NEOM experience
May 6th 2023, 3:48 am
#31
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 8
May 10th 2023, 3:42 am
#32
Just Joined
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 3
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.
Jun 13th 2023, 5:11 am
#33
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 6
Re: NEOM experience
I'm interested to know more but as a new member i'm not allowed to send private messages. Please message me if you have some time, I want to know about Enowa in particular.
Jun 13th 2023, 10:36 am
#34
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 5
Re: NEOM experience
Different teams have different challenges. It is true that even managers at NEOM were at the top of their department at their previous jobs. There are egos, but many visionary projects need egos to drive (think Steve Jobs). You quickly learn the toxic people and team. It travels fast. However, like the OP pointed out - there are some incredibly interesting, talented people here whom you may have never met otherwise. It also helps if you've previously worked in the region as you aren't as surprised.
One last point - if you don't have time to socialize with your colleagues - that's on you. There are plenty of ways to meet one another, which your induction day serves just that purpose. It is a unique situation to work and live together, but my best advice is to make friends outside of your department. It gives you an outlet and also provides insight into another area.
Aug 11th 2023, 7:37 pm
#36
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 2
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.
Aug 11th 2023, 7:38 pm
#37
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 2
Re: NEOM experience
To all those wondering whether they should head to NEOM or not,
I have just returned after spending a few months in the mountainous desert.
As an expat, it was a nightmare. Not becuase of the work load (projects are extremely interesting!), or the living conditions, or the remoteness of it all, or the lost comfort zone,
It was due to bullying.
I left to save my mental health.
On another note, here is the plain truth about living in NEOM:
The living conditions are ok if you are a single person. Salary is very good, an advantage that everyone gets, in comparison to all their previous job positions.
Sports facilities are everywhere in NC1 and NC2 (swimming, basketball, padel ball, volleyball, cricket, tennis, table tennis, etc). Food is fine, very diverse and clean. Medical facilities are all available and proper.
But there is no time to socialize. youc an socialize with peers from different departments, but everyone is in the same situation, so it helps to share one's worries. Its a purely working environment, with colleagues surrounding you from 6am till 10 pm every single day. Hiking is a weekend option in the spectacular but very arid mountains. Aqaba is close by to get out to get for drinks and party a bit, with easy taxi transportation to be booked in advance.
Do not expect an apartment, not even a studio. They will promise you what you don't get. You will get a room, with no kitchen, not even a kitchenette. Bathrooms are fine, with cleaning facilities twice a week.
Unless you are a CEO, you will be treated like a 25 year old junior manager at the max., with as much as a tiny room in a remote isolated area. Availability of better conditions are scarce. There are way too many people with very overloaded housing facilities and options.
If you are coming with your familiy, the chances of getting a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment right now in NC1 or NC2 are close to null. Not until the end of 2023 mid 2024 will the situation change, as people are moved to new project locations in Trojena or Oxagon (both offer much better living conditions btw, though even much more remote!).
Remote working plans were recently changed. Everyone was given the possilbity to work 24 days remotely. Starting July 2023, these 24 days have been reduced to 12. Official holidays are officially 10 with 30 days of holiday/year.
However, for me, i I did not have many reasons to leave. Everything was actually going well. But I chose to leave in order to save my mental and moral standards. I ended up in a tiny team with competent colleagues, but with one of the worst bosses one could ever meet (totally incompetent, full of egocentric ignorance, and continouos mobbing/ bullying). This is not the case in other departments. Many other departments are excelling, with peers doing great, with support from their colleagues, excelling with full collaborative, communicative and transparent management and directors.
It was just my bad luck. And unfortunately, it was useless to complain. It led nowhere, as there is no accountability for such bad behaviour in the HR system. So I refused to be bullied further.
This is as objective as I can be.
Good luck to all of you out there with the hope of reaching NEOM with a full and proper package!
I have just returned after spending a few months in the mountainous desert.
