NEOM COMMUNITY THREAD
Aug 1st 2023, 5:28 am
#2251
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 3
re: NEOM COMMUNITY THREAD
After a 3 month process, I am finally flying out this Sunday August 6th (LHR to NUM direct)...
...my only slight concern is I have not received any e-mails from the Housing department, or received my QR entry code! I am chasing my onboarder, but there is radio silence.
I feel this is going to be quite the adventure! haha.
Anyone else doing induction on Aug 7th?
...my only slight concern is I have not received any e-mails from the Housing department, or received my QR entry code! I am chasing my onboarder, but there is radio silence.
I feel this is going to be quite the adventure! haha.
Anyone else doing induction on Aug 7th?
I’m arriving also on Sun 6th.
I received the QR last Sunday, but nothing else. As the rest of the colleagues from this forum said, they will provide us the info. Think NEOM is receiving hundreds of people everyweek and this process must be under control (although there can be always exceptions).
Have a nice trip!
Aug 2nd 2023, 4:27 am
#2253
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 89
re: NEOM COMMUNITY THREAD
Hello,
I'm flying out to Neom in a fortnight, I've never worked in the Middle East before - and wondered if anyone had any tips, or things they wish they had known before flying out? I've looked through most of the threads, and have listed some of my questions and notes below - in case anyone had any comments or feedback.
I'm working on the Line, and will be living in NC2. I'm not bringing my family, and was told on the induction call that family accommodation is not available until 2024 earliest.
Clothing
What do people wear in the office? My guess is shirt and chino trousers.
What do people wear on their feet? My guess is brown formal shoes, but I'm hoping something more comfortable?
I'll be an office worker in NC1. Does each department have its own dress code?
What to bring?
Should I pack light to begin with, or is any particular kit recommended?
Remote working
How is the 2 days per month working out for people? Are they being very strict, or is it department dependent?
Other
For banking I've setup a Revolut premium account, and HSBC (UK) USD account. There is a good thread re: banking: "Banking in KSA"
I'm worried about my 1st paycheck being sent directly to my UK bank account, and the fees I'll have to pay on this.
I've been recommended Express VPN.
Thanks in advance!
I'm flying out to Neom in a fortnight, I've never worked in the Middle East before - and wondered if anyone had any tips, or things they wish they had known before flying out? I've looked through most of the threads, and have listed some of my questions and notes below - in case anyone had any comments or feedback.
I'm working on the Line, and will be living in NC2. I'm not bringing my family, and was told on the induction call that family accommodation is not available until 2024 earliest.
Clothing
What do people wear in the office? My guess is shirt and chino trousers.
What do people wear on their feet? My guess is brown formal shoes, but I'm hoping something more comfortable?
I'll be an office worker in NC1. Does each department have its own dress code?
What to bring?
Should I pack light to begin with, or is any particular kit recommended?
Remote working
How is the 2 days per month working out for people? Are they being very strict, or is it department dependent?
Other
For banking I've setup a Revolut premium account, and HSBC (UK) USD account. There is a good thread re: banking: "Banking in KSA"
I'm worried about my 1st paycheck being sent directly to my UK bank account, and the fees I'll have to pay on this.
I've been recommended Express VPN.
Thanks in advance!
This varies a lot and can be different depending communities/departments. Some (gents) wear chinos and business shirts, and some offices they're mostly wearing suit trousers, shirts and business shoes.
If you wear a full suit you look like a consultant, and some people choose to do that, but I can't really fathom why you would bother when it's completely acceptable to wear jeans, t-shirt/polo and smart sneakers.
Most expats wear sneakers for comfort or smart loafers style shoes. I recommend wearing whatever you feel comfortable in.
For women it's also varied and like any office in a major city. Some in jeans and t-shirt and some in dress and high heels.
What to bring?:
You could pack pretty light with mostly summer clothes now, and pick up more on your next trip to UK. It's a reasonable fee for an extra suitcase, so up-to you how much you want to bring in one trip.Tip: Bring some decent snorkelling equipment if you're keen to explore the stunning Red Sea.
Remote working:
The policy change to 2 days per calendar month is pretty useless for most expats. However, I think it could be worked to split across two months and therefore it's similar to the previous policy with maximum of 5 days adjacent an annual leave period.
Personally I don't have much need for them, but it really effects colleagues who live long distances (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) from Neom and relied on them for two weeks trips home and quality time with family.
