Expats in Saudi Arabia.

[ADB85]

Hello everyone.

I was after some advice, I have been in discussions with a business about a role in Saudi Arabia. I have no experience of living or working in such a country so I was hoping some of you fellow TURFers may have?

I'm keen to hear anyone's experience. A bit about me, I'm 31 and single so no family to worry about and the role I have been looking at is in the construction industry covering all the GCC states. I'm currently based in the UK and do a similar role here.

Thanks in advance!

[TheBluePrince]

Life will be good if you are on a nice package. You'll live with other Westerners and won't just be left to fend for yourself, you'll be given all the advice you need to "fit in" and not make silly mistakes or offend anyone etc.

I think the biggest choice is the moral one.

Do you want to work in, directly contribute to and support a country like that? I won't and have turned down significant rates that have been offered to me in Saudi and the UAE. Up to you and your conscience.

[enjoythemusic]

You may want to take a few weeks in Saudi Arabia before deciding. Personally, no thanks and perhaps they can change it to Abu Dhabi?

[KarlS]

Place gives me the creeps...they can't pay enough

[Uncle-AJ]

I lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for 38.5 years, more than half of my lifetime. It will all depend on the company you are working for and the package you agree. One thing to consider is that the Saudi Government have decided to decree that all expats will now be paid in Saudi Riyals, in Kingdom.

In reply to your questions, I could write a book, which would take ages. I'd be willing to answer any specific queries you have. As you are planning on working in the Eastern Province, I'd advise negotiating a multi exit/re-entry visa as this would give you free movement to Bahrain, across the causeway.

If you would like to speak about this, send me a phone number by PM.

I was lucky and worked for a big company (BAE Systems). We had our own compounds, schools, doctors etc.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

Life will be good if you are on a nice package. You'll live with other Westerners and won't just be left to fend for yourself, you'll be given all the advice you need to "fit in" and not make silly mistakes or offend anyone etc.

I think the biggest choice is the moral one.

Do you want to work in, directly contribute to and support a country like that? I won't and have turned down significant rates that have been offered to me in Saudi and the UAE. Up to you and your conscience.

A country like what? This is a political statement, and as you know politics is off limits at TRF.

[Skidrowe]

[TheBluePrince]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

A country like what? This is a political statement, and as you know politics is off limits at TRF.

Hi Abdullah, that was exactly why I did not elaborate and left it at that, to not engage in that discussion. It's obviously up to the OP to make his own mind up

[texex91]

Don't know that I'd entertain Saudi Arabia, but have several expat friends in Dubai and they are loving life.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

Hi Abdullah, that was exactly why I did not elaborate and left it at that, to not engage in that discussion. It's obviously up to the OP to make his own mind up

Got it

For the OP - The drop in oil prices has severely impacted available funding for construction projects. There have been huge numbers of layoffs in the construction industry in the GCC. I have several friends (engineers) who were let go due to lost accounts when funding dropped out. You may want to validate that this opportunity is not going to be affected by the unstable O&G economy here.

[MonBK]

Here's a non political answer.

In THAT country, I don't think so.

[Gaijin]

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Here's a non political answer.

In THAT country, I don't think so.

No alcohol and no BBQ pork sandwich. What would you do to entertain yourself Mon?

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

No alcohol and no BBQ pork sandwich. What would you do to entertain yourself Mon?

Eat sand?

[cruise_bone]

How are the strip clubs there?

[TheBluePrince]

Originally Posted by cruise_bone

How are the strip clubs there?

Cross the bridge to Bahrain and head to the hotels there for that kind of entertainment like thousands of Saudi Gents do every weekend

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Eat sand?

Doesn't sound too appetizing, and will be hard on your teeth. I'll stick to the UAE where the cuisine is attractive and tasty.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by ADB85

Hello everyone.

I was after some advice, I have been in discussions with a business about a role in Saudi Arabia. I have no experience of living or working in such a country so I was hoping some of you fellow TURFers may have?

I'm keen to hear anyone's experience. A bit about me, I'm 31 and single so no family to worry about and the role I have been looking at is in the construction industry covering all the GCC states. I'm currently based in the UK and do a similar role here.

Thanks in advance!

At 31 and single I would seriously consider it. Just make sure you know what you are getting into lifestyle and culture wise. Might be worth going there for a few days to get a feel for things.