool, or gym. But almost the same rate in living. Happiness is just with family roaming around, shopping, eating, some place to visits.

[@nafizahnawawi6981]

Totally agree. The family and friends are the one that make us happy. I lived in the compound fm 2007-june 2018. Then moved to the villa until now. I like living in the villa too.

[@princemontanaa9704]

What is an expat compound? Did you have a job in the United States that allowed you to travel for work? Is that what it is....?

[@SallieAndes]

Al nakhla compound

[@nerissanwanchan7101]

Anyone interested can also check out Emaar gate jeddah. It has very luxurious views, nice buildings of at least 21floors each, barbecue area, swimming pool for both men, women and kids, gym and a big hall for events for the residents. Check it out @emaar square jeddah gate. U can Google it and see for yourself. I have been, I have worked there.

[@muhammadkhalequzzaman2953]

Anyone can rent there? How much is the rent for 2/3 bedroom villa? thanks Nerissa

[@Errorbro57309]

Weve been here in KSA for 7yrs and r everyday life is so boring coz were just always inside the house we cannot go outside without the husband.im happy 4 u and for u kiddos.they were able to go and play and feel the sun and fresh air.we only go out during frday and strday wen my husband is off from hs work.u r so lucky livin in dat villa.

[@ghadah0011ify]

Xei Xei mmmm I am Saudi women and I can go out alone, why you can't go out ?

[@loklife5316]

I'm sorry to hear that you are always stuck inside the home. I hope that you find a way to enjoy more time outside!

[@berryvlue]

I'm also expat living outside compound but I can go out and enjoy outside

[@abdulkarimsaleh]

ahahha such liar there is no rule in saudi arabia says no go out without husband

[@frrfora]

Will you can go out any where you want as you like no one will talk to you and said why you go out ,it’s totally fine❤️

[@CaptchaNeon]

I’m confused, when I think of compound I think of a restricted lifestyle. How did you end up in Saudi Arabia and in a compound to begin with?

[@loklife5316]

My husband got a job here in Riyadh

[@aparnatejasweta9445]

Can you suggest a good compound,We are about to move to Riyadh and I pretty much liked yours. And the video btw was very very nice and informative. Thanks in Advance.. 😀

[@loklife5316]

Aparna Tejasweta I’ve only been inside our compound and one other so unfortunately I’m not too knowledgeable on all the different ones here! There seem to be quite a few to choose from though so I am sure you will find something that suits you 🤗

[@jessicat1013]

You can preview many compounds online and find out what amenities they have. The compounds are usually owned by a company that employs the people who live at the compound.

[@TheIgorotWanderer]

i didnt know they have a place like that.. wow.. i worked here in SAudi arabia more than 2 years already and the only thing i can see are these 4 walls surrounding me everyday.. uggg

[@TheIgorotWanderer]

ur villa is pretty awesome.. wish i can visit and run around enjoying those beautiful trees hehe

[@loklife5316]

I think all the compounds must be quite different but yes I think we live in quite a nice one 🤗

[@alecmicah]

kham_ville that’s called privacy.. uggg

[@JrorareMumTravel]

Depends what kind of position (managerial) youve worked, sometimes the company provided Villas for families or housing allowances.. Of course Villas are exp.

[@mubinahaseeb4014]

Wheres ur compund in riyadh ..m also from riyadh and i have never ever seen such place ..so can u guide me the exact location

[@laithsmum3477]

Hey love the video. I am considering moving to Saudi for a job opportunity and would love to connect with you further.

[@jimenacane43]

Hi, Thanks for the video. Which is your compound​?

[@loklife5316]

JimeK thanks for watching! Sorry but we don’t want to post on the internet exactly which compound we live in. I’m sure you understand 🙂

[@francesc9043]

These are company owned? My bf lives and works in Riyadh. Just transferred from Jeddah

[@berryvlue]

Nope, it's a private business owners. Companies, if they hire employees that met a higher salaries, and demands, they will provide housing for them and be place in compounds like this. Payment depends on their contract. Either company provide for them good housing by their own pocket or half payment for both sides. Mostly my friends who live in a compound like this half payment from their company ,half for them. Mostly case, company will not pay full house payment. A businessman can also rent there and pay. Open for all as long as you have money.

[@muhammadkhalequzzaman2953]

@@berryvlue So most of the compound residential areas are an open rental policy for anyone from any employer.

