Jeddah or Riyadh
 

Hi all.
wanted to check the opinions of these two cities, pros and cons, such as cost of living, standards of living, climate/weather, schools for kids and their quality

my “unprofessional” personal views
Jeddah pros: seaside, weather unlike as in Riyadh, close to Mekkah (for Muslims)
cons: infrastructure? Not a hub,
Riyadh: central location, hub (all major companies and banksnhave offices, even Aramco), infrastructure, international (relatively)
cons: weather/climate (can even be dangerous for those with asthma), living cost more pricey

what would be your views?

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh
 

I've not been to Jeddah yet, but give me Riyadh over the humidity of the coastal cities any day. I can walk around comfortably in Riyadh in 40+ degrees and feel fine. When I go to the coast, the humidity is unbearable.

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh
 

I've only visited the two cities. I prefer Jeddah to Riyadh, it just feels more laid back and friendly. It's a chaotic place, and half the city was torn down some years ago to deal with crime, apparently. Jeddah also benefits from a nicer airport, and I suspect more international destinations than ruh, with it being saudias base of operations, and the cities status in the Muslim world.

I find it less hot and humid along the red sea coast than the Arabian gulf.

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh
 

When I first was in Saudi over ten years ago I'd have said Jeddah. More freedom, more laid-back lifestyle etc.

These days though, I don't think you'd notice a difference freedom wise and Riyadh has got so much more going on, places to go etc. Jeddah feels like it's slipped behind in comparison now.

And as another poster said. Humidity in Jeddah can be unbearable, but 40 in Riyadh and I'm not even sweating.

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh
 

Hi
i saw one of your previous posts about Jeddah and IsDB. I’m looking at something similar but going through the process. Did you take the position? Would love to pick your brain if possible
thanks!

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh
 

hello. Thanks for reaching out. Due to family circumstances and career progression at the then current job, I did not take that offer (which was back in 2017). Since then, I also had another offer from another a bit smaller multilateral based in Riyadh. Offer was good, but had to oass on it.
would love to hear on your situation. I would prefer Jeddah to Riyadh.
happy to share anything further (based on my the then research).

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh
 

Oh wow so sorry to hear that. I hope you landed in a great place.

hoestly, I applied back in 2023 and only now doing the interview. I can’t find ANYTHING online re: salary structure, number of interviews. The interview was more than I had anticipated but I think I did well as I’m seeing some updates in the system, but nothing substantial.

thanks!

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh
 

i have sent you PM.

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh
 

For some reason I can’t access it. It says it’s restricted unfortunately

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh
 

hi there - hope you’re well
just joined here and I am currently in the same situation as yours and might join ISDB
Applied last year but been interviewed quite recently - I wanted to hear about your experience if you have been offered the job and how long the process takes plus if you were able to negotiate the salary etc
I would be much appreciated if you can share any ideas/info with me

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh
 

Hi, I can't find any information online and I was hoping you could give some insight into the IsDB interview process? Thank you in advance.

Re: Jeddah or Riyadh