Hi all,

So I am negotiating a salary for a multinational firm in Riyadh. I'm admittedly a little lost in the housing situation, and although I've lots of experience moving around in general, I'm a little lost with the whole compound thing.

Basically, I'd be moving a family of 2 adults 3 kids of varied ages. Kids would go to the French school around Al-Imam University. I think living in a compound would be the better choice for the family. So:

1) What compond(s) would be closest to Al-Imam University that would still be "nice" to live in (activities, stuff to do, etc) - or am I better off living further away? (I suspect kids would get a school bus, so at some point distance isn't critical)
2) Any current data on compound prices? I understand that for a 3-bedroom house, I'm looking at 200-300K SAR per year?
3) How do you figure out availability? Has space freed up during COVID times, or is it the inverse, less likely to get a spot?
4) Do most people negotiate a fixed salary and then pay their own rent, or do most people get the employer to cover it? (my recruiter is telling me to negotiate for a fixed income, and then pay my own rent)
5) Are dogs typically allowed, and if yes, is there a size limitation? (i.e. only miniature dogs etc)
6) How do you even inquire about each compound's availability? Have to reach out directly to each one, or?

Thanks for any help... big move, any feedback welcome.

Cheers!

Hi starwalker,

I cannot respond to all your questions but some tips from myself as someone in a similar position:

2) Any current data on compound prices? I understand that for a 3-bedroom house, I'm looking at 200-300K SAR per year?

From my research and price lists I have received so far, this seems about right but depends a lot on what you are looking for..could be less or more than this.

3) How do you figure out availability? Has space freed up during COVID times, or is it the inverse, less likely to get a spot?
6) How do you even inquire about each compound's availability? Have to reach out directly to each one, or?

So far every compound has told me to come in for viewing once I arrive. Some have simply said come in we'll have something for you, others have played the sales game along the lines of "we're full but something looks like freeing up just as you arrive". I did not get the impression availability is a big issue, but I expect to be surprised when I arrive and start visiting.

And yes I have been reaching out directly - you can have look at my thread for experience so far although my requirements may be different from yours. Sometimes an email is enough to generate a response, sometimes you may need to text them to get them to respond. It seems that if you say "I may be arriving if I agree the terms with the prospective employer", this generally solicits silence, but once you say "I am arriving as I have accepted the job" that gets you responses.

4) Do most people negotiate a fixed salary and then pay their own rent, or do most people get the employer to cover it? (my recruiter is telling me to negotiate for a fixed income, and then pay my own rent)

I haven't even been offered an option to have the employer pay for me - income tax is zero (fingers crossed it stays that way!) so there is no real incentive, such as to claim deductions etc, for employers to pay accommodation for you. Your contract will probably have an accommodation component, but this means nothing really - all it means is that the basis for your bonus, if any, is lower. Negotiate your salary with all benefits/allowances, add it up to an annual figure and then go shopping.

Hope this has helped.

Hi Star Walker

The Al Hamra compound Al Hamra Oasis Village is just over the road from the university and is home to the British School. You should note that not all the kids are going to be native French or English Speakers. English is much more widely spoken than French thus the ability levels will be less varied.

Thanks very much, this does seem very close indeed! Would you happen to have any idea of the rent prices over there?

Al Romaison compound is just round the corner from the uni. It's fairly old but used to be okay. No idea about prices.