getting an opportunity in Riyadh

Hi Pankaj,

Welcome to Expat.com!

A new topic has been created as from your post on the Riyadh forum for better visibility.

Thanks Christine.

Friends: I am confused and have to take a decision in short time. Can anyone, please address to my queiries. Thanks in advance! Cheers!!

HI! Pankaj,
Let me try to address ur questions:-

1. What's should be the minimum Salary for a couple and 1 infant almost a year old?

Salary question is very subjective and it's difficult to answer in general depends on experience years, industry, role , any contractor btw u & the final work place and as well as nationality !!!

Living Costs for all 3 can be met within SAR 5-6K pm for an average life style...this is all housing + food + incidentals

2. What's the rent for a nice furnished 1 or 2 bed room apartment with all faclilties/Safety and prefreably some Indian Community?

Malaz is a good Area here a 2 bed apartment unfurnished costs abt 25K-35K p.a.. Furniture is available as used and new depending on ur needs .... 7K-10K shd suffice including basic appliances for used..... which typically is the norm here and easily available thru expatriates.com

3. What's the possiblity/frequency of travelling to Other locations like Dubai for vacation?

U need to get a exit-reentry visa for leaving and re-entering Saudi. This is apart from ur Work visa. Single one costs 200 & multiple for 6 months is 500 riyals. Bahrain & Dubai are getaway hotspots....depending on the money u have....

4. How is the Education faclilties for children?
U have few good Indian schools following CBSE . Good enough but i don't think too great.... college admission is only restricted to Saudis currently, expats kids have to go bk for higher studies..

5. Weather?
Hot to Hotter to Hot from March till October rest pleasantly cool

6. Public Transport?

Non-existent. Taxi is the only option with typical minimum fare of SAR 10/-

Thanks so much Buddy!! That was helpful

Now some most important questions?

Hows the life for Expat women?
1) Is it possible for them to move out alone with a kid?
2) Do, they have to cover their face all the time?
3) Is there any Indian Community particularly, where they can spend time togather, especially when husbands are out for work?
4) What do they do normally during the weekends?
5) How easy is to own/maintain a car there?
6) If want to cook, can we get all the basic products required for Indian menu?

Here are your answers,

1) Is it possible for them to move out alone with a kid? YES, Just be careful as you would be in any other country like India.
2) Do, they have to cover their face all the time? No, Never. Though ABAYA a full body cover is mandatory
3) Is there any Indian Community particularly, where they can spend time togather, especially when husbands are out for work? YES, You have to get along in the group and get Going
4) What do they do normally during the weekends? Shopping, Travelling to nearby countries, Dinners, Get togethers and Family time
5) How easy is to own/maintain a car there? To Own is very Easy, To Maintain (as in maintenance) is a bit difficult
6) If want to cook, can we get all the basic products required for Indian menu? Yes, More than the basic stuff.

In short, People (human beings) do live here normally. So don't have so many inhibitions about the place. If Job scene satisfies you, I guess go for the Plunge.

Good Luck