NEOM experience
Apr 26th 2023, 10:45 pm
#17
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 28
Re: NEOM experience
But have you been there a while, i.e. earlier when things sounded a bit more understandable, like the time to get hired, the time to get there, the time spent (or not spent) at NC1 or NC2, getting a place in the school, etc? And what level role?
I ask because from reading these comments these things matter. I also follow siselarabia and she seems to have all the time in the world to go to a lot of places on weekend and holiday, but I've spoken with others who seem to have no time at all. She is also Head of Marketing for Enowa and got there ages ago (I think she said her visa took one week?!) She also has quite a nice and big unit that seems rather centrally located in NC1, which is different from the NC2 units.
Would you say your experience has been more like what newbies have (being in Duba, NC2, longer wait times, no wait list for school or families) or like siselarabia's? It would help manage expectations, because it seems if people go today expecting what siselarabia shows, they may be in for a let down. On the other hand, if they know that the experience is much less like that now, they can manage expectations to help them stay longer.
I ask because from reading these comments these things matter. I also follow siselarabia and she seems to have all the time in the world to go to a lot of places on weekend and holiday, but I've spoken with others who seem to have no time at all. She is also Head of Marketing for Enowa and got there ages ago (I think she said her visa took one week?!) She also has quite a nice and big unit that seems rather centrally located in NC1, which is different from the NC2 units.
Would you say your experience has been more like what newbies have (being in Duba, NC2, longer wait times, no wait list for school or families) or like siselarabia's? It would help manage expectations, because it seems if people go today expecting what siselarabia shows, they may be in for a let down. On the other hand, if they know that the experience is much less like that now, they can manage expectations to help them stay longer.
Apr 27th 2023, 11:01 am
#18
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2022
Location: NEOM
Posts: 145
Re: NEOM experience
But have you been there a while, i.e. earlier when things sounded a bit more understandable, like the time to get hired, the time to get there, the time spent (or not spent) at NC1 or NC2, getting a place in the school, etc? And what level role?
I ask because from reading these comments these things matter. I also follow siselarabia and she seems to have all the time in the world to go to a lot of places on weekend and holiday, but I've spoken with others who seem to have no time at all. She is also Head of Marketing for Enowa and got there ages ago (I think she said her visa took one week?!) She also has quite a nice and big unit that seems rather centrally located in NC1, which is different from the NC2 units.
Would you say your experience has been more like what newbies have (being in Duba, NC2, longer wait times, no wait list for school or families) or like siselarabia's? It would help manage expectations, because it seems if people go today expecting what siselarabia shows, they may be in for a let down. On the other hand, if they know that the experience is much less like that now, they can manage expectations to help them stay longer.
I ask because from reading these comments these things matter. I also follow siselarabia and she seems to have all the time in the world to go to a lot of places on weekend and holiday, but I've spoken with others who seem to have no time at all. She is also Head of Marketing for Enowa and got there ages ago (I think she said her visa took one week?!) She also has quite a nice and big unit that seems rather centrally located in NC1, which is different from the NC2 units.
Would you say your experience has been more like what newbies have (being in Duba, NC2, longer wait times, no wait list for school or families) or like siselarabia's? It would help manage expectations, because it seems if people go today expecting what siselarabia shows, they may be in for a let down. On the other hand, if they know that the experience is much less like that now, they can manage expectations to help them stay longer.
Hi. II'll answer this having been here long enough to be able to answer this thoughtfully and honestly enough to not want to put in details about how long I've been here, where I live, etc.
I think you're asking two things here. One is about conditions and the other is about experience.
Conditions are pretty well laid out in the various Neom and Oxagon threads on this board. People who arrive now are going to have smaller accommodations, not necessarily on a main camp at first and the school rosters are closed for at least six months -- probably longer. Conditions for visas differ based on where you are applying for your visa and how that embassy processes them. Some countries and visa agents are fast, some are slow. Not too much can be done about it. Most of the time Neom gets you the paperwork you need to support your visa in two to three weeks. Sometimes longer, but on the whole, that's what you can expect when moving here and again, is well covered on the board and by the onboarders, when you connect with them.
