intro from city of olympics 2012!

Hi, Your question it self has the answer in it - Thinking of moving to Riyadh as I have a job offer that seems too good to say no to.

And the thing is, you can always leave.

cheers for your comments.

Do brits socialisem much out there amongst themselves or not really?

londoner1 wrote:

cheers for your comments.

Do brits socialisem much out there amongst themselves or not really?

The key to everything here is where you are housed--it's going to make you or break you.

Understood!

I gather it is all about residing at a 'happening' compound more suitable for western-style needs.

I got the following link
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/COMPOUNDS_IN_RIYADH
from someone (maybe you Alliecat!) that posted it in some earlier forums.

Would anyone be kind enough to cast their eye over the list and whittle it down to several "must-be's" to stay at i hope....

londoner1 wrote:

Understood!

I gather it is all about residing at a 'happening' compound more suitable for western-style needs.

I got the following link
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/COMPOUNDS_IN_RIYADH
from someone (maybe you Alliecat!) that posted it in some earlier forums.

Would anyone be kind enough to cast their eye over the list and whittle it down to several "must-be's" to stay at i hope....

Well, habibi, it's not about what YOU want. It's about where there is availability.  That's the big issue here and the thing is, you can't do anything in advance because lots of people talk-talk-talk about coming and then don't.  So the managers at these compounds only take you seriously once you're actually here.

Fairplay, the world is a varied enough place to spout out a lot of mere talkers....oh well, will have to make enquiries etc one i land in the desert...

londoner1 wrote:

Fairplay, the world is a varied enough place to spout out a lot of mere talkers....oh well, will have to make enquiries etc one i land in the desert...

Well wait.. it's good to have a 'game plan' to follow once you land so continue to research but know that nothing can happen till you're here!

Know that nothing can happen till you're here! With your Iqama in the pocket you forgot this tiny fact Alliecat

PS: Iqama = Saudi Residence

I'll lend him my iqama.  He'll be all right

Alliecat wrote:

londoner1 wrote:

Fairplay, the world is a varied enough place to spout out a lot of mere talkers....oh well, will have to make enquiries etc one i land in the desert...

Well wait.. it's good to have a 'game plan' to follow once you land so continue to research but know that nothing can happen till you're here!

Londoner1

Alliecat is right don't come over and start looking have a plan as to where you want to end up, it may take a few moves to get to the compound you want I am on the Arabian Homes Barada Village, which is fine for me multi cultural and families but people keep themselves to themselves in the main. So if you are single you will need to find somewhere with other singles that want to socilise, don't just realy on the Brits, take the opportunity to expand your frends to people from all cultures and countries because there all here......enjoy and think of the dosh mounting up as there is very little to spend it on

Hi Martin,

Appreciate your contribution.
Yes will keep open to all backgrounds, variety is spice of life!

Not sure about saving up dosh though, i can imagine jetting off to Dubai or other places during weekends to compensate boredom. And i flights are circa £150 a pop alone....where is Ryan Air when you need them!!

londoner1 wrote:

Hi Martin,

Appreciate your contribution.
Yes will keep open to all backgrounds, variety is spice of life!

Not sure about saving up dosh though, i can imagine jetting off to Dubai or other places during weekends to compensate boredom. And i flights are circa £150 a pop alone....where is Ryan Air when you need them!!

NAS is pretty cheap

londoner1
- with an attitude list yours, you'll be quite fine

londoner1 wrote:

Hi Martin,

Appreciate your contribution.
Yes will keep open to all backgrounds, variety is spice of life!

Not sure about saving up dosh though, i can imagine jetting off to Dubai or other places during weekends to compensate boredom. And i flights are circa £150 a pop alone....where is Ryan Air when you need them!!

Just be careful you can get into alsorts of trouble in Dubai

On a more serious note you won't be able to go anywhere whilst your iqama is in process, that could take up to 3 months depending on your employer and if they want to wait for the whole of your probation period. Once you get the iqama, you then have to apply for exit visa to leave, again depending on your employer and the terms of your contract may determin the number of visa's your employers are prepared to sponsor. You need to ensure that you get a renewable 6 month multi entry. 

Having said that staying in Riyadh is not that bad if you have the facilities pool and gym as a minimum!

I have also just discovered that you can only get single entry visitor visa's for family / dependents which scuppered my plans for the summer, just have to go back the UK in the gap between the Olympics and the Paralympics after Ramadan.
Enjoy!

Hi There

What sort of job are you looking at
What are your expectations for this place !!

ask away and will try and head you in the right direction

Regards

Trevor

Hi Trevor

Hope your well bud - thanks for your comments mate

I am looking at an investment bank which has has international roots, but majority Saudi-owned.

The Bank wants to put me on a local contract rather then an expat contract; and I am beginning to learn the differences between these two; and I tell you it is not pleasant!!

Hi There

NEVER NEVER EVER take a local contract !!! Why would you want to do that. are you a local??

You will get no flights, medical, holiday leave, transport, end of employment benifits, etc etc etc

Regards

Trevor