kat1829

Hi - after some advice please. i am looking for jobs in Saudi Arabia but after some advice on whether this is a good move or not. I would be coming on my own (30 year old girl) - is this a good idea or would it not work unless you know somebody?
How easy is it to meet other English people?

I am really looking for a change away from UK for a couple of years and here really appeals to me.

Any other advice you can give such as Cost of living etc that would be great?

Kix

Welcome to the bored.

Why Saudi?

Meow

What exactly appeals to you about KSA?

kat1829

Honest answer is I really don't know. I have looked at some job sites and there seems to be more positions available there or Dubai and i think I prefer somewhere with a bit more history/ culture than Dubai.

Open to recommendations of other locations?

Bahtatboy

Dubai, Dubai, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait. ****, even Iraq. Unless you're on a compound with other westerners (presumably they exist in Jeddah), or you're seriously weird.

What do you do?

Alexa

Try Turkey instead.
And PLEASE, do yourself a BIG favour, research Saudi.
If you are after local culture and all that, Saudi is NOT the place for you.
Unless you are after local expat culture....

kat1829

Really so you wouldn't recommend Saudi then?

I work in Human Resources/ Recruitment. Want to stay in this role just after a change of location that will be a real challenge.

I think when looked at Jeddah they do have compounds - think one is called Arabian homes.

Bob

Welcome to BE and good luck!

Though at 30, you're not a girl.

kat1829

I will check out some of these other places. Glad i joined this as I am really only just starting to look seriously so its good to get some advice before I make any rash decisions.
Thanks guys

Alexa

It all depends on what you are looking for /expecting.
If it is culture and history, then no, I would not recommend Saudi.
If you go for the money, and will be paid VERY well, given housing by the company on a Western compound, then yes.

Southlondoner

Hi Kat1829

You are really brave! I am about to head off to Riyadh for a contract role.

Would not recommend Saudi Arabia for a woman on her own. Especially for someone brought up in the West. Jeddah is a lot more liberal than Riyadh. However:

You will still have to wear the abaya (black cloak) outside the compound.
No cinema, bars or decent bookshops.
You cannot easily meet anyone of the opposite sex outside the compound.
You cannot drive.
If you have a coffee on your own - as a solitary western woman - you will attract a crowd of young guys out to show off.

Life inside a western compound is fine - you can live as you choose and do/wear what you want. It is really vital you get into a compound.
Figure rent of SAR 80,000 per year mimimum for a one bed.

I have lived in Riyadh in an apartment outside a compound because of no available places. It is seriously boring.

bananantoast

I would suggest a compromise if you are seeking Middle East culture and looking for a decent package (salary, housing allowance, annual flight home, private medical etc) which you possibly wouldn't find in Turkey. Saudi is tough on women unless you find a great compound of expats but there's no guarantee that you will. Would suggest you look at UAE as you have the choice of working in Dubai on a good package but also the culture in Sharjah/Ab Dhabi who have large Brit expat communities also. Friends and family will not be permitted to visit you in Saudi and there are also the many restrictions listed above.
I've declined to go and live in Saudi with hubby as I much prefer the way of life and freedom (to some extent) in Sharjah. However, we're all different and only you can make the final decision. Good Luck whatever you decide :-)

britexpat76

I would rather live in an Igloo, alone wearing only a frilly pair of french Knickers and a smile than live in 1476. A truly hideous place made tolerable only by the pay cheque and your neighbours on a compound.

northbadawi

Human Resources/ Recruitment and some other positions are exclusively for Saudis only.
Women can work in schools or medical, and from recently - in lingerie or perfume shops and as cashiers. Unless you are very qualified and well paid doctor you will not be able to afford living in Arabian Homes. As a teacher you may be provided with an apartment or some shared accommodation in compound or outside.

Yes, you must wear abaya, not use alcohol and don't drive. And that's it, and only in public.
As for westerners there are no any problems for mixed gatherings in the city, or overland or sea diving trips.
(I'm talking about Jeddah, in Riyadh may be a bit different)

IMHO Saudi has very rich cultural and natural variety, just because it is huge country, not the "one fishermen's village" like the other Gulf countries.

Don't listen to advises of those who "never would go to Saudi".

OleJanx

[QUOTE=northbadawi;10347974

Don't listen to advises of those who "never would go to Saudi".[/QUOTE]

DO listen to those who have been there...