Pretty Compound Pool Area in Jeddah

There are many compounds in Jeddah where expats workers are housed. Many of them have a resort feel to them. This is a pool area inside one of Jeddah's compounds.  

Our World: Leisure Life on the Red Sea

Usually by April in Jeddah, the sweltering oppressive heat has already taken hold, but this year the weather has been surprisingly pleasant.  I'm happy any time I am outside and not sweating!

It's nice seeing so many Jeddawis enjoying the pleasant weather too.  Personally I especially like seeing the young girls letting their hair blow in the breeze and doing things like bike riding or rollerblading that I used to pretty much only see boys doing here in public. Times have changed here in Saudi Arabia.

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Jeddah's Cool Waterfront

This is a newer pier overlooking the Red Sea Coastline of Jeddah.  Since the new waterfront opened up just over a year ago, the Corniche area has become a very popular place for people spendng their leisure time enjoying the breezes and beauty of this area. 

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share this beautiful photo for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

Jeddah: Evening Social Life in Al Balad

It's a man's world in Saudi Arabia - and men here are generally very sociable.  I took this photo one evening down in Jeddah's historic district of Al Balad, amidst the aging buildings.  These men had gathered on the sidewalk to visit, drink tea, and play games of dominoes or cards.  I love seeing the sandals off to the side of the large carpet where they sit and enjoy themselves.   

SkyWatch: Jeddah Compound Pool Area

This is the pool area of one of the many residential expat compounds for foreign workers living in Jeddah.  Women are not required to wear abayas inside the compound walls, and most of these residential compounds do not allow Saudi nationals to live there.


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Yanbu Festival Recycling

Recycling is one of the attractions at the Yanbu Flowers and Gardens Festival, going on now in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, and running through April 7th.  The garden art pictured in this post is made of old automobile tires which have been cut and painted to form the birds above and the fish below.

The race cars below are made of recycled barrels and equipped with old bicycle tires. Aren't they cute?

SkyWatch: Jeddah Pretty City Park

For a city of 4 million people, Jeddah does not have many public parks for outdoor recreational activities.  However in recent years, an effort has been made to correct that.  This beautiful park with lush palm trees, grass fields, a walking track, seating areas and all important shade is located next door to IMC - International Medical Center.  Later in the day when the sun is not so hot, the park is filled with men relaxing, women walking laps, and children at play.


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Our World: Saudi Home Outside Yard

Many private villas in Saudi Arabia have outdoor areas that are surrounded by tall walls for the privacy of the family.  This villa has a large garden with a trampoline for the kids.




Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

SkyWatch: Saudi Arabia Hotel Pool Area

 Saudi Arabia boasts some beautiful world renowned chain hotels.

Due to strict cultural norms, this pool is off limits to female adult swimmers.  Women can swim in hotels that offer a totally private pool for ladies only that is inaccessible to men.

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Compound Common Area

Many residential expat compounds in Jeddah have a definite resort feel to them.  Common areas often include pools, tennis courts, restaurants, shopping areas, and playgrounds. Compound living offers more familiarity and comfort for western expats, however to live within the walls of compounds usually comes with a heftier price tag than living outside the compound. 

Resort Like Living - in the Compound

One of the draws for many workers from other countries is the lifestyle offered here in Saudi Arabia. Many expats live in compounds, which are walled-in communities where life is quite different from outside its wall.  Women do not have to wear the abaya inside the compound walls and in some compounds, women can even drive.  

Many compounds have resort-like swimming pool areas, exercise classes, tennis courts, bowling alleys, golf courses, restaurants, beauty salons, theaters, and grocery stores. They also offer easier access to transportation and a variety of events to keep residents as busy as they want to be.  

Resort Style Living

This is another shot of the community pool area of one of the residential living compounds for foreign workers in Jeddah.