Now, experience varies from person to person based on all sorts of things from:
* the departments they are in
* what they are sold as their role in the company vs what they do in their role
* how well they adjust to the remoteness of camp
* how well they adjust to any differences between recruitment and real life
* experience as an expat
* personalities
* time management skills
* etc, etc, etc
First, lets not base our expectations on an Instagram account. I haven't seen anything false or misleading in what she's posted, but remember that is but a glimpse at a small part her week. I'm sure hours a day of meetings isn't as compelling as yoga, hiking and snorkeling.
What I've seen is that, as you point out, some people have longer hours than some; but on the whole, there is time in the day for anyone who wants to to go to the gym, do some yoga, play some basketball, and spend a weekend hiking. Most of the camps have groups that do those things and if that's how you choose to spend your time, your insta posts can rival hers. There is always something to do if you make the effort.
I've seen people here thrive, joining groups, going on adventures, finding new hobbies and new friends.
I've also seen people get annoyed that they aren't getting exactly what they thought and lose the plot. I've seen people not make any effort to make new friends or get involved in the community and spend their spare time wondering why/complaining about nothing going on.
Some of this is because expectations may not have been managed correctly, some of it is because despite having most creature comforts/necessities provided, this isn't home. This is a remote slice of land that has not been very inhabited and that shows. There aren't flights in and out every day. Depending on where you are coming from or going, two or three layovers isn't unheard of to travel. The closest (small) town in 30-75 minutes away and the closest mall is 3 hours. It takes an effort to get places to do things, but that is what happens when you are building something brand new in the middle of nowhere.
This is also because we are working in a company that is still very young and growing exponentially. There are growing pains, there are unpleasant changers in policy, there are pleasant surprises in new policies as well.
The experience one will have here is going to be based on their willingness to become involved and their ability to shake off the inevitable unpleasant surprises that sometimes come with working for a new company still finding its way. Someone pointed out at the beginning of the thread that your mileage may vary, This is very, very true. You will get out of it what you put in. It will either be very rewarding if you put in the effort and work to that, or it could suck. A lot. What someone makes of it is mostly up to them.
Speaking for myself, I like the work and my team. I work a lot but am nowhere near burnout. I have always been able to find time to do what I want, and have found opportunities to try new things. I've made new friends and I like being here. I also look forward to going on holiday regularly and seeing everyone I miss.
To sum up:
There is no single Neom experience. This place isn't easy but you will get out of it what you put into it.
Apr 27th 2023, 11:28 am
#19
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 28
Re: NEOM experience
Kind of a long reply, for the summary, hit the last line...
Hi. II'll answer this having been here long enough to be able to answer this thoughtfully and honestly enough to not want to put in details about how long I've been here, where I live, etc.
I think you're asking two things here. One is about conditions and the other is about experience.
Conditions are pretty well laid out in the various Neom and Oxagon threads on this board. People who arrive now are going to have smaller accommodations, not necessarily on a main camp at first and the school rosters are closed for at least six months -- probably longer. Conditions for visas differ based on where you are applying for your visa and how that embassy processes them. Some countries and visa agents are fast, some are slow. Not too much can be done about it. Most of the time Neom gets you the paperwork you need to support your visa in two to three weeks. Sometimes longer, but on the whole, that's what you can expect when moving here and again, is well covered on the board and by the onboarders, when you connect with them.
Now, experience varies from person to person based on all sorts of things from:
* the departments they are in
* what they are sold as their role in the company vs what they do in their role
* how well they adjust to the remoteness of camp
* how well they adjust to any differences between recruitment and real life
* experience as an expat
* personalities
* time management skills
* etc, etc, etc
First, lets not base our expectations on an Instagram account. I haven't seen anything false or misleading in what she's posted, but remember that is but a glimpse at a small part her week. I'm sure hours a day of meetings isn't as compelling as yoga, hiking and snorkeling.
What I've seen is that, as you point out, some people have longer hours than some; but on the whole, there is time in the day for anyone who wants to to go to the gym, do some yoga, play some basketball, and spend a weekend hiking. Most of the camps have groups that do those things and if that's how you choose to spend your time, your insta posts can rival hers. There is always something to do if you make the effort.
I've seen people here thrive, joining groups, going on adventures, finding new hobbies and new friends.
I've also seen people get annoyed that they aren't getting exactly what they thought and lose the plot. I've seen people not make any effort to make new friends or get involved in the community and spend their spare time wondering why/complaining about nothing going on.
