Saudi

[Mustang]

Anyone experience of working and/or living in Saudi? Apart from the things that are common knowledge (e.g. compounds, drinking, driving, heat) has anyone useful information to provide - especially in regard to taking families there?

I have been contacted regarding a contract there so any information useful.

[hattra]

Whereabouts in Saudi?

[Fishface]

get your money up front - I have heard a contract isnt worth sh1t until money has exchanged hands.

There is always an excuse about waiting for the stock market to rise to relaease funds etc etc

[Kyajae]

Speak to BAE Systems about any possible up-front payments (or is that bribes?) to ensure to get the business. But don't let the DTI know.

[Hart-floot]

Anyone experience of working and/or living in Saudi? Apart from the things that are common knowledge (e.g. compounds, drinking, driving, heat) has anyone useful information to provide - especially in regard to taking families there?

I have been contacted regarding a contract there so any information useful.

Does this contract involve any "commission" to Prince Bandar

Personally speaking, Saudi Arabia is a country i would not have any dealings with. Must be one of the most obnoxius regimes on the planet up there with Mugabe & Kim Il Sung

[rootsnall]

I did a stint in Riyadh and I wouldn't go back there for double the money, I was single at the time and it was grim. The blokes with young families had a slightly better situation in that your wife and kids are with you but the family are pretty much confined to the compound on a day to day basis and I wouldn't do it. If the work is near to Bahrain then there is a possibility you can daily commute over the bridge into Saudi and leave the family in a slightly better environment. I think some of the Saudi coastal cities could be a bit better but it's a pretty dysfunctional place all round. I'm not sure it's that politically stable either and could kick off at some stage. I think you can adapt to anything and I'm sure some long termers with a fortune in an offshore bank would paint a better picture.

[hattra]

Don't go near Riyadh - the most boring place on Earth. And wifey had better get used to the idea of being a third-class citizen (livestock have more rights). She won't be able to work legally (though they turn a blind eye to teachers and medics) or drive a car, and won't be able to go out unless accompanied by a male relative.

Also, last I heard (which may be well out of date), get your accomodation paid for as part of the deal, as it can be pricey to rent in a gated community