EK28

After lots of indecisive companies my husband has finally had an offer from a company in Riyadh. He is in construction (engineering) and has been offered 35,000k a month plus 105,000 a year for accommodation. They haven't got back to us on family status as this offer is single status but they have said they will be able to sponsor myself. We have no children so no school fees etc needed. Also I am a teacher so not worried too much about getting a job. The problem is the company has already said we don't negotiate on salary. I would always assume that u need to negotiate a bit with salary. Will it be seen as ungrateful to ask for a higher salary?

nottmbantam

The housing allowance you've been offered is a standard 3 x basic salary ( 35k x 3 = 105k ). Depends on where you want to live and the lifestyle, i.e. Compound or off compound as to what you'll get for that money. There should also be a transport allowance included unless he's being issued with a company car?

In terms of negotiation - why are you wanting to ask for more? Is it because you think he's worth more than that, or it's not enough for the seniority of the role he's been offered, or just wanting more money?

Can I ask what level of role it is? Construction Manager / Project Manager etc. You can always ask I guess - the worst they can say is no.Would it be bad form to ask which company it is?

EK28

Thanks for that! He is a senior engineer and it is a British consultants. He was given a similar offer from Doha except no housing. He is given a car as well in Riyadh. I just don't know a lot about Riyadh salaries so wasn't sure if he would be worth more. We have done the sums and can def survive on this, even putting extra money in to our housing to make sure we r on a compound (if there r any available!). I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that we will be okay. He is very keen on the company not just for money but because he can see it is a great move for his career and he sees himself progressing well

scrubbedexpat141

Are the initials of the company BH?

mentalist

It really depends on what you are both earning in the UK right now. With no kids and a reasonable package, it sounds fine but Riyadh is certainly not Jeddah or even Khobar. Much less for women to do. From personal experience, I would never live there. For what its worth, however, we actually preferred compound life in Jeddah to life here in Dubai.

scrubbedexpat141

I assumed it was just cheaper?

nonthaburi

Don't know about the nothing to do for women. Depends what a woman wants to do obviously, but going by my wife's experience, she has got a good group of friends and they meet up regularly and have fun together. Possibly because Riyadh is a big city there are a lot more people to meet etc. What sort of things do you have in mind when you say there is less for women to do?

nonthaburi

Maybe more friendly too. KSA is very relaxed and most people are very friendly(expats and Saudis).

EK28

Not sure who BH are. I'd rather not say who on here. I'm not bothered about what there is to do as I'm sure I'll find something. I'm not one to sit at home twiddling my thumbs. Just wanted to make sure we would be able to live the way we do in UK (in money terms).

nottmbantam

There will be compounds around for that money, but of course, size of accommodation will dictate our outlay. The cheaper end of the market should see you get a 2 bed apartment on somewhere like Fal or even Seder. Out of the two, I'd go for Seder. Bigger accommodation will naturally be more, and the more expensive compounds will start at around 150k per year for a 2 bed flat.

If you are a teacher, i would imagine, they'd be pretty good chance you could get a job at the British School or the Multi National School. I think the American school would look to hire American's int eh first instance, and they would follow a different curriculum.

AS for socialising, as many Riyadh expats will tell you - it's down to you to make the effort. Get out there , make friends and build you own social network. Can be good fun, varied and you will get to meet a lot people.

EK28

Thanks for all ur help. The move seems good as my husband will be workingon new Saudi metro which is exiciting project for him. Just need to get organised now!

super_hans

Seems a fair enough offer to me, but I am firm believer in 'don't ask, don't get', I negotiated an extra 10% on top of my original offer.
Living in Saudi is what you choose to make it, but I find 10-12 weeks is enough for me to need a break somewhere 'normal(ish)'.

bodieanddoyle

You'll be clearing the equivalent of just over £7k a month - that enough for you?

scot47

Riyadh can be quite oppressive, compared to Jeddah or Eastern Region. A decent compound is vital.

EK28

Will this keep me in diamonds and fur stoles though? This is what I am used to in the UK � ����� ����