mm23

Hi all,

Sadly we decided to pull out of the Neom opportunity, early February. There are just too many unknown variables for us at this very late stage.

for example, we provided all documentation required to school back in November last year, yet I receive an email from the school to apply with slots being allocated on a first in basis. I received the invitation to apply after I pulled out. We were always told that the school spots are limited and applications are more than availability.

So I’m happy with my decision, with the view that there was always a risk that we may not have had a spot for our two kids after me mobilising, which would have been a bad situation for all of us.

Also I have heard first hand mixed reviews about the school. Especially for the older kids (yr 4 and up). As my daughter is in this group, we couldn’t take the risk, given that she will be facing the music back home for high school when we return.

This is in no way a bad reflection of Neom. I think the opportunity itself is once in a lifetime. But it should suit your family and people going with you as well. Without a doubt, turning down Neom was the hardest decision of the my professional career to date.


I have accepted a senior role with a O&G major locally who matched my pay at Neom but obviously I will be paying tax and for expenses etc.

I do intend to move to the ME in the future to a more more mainstream city perhaps.

Anshjo3

Hello everyone,

To those who have kids enrolled in the community school, how is the level of learning so far? I understand that it’s new school with teething problems and I would greatly appreciate your notes on the school leadership and kids engagement and learning practices?

Husband is there and we are looking to put our child on waitlist (8yrs old). He’s currently enrolled in an outstanding prep school in Dubai, hence our reluctance to move as a family.

We’ll of course manage our expectations in terms of school level, knowing that it’s a brand-new school as long as we have some sort of confidence that things will get better with time.


Thanks for your help.

Adymaster85

just received an email from the school admin, as I followed up with her yesterday. They are still waiting for the final allocation of the slots to be allocated. And yes I registered my kids in mid Feb.

Trailing_Hubby

You've not been in a family cabin then, I take it? Bigger than most of the apartments I've lived in, and the tvs are bigger than mine at home. Depends on your definition of "very basic" I guess, but that's not how I would describe it.

Gulf_European

Yeah, I'd be happy with the family cabins too, but I was more referring to the private pool. Unless the family cabins have a pool, which I was not aware of
But either way, Oxagon accommodations are better.

thorshammer

are you talking about a private 'community' pool, not each cabin has its own pool correct? lol

Gulf_European

I was refering to what Makiavelli wrote in his/her post earlier (that each villa has their own pool with sea view)

I saw something interesting today in the onboarding portal.
"To ensure people see their families and friends, for full-time staff based at NEOM with family within the KSA, you will be entitled to 2 monthly flight tickets. For full-time staff without family within KSA, you will be entitled to 1 domestic monthly flight ticket."

For those who are there and not from KSA, is this true? I was told 2 flights domestic a month, and nothing about only 1 if you are not from Saudi. First time reading this.

ZeroCool_HTP

Its 2 flights per month for locals, and 1 for people from outside KSA.

Leela

I'm European and I was offered 2 monthly domestic flights (inside KSA) and 1 flight per year abroad (outside KSA).

ZeroCool_HTP

I was told this too, but it didnt materialise. For all NEOM employees that I have met, it is as I said above.

amshauka

As I understand from a few sources is that if you bring your family with you and they are residing in another city inside Saudi Arabia then you get 2 domestic tickets to visit them. If they are living with you in Neom then you only receive 1 domestic ticket. Also if your family is not residing in Saudi then again you will get 1 domestic ticket.
People who are already on ground can further validate this.

Taurus85

I am being being offered 2 positions, one in NEOM and other in Riyadh.

Total package for opportunity in Riyadh = ~SR 497,000/year + Service Gratuity (Annual Bonus)

Total package for the opportunity at NEOM = ~SR 478,000/year + Service Gratuity (Annual Bonus)

(Both include, health care and 25 day holidays)

Note: When I convert my current my total pay package to SR, I get = SR355,000 (before the Government takes its lion share).

QUESTIONS:
1 - Which one would you pick? Is that even a good salary for someone in a non-managerial position with 8 years of experience (Procurement)?
2 - How easy/hard is to get your own transport (process/buying)? Do I need to get a local Driver's license?
3 - How much should I expect to pay for a good/newish 1 bedroom apartment in a good compound? Do they always require annual payment upfront?

Any info/intel will be greatly appreciated.

thorshammer

I thought you said Neom gave you close to a 28% in increase, maybe my math isn't adding up but doesn't your incremental increase only come out to about 11% 355 (current) / 396 (post)

Taurus85

28% increase when I just consider my base pay. Plus, I just got one of those vanilla pay increases (~4%)

thorshammer

I sent you a DM