Advice on Considering a job offer in Riyadh, originally from islamabad

Hello islamian and welcome to Expat.com!

I wish you all the best,
Harmonie.

Hi @Islamian,

Welcome aboard and soon to KSA also

islamian wrote:

Hi everyone,
From what I gathered if I live an average life & move my wife & kid (1 year) after a while, I can survive & probably save a few riyals as well.

12K is not a very good package. But as far as you have said: Yes, you can live an average life with a possibility to save some riyals.

islamian wrote:

1. what would be the best area to live once I am here with family, is it advise able to only find a location / block where lots of pakistani's / south asians live? in either case, can some one please identify such areas?

That's a matter of personal opinion. Some people like to always live with country mates. In my view, it doesn't make a big difference.

islamian wrote:

2. The office location is in Olaya area, can I find a decent apartment near to the office location in 2000-3000 range?

Yes, it's possible to get a good house in olaya for 3K per month. But not too many Pakistanis live in Olaya.

If your priority is to live in South Asian community, Hyal-al-Wazarat (famous as Hara) or Malaz will be a preferred. Hara is just next to Olaya area. And then Malaz is next to Hara.

islamian wrote:

3. I would be buying a car, but don't have much idea about financing & I am not in favor of conventional interest based financing, so is Islamic financing available or buying a 2nd hand car is the only option?

It's name only is 'Islamic financing', otherwise in all other aspects it's no different than the conventional one. Initially buying a second hand car is recommended. Later you can save money and get a brand new if you like. 2nd hand good condition cars start from 10-12K SAR. The cash price of Toyota corolla (2D) brand new is 62K SAR.

islamian wrote:

4. I understand that apartments are usually unfurnished, so how much it might cost to buy basic furnishing & electronics like fridge / freezer, tv etc etc

Depends on many things but let me say it will be 10-15K.

islamian wrote:

5. I probably missed the bit about getting a cable / satellite TV connection / cost info, can anyone shed some light on that?

Pehla presents coverage of a few Pakistani channels. 71 SAR/month for their basic package.

islamian wrote:

6. Probably too long term, but any idea about schooling cost, I think there are some Pakistani schools there, can someone help out in that regard?

2 Pakistni schools are here. International and English section. I'll recommend latter. 700/month/kid average as I recall.

PM me if you need more info.

The salary and package is below average.

I would recommend that you seriously review your decision.

what sector will you working in?

Appreciate the feedback.

My Bad, 12K would be the basic salary, 3500 additional for accommodation & transport.

SaudiUK wrote:

The salary and package is below average.

I would recommend that you seriously review your decision.

what sector will you working in?

The sector is telecom, but I am not an engineer, my job is in one of the support teams.

P.S: 12K is basic, 3500 riyal separate for accommodation & transport.