As an expat, it was a nightmare. Not becuase of the work load (projects are extremely interesting!), or the living conditions, or the remoteness of it all, or the lost comfort zone,
It was due to bullying.
I left to save my mental health.
On another note, here is the plain truth about living in NEOM:
The living conditions are ok if you are a single person. Salary is very good, an advantage that everyone gets, in comparison to all their previous job positions.
Sports facilities are everywhere in NC1 and NC2 (swimming, basketball, padel ball, volleyball, cricket, tennis, table tennis, etc). Food is fine, very diverse and clean. Medical facilities are all available and proper.
But there is no time to socialize. youc an socialize with peers from different departments, but everyone is in the same situation, so it helps to share one's worries. Its a purely working environment, with colleagues surrounding you from 6am till 10 pm every single day. Hiking is a weekend option in the spectacular but very arid mountains. Aqaba is close by to get out to get for drinks and party a bit, with easy taxi transportation to be booked in advance.
Do not expect an apartment, not even a studio. They will promise you what you don't get. You will get a room, with no kitchen, not even a kitchenette. Bathrooms are fine, with cleaning facilities twice a week.
Unless you are a CEO, you will be treated like a 25 year old junior manager at the max., with as much as a tiny room in a remote isolated area. Availability of better conditions are scarce. There are way too many people with very overloaded housing facilities and options.
If you are coming with your familiy, the chances of getting a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment right now in NC1 or NC2 are close to null. Not until the end of 2023 mid 2024 will the situation change, as people are moved to new project locations in Trojena or Oxagon (both offer much better living conditions btw, though even much more remote!).
Remote working plans were recently changed. Everyone was given the possilbity to work 24 days remotely. Starting July 2023, these 24 days have been reduced to 12. Official holidays are officially 10 with 30 days of holiday/year.
However, for me, i I did not have many reasons to leave. Everything was actually going well. But I chose to leave in order to save my mental and moral standards. I ended up in a tiny team with competent colleagues, but with one of the worst bosses one could ever meet (totally incompetent, full of egocentric ignorance, and continouos mobbing/ bullying). This is not the case in other departments. Many other departments are excelling, with peers doing great, with support from their colleagues, excelling with full collaborative, communicative and transparent management and directors.
It was just my bad luck. And unfortunately, it was useless to complain. It led nowhere, as there is no accountability for such bad behaviour in the HR system. So I refused to be bullied further.
This is as objective as I can be.
Good luck to all of you out there with the hope of reaching NEOM with a full and proper package!
in the terrible situation like such, are there possibilities of:
1. Changing your job within Neom once you are there?
2. Promotion to the next grade due to a new role or if your boss leaves the job?
Aug 14th 2023, 5:36 am
#38
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 8
Re: NEOM experience
Hi Everyone,
I might be moving to Neom and would like to ask about dogs, aware they are allowed in there but are there any dog parks or dogs daycare incase I have to travel on the weekend and can leave my dog at the daycare? What's the situation for dog parents there when traveling?
I might be moving to Neom and would like to ask about dogs, aware they are allowed in there but are there any dog parks or dogs daycare incase I have to travel on the weekend and can leave my dog at the daycare? What's the situation for dog parents there when traveling?
Aug 14th 2023, 5:57 am
#39
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2022
Location: NEOM
Posts: 145
Re: NEOM experience
Hi Everyone,
I might be moving to Neom and would like to ask about dogs, aware they are allowed in there but are there any dog parks or dogs daycare incase I have to travel on the weekend and can leave my dog at the daycare? What's the situation for dog parents there when traveling?
I might be moving to Neom and would like to ask about dogs, aware they are allowed in there but are there any dog parks or dogs daycare incase I have to travel on the weekend and can leave my dog at the daycare? What's the situation for dog parents there when traveling?
I can tell you that in NC1/NC2/OXAGON there are dogs around, though I don't think any formal daycare; but, the community dog owners typically are able to help each other out -- so do the folks who have left their dogs behind. HOWEVER, as I'm sure you've read or heard, accommodations around here are a little thin. You may spend your first few months in a hotel or some apartments away from the those camps. I do not know the rules there. Even if you do get a place in camp, it may be pretty small, which could present challenges for your pup.
