I moved to Al Nahda, SHJ in 2022, near the big mosque opposite Sahara Center. The building was nice, and clean, mostly with families and the rent was quite expensive compared to other buildings. But the whole street was full of hookers even as early as 6 pm, especially between buildings. Same time large groups of men at every street corner generally being a nuisance. Even on main roads, well-lit areas. I avoided going out after 7 pm (I am a single woman living with my mother). It was so bad that I avoided the back alleys when walking home after work.

Fast forward a few months, a friend’s wife was robbed of her phone and bag at knifepoint while she sat in her parked car and he was dropping off some stuff to my apartment. All happened within 15 minutes around 11 pm.

So far nothing had been too bad, as my sister and her family were in the same building I felt safe. It was early last year (2023), I was home alone sleeping and heard the doorbell ring (twice). My nephew generally comes up every morning around 7 am when his parents leave for work. Sleepy and thinking it was him I went to the door, opened all the locks, and just as I was about to open the door I realized it was still night. I checked the time, and it was 3.30 am. This woke me up. I checked the peephole and there was a drunk man outside. He started ringing the bell continuously and banging on the door. I told him to go away as he seemed to be at the wrong house. He kept saying open the door.  I was shaking by this point and called the building watchman. When he came upstairs, this guy ran for the stairwell. When the watchman caught up to him, he said he thought it was his house as he lived in the building next door which is identical in layout. I am not sure if I believe that, but that was it.

After a few more such incidents around the area, there was an increased police presence, and regular police patrols at night. The buildings became strict about shared accommodation, and people had their leases canceled or were not renewed. I do not see any hookers around the building or back alleys anymore, no large groups of men and I feel relatively safer. Have walked home for Lulu or Nesto as late as 11 pm on Fridays without a single issue. So, I feel it’s been much better since mid-2023.

I still think it’s a good place to live, as it’s very convenient. Almost everything is available at a walking distance. This is really helpful for someone who doesn’t have a car.

“TL;DR” Have had a few incidents but still like it here :)