[@daliaeldeeb9164]

What’s the name of your compound?

[@loklife5316]

We would prefer to not put on the internet exactly where we live. I'm sure you understand! :)

[@daliaeldeeb9164]

I understand that but i was looking for a good compound to change mine

[@amalalshehri1330]

Wilcom to KSA l am so happy to see your beautiful life in my country 💞🕊 if you need any help i am here 💞🌨

[@loklife5316]

thank you so much!

[@abody6341]

What is your compaund name?

[@loklife5316]

We would prefer not to put on the internet exactly where we live. Im sure you understand!

[@abody6341]

@@loklife5316 I understand good pluse you ❤️

[@mariamkinen8036]

Nope...? Thanks

[@leanderinosanto7846]

I bet you live in an American compound in Riyadh.

[@Aseel_4139]

No champ, it is in Al-Dharan city

[@dwihidayati7756]

Hi I am yr new Subscriber? Where do you come from? You looks like Balinese girl 🙂

[@loklife5316]

thank you for subscribing! We are from Canada and I am Chinese-Canadian :)

[@user-yk6wl8di2n]

ليت مترجم الفديو للعربي 😕💔

[@noraal.q1407]

يب

[@Nobody-qs3fu]

ليش ما تتعلمي انجليزي؟ ترى مو صعب

[@patricialynnmoore]

Can uyou translate to English please. Thank you.

[@bbuster5667]

I’m thinking about going there to visit as a tourist but can a non Muslim female just go to visit? Or do you need a man

[@missshouq8443]

I think you can do that. Things changed a lot lately in Saudi Arabia, but I think it’s better to go with a friend at least.

[@hayaazez1176]

T C Of course you can come "Yahla feek " .. Abuot non Muslim absolutely thay can visit the kingdom or even live here except Mecca and Medina .. If you went more information text me in Email: [e-mail] .. I appreciate .

[@loklife5316]

Unfortunately I am not sure about the answer to that. I would recommend you contact a visa agency in your country and they can let you know about the criteria for obtaining a tourist visa!

[@bbuster5667]

Miss Shouq and I’m probably be the only blonde with green eyes there lol

[@patricialynnmoore]

Why do you live in a compound? Does your husband work there?

[@Oofi-qq6fb]

ليش كل الكومنتات عرب 😂😂😂

[@wllm4785]

I like how you have a big bicycle because woman aren't allowed to drive cars, which is a really good idea.

[@ifoundmyavalon]

Paul Bunyan actually we are allowed now. Just got my license!

[@user-lx4nd5wi1y]

I thought there are strict laws that are against women's rights. Like if a woman is raped she could go to jail for premarital sex. Aren't SA laws oppressive against women?

[@user-ss3by9kb4c]

you only adiat

[@donovan8747]

like a ghost town

[@rabiatayeb1846]

I hope you read the Koran. Think about it

[@bbuster5667]

senusi robin there is Chop chop square where once a week they do public beheadings

[@myfriendtruth9177]

@senusi robin....I hope you read the Bible. Pray about it

[@abdulkarimsaleh]

@MyFriend Truth bible leading to quran for the people that actually understand what bible tries to explain because in old non-fabricated bible it says there will be a messenger that names mohammed will be after me in it being deleted after in the new bible versions because monks don't want christians know this

[@bbuster5667]

Where did you get that rumour?عبدالكريم الصالح it says last chapter of bible b careful here’s a false prophet coming.

[@bbuster5667]

And there’s no true Koran as it as destroyed

[@oliveb6318]

This is American compound, trust me, in other compounds you will have to cover up head to toe. I don't think I would be able to live wearing all of that.

[@ifoundmyavalon]

Furrukh Rao you’re right

[@nafizahnawawi6981]

I live in Riyadh for 11 years and has been living in the compound since the first day we moved there until 2018. No, you don't need to wear veil in all the compounds.

[@sherie7528]

In some compounds you cannot enter if you have abya on

[@greenhomestead9895]

I went to school with a saudi girl and she did not cover in saudia because her dad lived in the compound and was very rich. She said they had full freedom in there. She was a native saudi woman and very liberal.

[@anetad.7983]

Isnt it stupid? You are supposed to move freely around the whole country. My husband would never take a job in such s××it hole where women have no rights!

[@darkplataform]

Sit down mam