You definitely want to check with your recruiter and your onboarder about what options you have.
Good luck!
Aug 25th 2023, 8:32 pm
#41
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 4
Re: NEOM experience
Interested to hear if you made the move & if so what is your experience? My partner has been offered a job & as a fellow professional I would like to look for opportunities on the project. I seem to be hitting dead ends. It has been suggested I make the move & join the supplementary manpower programme. I feel uneasy giving up a good career for the unknown.
Sep 8th 2023, 10:37 pm
#42
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2023
Location: The Shires
Posts: 16
Re: NEOM experience
To all those wondering whether they should head to NEOM or not,
I have just returned after spending a few months in the mountainous desert.
As an expat, it was a nightmare. Not becuase of the work load (projects are extremely interesting!), or the living conditions, or the remoteness of it all, or the lost comfort zone,
It was due to bullying.
I left to save my mental health.
On another note, here is the plain truth about living in NEOM:
The living conditions are ok if you are a single person. Salary is very good, an advantage that everyone gets, in comparison to all their previous job positions.
Sports facilities are everywhere in NC1 and NC2 (swimming, basketball, padel ball, volleyball, cricket, tennis, table tennis, etc). Food is fine, very diverse and clean. Medical facilities are all available and proper.
But there is no time to socialize. youc an socialize with peers from different departments, but everyone is in the same situation, so it helps to share one's worries. Its a purely working environment, with colleagues surrounding you from 6am till 10 pm every single day. Hiking is a weekend option in the spectacular but very arid mountains. Aqaba is close by to get out to get for drinks and party a bit, with easy taxi transportation to be booked in advance.
Do not expect an apartment, not even a studio. They will promise you what you don't get. You will get a room, with no kitchen, not even a kitchenette. Bathrooms are fine, with cleaning facilities twice a week.
Unless you are a CEO, you will be treated like a 25 year old junior manager at the max., with as much as a tiny room in a remote isolated area. Availability of better conditions are scarce. There are way too many people with very overloaded housing facilities and options.
If you are coming with your familiy, the chances of getting a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment right now in NC1 or NC2 are close to null. Not until the end of 2023 mid 2024 will the situation change, as people are moved to new project locations in Trojena or Oxagon (both offer much better living conditions btw, though even much more remote!).
Remote working plans were recently changed. Everyone was given the possilbity to work 24 days remotely. Starting July 2023, these 24 days have been reduced to 12. Official holidays are officially 10 with 30 days of holiday/year.
However, for me, i I did not have many reasons to leave. Everything was actually going well. But I chose to leave in order to save my mental and moral standards. I ended up in a tiny team with competent colleagues, but with one of the worst bosses one could ever meet (totally incompetent, full of egocentric ignorance, and continouos mobbing/ bullying). This is not the case in other departments. Many other departments are excelling, with peers doing great, with support from their colleagues, excelling with full collaborative, communicative and transparent management and directors.
It was just my bad luck. And unfortunately, it was useless to complain. It led nowhere, as there is no accountability for such bad behaviour in the HR system. So I refused to be bullied further.
This is as objective as I can be.
Good luck to all of you out there with the hope of reaching NEOM with a full and proper package!
I have just returned after spending a few months in the mountainous desert.
As an expat, it was a nightmare. Not becuase of the work load (projects are extremely interesting!), or the living conditions, or the remoteness of it all, or the lost comfort zone,
It was due to bullying.
I left to save my mental health.
On another note, here is the plain truth about living in NEOM:
The living conditions are ok if you are a single person. Salary is very good, an advantage that everyone gets, in comparison to all their previous job positions.
Sports facilities are everywhere in NC1 and NC2 (swimming, basketball, padel ball, volleyball, cricket, tennis, table tennis, etc). Food is fine, very diverse and clean. Medical facilities are all available and proper.
