Hi guys i got an job offer to move to Jeddah can anybody help me...

Hi,

I feel the offer is decent until you mentioned you had two kids. Keeping in view you are enquiring about international school, I feel the offer might just be sufficient for you. Because it is to soon to say without knowing what standard of living you would want to maintain and what levels of international school you are aiming for.

IMO the international school available give you alot of flexibility. you have really good one and you have average ones whichever you think suits your budget.

hope this helps.

Hi,

I agree with Agent47, even that 25K/month will be considered as a handsome package for many in Saudi, but it’s not for a western family trying to live here and make some saving.

Most westerners coming to Saudi will want to live in a  compound for the life style and a 2-3 bedrooms apartment in a compound will cost around 80-120K a year depending on the compound and its facilities.

For schools, international schools where all the student are Arabs and Arabic will be used frequently will cost between 16-25K a year. While, other international schools where western students go, can cost 45-60K a year.

What kind of Industry are you in?

I m professional fighter...  I will I will be managing  martial art school  a personal training facility in Jeddah.
I also was offered % measured by kpis
I would like to thank you guys for the help.
I just requested School allowance for my Kids.
I will be going alone first.. probably for the first year to adapt then bring my family.

What kind housing can I get with this kind money(4800 sar)?
18000 sar a month is a good salary?
Can I bring my dog ?
What kind car can I get 2000 sar/ month

What changes should I request to make this offer sweet?

Thank you

Hi,

I use to know some Brazilians living here in Jeddah and working for Embraer or as Gym personal trainers, but they all left now. I must say, we had some crazy fun, but that’s not our topic for today

For the housing allowance,as I said before, what they are offering you will not get you into one of the compounds (a single room flat, yes, but not for a bigger size ones ).

To live in North of Jeddah (the good areas) in a good accommodation something made for middle class families you will expect to pay;

2 Bedrooms flat 20-25K a year
3-4 Bedrooms flat 27-35K a year
3-4-5 bedrooms villa / roof villa 60-80K a year (200Sqm)
3-4-5 bedrooms villa 80-120K a year (350Sqm)

 
For brining your dog, have a look at this early discussion in this forum about it

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=219510

To rent a car;
2600 SR/month for a small car
4-4500 SR/month for a bigger one

To make your offer sweeter, maybe you can ask for a cut (%) from giving personal training job to some of the gym members (I know that some of the trainers in Golden Gym here in Jeddah are doubling their income by doing this)or you can ask for a western compound accommodation instead of having housing allowances.

Thank Ahmadaq

Well I got School allowances now for my Kids out the deal, and I will get % measuredby kpi(key of  performance indicators )
I will be teaching brazilian jiu jitsu and mma(ufc style)
On the first  year my family will not go with me.. so I will be alone there
I have been asking around and everybody are telling me that is a good offer but I m not sure..cause internet information are very flake ...
So I really appreciate yur Help.
So the 2000 is not even enough to pay for te car?
I saw other posts saying that 350.000 is a really good salary etc...
How much cost a cellular service?
How is the internet service there ..how restricted ?can I  connect with facebook?
What about cable ..can I get international channels? Hw much?
Thank yu very much

I think it is a good offer and life is quite inexpensive here. You can easily buy a brand new smaller car for that money and pay it off within 3 yrs or so or you can buy a used one.
Compounds go for different prices, some are cheap, some very expensive and waiting lists quite long. I checked out some unfurnished 2 bedroom apartments in Shatee and Hamra and they were Sar 50-55 000 a year. I found the cheaper ones not so decent. At the same time you can almost get a furnished 1-2 bedroom apartment or villa for the same money in some compounds. Plus in the compound you do not need to worry about your wife, as there are activities, daily buses to malls, taxi service etc.
I think internet is good here and facebook, skype etc are unblocked.

With all this marshal art you are mastering, I feel too scared not to answer to your post, so here you go;

The key is to ask yourself if this deal is good for YOU or not.
You are hearing different feedbacks regarding the money because what is considered good offer for some is bad for others.  Their judgment will be affected by their own future plans, their standards of living and where they are coming from.

Here one of the top three factors that influence your salary package is your nationality. For example an Asian Gym instructor will be happy getting 3500 SR/month while an Arab one will not even considers it if the offer was less than 5-7000 SR/month.
 
The idea is to ask yourself how much saving are you going to make?  is it worth leaving your country for? What would this saving worth to you/buy you in your country? What’s your reasoning for taking this job?

To answer you about the net, it’s like 350SR for three months. I pay 200SR a month for unlimited internet and free landline to landline calls.

For the TV, you can get lots of free English TV channels  via the open satellite Dish. For cables you can pay around 100-300 SR/month depending on the package but if you lived in a compound, cables and internet are included in the rent.

In general; food, gas and electricity are cheap here. My wife and I don’t spend more than 200SR in grocery a week.

If you know about the Big Mac theory…. A Big Mac meal will cost 16SR here

ahmadaq Thank u!!!


