Working in Riyadh
 

Hi everyone

First post here. There's a potential opportunity for me to work in Riyadh and I have been asked what my desired base salary is.

The prospective role is with a large organisation where the package includes company provided housing, transport allowance, medical insurance coverage plus flights home etc. I'm currently on £125k in UK, I've read the cost of living is pretty high here and have read that I should ask for between 25% to 50% more than what my UK gross is. Given 100% more than my basic is unrealistic, what is realistic amount to ask for? My primary motive is to save as much of my salary as I can for a few years, I was thinking asking for 25% more than my current base, Would this scare off the employer or am I selling myself short or not.

All replies genuinely appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Thomas

Re: Working in Riyadh
 

Welcome (doubting) Thomas.

What line of business you in? A legal eagle or bean counter?

Cost of living not that bad if you have no dependents. You'll save bundles but should put emphasis on the work / role you'll be doing when deciding if it is the right move.

Best of British!

Re: Working in Riyadh
 

If you are on 125k in the UK then think of the Tax and NI you pay out, on 125k here all found depending if you are single or even with a family I guess the 40k that is robbed from your salary everymonth will be an immediate saving.
There is no harm in you asking for a further 20k , in fact they will probably be expecting you to ask for more than they offer and meet you half way, result.
Cost of living here for a single bloke ( moi), well I get by on 1500 sar a month easy, I go out to eat, cook at home and visit other compounds who take money off me for "refreshments" I certainly do not miss out on stuff.
Hope you get what you want.