But there is no time to socialize. youc an socialize with peers from different departments, but everyone is in the same situation, so it helps to share one's worries. Its a purely working environment, with colleagues surrounding you from 6am till 10 pm every single day. Hiking is a weekend option in the spectacular but very arid mountains. Aqaba is close by to get out to get for drinks and party a bit, with easy taxi transportation to be booked in advance.
Do not expect an apartment, not even a studio. They will promise you what you don't get. You will get a room, with no kitchen, not even a kitchenette. Bathrooms are fine, with cleaning facilities twice a week.
Unless you are a CEO, you will be treated like a 25 year old junior manager at the max., with as much as a tiny room in a remote isolated area. Availability of better conditions are scarce. There are way too many people with very overloaded housing facilities and options.
If you are coming with your familiy, the chances of getting a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment right now in NC1 or NC2 are close to null. Not until the end of 2023 mid 2024 will the situation change, as people are moved to new project locations in Trojena or Oxagon (both offer much better living conditions btw, though even much more remote!).
Remote working plans were recently changed. Everyone was given the possilbity to work 24 days remotely. Starting July 2023, these 24 days have been reduced to 12. Official holidays are officially 10 with 30 days of holiday/year.
However, for me, i I did not have many reasons to leave. Everything was actually going well. But I chose to leave in order to save my mental and moral standards. I ended up in a tiny team with competent colleagues, but with one of the worst bosses one could ever meet (totally incompetent, full of egocentric ignorance, and continouos mobbing/ bullying). This is not the case in other departments. Many other departments are excelling, with peers doing great, with support from their colleagues, excelling with full collaborative, communicative and transparent management and directors.
It was just my bad luck. And unfortunately, it was useless to complain. It led nowhere, as there is no accountability for such bad behaviour in the HR system. So I refused to be bullied further.
This is as objective as I can be.
Good luck to all of you out there with the hope of reaching NEOM with a full and proper package!
Sep 9th 2023, 7:37 am
#43
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 47
Re: NEOM experience
agreed as i head off in a few short weeks. would be keen to know if i will be working on your team... private dm?
Sep 9th 2023, 8:03 pm
#44
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 38
Re: NEOM experience
As others have pointed out, some of the information was inaccurate and misleading. For example, remote days are still 24 per year, not 12 as suggested, but the policy for how they're used did change.
The comment about being treated like a 25 year old junior unless a CEO, was very strange. I don't know anyone who has felt like that and of course there are many levels of the organisation. There are thousands of people working at various levels of authority and with the respect that one would expected in a corporate environment.
Like anywhere there are bad apples, and perhaps if they is the sector/department leader then it's not an enjoyable atmosphere. However, most teams aren't 'tiny' and they're large departments where you'll be working alongside peers, and not defined by an egotistical executive director. They tend to create their own demise anyway.
Sep 11th 2023, 10:54 am
#45
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 8
Re: NEOM experience
Hi!
I can tell you that in NC1/NC2/OXAGON there are dogs around, though I don't think any formal daycare; but, the community dog owners typically are able to help each other out -- so do the folks who have left their dogs behind. HOWEVER, as I'm sure you've read or heard, accommodations around here are a little thin. You may spend your first few months in a hotel or some apartments away from the those camps. I do not know the rules there. Even if you do get a place in camp, it may be pretty small, which could present challenges for your pup.
You definitely want to check with your recruiter and your onboarder about what options you have.
Good luck!
I can tell you that in NC1/NC2/OXAGON there are dogs around, though I don't think any formal daycare; but, the community dog owners typically are able to help each other out -- so do the folks who have left their dogs behind. HOWEVER, as I'm sure you've read or heard, accommodations around here are a little thin. You may spend your first few months in a hotel or some apartments away from the those camps. I do not know the rules there. Even if you do get a place in camp, it may be pretty small, which could present challenges for your pup.
You definitely want to check with your recruiter and your onboarder about what options you have.
Good luck!
