carlostongue
12/11/2014 12:23 EST
Hi Everyone,
Hope you are all well. I have been offered a contract over in Al Muburraz, starting in February. I am an English, 37 year old male, with a wife and 3 children. I am looking to initially take the deal and come over on my own for the probationary 3 months, as the role is single status. I am carrying out lots of research in regards with accomodation and safe places, to potentially bring my family, should I like the role. Could anyone give me some pointers on how things work and what to expect. I have checked some of the western compounds but am finding it difficult to find something placed near enough to Muburraz. I am not sure I would want to bring them to live outside the compound. Any advice please!!
Regards
Carl
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MaxGTI
12/12/2014 05:05 EST
Hi Carl
I've just moved from London to Riyadh and my employer is putting me up in a hotel for now. I'm currently looking for apartments (not included in my package) and so far I have discovered that there is a huge variation in costs between living on-compound and living off-compound. If your employer has included your accomodation on- compound for free, then I would advise to take that option. If not, then hunt around; I'm finding that living off-compound, the rental costs are about GBP500p/m for a top-end 2-bed unfurnished apartment. For an equivalent 2-bed furnished apartment on-compound, you are looking at more than GBP1500p/m! All apartments on-compound are fully furnished, come with a maid-service to clean, 24hr security, gymnasia, swimming pools, mini-markets, community halls etc etc. Only you can decide whether the extra costs are worth it (if you have to pay for yourself). HTH, Maxie
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kikker
12/15/2014 04:42 EST
Several red flags...
If the company is bring you out on a single status you will probably not be allowed to bring out your family permanently. There are different types of iqamas (residence and work permits) issued. It is not easy to change your status. Clarify this with your employer before signing your contract.
The probationary period of three months is pretty standard. It will take you that long to settle in any case.
Where is Muburaz? Initially living on a compound is a good thing for families. It gives your wife and children a chance to find their feet and to start to know your way around. Also, compounds tend to have shopping bus services and a list of monthly coffee mornings where women can meet.
Personally we lived on a compound for a while and are now living off compound. We are happy with this as we now know our way around town and have developed friendships and a very active social life.
Good luck.
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carlostongue
12/22/2014 17:13 EST
Hi guys,
Thanks for the replies. I am in the process of waiting for the visa application to go through, so once that has completed, I will be set to go. I will be arriving on my own and testing the water for a good few months. I have researched a lot so hopefully will be prepared for all eventualities. Thanks again for your replies!
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yargsa
From: Saudi Arabia
12/23/2014 07:10 EST
I assume you mean Mubarraz as a suburb virtually of Hofuf. This is quite a large city part of the Al Ahsa region and growing rapidly all the time.
Single status does not necessarily mean that you cannot bring your family but that you will have to bring them at your own expense. If you have the correct job status visa it will be possible but it does depend on the job status.
Compound living can be helpful for wives to join in activities in some instances which can make life a lot more interesting and tolerable. I am not aware of Western compounds in the area as I am on a job related compound in the region. However, they do exist I am sure. Nada Farm Compound could be worth checking out but I am not sure as to it's availability. Transport is always laid on for compound residents to go shopping etc.
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ybalie
11/22/2016 22:48 EST
Hi. I recently moved here and have not been able to meet a single English speaker so far. Are you still in the area?
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