The city water is marginally potable. Most newcomers get a mild bout of diarrhea. Notwithstanding the strong Islamic moral code, current unemployment and poverty has caused an increase in theft. Car radios and cell phones are common targets, as is electronic equipment in homes. Random assault is extremely rare.
Police sometimes raid parties and lay immorality charges.
Since privacy is a paramount consideration in obtaining living quarters, houses with walled gardens have become the standard. However, because of the population pressure and current tax laws, many apartment towers have been built overlooking previously secluded gardens, in effect, making them public. Inside, the houses and apartments are attractive with modern conveniences. The French, Italian, and British schools admit children from the age of two or three years and run good-quality preschool and kindergarten programs. There are also many expat and Iranian preschools, but the teachers may not speak English well.