Saudi Arabia

narfsnonsense

I'm moving to Saudi early next year and just wondering if anyone who lives or has lived there, Riyadh in particular, has any advice. I'm an independant 30 year old single female who likes a drink or two at the weekend. God only knows why I'm going!

I've read loads about moving there, the lifestyle, cultural differences, expat blogs etc, but it's very hard to find an Irish persons perspective.

Anyone any words of wisdom / experiences they would like to share with me?

Thanks!

Tom Dunne

I live about 28 miles from the Saudi border, here in Bahrain. For whatever reason, it is not possible to just visit Saudi as a tourist, so I have never actually been there. All of the below is opinions from people I have met who have lived there.

An Irish nurse I got to know a while back said it is grand living there. Not anything remotely resembling a social life, but it is a relatively stress-free lifestyle. The money was comparable to what she was earning in Ireland, except, of course, it was tax free. Most of the Irish/Westerners come over to Bahrain for the weekend to do "normal" things like going for a pint, going to the cinema and going to a restaurant.

A man I worked with lived there for two years. He said it was essentially like living in a minimum security prison. Some of the stories he told me, which I think are best not shared on a family forum, were utterly bizarre.

Another woman I know socially still lives and works there in an admin position says she has to wear the abaya (the black covering) to/from work, but once inside work can take it off and wears a normal Western skirt/blouse.

So I think it is a bit of a mixed bag and depends on what you are going over to work at (as in, is it a Western run company, or a local company).

Miss Fluff

I've lived in Saudi Arabia, South of Jeddah, although some time ago now. I think the secret to living in Saudi is to always be respectful of local customs and you will be fine. You'll have to wear an abaya when outside the compound and I'd also be very discreet of any romantic liaisons as well if you are to meet a nice guy over there. Riyadh is one of the strictest cities so just be mindful of that but I think Saudi is a great experience and I'd use the opportunity to explore the rest of the Middle East too if you can.

Bluefoam

I live in the Middle East. We have difficulty even getting work visas for Saudi...

Try to make friends in the UK embassy - they may have drink there, otherwise you are restricted to moonshine or small quantities of smuggled booze...

Make sure you get paid a **** load of money and leave every weekend to go to Dubai, Lebanon or Bahrain - seriously, thats what people there do. I emphasize the need to earn allot of money while you are there - there isn't much else!

narfsnonsense

Thanks for all the above. Not earning huge money at all, just more than here without rent to pay. Hoping the lack of booze will assist with saving money! I think Im mentally preparing myself for a lot of boredom and the odd weekend of fun.

narfsnonsense

Tom Dunne wrote: »

Most of the Irish/Westerners come over to Bahrain for the weekend to do "normal" things like going for a pint, going to the cinema and going to a restaurant.

QUOTE]

Yeah I already think that will be where I'll be heading for Ireland vs Spain in the Euro's!

Lucy Lu

narfsnonsense wrote: »

Thanks for all the above. Not earning huge money at all, just more than here without rent to pay. Hoping the lack of booze will assist with saving money! I think Im mentally preparing myself for a lot of boredom and the odd weekend of fun.

Anyone I know who worked in Saudi Arabia was there to earn big money or gain specialised work experience.

All I can say is make sure you are 100% sure you want to go and also and done as much research as possible.

Good luck

Planet X

Lived and worked in Riyadh for 10 years. 80's / 90's.
Great place. Great expat community. Wild parties if you want. It's all there. Was in Riyadh Road Runners for years. Hash House Harriers are a good social group also. We used to camp out in the desert lots. Loved the restaurants and food.

As an aside. What is the story with pharmacists working in Saudi Arabia? Do you need any extra training?

Limerick west

narfsnonsense wrote: »

I'm moving to Saudi early next year and just wondering if anyone who lives or has lived there, Riyadh in particular, has any advice. I'm an independant 30 year old single female who likes a drink or two at the weekend. God only knows why I'm going!

I've read loads about moving there, the lifestyle, cultural differences, expat blogs etc, but it's very hard to find an Irish persons perspective.

