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NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

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Old Feb 10th 2022, 3:28 am
  #136  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Morning Guys,

Firstly, really enjoyed reading this forum - so informative. I have just had confirmation that I have passed the final interview and HR will be sending me a "link to apply for the job" not sure what that means? I assume this is where I have to upload my proof of income, references, education certs etc.?

I had a few questions that I couldn't seem to find answers on or clarity around:

1. The relocation allowance (wasn't discussed with my recruiter) however, is this definitely offered to everyone? I plan on bringing it up with HR anyway however, wanted to know if it was for certain candidates such as relocating from the UK (I am coming from the UAE) or families etc.

2. Saw various posts regarding the accommodation so my only question is does internet come with it and do we have a TV in the cabin? Assume we would have to bring bedding, towels etc.? Is there a local supermarket for toiletries etc.

3. I was told I would get 2 domestic flights a month, is anyone frequently traveling back to the UAE and how are you finding it? Best routes etc.? I plan on leaving the family in the UAE at first and seeing how things pan out.

4. Are families allowed to come over and visit and stay in the community? As in my wife and baby?

5. Is there a doctor/hospital on-site/nearby?

6. My degrees are attested in the UK & UAE, do they have to be re-done for KSA?

7. Are there any sport activities in the evenings, such as 5-a-side football, touch rugby - I saw there was a gym.

8. Is there a launderette/dry-cleaners on-site?

9. Where is the nearest golf course? Been told about going to Aqaba for golf, anyone do this?

10. Do we get assistance setting up a KSA bank account and is it easy enough to send money back (to UK & UAE)?

Thanks in advance and look forward to meeting some of you guys.
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Old Feb 10th 2022, 3:38 am
  #137  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by Expat_Traveller
Morning Guys,

Firstly, really enjoyed reading this forum - so informative. I have just had confirmation that I have passed the final interview and HR will be sending me a "link to apply for the job" not sure what that means? I assume this is where I have to upload my proof of income, references, education certs etc.?

I had a few questions that I couldn't seem to find answers on or clarity around:

1. The relocation allowance (wasn't discussed with my recruiter) however, is this definitely offered to everyone? I plan on bringing it up with HR anyway however, wanted to know if it was for certain candidates such as relocating from the UK (I am coming from the UAE) or families etc.
Yes - 75k SAR is paid in your first salary payment

2. Saw various posts regarding the accommodation so my only question is does internet come with it and do we have a TV in the cabin? Assume we would have to bring bedding, towels etc.? Is there a local supermarket for toiletries etc.
You will most likely be housed in NC2 (25 mins from NC1 and Office). They are expanding NC1 currently and i am being told that this should be done sometime around Sept. There is internet and TVs in the unit and no you dont need to bring towels and bedding. This is provided for and changed twice a week by the cleaners. There is a supermarket (minimarket) on site yes.

3. I was told I would get 2 domestic flights a month, is anyone frequently traveling back to the UAE and how are you finding it? Best routes etc.? I plan on leaving the family in the UAE at first and seeing how things pan out.
You get an allowance in your pay for domestic travel per month. You dont have to use it, but the allowance is there if you do. I understand that there are flights on a weekly basis to Jeddah and Riyadh from Neom Bay Airport.

4. Are families allowed to come over and visit and stay in the community? As in my wife and baby?
Not sure, but i dont see why not. Just might be difficult when you are put in to the 1 bed accommodation in NC2 when you first
5. Is there a doctor/hospital on-site/nearby?
There is a heath care clinic on site, yes

6. My degrees are attested in the UK & UAE, do they have to be re-done for KSA?
I believe they should be OK to use for the KSA visa process (depends how long ago it was done i suppose)

7. Are there any sport activities in the evenings, such as 5-a-side football, touch rugby - I saw there was a gym.

8. Is there a launderette/dry-cleaners on-site?
Laundry service is provided by NEOM. I believe it is collected once a week.

9. Where is the nearest golf course? Been told about going to Aqaba for golf, anyone do this?
I hear that Aqaba is the place to go, and people do.

10. Do we get assistance setting up a KSA bank account and is it easy enough to send money back (to UK & UAE)?
Yes. There is a SAAB representative that comes to NEOM regularly to assist in banking issues and setting up accounts etc.

Thanks in advance and look forward to meeting some of you guys.



See responses above in RED.
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Old Feb 10th 2022, 9:41 am
  #138  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by Expat_Traveller
Morning Guys,

Firstly, really enjoyed reading this forum - so informative. I have just had confirmation that I have passed the final interview and HR will be sending me a "link to apply for the job" not sure what that means? I assume this is where I have to upload my proof of income, references, education certs etc.?