Some of this is because expectations may not have been managed correctly, some of it is because despite having most creature comforts/necessities provided, this isn't home. This is a remote slice of land that has not been very inhabited and that shows. There aren't flights in and out every day. Depending on where you are coming from or going, two or three layovers isn't unheard of to travel. The closest (small) town in 30-75 minutes away and the closest mall is 3 hours. It takes an effort to get places to do things, but that is what happens when you are building something brand new in the middle of nowhere.
This is also because we are working in a company that is still very young and growing exponentially. There are growing pains, there are unpleasant changers in policy, there are pleasant surprises in new policies as well.
The experience one will have here is going to be based on their willingness to become involved and their ability to shake off the inevitable unpleasant surprises that sometimes come with working for a new company still finding its way. Someone pointed out at the beginning of the thread that your mileage may vary, This is very, very true. You will get out of it what you put in. It will either be very rewarding if you put in the effort and work to that, or it could suck. A lot. What someone makes of it is mostly up to them.
Speaking for myself, I like the work and my team. I work a lot but am nowhere near burnout. I have always been able to find time to do what I want, and have found opportunities to try new things. I've made new friends and I like being here. I also look forward to going on holiday regularly and seeing everyone I miss.
To sum up:
There is no single Neom experience. This place isn't easy but you will get out of it what you put into it.
Hi. II'll answer this having been here long enough to be able to answer this thoughtfully and honestly enough to not want to put in details about how long I've been here, where I live, etc.
I think you're asking two things here. One is about conditions and the other is about experience.
Conditions are pretty well laid out in the various Neom and Oxagon threads on this board. People who arrive now are going to have smaller accommodations, not necessarily on a main camp at first and the school rosters are closed for at least six months -- probably longer. Conditions for visas differ based on where you are applying for your visa and how that embassy processes them. Some countries and visa agents are fast, some are slow. Not too much can be done about it. Most of the time Neom gets you the paperwork you need to support your visa in two to three weeks. Sometimes longer, but on the whole, that's what you can expect when moving here and again, is well covered on the board and by the onboarders, when you connect with them.
Now, experience varies from person to person based on all sorts of things from:
* the departments they are in
* what they are sold as their role in the company vs what they do in their role
* how well they adjust to the remoteness of camp
* how well they adjust to any differences between recruitment and real life
* experience as an expat
* personalities
* time management skills
* etc, etc, etc
First, lets not base our expectations on an Instagram account. I haven't seen anything false or misleading in what she's posted, but remember that is but a glimpse at a small part her week. I'm sure hours a day of meetings isn't as compelling as yoga, hiking and snorkeling.
What I've seen is that, as you point out, some people have longer hours than some; but on the whole, there is time in the day for anyone who wants to to go to the gym, do some yoga, play some basketball, and spend a weekend hiking. Most of the camps have groups that do those things and if that's how you choose to spend your time, your insta posts can rival hers. There is always something to do if you make the effort.
I've seen people here thrive, joining groups, going on adventures, finding new hobbies and new friends.
I've also seen people get annoyed that they aren't getting exactly what they thought and lose the plot. I've seen people not make any effort to make new friends or get involved in the community and spend their spare time wondering why/complaining about nothing going on.
Some of this is because expectations may not have been managed correctly, some of it is because despite having most creature comforts/necessities provided, this isn't home. This is a remote slice of land that has not been very inhabited and that shows. There aren't flights in and out every day. Depending on where you are coming from or going, two or three layovers isn't unheard of to travel. The closest (small) town in 30-75 minutes away and the closest mall is 3 hours. It takes an effort to get places to do things, but that is what happens when you are building something brand new in the middle of nowhere.
This is also because we are working in a company that is still very young and growing exponentially. There are growing pains, there are unpleasant changers in policy, there are pleasant surprises in new policies as well.
The experience one will have here is going to be based on their willingness to become involved and their ability to shake off the inevitable unpleasant surprises that sometimes come with working for a new company still finding its way. Someone pointed out at the beginning of the thread that your mileage may vary, This is very, very true. You will get out of it what you put in. It will either be very rewarding if you put in the effort and work to that, or it could suck. A lot. What someone makes of it is mostly up to them.
Speaking for myself, I like the work and my team. I work a lot but am nowhere near burnout. I have always been able to find time to do what I want, and have found opportunities to try new things. I've made new friends and I like being here. I also look forward to going on holiday regularly and seeing everyone I miss.
To sum up:
There is no single Neom experience. This place isn't easy but you will get out of it what you put into it.
