Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to get some advice from expats living in Riyadh as I've so many questions going round in my head right now. My husband has been offered a role on one of the major PIF projects, however, it's on the consultancy side, not the client side. While on paper, the money seems fantastic, they do not offer a schooling allowance, it's pretty much an all-in rate. When you take into account accommodation and school fees for our two children (ages 5 & 7), cars, car insurance, utilities, and groceries, yadda, yadda, yadda, we will not be left with much at the end of the month. We would only accept the opportunity if we could bank some serious cash over the next 3 years, so we're in two minds about what to do. I am more than happy to find a role when we're there, I have almost 20 years working in Energy recruitment, so feel confident I could pick something up. However, I have some concerns about making it work for the children.

If I were to find a role, I'm sure it would be full-time hours and office based. Working from home would be ideal, however, I have to assume that is not an option for now. My concern is, if I was working office hours, who would collect the children from school? How are other families making it work when both parents are working office hours? Would the best option be to hire someone to look after the children until we finish work, or are there after-school clubs they could attend? Additionally, could anyone share what the cost looks like for these options?

Sending thanks in advance!

PIF projects are all facing budget cuts and there is a likelihood now that big, expensive consultancies will be phased out. This was reported on recently by Reuters. Do your research before electing to move as there is no job security in KSA and there is always a risk of your company/project getting the bullet.

Remote working is not an option. The Saudis will not hire an expat to work remotely in KSA. Also you will be limited as to the type of work you can do as a wife of an iqama holder. You mentioned recruitment, but HR for instance is entirely Saudi-ised, so only Saudi nationals can perform that type of work.

Riyadh is incredibly expensive. Think ten quid for a tube of toothpaste or a tub of peanut butter and you won't go far wrong. Everything is marked up with the excuse that because everything is imported and 15% tax blah blah blah. It's a rip off. A meal out will cost you two or three times what it will cost in London, Paris or New York. A basic Nandos for two people will set you back around 70 quid. No joke. The Saudis make sure they 'tax' the expensive expats accordingly.

As regards childcare, most people either do the stay at home mom bit or hire a nanny. As for after school clubs, no, they're not a thing here. You might find something akin to this on one of the bigger compounds but older kids/teens are not catered for and even on the best compounds it's pretty dull for kids once the holiday period has worn off.

Good luck and hope it works out for you.