Originally Posted by nonthaburi

I wouldn't accept any pay cut to go to Doha or Dubai. There seems to be a feeling that KSA is some kind of hardship posting, but I don't really get that.

Originally Posted by nonthaburi

My phone call with Scamp would probably be a short one! because TBH, I wouldn't accept any pay cut to go to Doha or Dubai. There seems to be a feeling that KSA is some kind of hardship posting, but I don't really get that. It's a bizarre country for sure, but living here, for me is actually pretty easy.

I would also have to consider the money side of things. The only reason(pretty much) that anyone comes to the ME is for the money. If I have a nice life already, why am I going to take a pay cut to go somewhere else.

KSA is cheap to live, if anything I would want a payrise to go somewhere else to cover all the extra stuff( Scamp is banging his head on the table by this point). Dubai especially is going to cost money. Anyway, I'm not that bothered by lifestyle stuff but I definitely won't go somewhere more expensive where they are paying me less!

Re: diplomatic folks, not really my scene. There was a do at the German embassy a few weeks back 50SAR a ticket and free beer all night. I can do that every night of the week, but a lot of it is a bit arty farty for me. Done a lot of gatherings at the Thai Embassy but that is because my wife is Thai and everyone knows each other.

Bars on compounds,house parties, pool parties, and BBQs are the best social options IMO.

Originally Posted by omega7

@Jenmanc

Thanks for your post and for sharing your (very relevant) first-hand experience.

Was a move from KSA to Doha beyond your control? If no, then what was the main reason that made you on your own to move? If I may ask, how much less is the salary in Doha vs. KSA?

The premium that I'm currently facing is that of ~40%, so yes KSA will suit me much better in regards to saving, but I cant say that I'm trilled with the idea of a life in the Kingdom.

Some of the aspects of your experience in Doha, seem to be related to Doha's lack of affordability which is absolutely true - yet I must admit that in Dhahran prices are not cheap either, particularly in regards to good compound housing. Granted from Dhahran one has easy access to Bahrain, but then again I think it's not really the right criterion to decide to move to one place based on this place's proximity to another city/place. It's a negative sign, cause it shows that you have already (& to begin with) lost hope on making that place 'home'.

I think you and other people have pointed out the very solid argument that it's all about building a solid circle of friends. I guess your point for being able to more easily socialize with people in KSA is valid, given that the lack of many options 'forces' you in a way to spend time with the people in your immediate environment. Now, this is great if the people that happen to be in one's social vicinity are compatible with one's own personality, otherwise things become difficult (I guess).

Thanks again for sharing your input. I'm a bit more inclined to opt for Doha vs. KSA, but reading your insight was still very helpful.

Originally Posted by omega7

@JENMANC

Well clearly with Doha being so expensive, a modest salary should definitely have an impact on the perceived quality of life. I guess, one needs networking and a bit of time to find the best way to navigate the difficulties.
I agree that housing is key, as it can really drag you down, if you stay in something not good.

@Alexa

I can't see how life in KSA can be in general better than life in Doha given that one can have in Doha all the things that he has in KSA and even more; obviously this point is much more valid if one compares KSA with Dubai. Maybe in KSA the difficulty of the place allows you to bond easier with other expats (something that you don't really have in Doha), but I guess if you opt to live in a compound, then you can get closer to other expats as well.

Again i'm focusing on the comparison between the two, assuming salary is the same.

Originally Posted by Alexa

hmm, I find there is a big difference in the general attitude of expats. As you said, the difficulty "outside" probably lets people bond. Despite having lived on several compounds in Doha, I have not experienced the same attitude towrds each other as in KSA.

Originally Posted by omega7

It's something to keep in mind - surely the easier the place, the more superficial the bonding (again, generally speaking); Dubai being a case in point.

Originally Posted by Scamp

You'd better accept something sooner or later though. I'm of the opinion that if someone is attending interviews and talking seriously then they should have done their homework and know what they want and what's going to work - not to be surprised that they get an offer and are expected to move.

Originally Posted by omega7

When being faced with any option, it's natural to weigh the pros and cons before deciding, let alone when the options are more than one; that's what I'm doing now. There are a lot of issues to be factored in (the actual place and the money being two key ones, but not the only ones). I'm just now using the time available to assess what's best.