Then again, I think you are one of the most (if not the most) helpful people on the forum with consistent responses and balanced thorough feedback. This response would have taken a lot of time, especially to a stranger, so it is very much appreciated.
Apr 27th 2023, 1:41 pm
#20
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Location: London
Posts: 145
Re: NEOM experience
But have you been there a while, i.e. earlier when things sounded a bit more understandable, like the time to get hired, the time to get there, the time spent (or not spent) at NC1 or NC2, getting a place in the school, etc? And what level role?
I ask because from reading these comments these things matter. I also follow siselarabia and she seems to have all the time in the world to go to a lot of places on weekend and holiday, but I've spoken with others who seem to have no time at all. She is also Head of Marketing for Enowa and got there ages ago (I think she said her visa took one week?!) She also has quite a nice and big unit that seems rather centrally located in NC1, which is different from the NC2 units.
Would you say your experience has been more like what newbies have (being in Duba, NC2, longer wait times, no wait list for school or families) or like siselarabia's? It would help manage expectations, because it seems if people go today expecting what siselarabia shows, they may be in for a let down. On the other hand, if they know that the experience is much less like that now, they can manage expectations to help them stay longer.
I ask because from reading these comments these things matter. I also follow siselarabia and she seems to have all the time in the world to go to a lot of places on weekend and holiday, but I've spoken with others who seem to have no time at all. She is also Head of Marketing for Enowa and got there ages ago (I think she said her visa took one week?!) She also has quite a nice and big unit that seems rather centrally located in NC1, which is different from the NC2 units.
Would you say your experience has been more like what newbies have (being in Duba, NC2, longer wait times, no wait list for school or families) or like siselarabia's? It would help manage expectations, because it seems if people go today expecting what siselarabia shows, they may be in for a let down. On the other hand, if they know that the experience is much less like that now, they can manage expectations to help them stay longer.
We arrived and went straight into two weeks of quarantine in Riyadh. There was no accommodation at all available, so we ended up paying for a compound for 4 months. There were no flights from NEOM Bay, no direct flights to places like Dubai from Tabuk so every flight went through Riyadh or Jeddah. The trip to Tabuk took about 3 hours.
When we arrived in camp there was no school, no coffee shop, a tiny store. Even back then people were already going into NC2. At one point the entire camp got locked down for two weeks with everyone having to stay in their cabins the whole time. Travel was very difficult - Saudis couldn’t leave the country and we couldn’t get back to the UK. We left for s Christmas break and the borders closed meaning we had to stay in a hotel in Dubai waiting for them to re-open.
Is it more difficult or easier now? Who knows? It depends entirely on the individual. There’s a wealth of information now, so anyone coming in has no excuse for not knowing what to expect. It’s not Dubai or s compound in Riyadh - it’s a camp in a remote part of the world. There are hundreds of people working and it’s getting bigger all the time so everyone’s work experience will be different. Are people really really coming out here and expecting it to be the same as a curated Instagram account? One would hope not.
There are people who came out, lived in a big B cabin in NC1 and couldn’t hack it while there are others who have lived in an NC2 studio for two years and are fine. People make it work or they don’t. It’s certainly not “for hardcore expats only”, but there’s more than enough info out there now to give anyone a good idea what living here is like. You are obviously making sacrifices to live in a location like that, but those who have been in the region a long time will tell you it’s the best appointed camp they have seen.
Apr 28th 2023, 5:00 am
#22
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 14
Apr 29th 2023, 11:17 am
#23
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 5
Re: NEOM experience
Hey everyone,
1. what are the essentials (for men) to pack for the first outgoing trip? Any tips
2. what are the official working hours for direct staff? And dare I say it, the unofficial hours?
3. Are there any cinemas at any malls? And if so, what’s the distance?
many thanks
1. what are the essentials (for men) to pack for the first outgoing trip? Any tips
2. what are the official working hours for direct staff? And dare I say it, the unofficial hours?
3. Are there any cinemas at any malls? And if so, what’s the distance?
many thanks
Apr 29th 2023, 2:22 pm
#24
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2022
Location: NEOM
Posts: 145
Re: NEOM experience
Hey everyone,
1. what are the essentials (for men) to pack for the first outgoing trip? Any tips Truth is you don't need too much. Your laundry is done twice a week so it is possible to pack light. Bring a week or two of office clothes, and then some clothes for the gym. If you hike or snorkel, bring your gear for that. There's plenty around. If you have specific shampoo, soap, deodorant, things like that, bring a month or so supply with you while figure out if it is available here or where you can order it. Also, headphones, some chargers, adaptors if needed. The rest is supplied. Also keep in mind amazon is here and usually arrived in 2-3 days.
