Teaching in Saudi Arabia's hospitals
Saudi Arabia became my 49th country, and it was a work trip rather than tourism - though I got to experience plenty of both. I came on behalf of InterSystems to conduct database technology courses for local medical groups, a unique opportunity to see a country that only recently opened to tourists.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation that's hard to overstate. Vision 2030, the crown prince's modernization plan, is reshaping a conservative oil kingdom into something aiming to be a global tourism and business destination. With 35 million people and the world's largest oil reserves, the country has the resources to make ambitious plans reality.
What I Experienced
I taught at two major hospitals:
The medical facilities were world-class - modern equipment, well-trained staff, and genuine appetite for learning new technologies. The courses covered database technologies, and the students were engaged and technically competent.
Between sessions, I explored both cities. Riyadh is a sprawling modern metropolis - skyscrapers, highways, shopping malls. The rapid development is visible everywhere. Jeddah has more character, with its historic Al-Balad district and Red Sea coastline. The food was excellent - Arabic cuisine with fresh ingredients and generous portions.
What struck me most was the contrast between traditional and modern. Women driving (a right only granted in 2018), entertainment venues that didn't exist five years ago, yet still the call to prayer five times daily and strict social norms in many areas.
Practical Notes
- Saudi Riyal is the currency - roughly 3.75 SAR to 1 USD
- Tourist visas now available online for many nationalities
- Alcohol is completely prohibited
- Dress modestly - especially in traditional areas
- The heat can be extreme - summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C
A fascinating country in the middle of profound change. Not for everyone, but genuinely interesting for anyone curious about how societies transform.
Aerial photography from Saudi Arabia is available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for Middle Eastern travel marketing, modern Arabian development content, or desert landscape wall art.