jc241

Hello Everyone,

I've just joined the forum and hopefully can get some help with a few things.

I am a Proejct Manager ( Telecoms and ICT ) and have been offered a position with a Saudi company.

I worked in Bahrain for 2 years a while back and have heard mixed reports, good and bad and just wondered what the current feeling is out there.

I would plan to bring my wife and daughter if i take the job, is there much for them to do socialy? are the schools ( British School ) any good and are places available?

As a motorcyclist, I take it that is a non starter given the standard of driving?

I see on other posts that housing is very scarce, Im guessing if its that scarce there's no real way round this?

They have offered me a total monthly package of USD 10000, I have asked for a breakdown of this. Does this seem reasonble for the position?

Any help appreciated.

khitan004

$10k per month is pretty decent given no tax. Be sure you get housing as if you come over here and live outside of a western compound you will go insane with boredom. With family in tow it will be even worse. There are international schools over here that cater for most education systems. My dealings with them would suggest they only accept intakes at the beginning of the school year however. You would have to contact them directly. Does your employer pay housing and schooling ON TOP of your salary? If they do not you will find that salary spreading thinner and thinner. The social aspects of Saudi are limited but are there. You just have to go out and make it happen rather than wait for it to happen.

jc241

USD 10k is the total package they have offered, I have asked for a breakdown but haven't got a reply yet, but they did say this included housing allowance and vehicle allowance. Flights and medical to be provided seperately.

khitan004

Decent housing on a compound for your family can be priced upwards of $50k per annum rent. Most compounds require this payment up front as well.

Jackwow

If 10K per month is the total package then there is no need for a breakdown is there? The good think about SA is that there is nothing to spend your money on so saving possibilty is very good even if the money is less than in other gulf states.

Bob

Might not be come April...things change up about non residence tax issues, so there might well be tax owed to the Inland Rev, especially for a new ex-pat.