You r the man.... thank for your time... as soon I get there I will give u some free training ..
THANK YOU

By the way  I don't knw the big  mac theory Hahaha

In simple words , The Big Mac theory is an index to know how cheap or expensive one place is comparing to the USA or other countries in the world by comparing the cost of a Big Mac meal between the two places . 
How much is the Big Mac in Brazil ? If let's say its for SR20 then brazil is more expensive than Saudi and some may say its more expansive by 20/16*100=25% ... Off course it's not accurate but it's a general guidelines . 

I will take you on your training offer ... I really needs it

hyacinth

Thank you ...
U guys are being really helpful ..and  to b honesty major factor or final decision

Ahmadaq

I leave on us right now.. check my website atttemecula.com and check what I do

I live... sorry Phone switched the word

Broken noses and smashed faces!!!.. Not my thing, am Pinky up drinking me tea kind of a guy looool

^^^ hahahahaha^^^^

i m not violent ...is just my job... some people do computers some people do entertainment loool
well i still in negotiation ..just trying to make sure that is the right move u know..
I will be giving up a lot stuff for this opportunity..

Best of luck either ways...If you manage to make it  to Jeddah ,give me a buzz

I will for sure... ahmadaq
By the way person jeddah asked another question Please
spanish this company Is also offerring  a bonus %  kpi (Key performance  indicators) do u know how that works? How much  should be this %? By any chance

Usually companies bonus schemes are based either on employees meeting the annual target (sales, market share, unites …etc) or it will be based on that employee KPI’s .

Each company will have their own policy regarding this, so you must ask them directly about it.

As a general practice, they will set a pool of 5-7 basic salaries and this will be multiplied by your KPI’s evaluations.

For example let’s say your basic salary is SR10,000 a month,  their pool was of  5 basic salaries and you scored 85% on your KPI’s then your bonus will be 10,000X5X0.85= SR42,500 year.

I think pool comprising of 5 basic salaries is unusual Ahmad. It's 3x in general.

ahmadaq wrote:

Usually companies bonus schemes are based either on employees meeting the annual target (sales, market share, unites …etc) or it will be based on that employees KPI’s .

Each company will have their own policy regarding this, so you must ask them directly about it.

As a general practice, they will set a pool of 5-7 basic salaries and this will be multiplied by your KPI’s evaluations.

For example let’s say your basic salary is SR10,000 a month,  their pool was of  5 basic salaries and you scored 85% on your KPI’s then your bonus will be 10,000X5X0.85= SR42,500 year.

I worked for three different companies that set the pool at 3,5 and 7 so am guessing it depends on the industry practice.

Thank you   very much guys..
This kpi  thing is  new  to me..
They haven't been specific about  % or  how that will work...

But   now  I can  have a better idea

Here  is  another question since you guys are  awesome:

So  if  I  go  above the numbers?for example my kpis goes above 100%(is  that possible? ),
If  so how would work? Same formula?

Mmmm... To be honest, I dont think that this can be applied on KPI's based bonus. Sales and market share based bonus , yes

Hi,
Not a bad offer and i will explain how.
Basic is good and perks are ok but don't force for too many things lets take a step and sign the contract. otherwise in negotiation someone else will take it.

Thank keith
not trying for force .,just asked for School allowance for my Kids
is  a big change ..I will be giving up  a lot things.. is  a new project but  I believe on  it

Ahmadaq

You are very optimistic. A decent house in a western compound wil do AT LEAST 160,000 SR per year for a 2 bedroom house. A 3=bedroom house wil do not much less than 200,000 SR per year. I don't know the background of the guy, but indeed outside a western compound you will find a decent house for 120K per year. Housing opportunities for westerns in Jeddah is dreadfull, when the company is not active in chasing houses for you (as they are NOT in my case) you will find yourself for months in an hotel, appartment or other crampy housing. A condition to negotiate is, that the company is not giving you a housing allowance (their responsibilities for you buying off in a very cheap way and laying it on your shoulders where it belong to theirs) but they will provide you a house, fitting your background and requirements. If not, find another sponsor and tell the first one that he has overplayed his hand in attracting expertise by you. And that he has to act more professional when he wants to offer a job to a real professional..

ahmadaq
Appreciate your input and help with information for "Frotabjj".
Good one!
you said you got internet and land line for SR 200. Could you please let me know which one this exactly as i am just about to get one connection for myself.
Regards
Tan

Tan006

Mine is Jood 2 from STC. here is their link;

http://www.stc.com.sa/wps/wcm/connect/e … ages/Jood2

cheers,

would 1mb internet speed be enough?

BTW where are you from Ahmadhq?

It’s two of us using it + I know that my Neighbor is stealing my connection but he is an OK guy so am Turning a blind eye on him we are using the net for regular use only and its serving us perfectly.

