Trailing_Hubby

Not yet as we are working on an August date, but I get the impression they can move quicker if needed.

She's in IT. Michael Page were the recruiter, and they seem to be confident there should be plenty of roles coming up.

HB89

Thanks, appreciate you sharing.

FriendlyExpat

Remember that a decent compound is normally up to about £60k/year for a house or half that for a flat. Al Nakhla, Al Bustan probably best options at present if you want a huge modern compound.

HB89

Thanks for the reply. You are spot on. a 3 bedroom house was costing just that when I asked. When my wife asked the price was 20k SAR cheaper. I managed to negotiate down a little but no way near where she started let alone where she ended up. Will wait and see if there are any other expats at my new company that I can leverage for further discounts - don't ask don't get.

Al Bustan, looks good. The reason we have Al Nakhla at the top is it looks full of life and prestine. Whereas Al Bustan looks prestine but a little flat, but by no means off the list. Please feel free to suggest more.

scot47

Have you considered what happens after KSA ? In many jobs, a spell in KSA can be the "kiss of death" to further job prospects. Do you have an Exit Strategy ? When I went back to KSA I planned to spemd the rest of my working life there, and in my case that turned out reasonably well. I still miss that nice, tax-free salary. My eldest daughter enjoyed her time at school in Jeddah. My wife enjoyed the shopping in The Souk ("Shara Gabel", "Balad") and in the shopping malls. Saudi still has a lot going for it. And the Gold Souk !

HB89

Strictly speaking I have not thought much about an 'Exit Strategy'. I don't know what it's going to be like. The pay rise and promotion will put me well ahead of my years (am 30 years of age) and as long as my career develops and progresses I am happy to stay. I come from humble beginnings so what this opportunity does for me and my family. Not just my wife and child but also my mum and siblings, how I can support them is incredible. I have more motivating me to go and stay than just the sense of adventure.

We have family that has done the Middle East experience. Some have stayed, some came back, but everyone was glad they did it and there lives back here are better for it. There's too many variable to consider a single Exit Strategy so I'm not giving it much air-time.

scot47

For some of us, the proximity to Mecca and Medina can be a powerful attrrcation. While living in Jeddah, I had American colleagues who drove up to Mecca most Fridays.

wonderer123

Now that's interesting for all of those looking for a quick move to KSA...….pandemic end---who can predict that

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronav...-pandemic-ends

HB89

That's discouraging. I wonder if by end of Pandemic they are referring to the state NZ were in prior to the two UK travellers. Who knows? Guess I will ask the company.

HB89

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1700341/saudi-arabia

Looks like they've not forgotten expats. I've seen and heard progress on my SAMA application, so there is some traction

omega7

Late reply, sorry; given that you are 30, this is an opportunity not to be missed! I am actually surprised that you got such an offer given your age, as Saudis target mainly well-experienced expats. But either way, cograts.

So while the offer could have been higher (e.g. same package but with accommodation extra, plus maybe some allowances), there is no doubt you should take it...and fast

Trailing_Hubby

Seems like no normal visas are being issued right now. There's a repatriation flight in the middle of August and talk of the Bahrain border being opened at some point, but nothing firm as yet. End of August is a way away I guess, so we may well be fine, but will have to see how it goes.

HB89

I am still waiting on SAMA to approve my application as I will be working in Financial Services. It was meant to be a 10 day wait. Coming up to 6 weeks now, still no news.

I can deal with the wait, as long as I know how long the wait is. It's the not-knowing that bothers me. I can't plan my UK life. Nothing I can do either.

Trailing_Hubby

Yeah - we need to get everything packed up and into storage and that's pretty much a fixed date. Might well be couch surfing from September!!

nonthaburi

This from the GACA today.

https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/...l-flights-GACA

I'm expecting that case numbers will have to come down to at least under a thousand a day before things open up. Maybe by September.