Anyone any words of wisdom / experiences they would like to share with me?

Thanks!

Hi,

I am Saudi student doing my course here in Limerick and I am happy to answer any question regarding my saudi culture, social system, norms etc

I worked with some Irish people in Saudi and they were enjoying their lifestyle there. Indeed, everyone is different and myself I went through that kind of culture shock when I first came to Limerick. It is more conservative country that follows Islam regulation and mannar. This does not mean that everyone there is bounded by these rules. I found many people there living kind of Westren lifestyle and you will see this contradiction especialy among young people. There are more than 8 million expats working there and many of them are able to stay there for more that 10 years as they adapt to the saud's culture and its lifestyle. Bahrain is not too far if you want to party or drink. In fact in Saudi there are many compounds that offer 100% Westren lifestyle.

The good about the country is you can see the sun 24/7 kidding.

Very cheap if you want to safe money as you don't have that kind of entertainment apart from shopping.
The country is going through rapid change recently and under fast development especially in cities like Riyadh.

I hope this can help you and ready to answer any further questions as I went through the same process when I came to Ireland.
Cheers

Sorry for any writting mistaks as I am using my mobile

aridion

Limerick west wrote: »

Hi,

I am Saudi student doing my course here in Limerick and I am happy to answer any question regarding my saudi culture, social system, norms etc

I worked with some Irish people in Saudi and they were enjoying their lifestyle there. Indeed, everyone is different and myself I went through that kind of culture shock when I first came to Limerick. It is more conservative country that follows Islam regulation and mannar. This does not mean that everyone there is bounded by these rules. I found many people there living kind of Westren lifestyle and you will see this contradiction especialy among young people. There are more than 8 million expats working there and many of them are able to stay there for more that 10 years as they adapt to the saud's culture and its lifestyle. Bahrain is not too far if you want to party or drink. In fact in Saudi there are many compounds that offer 100% Westren lifestyle.

The good about the country is you can see the sun 24/7 kidding.

Very cheap if you want to safe money as you don't have that kind of entertainment apart from shopping.
The country is going through rapid change recently and under fast development especially in cities like Riyadh.

I hope this can help you and ready to answer any further questions as I went through the same process when I came to Ireland.
Cheers

Sorry for any writting mistaks as I am using my mobile

I have been offered a job in a provincial city called Tabuk at the British International School There. I am seriously considering it. I might send of my documents tomorrow. I know that it is a very conservative Muslim country but it is something different to experience. And the money is tax free and more than I would get teachign in The UK at the moment.

The thing is, I was told that Irish ex pats are paid differently to British passport holders. Is this true?

Bluefoam

aridion wrote: »

The thing is, I was told that Irish ex pats are paid differently to British passport holders. Is this true?

Quite probably. When british ex-pats send their kids to a school, they prefer to have british teachers, so its possble the pay them a little more.

Regarding the experiences you will have in Saudi... I'm not sure there really is much to experience. Maybe you could try the coffee in as many different starbucks or something... there isn't much else.

Honestly, the one overiding reason to live in Saudi, is to earn a **** load of money and save it. Leave every weekend if possible. And make sure they pay you a **** load of money. Remember, staying in watching TV or DVDs isn't much of an option, as it could be heavily censored. I'm not sure how much of the interweb is sensored, but...

As I have said previously, Lebanon is a great place to go for a 'break' as is Dubai, use the oportunity to see the Middle East - fascinating place.

Limerick west

aridion wrote: »

Limerick west wrote: »

Hi,

I am Saudi student doing my course here in Limerick and I am happy to answer any question regarding my saudi culture, social system, norms etc

I worked with some Irish people in Saudi and they were enjoying their lifestyle there. Indeed, everyone is different and myself I went through that kind of culture shock when I first came to Limerick. It is more conservative country that follows Islam regulation and mannar. This does not mean that everyone there is bounded by these rules. I found many people there living kind of Westren lifestyle and you will see this contradiction especialy among young people. There are more than 8 million expats working there and many of them are able to stay there for more that 10 years as they adapt to the saud's culture and its lifestyle. Bahrain is not too far if you want to party or drink. In fact in Saudi there are many compounds that offer 100% Westren lifestyle.