I had a few questions that I couldn't seem to find answers on or clarity around:

1. The relocation allowance (wasn't discussed with my recruiter) however, is this definitely offered to everyone? I plan on bringing it up with HR anyway however, wanted to know if it was for certain candidates such as relocating from the UK (I am coming from the UAE) or families etc.

2. Saw various posts regarding the accommodation so my only question is does internet come with it and do we have a TV in the cabin? Assume we would have to bring bedding, towels etc.? Is there a local supermarket for toiletries etc.

3. I was told I would get 2 domestic flights a month, is anyone frequently traveling back to the UAE and how are you finding it? Best routes etc.? I plan on leaving the family in the UAE at first and seeing how things pan out.

4. Are families allowed to come over and visit and stay in the community? As in my wife and baby?

5. Is there a doctor/hospital on-site/nearby?

6. My degrees are attested in the UK & UAE, do they have to be re-done for KSA?

7. Are there any sport activities in the evenings, such as 5-a-side football, touch rugby - I saw there was a gym.

8. Is there a launderette/dry-cleaners on-site?

9. Where is the nearest golf course? Been told about going to Aqaba for golf, anyone do this?

10. Do we get assistance setting up a KSA bank account and is it easy enough to send money back (to UK & UAE)?

Thanks in advance and look forward to meeting some of you guys.


Morning Guys,

Firstly, really enjoyed reading this forum - so informative. I have just had confirmation that I have passed the final interview and HR will be sending me a "link to apply for the job" not sure what that means? I assume this is where I have to upload my proof of income, references, education certs etc.?

I had a few questions that I couldn't seem to find answers on or clarity around:

1. The relocation allowance (wasn't discussed with my recruiter) however, is this definitely offered to everyone? I plan on bringing it up with HR anyway however, wanted to know if it was for certain candidates such as relocating from the UK (I am coming from the UAE) or families etc.

Don't know answer for this one.

2. Saw various posts regarding the accommodation so my only question is does internet come with it and do we have a TV in the cabin? Assume we would have to bring bedding, towels etc.? Is there a local supermarket for toiletries etc.

Internet provided free of charge. Speed good. TVs also in cabin too. Do not bring bedding or towels, all provided for and changed twice a week by cleaners. In NC1 there is a Tamimi supermarket on site stocking most basic items. I think there is one in NC2 as well. If the item you are looking for is not in the supermarket, you can tell the manager what you need and he'll order it from the large Tamimi supermarket in Tabuk. They're good like that. There is also a pharmacy on site in NC1. If you need anything special and you're not sure if it's available here, then stock up before you come. Particularly if you are coming with a spouse and she has particular products she uses, best to bring lots with you in case.

3. I was told I would get 2 domestic flights a month, is anyone frequently traveling back to the UAE and how are you finding it? Best routes etc.? I plan on leaving the family in the UAE at first and seeing how things pan out.

Not sure about this as we haven't used our flights yet.

4. Are families allowed to come over and visit and stay in the community? As in my wife and baby?

Yes definitely. Several of my friends have had family come visit - in laws, wife and baby, grown up children, etc. They will need to stay with you in your accommodation though, so it may be tight if you are in NC2. There is a hotel not too far from the camp, I think 20 minutes away? Called the Vista Sharma. It's recently been done up and is apparently very nice. Right on the beach. Some staff actually live there so I know it's close enough for a daily commute.

5. Is there a doctor/hospital on-site/nearby?

Health clinic on site in NC1. They do PCR tests and most things that a GP would do and are well equipped. International SOS are also stationed there with several medical staff. Anything serious, major operations, specialists, baby scans, paediatricians, you go to Tabuk. There is a hospital being built here and it's close to completion. It looks good too.

6. My degrees are attested in the UK & UAE, do they have to be re-done for KSA?

Not sure... we were working in UAE before Saudi and my husband's certificates were attested for use in UAE but they needed to be re-attested before moving to Saudi. They were attested for the UAE in 2012 so they may have needing re-attesting because of the lapse in time.. not sure.

7. Are there any sport activities in the evenings, such as 5-a-side football, touch rugby - I saw there was a gym.

Lots of sports activities going on. Not sure specifically about 5-a-side but there is a keen sports community here. Football fields, tennis courts, swimming pool. Hiking activities on weekends. Diving. You can always begin a club if you think something is missing. People are very open minded here about new activities. In NC1 there is a mixed gym which is large, spacious, very well maintained and clean with all the usual weights, smith rack, cardio machines, spinning studio. There is also a female gym on site with similar equipment.

8. Is there a launderette/dry-cleaners on-site?

Yes. There is a regular laundry and also dry cleaner. All your laundry is done for you but you have the option to do it yourself if you like. My husband's work shirts come back perfectly and are pressed nicely. No issues. He puts them into the regular wash and not dry cleaning.

9. Where is the nearest golf course? Been told about going to Aqaba for golf, anyone do this?

Not sure about this.

