Saudia City Compound

What is Provided

Saudia City Compound is a very large housing complex for employees of Saudia Airline and other expats such as teachers at AISJ. Saudia City is located in Al Khalidiya District. Inside the compound there is a Star Market (small grocery store), a donut shop, dry cleaners, pharmacy, City Station (small Lebanese restaurant) a cab company and a few other shops. Within walking distance outside the compound (or a short drive away on hot days) there are all types of shops and restaurants. We also have two pools, tennis courts, softball fields, basketball courts, two gyms (one free, one paid) and various children’s playgrounds.

Many people want to know about housing. We know it is on your mind. There is currently 1 housing option at Saudia City: 2-story, 3-bedroom, villas. These are assigned by administration based on the needs of the family or individuals. Each of these options have basic furnishings provided. Listed below is an example of the items provided to a 3 bedroom apartment.

In a typical living room, the school supplies two couches, an end table, ottoman, TV stand, TV, side table, curtains and curtain rod. They also supply a dining room table and chairs, a desk and chair for an office/work space. In the master bedroom there is a 180cm X 200cm mattress and frame. PLEASE be aware that mattress sizes are not the same in America. That size is similar to a queen size bed, but some homes have mattresses closer to a king size mattress. If you are bringing your bedding, please inquire first. In addition to the bed, there are side tables, a mirror, with a hanging shelf, a lamp and a built in wardrobe. The second bedroom has twin sized beds (90cm X 200cm) and a side table. If there is more than one child, then the third bedroom would also have a bed. Each apartment comes with a stove/oven, washer and dryer, fridge/freezer.

Additionally the school provides a starter kit with items for the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. When you first arrive, you need some basics to get started, Items included for the kitchen are basic plates, glasses, bowls, cutlery, knife set, cutting board, can opener, scissors, trash can, frying pan, 3 pot set, serving spoons, kettle, peeler, kitchen towel, sponge, dish soap, dish rack and paper towels. All kitchens come with a toaster and microwave. Be aware if you are bringing any of your own kitchen appliances, mixers, juicers, etc. the primary voltage here is 220V. Make sure you use an appropriate outlet...and it may not be in the kitchen. Some items that need 110, may need to be used in another room or use a transformer. For the rest of the starter kit, the school provides an iron and ironing board, pillow, fitted sheet and cover for the bed, a universal power strip (you will want to get some more!), 10 hangers, bathroom mat, shower curtain, trash can for bathroom, hand towel, hand soap, toilet brush and some toilet paper. Whew!

Lastly, the housing staff will make sure that you have some basic food staples in your cupboards when you arrive. Things like bottled water, juice, milk, tea, coffee, sugar, butter, bread, eggs, canned tuna, cereal, peanut butter, crackers, chips cookies and fruit. This will make things manageable until you can get to the store after you arrive. Don’t worry you will get to shop soon!

What you Might Need to Supplement in your Home

While the school does a fantastic job of getting housing prepared for all the overseas staff, most people want to make it their own a bit once they arrive. Many people want to supplement the existing furnishings with bookshelves, dressers, shelving for the walls, painting the walls, paintings, etc. Most people will want extra power strips, wall hanging equipment (the walls are concrete) and clocks. Additional dishes and kitchen items, water cooler/dispensers, rugs and extra touches (throw pillows, candles, wall hangings) can be found all over Jeddah. You can shop at the Amazon.co.sa, IKEA, Extra (electronics), SACO (hardware), Jotun (for paint) as well as a number of other stores. We will be taking you to many of these stores during your orientation.

Water Service

Water that comes out the tap is not suitable to drink. Therefore, most people sign up to receive weekly water delivery of 5 gallon jugs of drinking water. The process to sign up is a bit murky. Submitting a service request on the website (in English) is generally the easiest way to get new service. The supermarket in the center of the compound also sells refillable water bottles that you can simply exchange for filled ones.

Water dispensers are easily found for these jugs. They range from very inexpensive 10sr hand pump, 40sr dispensers that simply hold the jug and dispense water, to fancy dispensers (250-500sar) that will heat and cool the water. Stores to buy these are Saco and Extra.