Job Offer From KFSH Riyadh

1. No, it is no difficult. Just make sure to get all your properly stamped documents. How long it takes to get them over depends on the company and office workers for the day. Usually months or so (most people I know had their family come over in three to six months, but my family all came over together).
2. Life in Riyadh is what you make it. You can find many expat social things to do or you can do nothing at all. It takes effort to be social though, it won't come to you. My family enjoys our time here and goes out looking for adventure. My SO has made several friends while I like to keep to myself and the family.
3. I don't know, I only know about where I live.
4. Very easy. You need to check if you license is accepted (and if so it will only be accepted for three months, after that you need a Saudi license).

Thanks for the reply, Xenolol.

I have just recieved an updated contract today via the agent. I Have been offered a family status contract with SAR15000 p/m wage, SAR2085 housing allowance and SAR300 transport allowance.

What kind of accommodation could I get for that money?

@Adam55 , it depends on what kind of accommodation you are looking for.

had a friend that was at KFSH

apparently unless you are pinoy, its hell to work there because of the cliqueness of the place.  He was a med tech iirc, he was american as well

If you plan on living in a compound it is around 100,000 SAR per year (usually with a huge chunk up front). Your housing allowance won't do. Plus there are long waiting lines to get in somewhere.

I assume they have hospital owned/rented accommodation you can take instead? My SO's job gives horrid housing allowance if we wanted to find someplace on our own but they have a  very nice compound so we haven't looked. The expats British forum (do a search on google) has a breakdown of compound prices.

Going off compound will be more difficult, but is possible and cheaper. Many people say it is not good for the wife though. Your call on that.

Good luck!

Thanks for your replies. What is the accommodation like outside the compounds? To be honest, I don't mind living outside the compounds as I have visited KSA before for pilgrimage and didn't find it that bad.. Could you get a 2BR flat/apartment for that much. I'm willing to pay upto 50kSAR a year..

@Adam55 , Are you in Riyadh or Jeddah???

Will be going to Riyadh

Riyadh is fine. I wish you all the best. If you will be looking for a vacant room until you bring your family over or if not deciding to live in a compound , I have one vacant room that might suit you ....  When are you planninmg to arrive in Riyadh..?

Thanks Rowa. How are the rental prices in Riyadh? May I ask what you do there currently?

Welcome Adam55,

Rental prices vary from place to place. In Riyadh, the capital, prices have had a kind of surge recently. If you are in the North of Riyadh, of course , you are paying more than if you were in the old places of the city. I'm not talking about compounds in which you are likely to pay at least 100.000 SAR a year. Other family apartments range between 25.000 to 40.000 Sar a year. My apartment's rent is a bit cheaper because it is on the basis of old rent prices. I pay 22.000SAR. a year. I have been working in Riyadh for  4 years now.

Thanks For the information Rowa. Is it possible to rent a house in Riyadh?

note that that would be like you living on the wrong side of hte tracks in alabama as far as appearance wise also.

Adam55 wrote:

Thanks For the information Rowa. Is it possible to rent a house in Riyadh?

Of course it is possible. As long as you have an IQAMA (the residency card), you can rent a house whether a family or a bachelor house. Also, bear in mind that they ask you for 6-month rent . Unlike other countries where you pay on a monthly basis.

Hope that would help......