So here you are, in Jeddah for the first time, far from home, all alone. You may be married and on a married-status contract but now you’re a bachelor boy. You had the tearful farewells with the wife and kids with your assurances that you would all be together again very soon, but you’re not really sure how soon. You stepped out onto the tarmac at King Abdul Aziz International airport, residence visa in your passport . . .

and the heat hit you. Everything is new. There’s the inevitable and unavoidable culture shock but the worst thing is you have to do your own washing and ironing for the first time in years. Don’t worry. Everybody, but everybody, has been through the same process. You are not alone! This is the second edition of the “survival guide”, which has been compiled with the experience of some of many who have gone before you. Forewarned is forearmed!