The good about the country is you can see the sun 24/7 kidding.

Very cheap if you want to safe money as you don't have that kind of entertainment apart from shopping.
The country is going through rapid change recently and under fast development especially in cities like Riyadh.

I hope this can help you and ready to answer any further questions as I went through the same process when I came to Ireland.
Cheers

Sorry for any writting mistaks as I am using my mobile

I have been offered a job in a provincial city called Tabuk at the British International School There. I am seriously considering it. I might send of my documents tomorrow. I know that it is a very conservative Muslim country but it is something different to experience. And the money is tax free and more than I would get teachign in The UK at the moment.

The thing is, I was told that Irish ex pats are paid differently to British passport holders. Is this true?

This is very good question and Saudi has special case in this. First of all there is no minimum and maximum wages in Saudi and even Amerian expatriates have salay differences. American and British expatriates have long-lasting work relationship with the Saudi government and their governments intervene in many occasions to setup up a high salary standards for their expats. It is legally ok to have 10 times or more salary than your colleague sitting next to you. (discrimination free). It is also based on the contract you have. For example, individual expatriate who been hired through international recruitment agencies will be less fortune than those who been hired based on governmental or institutional contractual agreements. It is good chance for you to discover the place and hunt for other opportunities as you may end up working for one of international subsidiaries there and earning high salay. This is what expatriates working experiences like in Saudi. Hope this will answer your question.

aridion

Thank you for the responses. I was told that the salary would be 13,800 Saudi Riels at the end of the interview. The interviewer then said that he needs to check to see if The Saudi government has different arrangments made for the salaries of Irish or British citizens. He did add that he felt the salary would be the same.

I am a ta cross roads right now. I have an firm offer in Saudi, an interested school in Cairo and an interview for Qatar tomorrow. I am thinking about going with then Saudi offer because a. It would definitely be the best of the 3 for saving, and b. The contract is for 1 year, so I could move elsewhere if I didn't like it , after a year.

Limerick west

aridion wrote: »

Thank you for the responses. I was told that the salary would be 13,800 Saudi Riels at the end of the interview. The interviewer then said that he needs to check to see if The Saudi government has different arrangments made for the salaries of Irish or British citizens. He did add that he felt the salary would be the same.

I am a ta cross roads right now. I have an firm offer in Saudi, an interested school in Cairo and an interview for Qatar tomorrow. I am thinking about going with then Saudi offer because a. It would definitely be the best of the 3 for saving, and b. The contract is for 1 year, so I could move elsewhere if I didn't like it , after a year.

It is up to you mate. In my opinion 13800saudi is not much as the rent is increasing every year unless you are provided with accomodation, transportation and other expenses. It is about E2700. Why not do both accept the Saudi offer and the process will start and go for the Qatari interview and see the outcomes. By the way salaries in Qatar is higher that in Saudi however the inflation is rising. I knew Irish teacher who is heading to Qatar this month and his salary is around E5000 and the company provide transportation and accommodation. Life in Qatar is more open and very expensive however in Saudi there is no much to do except saving and enjoying Arabic food and coffee

I wish you all the best with your next plan

aridion

Limerick west wrote: »

It is up to you mate. In my opinion 13800saudi is not much as the rent is increasing every year unless you are provided with accomodation, transportation and other expenses. It is about E2700. Why not do both accept the Saudi offer and the process will start and go for the Qatari interview and see the outcomes. By the way salaries in Qatar is higher that in Saudi however the inflation is rising. I knew Irish teacher who is heading to Qatar this month and his salary is around E5000 and the company provide transportation and accommodation. Life in Qatar is more open and very expensive however in Saudi there is no much to do except saving and enjoying Arabic food and coffee

I wish you all the best with your next plan

Just had the Qatar interview. They are offering 10,020 QR (2 088 euros) salary with accommodation and flights. So it ain't the best, but not so bad as it is tax free, and it is my first job abroad after doing the PGCE. They will get back to me in under a week.
I have taken your advice LW and send my stuff off to the Saudi School. I just like the idea of coming out of Saudi at the end of my 1 year contract with around 20,000 euros banked (maybe even more).

