SORROWS and joy, laughter and tears, no matter how our experiences are, there is always something common to share and relate with between us – the residents of Saudi life. The things that when we hear, we immediately nod – with a broad smile or a sad frown –, yes, that’s Saudi Arabia :-) And that’s what makes us unique!

A few weeks back we conducted an informal poll on our Facebook page asking readers on what they think is unique about living a ‘Saudi life’, what they love about it, the not-so-good-stuff and what they miss about it, if they are not living here anymore. A string of interesting responses we got – some expected while others making a surprise appearance. A common theme that connected all the views was a realization of living in peace and tranquility, which according to most had necessarily to do with ‘Islamic culture’, ‘Islamic atmosphere’, and ‘Makkah and Madina’. Local Saudi food, especially Al-Baik, closely followed by ‘khabsa and Bebsi’, muttabaq, shawarma, falafel, etc. was listed by at least half of those who commented in the ‘Good things’ list.

Meanwhile, our readers were quick to point out the limitations of life in the Kingdom – certain rules and regulations, such as, visa, exit/re-entry, iqama, sponsorship system, ban on women’s driving, etc.

Fahad Alhassan, 25, a physiotherapist in Riyadh, said: “Some of the negatives include the sponsorship system, biased attitude towards locals and expats in many workplaces as well as hospitals, worst traffic rules and behavior, expensive healthcare especially for individuals not covered by insurance, lack of avenues for higher education, especially for expatriates, lousy management of bus tours to Makkah and Madina, which I think should be replaced by railways.”

Lena Shawly, ‎41, a Saudi laboratoy technologist in Jeddah, who has lived almost all her life in the Kingdom, and a few years in the US, wrote: “If you ask me where I want to live till the end of my life, I will say it is Saudi Arabia. I am proud to be a female Muslimah in this blessed country, filled with peace and hospitality. I love my job here; I love the split society; I love how I am so highly respected here, something which I cannot find anywhere in the world.”

Women’s driving is another contentious issue, and has remained such for years. However, Shawly felt differently. “I am so blessed that I don’t have to drive and manage all those big responsibilities. I love it that I can choose to work or not, and no one can take even a riyal from my money. What more can I ask for? All I can say is Alhamdulillah I love my country,” she remarked.

A Pakistani expat, Talha Tashfeen, gave thumbs up to the “peace, tranquility, proximity to Allah’s Home, spirituality, family life, good earning, good saving and ease of life”, while complained of “isolation, overly strict rules, bareness, lack of Halaal entertainment outlets, and a monotonous life resulting in depression”.

Usama Khan, a Mumbai boy living in Riyadh, liked the “hospitality, Islamic culture, history, kabsa and pepsi, tax exemption”, while expressed displeasure at the “very low tolerance levels among many citizens, disregard for traffic rules, and a common bias against South Asians”.

Another reader, Nida Arshi Naqeeb, enthusiastically gave us a comprehensive list of what she thinks are Saudi Arabia’s ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’. “Good things: family get-togethers, potlucks, Ramadan, spending an awesome Eid with everyone, long drives, deserts, parks, malls, restaurants, kabsa, shawarma, falafel, feeling of oneness amongst all Muslims, the help provided to needy travelers, the amazing roads  and buildings, the protective feeling, the respect given to women, everyone in hijab, our fabulous school – the International Indian School of Riyadh, the opportunity to learn more about Islam, Makkah and Madinah, and the complete aura that surrounds us there; the list is endless…”

“Bad things: some rules and regulations, especially those of visa, passport, iqama, exit/re-entry and the likes, due to which many expats find themselves cheated, and in a helpless situation, and a bias towards the Arabs and negativity towards South Asians. I would love to see the Kingdom without these negatives someday Insha’Allah, which should make it easier for Muslims world over to visit this place.”

Deorike Ibirogba Leonelli, a British female lecturer in Riyadh, married with four daughters in her early 40’s, says she loves “the peace, culture and warmth from all I have met”. Looking at the brighter side of things, she writes:

“Love that I am far from the effects of SAD: seasonal affective disorder. It is so nice to wake up to sun rays in the morning and look out of the windows in the day to brightness. It is an ace inspirator… and so long as you dress with common sense the abaya is fab. Love my chic look.”

“By the way, I am loving the no driving option even though driving is a passion of mine, for the meantime, like is the case in F1 this is the time for a much needed break, the new season starts when I get home in the summer lol! Loving being driven around.”

Another reader, Sohada Mohamed had her say in just one line. “Madinah and Makkah – so good, women not driving – not so good.”

For many who once lived in Saudi Arabia, the poll was perhaps a walk down the memory lane. “I love everything about Saudi Arabia, I miss my Saudi Arabia…my Jeddah,” said Anas Mohammed Ilyas, a former Indian expatriate.

Clearly, anyone who has stepped onto this wonderland knows what we are talking about. Like everything else, Saudi Arabia too has its share of good and bad, and both expats and locals seem to be lapping up every bit of the former, while hoping a change as regards the latter.