So, I did it. I packed up my wife, three kids, and a lifetime’s worth of Saudi comfort, and traded it all for a year in the United States. Let me tell you, it was an adventure – a rollercoaster, really – with breathtaking highs and some seriously bumpy lows.

First, the good stuff. America’s infrastructure is a marvel. The roads, the sheer scale of everything… it’s impressive. The competitive business environment is another high point. You feel the energy, the drive to innovate. And the weather? Forget the Riyadh heat! We explored national parks, hiked trails, and enjoyed outdoor activities we could only dream of back home. My kids, especially, loved it. The sheer variety of outdoor activities was a welcome change from the Saudi heat.

But here’s where the rollercoaster took a nosedive. Safety, or rather, the lack thereof, was a major concern. The sheer number of homeless people was shocking, and to be honest, my family and I didn’t feel comfortable venturing out after 8 pm. We stuck to family-friendly places, but even then, the feeling of unease lingered. This wasn’t a matter of being fearful; it was a matter of observing a reality quite different from what I was used to back home.

Finding family-friendly entertainment options in our city proved surprisingly challenging. It felt like most of the nightlife revolved around bars and clubs, places a Muslim man like myself wouldn’t frequent. And food? Let’s just say navigating the American restaurant scene as a Muslim who observes halal was a daily quest. The pervasive presence of pork in many dishes made eating out a gamble, and I spent a surprising amount of time scrutinizing menus and explaining my dietary requirements. I made some great American friends who helped, always going out of their way to find halal options, and the kindness of these friendships made the experience worthwhile.

Medical expenses? Don’t even get me started. The sheer cost is breathtaking. Living in general was far more expensive than we anticipated, adding another layer of stress to the experience.

Now, let’s talk about Saudi Arabia. After a year of navigating American life, coming back home was like stepping into a warm, comforting hug. The family-centric entertainment options are abundant. We can go out at 2 am and feel perfectly safe. The food? Hands down, Saudi cuisine reigns supreme. It’s delicious, diverse, and far easier to navigate while following my halal dietary restrictions. The cost of living is significantly lower, removing a huge weight from my shoulders. And the modesty, the respect for values and traditions… It’s a huge benefit, especially when it comes to raising our children within a strong sense of cultural identity.

The friendliness and easy-going nature of people in Saudi Arabia is another huge plus. Everywhere you go you meet warmth and hospitality. There’s a genuine sense of community and support that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. In America, you meet a huge diversity of people and experiences which was very fulfilling and enriching, but sometimes this lack of community can leave a person feeling lost in the system.

Don’t get me wrong. I made incredible friends in the US; I’ve always appreciated the open-mindedness and kindness of so many Americans. The diversity of cultures and perspectives is amazing, and I gained insights into how a different society works. But for our family, life in the US presented a significant downgrade from what we’re used to in Saudi Arabia. It was a valuable experience, yes, but the challenges related to safety, cost of living and family-friendly activities made it clear that Saudi Arabia, despite its own set of challenges, still offers the most supportive and comfortable environment for my family and me.thumb_upthumb_down