2. what are the official working hours for direct staff? And dare I say it, the unofficial hours? Office hours are typically 8-6 but vary by BU, department, function, etc. Shoot a message to your line manager for some guidance on your department. Unofficially, it depends. There are things to do, but you're doing them with people from work, so these things can bleed over.
3. Are there any cinemas at any malls? And if so, what’s the distance? NC2 has a cinema that usually does 1 movie at a time. There's a cinema in Tabuk, that is a three hour trip.
many thanks
1. what are the essentials (for men) to pack for the first outgoing trip? Any tips Truth is you don't need too much. Your laundry is done twice a week so it is possible to pack light. Bring a week or two of office clothes, and then some clothes for the gym. If you hike or snorkel, bring your gear for that. There's plenty around. If you have specific shampoo, soap, deodorant, things like that, bring a month or so supply with you while figure out if it is available here or where you can order it. Also, headphones, some chargers, adaptors if needed. The rest is supplied. Also keep in mind amazon is here and usually arrived in 2-3 days.
2. what are the official working hours for direct staff? And dare I say it, the unofficial hours? Office hours are typically 8-6 but vary by BU, department, function, etc. Shoot a message to your line manager for some guidance on your department. Unofficially, it depends. There are things to do, but you're doing them with people from work, so these things can bleed over.
3. Are there any cinemas at any malls? And if so, what’s the distance? NC2 has a cinema that usually does 1 movie at a time. There's a cinema in Tabuk, that is a three hour trip.
many thanks
Last edited by BMH77; Apr 29th 2023 at 2:44 pm.
Apr 29th 2023, 6:31 pm
#26
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 22
Re: NEOM experience
Dress code in the office is very similar to all other corporate offices maybe a little more casual and a little more conservative. I tend to wear things which cover my shoulders and are not too tight or short. I find the offices very cold especially in contrast to outside so a jacket or cardigan to chuck on top of a dress or pants and top is useful. High heels are rare with most people wearing flats or even nice sneakers. There is a very wide range of attire from abayas to jeans with a t-shirt (especially on Thursdays).
Apr 30th 2023, 1:27 am
#27
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 14
Re: NEOM experience
Dress code in the office is very similar to all other corporate offices maybe a little more casual and a little more conservative. I tend to wear things which cover my shoulders and are not too tight or short. I find the offices very cold especially in contrast to outside so a jacket or cardigan to chuck on top of a dress or pants and top is useful. High heels are rare with most people wearing flats or even nice sneakers. There is a very wide range of attire from abayas to jeans with a t-shirt (especially on Thursdays).
Thank you again
Apr 30th 2023, 3:57 am
#28
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 22
Re: NEOM experience
You don't need to cover your arms. A lot of men and women wear polo shirts. Some departments give out Neom branded polo shirts which people wear to the office too.
Apr 30th 2023, 9:51 am
#29
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 30
Re: NEOM experience
Thank you GNK. Could you advise on what preferred dress length is?
Also,any suggestions about fabrics? I've purchased a number of pure linen/cotton stuff. Will I need a cardigan or so for the office due to aircon?
Is it ok to wear sandals at the office?
Also,any suggestions about fabrics? I've purchased a number of pure linen/cotton stuff. Will I need a cardigan or so for the office due to aircon?
Is it ok to wear sandals at the office?
Apr 30th 2023, 10:28 am
#30
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 22
Re: NEOM experience
In relation to fabrics choose fabrics which are very durable and won't shrink when washed as the laundry here is quite hard on clothes. I buy everything a size too big because it all shrinks after a few washes. There is a self service laundry where you can go and wash your own clothes to avoid this but it's easier just to send it off twice a week to be done by the laundry.
Regarding dress length, I tend to go with a midi length, definitely below the knee. There really aren't any strict rules it's just about being respectful to the variety of cultures.
I wear sandals everyday and even Birkenstocks on casual days. Might put on a low heel for a very important meeting. Some ladies wear heels every day, some wear sneakers with pants and shirt everyday. Wide variety of styles