10. Do we get assistance setting up a KSA bank account and is it easy enough to send money back (to UK & UAE)?

Not 100% sure but my husband seemed to open a KSA bank account very easily. What the previous poster about the representative sounds right. You can open one once you have your iqama. We transfer to a UK HSBC without issue.

Thanks in advance and look forward to meeting some of you guys.

Last edited by Saff_Parker; Feb 10th 2022 at 10:00 am.
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Old Feb 10th 2022, 9:49 am
  #139  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by Expat_Traveller
Morning Guys,

Firstly, really enjoyed reading this forum - so informative. I have just had confirmation that I have passed the final interview and HR will be sending me a "link to apply for the job" not sure what that means? I assume this is where I have to upload my proof of income, references, education certs etc.?

I had a few questions that I couldn't seem to find answers on or clarity around:

1. The relocation allowance (wasn't discussed with my recruiter) however, is this definitely offered to everyone? I plan on bringing it up with HR anyway however, wanted to know if it was for certain candidates such as relocating from the UK (I am coming from the UAE) or families etc.

Yes, 75000 SAR if coming from outside, 35000 if moving within KSA. Paid along with first months salary.

2. Saw various posts regarding the accommodation so my only question is does internet come with it and do we have a TV in the cabin? Assume we would have to bring bedding, towels etc.? Is there a local supermarket for toiletries etc.

3. I was told I would get 2 domestic flights a month, is anyone frequently traveling back to the UAE and how are you finding it? Best routes etc.? I plan on leaving the family in the UAE at first and seeing how things pan out.

I was informed it is 1 per month, if you have family living in KSA you get 2, probably for Saudi nationals to go home and see their families.

4. Are families allowed to come over and visit and stay in the community? As in my wife and baby?

5. Is there a doctor/hospital on-site/nearby?

6. My degrees are attested in the UK & UAE, do they have to be re-done for KSA?

7. Are there any sport activities in the evenings, such as 5-a-side football, touch rugby - I saw there was a gym.

8. Is there a launderette/dry-cleaners on-site?

9. Where is the nearest golf course? Been told about going to Aqaba for golf, anyone do this?

There is a golf course nearby but its at the royal palace, so unless you get an invite, the nearest place is Aqaba lol

10. Do we get assistance setting up a KSA bank account and is it easy enough to send money back (to UK & UAE)?

Thanks in advance and look forward to meeting some of you guys.
To answer some of the questions not answered.

Last edited by ZeroCool_HTP; Feb 10th 2022 at 9:53 am.
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Old Feb 10th 2022, 7:57 pm
  #140  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by Codger81
Business visit visa is good for a year, with a maximum 90 day stay before a visa run is required. I've been told that I should be moved to an iqama as soon as the my recent degree if attested, which is already underway.
.
So did this mean that you could move out and start working, before the degree attestation was done?
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Old Feb 10th 2022, 9:15 pm
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by Gulf_European
So did this mean that you could move out and start working, before the degree attestation was done?
They used to allow this but have since stopped it since January 1st 2022. Everyone must come on a work visa now.
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Old Feb 11th 2022, 12:43 am
  #142  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Don't understand the flights thing. Do they buy you 1 flight a month or are you just paid a little extra each month for 1 flight? (if so, how much?)
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Old Feb 11th 2022, 12:45 am
  #143  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by peterpipper12
Don't understand the flights thing. Do they buy you 1 flight a month or are you just paid a little extra each month for 1 flight? (if so, how much?)

I think they give you the allowance and you use it as you please.
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Old Feb 11th 2022, 6:39 pm
  #144  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by Explore
Hi All,

Are there any restrictions impose by the Neom as the visa sponsor requiring you to gain permission to leave KSA anytime? I’ve heard this restriction has occurred in the UAE before allowing the company control on when you can leave.
To leave the country you need an exit visa. 200sar. As far as I know, a single and multi exit visa costs the same. The multi exit lasts for 6 months. It's a formality, or expat tax really. It gets tracked on your absher app, so you'll know if you're in or out of the country, incase you need reminding..
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Old Feb 11th 2022, 8:19 pm
  #145  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Had the interview today and just got confirmation I am moving to the next stage. Also, was told my rate, which will equate to 28.33% increase in my base/grosssalary (before my annual bonus), but only 14.60% after my bonus. Not sure how I feel about that.
Any thoughts/advice?

Note: I gave my real salary numbers, since I read here that they demand proof (payslips).

Last edited by Taurus85; Feb 11th 2022 at 8:21 pm.
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Old Feb 11th 2022, 8:28 pm
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by Taurus85
Had the interview today and just got confirmation I am moving to the next stage. Also, was told my rate, which will equate to 28.33% increase in my base/grosssalary (before my annual bonus), but only 14.60% after my bonus. Not sure how I feel about that.
Any thoughts/advice?

