Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Ad Dammām: A Freelance Photographer's Guide (and Maybe a Few Weird Stories)
okay, so. ad dammām. what a place. i’m here for a project - documenting the everyday, you know? - and the healthcare thing? it’s…a process. finding an English-speaking doctor isn’t exactly a walk in the park. it's more like a slightly frantic scramble through a maze of Arabic script and hopeful gestures.
let's be real, the whole thing feels a little overwhelming. i spent a good chunk of the first week just trying to figure out the basic logistics - how to even begin looking. i’m not gonna lie, a lot of the initial research was just sifting through TripAdvisor reviews, which, let’s face it, are hit or miss. (seriously, read them with a grain of salt. something a local warned me about was that a few reviews seemed…off. #justsaying). you can check out some general info on healthcare in Saudi Arabia here: https://www.expat.com/en/healthcare/saudi-arabia/
*The Hunt Begins
First, i started with the obvious: online directories. but finding verified English-speaking doctors felt like searching for a unicorn wearing a fez. then i dove into the local expat groups on Facebook. that's where the truly helpful (and sometimes bizarre) advice started pouring in. apparently, word-of-mouth is everything here.
according to a few people, the American Hospital in Dhahran is a solid bet, though it’s a bit of a drive - about 3-4 hours. that’s not exactly a quick hop, skip, and a jump. there's also the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, but it's more geared towards specialized care, not routine check-ups. i’m still trying to figure out the best option, honestly. it feels like a detective novel.
Budget Breakdown (because, hello, travel)
so, let’s talk money. (because let’s be real, it’s always a factor). here’s a rough idea of the cost of living in Ad Dammām, based on what i’ve gathered:
*Rent (Studio Apartment): 3,000 - 6,000 SAR/month (depending on location)
*Groceries: 2,000 - 4,000 SAR/month
*Transportation (Taxi/Ride-Sharing): 1,000 - 2,000 SAR/month (if you don't have a car)
*Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet): 500 - 1,000 SAR/month
*Healthcare (Doctor Visit - without insurance): 300 - 800 SAR (this varies wildly)
Disclaimer: these are just estimates. prices can fluctuate. you can generally find more detailed cost of living estimates here: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
Overheard Gossip (aka what i’ve heard from locals)
>“Oh, Dr. Al-Zahrani is good, but he's very busy. Book weeks in advance.”
>“Don't trust the pharmacies that are too close to the main roads. They sometimes…mislabel things.”
>“If you need a good cardiologist, ask around the British community. They have their preferred doctors.”
My (Very Tentative) Recommendations
Okay, so, no definitive answers yet, but here’s where i’m leaning:
*Check with your accommodation: see if they have any recommendations for English-speaking doctors. sometimes they have networks.
*Ask around: seriously, talk to people. expats, locals…anyone.
*Read reviews…critically: look for patterns, but don't take everything at face value.
*Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification: use a translation app or ask someone to help you understand medical terms.
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> The Weather Factor
Right now, it's that kind of heat - the kind that sticks to you like a second skin. the air is thick and shimmering, and the sun is relentless. you can feel the humidity clinging to everything. it’s the kind of heat that makes you question all your life choices. it’s a dry heat though, which is something. the good news? it's only a short flight to cooler climates in the Levant. a quick trip to Lebanon or Jordan might be just what you need to escape the swelter.
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> Neighbors and Community
Ad Dammām has a surprisingly diverse population. there’s a large expat community, especially British and Indian, but also a significant number of Saudis and people from other Arab countries. it's a really interesting mix, and the people i've met have been generally welcoming. though, navigating the cultural nuances takes some patience and a good dose of humility.
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> navigating the Roads*
The traffic situation is…an experience. it’s a constant flow of cars, buses, and the occasional camel (okay, maybe not the camel, but you get the idea). taxi apps are your friend. but be prepared for some aggressive driving. getting around can be a challenge, so it's helpful to familiarize yourself with the city's layout. you can find useful maps and directions on Google Maps, but be prepared for the occasional dead end.
I’m still figuring this whole doctor thing out, but i’m determined to find someone i can trust. hopefully, this helps anyone else who’s navigating the same situation. and hey, if you have any tips, please drop them in the comments! https://www.reddit.com/r/SaudiArabia/ is a decent place to start asking questions.
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