Limerick west

aridion wrote: »

Limerick west wrote: »

It is up to you mate. In my opinion 13800saudi is not much as the rent is increasing every year unless you are provided with accomodation, transportation and other expenses. It is about E2700. Why not do both accept the Saudi offer and the process will start and go for the Qatari interview and see the outcomes. By the way salaries in Qatar is higher that in Saudi however the inflation is rising. I knew Irish teacher who is heading to Qatar this month and his salary is around E5000 and the company provide transportation and accommodation. Life in Qatar is more open and very expensive however in Saudi there is no much to do except saving and enjoying Arabic food and coffee

I wish you all the best with your next plan

Just had the Qatar interview. They are offering 10,020 QR (2 088 euros) salary with accommodation and flights. So it ain't the best, but not so bad as it is tax free, and it is my first job abroad after doing the PGCE. They will get back to me in under a week.
I have taken your advice LW and send my stuff off to the Saudi School. I just like the idea of coming out of Saudi at the end of my 1 year contract with around 20,000 euros banked (maybe even more).

enjoy your first assignment mate and wish you safe and pleasant trip to Saudi.

jkinsel01

I am living in Yanbu at the moment and have been since Feb 2012. I came to study at KAUST in Aug 2010 and finished in Dec 2011.
I'm an environmental engineer and earning fantastic money compared to home. But living in saudi is still tough and I often feel like packing up and heading back to Ireland. Even if I cant find a job there.
I would not work for 25,000E per year though. Its just not worth it. The quality of life is poor here at best. Unless you are in a very nice compound there will be nothing to do.
There are only two cinemas in the country, both in private compounds. If you are in a major city it will be easier to make friends with expats, which I suggest you make a big effort to do. Your friends will help you survive the lonesome times.
You cant really travel to bahrain & dubai every weekend especially if you are trying to save money. Also, many employers keep your passport and you will have to apply for a exit visa each time you want to leave.
I imagine Tabuk to be very isolated and with not much to do at all.
A married couple will find it much easier to survive than single people.

narfsnonsense

Forgot Id started this! Out here about 5 weeks now and having a great time. Its more expensive than I expected, although Im hoping a lot of that it start up costs.

Clothers shopping is definitely more expensive than home. Not really a shopper by nature however I've been shopping more in the last 5 weeks than the last 5 months at home. Its something to do at the weekends. I've been on nights out 3 of the 5 weekends Ive been here which have been good fun.

Its getting hot. 41 at the minute. I've heard talk of high 50's in the coming months which I can't even imagine.

Most surprising thing Ive found is how quickly I settled, but I had done a good bit of research before arriving so Im sure that helped. Anyone thinking of coming out with questions drop me a PM.

aridion

I just received my contract for Saudi. I am in 2 minds as to sign it or not. The thing is, that I have not secured a job in the UK yet as a newly qualified teacher.

Limerick west

narfsnonsense wrote: »

Forgot Id started this! Out here about 5 weeks now and having a great time. Its more expensive than I expected, although Im hoping a lot of that it start up costs.

Clothers shopping is definitely more expensive than home. Not really a shopper by nature however I've been shopping more in the last 5 weeks than the last 5 months at home. Its something to do at the weekends. I've been on nights out 3 of the 5 weekends Ive been here which have been good fun.

Its getting hot. 41 at the minute. I've heard talk of high 50's in the coming months which I can't even imagine.

Most surprising thing Ive found is how quickly I settled, but I had done a good bit of research before arriving so Im sure that helped. Anyone thinking of coming out with questions drop me a PM.