Other:
Wouldn't worry about fees for your first salary payments. The fees are negliable and should be considered as covered by the relocation allowance. Forex is far more concerning for USD/GBP.
Aug 2nd 2023, 5:19 am
#2254
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 30
re: NEOM COMMUNITY THREAD
Clothing:
This varies a lot and can be different depending communities/departments. Some (gents) wear chinos and business shirts, and some offices they're mostly wearing suit trousers, shirts and business shoes.
If you wear a full suit you look like a consultant, and some people choose to do that, but I can't really fathom why you would bother when it's completely acceptable to wear jeans, t-shirt/polo and smart sneakers.
Most expats wear sneakers for comfort or smart loafers style shoes. I recommend wearing whatever you feel comfortable in.
For women it's also varied and like any office in a major city. Some in jeans and t-shirt and some in dress and high heels.
What to bring?:
You could pack pretty light with mostly summer clothes now, and pick up more on your next trip to UK. It's a reasonable fee for an extra suitcase, so up-to you how much you want to bring in one trip.Tip: Bring some decent snorkelling equipment if you're keen to explore the stunning Red Sea.
Remote working:
The policy change to 2 days per calendar month is pretty useless for most expats. However, I think it could be worked to split across two months and therefore it's similar to the previous policy with maximum of 5 days adjacent an annual leave period.
Personally I don't have much need for them, but it really effects colleagues who live long distances (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) from Neom and relied on them for two weeks trips home and quality time with family.
Other:
Wouldn't worry about fees for your first salary payments. The fees are negliable and should be considered as covered by the relocation allowance. Forex is far more concerning for USD/GBP.
This varies a lot and can be different depending communities/departments. Some (gents) wear chinos and business shirts, and some offices they're mostly wearing suit trousers, shirts and business shoes.
If you wear a full suit you look like a consultant, and some people choose to do that, but I can't really fathom why you would bother when it's completely acceptable to wear jeans, t-shirt/polo and smart sneakers.
Most expats wear sneakers for comfort or smart loafers style shoes. I recommend wearing whatever you feel comfortable in.
For women it's also varied and like any office in a major city. Some in jeans and t-shirt and some in dress and high heels.
What to bring?:
You could pack pretty light with mostly summer clothes now, and pick up more on your next trip to UK. It's a reasonable fee for an extra suitcase, so up-to you how much you want to bring in one trip.Tip: Bring some decent snorkelling equipment if you're keen to explore the stunning Red Sea.
Remote working:
The policy change to 2 days per calendar month is pretty useless for most expats. However, I think it could be worked to split across two months and therefore it's similar to the previous policy with maximum of 5 days adjacent an annual leave period.
Personally I don't have much need for them, but it really effects colleagues who live long distances (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) from Neom and relied on them for two weeks trips home and quality time with family.
Other:
Wouldn't worry about fees for your first salary payments. The fees are negliable and should be considered as covered by the relocation allowance. Forex is far more concerning for USD/GBP.
Aug 2nd 2023, 8:10 am
#2256
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 89
Aug 3rd 2023, 5:09 pm
#2257
Just Joined
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 18
re: NEOM COMMUNITY THREAD
Anyone can provide some advice to choose VPN at NEOM? I have zero idea about VPN. I understand to make voice calls via WhatsApp and some other contents people use VPN in Saudi. Any sort of advice is appreciated.
Aug 3rd 2023, 5:11 pm
#2258
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 30
re: NEOM COMMUNITY THREAD
I’ve done some research and spoke with people already there and apparently paid subscription to NordVPN is the best option
Aug 3rd 2023, 10:56 pm
#2261
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 28
re: NEOM COMMUNITY THREAD
its the app everyone’s using here to rent buy sell real estate.
the name will show in Arabic in the list the icon is grey
Aug 4th 2023, 2:35 am
#2263
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 1
re: NEOM COMMUNITY THREAD
Did you ever get any clarity on this? How long did you end up waiting? In the last few months I've been told by various people that the wait for 2 bed accom is 3-6 months, 6 months, and 12 months.
Aug 4th 2023, 2:52 pm
#2264
Just Joined
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 18
Aug 4th 2023, 7:46 pm
#2265
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 89
re: NEOM COMMUNITY THREAD
It can also be used to access streaming services or Netflix content available in other countries.
