madmidwife

I'll begin by apologising for going over what must feel like a monotonous series of questions for the regular members of this forum.
I'm a midwife planning on moving to saudi in June '08 (for the money), is that enough time for me to get all the documentation etc ready?I'd be grateful for info on what to expect - lifestyle, limitations, salary, bank accounts, UK tax. What are peoples views on Saudi 'v' the rest of the middle east. I am a single woman with no dependants and I think the adjustment wouldn't be too difficult - please enlighten me. Thanks

shakh your bootie

Welcome to the Board, MMW. I know nothing about Saudi, but the Dean, MaranelloMan and LadyLou should be able to give some advice.

Also look at the Wiki - it contains the answers to a lot of faqs.

Madam Medusa

also do a search, there's been quite a lot of info about saudi recently...from a couple of nurses i seem to recall...

MM, xx

Alexa

Go to www.sainsaudi.co.za


They will be able to answer all your questions.

madmidwife

Thank you all for your advice,. I've spent most of today visiting the suggested websites and a few others. My mind is pretty much made up about the move. Will start the wheels turning in the new year.

clare123

Hi there,

I am also looking for the same information, so thank you all for the suggestions. Have you approached any agencies yet or are you still information gatherine?
I am based in London and if you would like to e-mail me, thats fine.

Kind regards,

madmidwife

Hi Clare,


i've approached an agency called Pulse. Haven't put forward my CV or anything as yet. I believe they're having job fairs in Feb & Mar 2008, I hope to attend. I have no idea if this is the best agency to work with or not but they have been helpful - sending info, replying promptly to emails etc. It would be great to keep in touch.

clare123

Hi again,

I would be more than happy to keep in touch. Send me a private message and we can proceed that way.

lionheart

I wouldn't advise any western women to work in Saudi as the culture is so anti-women. My wife hated the place...Riyadh is much worse than Jeddah or Dammam. The money would have to be bloody marvellous.

madmidwife

How long were you and your wife in saudi? Did she work there? Are you still there? I only ask because I am in this to make some money and willing to make radical adjustments in pursuit of some financial independance.Is there anywhere else with similar money making prospects? I believe the rest of ME not as competitive on salaries because of the less restrictive lifestyles offered. Thanks for your input I'll keep it in mind.

DolphinFriend

Hello
1st of all, you r more than welcome in your 2nd home
am saudi girl and i can help concerning any question
yes the my country here might seems of different culture for expats
but its not that bad

have been living in Jeddah my whole life, i think its the best..lots of shopping centers>>"she likes shopping"
the people here are friendly..
and one more thing, its known to be called, Jeddah ghair=means>Jeddah Different
there is a girl there, "DolphinFriend" who will be there for any1 needs help...DolphinFriend, No wonder

by the way, few weeks ago, i met expats in party, some were from canada, some from the States, one from france...the Canadians are working in hospital, so if any of you will work in a hospital i can try to contact the canadian ladies and ask them any question you would like to ask

will pm my email address to each of you, madmidwife & clare123 ..so please feel free to contact me and ask as many questions as you like

in case will not be here the coming days, will say it now to all who r reading this "Merry Christmas"

lionheart

I was there nearly 8 yrs with my wife joining me for the last 3 yrs only (before that we hadn't met)...my salary here in Dubai is the same as it was in Saudi...our main issue over there was that my wife ( who is non-British) was never entitled to a multiple entry/exit visa and regarded herself as a virtual prisoner...incidentally, Jeddah International Airport is a nightmare, especially during the Hajj when its unbearable...the toilets are disgusting and the queues huge...the main consolation was that we were lucky enough to have lived on a nice compound.

ER Nurse

Hi Madmidwife 6 Clare.
I am a nurse moving to UAE. I obtained my position through Pulse. My original application was May 2007 I will start In January 2008. Some of the paperwork etc takes a little while. I did not attend a jobs fair, I just dealt direct.

Please be prepared for plenty of back and forth with transcripts etc.

madmidwife

Hi ER Nurse,

Good luck with the move January 2008. Keep us updated about your experiences. I am going to start work on my CV soon and let Pulse take a look at it. I'm not looking forward to the medical checks which I believe can be extensive - xrays, blood tests etc etc.

ER Nurse

Hi again

I only had to complete a medical form for UAE not sure if Saudi is different!