Note: I gave my real salary numbers, since I read here that they demand proof (payslips).
Yea, they ask you for payslips and proofs.
the increase is usually quite standard, 25% from the previous gross salary, excluding bonuses. You could try pushing your bonus and making a global yearly average divided by 12 months.
Indeed the 25% is not attractive at all, especially if the salary back home is more the sufficient, personally I am joining to get the exposure on this huge project, enjoy the Red Sea in the weekends, and take a break from my family

Last edited by Alex23; Feb 11th 2022 at 8:30 pm.
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Old Feb 11th 2022, 8:39 pm
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

thanks for your reply.

the embassy finally formalised an email stating that they only accept hardcopy. The contract is on the way.
I obviously resigned after hiring, only the docs are taking longer than expected.
The degree was a hassle, being obtained in Central Europe, the Cultural Bureau for 8 countries in the region is located in Vienna, hence adding travel, etc. etc. and Austria covid restrictions forced me to take booster and wait for 10 till officially becomes valid.


Originally Posted by peterpipper12
I definitely understand your frustration. May I ask for further details; If i understand correctly, The KSA embassy in your country wants a hard copy of the NEOM work contract/ employment agreement? - very strange, couldn't you just print it? either way that's annoying. Everything should be digital, it's 2022.

To be honest it seems like the embassy is at fault here. There is no reason they shouldn't be able to accept a digital copy( especially in covid times)


Did you have to resign from your current role before NEOM would hire you?

Iv heard of people getting everything arranged in as little as 1 month (very early & urgent hires) and iv also heard of people having to wait 4-5 months to get sorted out. I guess it depends on your situation.


Would you mind telling me about your degree validation process? by lengthy was it a long wait time? or was there just a lot of back and forth?


Again; i truly feel your frustration but i think it will be worth it!
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Old Feb 12th 2022, 9:50 am
  #148  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by Expat_Traveller
Morning Guys,

Firstly, really enjoyed reading this forum - so informative. I have just had confirmation that I have passed the final interview and HR will be sending me a "link to apply for the job" not sure what that means? I assume this is where I have to upload my proof of income, references, education certs etc.?

I had a few questions that I couldn't seem to find answers on or clarity around:

1. The relocation allowance (wasn't discussed with my recruiter) however, is this definitely offered to everyone? I plan on bringing it up with HR anyway however, wanted to know if it was for certain candidates such as relocating from the UK (I am coming from the UAE) or families etc.

2. Saw various posts regarding the accommodation so my only question is does internet come with it and do we have a TV in the cabin? Assume we would have to bring bedding, towels etc.? Is there a local supermarket for toiletries etc.

3. I was told I would get 2 domestic flights a month, is anyone frequently traveling back to the UAE and how are you finding it? Best routes etc.? I plan on leaving the family in the UAE at first and seeing how things pan out.

4. Are families allowed to come over and visit and stay in the community? As in my wife and baby?

5. Is there a doctor/hospital on-site/nearby?

6. My degrees are attested in the UK & UAE, do they have to be re-done for KSA?

7. Are there any sport activities in the evenings, such as 5-a-side football, touch rugby - I saw there was a gym.

8. Is there a launderette/dry-cleaners on-site?

9. Where is the nearest golf course? Been told about going to Aqaba for golf, anyone do this?

10. Do we get assistance setting up a KSA bank account and is it easy enough to send money back (to UK & UAE)?

Thanks in advance and look forward to meeting some of you guys.
Wasn't sure about your football question before but now I know - there is a very active football community here with tournaments going on, after-work games etc. I wasn't completely aware until this weekend.
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Old Feb 12th 2022, 2:04 pm
  #149  
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by Taurus85
Had the interview today and just got confirmation I am moving to the next stage. Also, was told my rate, which will equate to 28.33% increase in my base/grosssalary (before my annual bonus), but only 14.60% after my bonus. Not sure how I feel about that.
Any thoughts/advice?

Note: I gave my real salary numbers, since I read here that they demand proof (payslips).
When they ask for the proof, make sure to also give them proof of bonuses.
What I've heard is they'll factor that into the final compensation that they offer.

Were you told the rate from NEOM or is this a contract hire? Didnt get to know about any rates from my interviews, just the usual formula of % increase.
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Old Feb 12th 2022, 2:38 pm
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Default Re: NEOM COMMUNITY UPDATE

Originally Posted by Gulf_European
When they ask for the proof, make sure to also give them proof of bonuses.
What I've heard is they'll factor that into the final compensation that they offer.

Were you told the rate from NEOM or is this a contract hire? Didnt get to know about any rates from my interviews, just the usual formula of % increase.
The message says "12-month fixed term contract". In terms of who's who in the zoo, I was interviewed by an agency called Allium who is submitting me to another one called Efficio anyone heard of either one?
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