Great to hear that you settled as it is very important to strat your journey. All the best and I might need your help as I am doing research about expats in Saudi.
Best

JFitzgerald

Hi,
I'm female.
i've been shortlisted for a job teaching english at Princess Noora University - a new university for women in Riyadh.
if i'm sucessful, i would be living on a new compound there.
Does anyone know anything about PNU?
I'm definitely interested in going for a year, for the teaching experiance and to save some money.
is riyadh really boring? i hope it isn't.
is it impossible to get a drink anywhere there? i can't go a year without a beer. that sounds bad - but there you go - some of us like a drop at the weekends.

smurfjed

The PNU looks amazing, I have watched them building it for the last couple of years, complete with its own monorail. I believe that it only opened it's doors was year, so you probably wont find too much information about conditions. It was said that SA was the second largest importer of Johnny Walker after the USA.. I would well believe it

I dont think that you will die of thirst. Riyadh is what you make it, some hate it, some accept it, some love it.

Smurfjed

JFitzgerald

smurfjed wrote: »

The PNU looks amazing, I have watched them building it for the last couple of years, complete with its own monorail. I believe that it only opened it's doors was year, so you probably wont find too much information about conditions. It was said that SA was the second largest importer of Johnny Walker after the USA.. I would well believe it

I dont think that you will die of thirst. Riyadh is what you make it, some hate it, some accept it, some love it.

Smurfjed

thanks for the info.
i had my second interview for PNU yesterday.
i'm waiting to hear if i've been successful.
i now have more info about the job and conditions since i last posted.
the PNU english teachers compound looks lush.
finger crossed i'll get an offer.

smurfjed

If you accept the position, google GAA Saudi Arabia.... they appear to have a good social infrastructure on that side of the country.

smurfjed

JFitzgerald

smurfjed wrote: »

If you accept the position, google GAA Saudi Arabia.... they appear to have a good social infrastructure on that side of the country.

smurfjed

I'm still waiting to hear if i've been successful. Thanks for the info, I'll definitely contact the GAA there if i'm successful.

The Buster

Hi
Another person considering moving to Saudi. Can anybody who has lived there give example of what life is like in a compound? Living conditions/social activities etc
Cheers

smurfjed

What part of the country? And are you going working for a large company with their own compound?

smurfjed

The Buster

Smurf - the job is in Riyadh. I understand the company has its own compound but not sure where etc. At this stage I don't have an offer but am just doing a bit of research in case I do get one. I have done a bit of research on life in saudi but I found little info about life in compound

smurfjed

Compound life really depends on the compound, some may have a dozen villas, others like the one i live in were designed for 15,000 people, complete with shopping center, garage, restaurants, pools, baseball diamond etc etc. It takes me almost an hour to walk about the perimeter (on the inside). So with all the available facilities, life become a case of what you are willing to make of it.

Once you know more about the company/compound, try contacting the GAA group in Riyadh, they appear to have a large Irish contingent, and they should be able to give you more specific answers.

Good Luck, remember to bring a jumper (sweater) for the winter!

smurfjed

Jonti

Hi,
My wife and I were in Riyadh (which is worse than Jeddah).
Firstly, go with the flow of the Saudi nationals and their cistoms regarding dress as it will make life easier whenever you are out and about shopping etc. Not to do so will attract the Religous Police (Matowas) who will hassle you until such times as you end up leaving the shopping mall etc.
Secondly, you'll probably be living in a company compound along with others similar to yourself, all depending on who your sponsering company is this could either be a great western styled compound or a block of flats with various nationalities ensconced in the various apartments. Nodoubt you'll be sharing an apartment with one or more females.
Thirdly, depending on the above you may or may not have regular shopping/recreational trips to and from your compound.
Fourthy, do not attract undue attention to yourself and/or your extra caricular activities. Discretion is the key word here.
Fifthly, if you are invited to parties in a compound other than your own, caution is required and DO NOT GET DRUNK if you have to return to your compound that night. If you do this canm and will lead to serious problems for you.
Sixthly, DO NOT get into a taxi unacompanied. To do so can invite untold danger.
The good side.
Life in Saudi can be great (even for women) although it is a mans world over there. parties, desert trips and if you're into shopping it's a shopper paradise.

Enjoy yourself and if you want to know more from a female point of view PM me and I'll get my wife to contact you.
Use DISCRETION and you will enjoy yourself, meet like minded people etc and gain a lot of experience and knowledge.