In regards to "enjoying a fresh pint/glass of wine": All cities/countries have varying laws on intoxicants. In some places marijuana is allowed and in others its forbidden. Some cities have a after midnight rule wherein no alcohol can be served after that time. In Saudi its the same just more conservative by western standards - No alcohol at all. Get over it. You don't need it to enjoy yourself with your family. If you do then you have bigger problems than lamenting not being able to get alcohol in KSA.
In regards to: "...one can't enjoy a meal with one's spouse without her wearing an abaya", again, cities, countries, etc have different public dress codes that they find acceptable. Saudi Arabia is again more conservative by your standards but so what, get over it. No one is forcing you to go there.
Obviously, I agree with BritExpat. Its cheaper in Saudi, BUT its much safer (as in less crime) to live here in Qatar. Dont get me wrong, Saudi is not NYC but the crime rate is higher there than it is here.
In regards to "enjoying a fresh pint/glass of wine": All cities/countries have varying laws on intoxicants. In some places marijuana is allowed and in others its forbidden. Some cities have a after midnight rule wherein no alcohol can be served after that time. In Saudi its the same just more conservative by western standards - No alcohol at all. Get over it. You don't need it to enjoy yourself with your family. If you do then you have bigger problems than lamenting not being able to get alcohol in KSA.
In regards to: "...one can't enjoy a meal with one's spouse without her wearing an abaya", again, cities, countries, etc have different public dress codes that they find acceptable. Saudi Arabia is again more conservative by your standards but so what, get over it. No one is forcing you to go there.
Obviously, I agree with BritExpat. Its cheaper in Saudi, BUT its much safer (as in less crime) to live here in Qatar. Dont get me wrong, Saudi is not NYC but the crime rate is higher there than it is here.