I will suggest starting with the 1mb and increasing it later if it was too slow for you.
Am from Jordan

Bluncu
Its seems that you had some bad experience with your employer before and am sure that many other expats here had suffered the same.
Finding the right accommodations is not an easy matter and what can be great for one could be shxx for another.
I know of compounds that charges SR65k for 2 bedrooms and to be honest the max. I heard was 130 so 160 is new to me(thank you for sharing this, we live and learn, and that’s the idea from this forum to share information and experiences).
The main problems are with the looong waiting lists that are driving prices up also with some compounds quoting different prices for different nationalities either to attract them in or the other way around.

Jeddah is extremely cheap to live in compared to Brazil, we went there to collect some Embraers, I was shocked at the concept of instalments for most items in stores, and the cost of electronics was crazy.
Like most countries, housing is one of the biggest problems, you can find compounds for the 58,000 that they are paying you as an allowance, but they won't be 1st tier.
Leave your family at home initially, come and assess the country and the COMPANY, then decide if you want to bring them.
Good luck

To advise on whether the offer is good, it depends on the job it is for.
It is a good offer in general terms.
Expats normally stay in compounds and the companies tend to arrnge the compound accommodation for you.
There are excellent international schools here, but I am not sure about the pricing.
I can find that out fairly fast and send it on to you..

Regards,

Herman Grobler
Ma'aden Gold
Saudi Arabia

Guys thank you...
Ahmadaq..weight should meet soon ..they company added School allowance for my Kids 40.000 sar annual... and I signed the offer..
Should be arriving in july.. family will stay for the first year until I make sure will be they right move for all offer them... I will be there by mylsef for they first 12 months

Congratulations, I hope that this move will be the right one for you and your family.

The fasting month of Ramdan will be coming this year between 9,10 July-6,7Aug  so it will be an ” interesting” time to start your life in Saudi. Be ready for nothing to be done ( work, paperwork,….) at least up to 15,Aug since things tend to take the sloooow motion mood during Ramadan add to it that it’s also summer time...double hitt

Ahmadaq...
Should I laugh or should I cry? With that..I will by myself.. more family.. no friends ,probably  living on  a Hotel for the first 2  month until they send. Me to  Brazil to get my work papers.
Hey guys.. question would I be able to skype or  video chat with my family?,  how would be the best and cheaper way to call US and Brazil?
How much would cost me a good smartphone service per month? Can I facebook? Here plans with unlimited calls.. text message.. and data Isabel fairly cheap...how is  over there?

Don’t laugh or cry… just relax, scratch your baXX’s and wait for it to be all over…

Yes you can facebook, skype and video call your family and friends via both computer or smart phones (there are talks about blocking the free calls app’s like Viber,Tango and WhatsApp but nothing is confirmed yet). For calling the States for free am using MagicJack not sure about Brazil.

Smart phones;IPhone5 16GB is for SR2550 and Galaxys4 for SR2850 (more or less).

There are three mobile providers in Saudi, STC, Mobily and Zain and they have different rates and offers. Am not a big mobile user so I hardly spend any money on my calls, but my friends say that total in total for people who are calling local and international numbers, Mobile is the best option.( the three companies have their own network covering all of Saudi Arabia, so you will pay the same rates anywhere you go)

A good advice is to get yourself a SIM card at the airport using your passport from one of the mobile providers stand, otherwise you will have to wait to get your Iqama to be able to have yourself a number under your name.

There are no plans with unlimited calls here, so you will pay for each call, sometimes they will have different offers with for free calls or text’s.

For the net, there are four main providers in Saudi STC,Mobily, Zain and GO have a look at their websites to know the offers and the costs.

Dear Sir,

I have an offer for management position in Saudi Arabia. The Gross salary will be around SR25000 monthly package - that includes basic/housing/transportation, plus airfare. The MD can negotiate a yearly bonus of another 10% based on KPIs.

Employer will provide category A medical/dental/vision which has a limit of SR250,000 annually.

Family will be able to join me. I have 4 kids age average between 2-6 yrs old, so school and pre-school will be needed for the first 2. Employer didn’t mention anything about school allowance for the kids, so that will be something I have to pay for.

Could you tell me if that is a fair offer, and can I afford to save something or not?

Your promptness and expedient reply are highly appreciated

PS. I'm a US citizen
Please reply to: aidco2 /!\ I AM A STUPID SPAMMER /!\ dot com

Nathan

Hi Nathan,

I will reply here so others can benefit from the information.

Am not sure what other information you need beside the ones that had been shared earlier on this thread, but let me add the following;

Compounds waiting list are getting ridicules. Some people have been on different waiting lists for more than a year and they are still waiting. So my advice is if you want to live in a compound your only option is for your company to provide you one that if they have a villa on one of the compounds rented under their name.

In the last two weeks and due to government crackdown on illegal expats, the cost of HR on schools had increased and most International schools are informing the parents that the 2013-2014 fees are going to be increased by around 15-25% especially for girls schools.

Same can be said about accommodations. Landlords are sending letters to tenets saying that by the end of the annual contract the rent will be increased by 20-25%.

Two and three bedrooms apartment in what is called “luxury buildings”  the type that are considered as 'Suitable' for westerners with a swimming pool/Gym (some of them not all comes with swimming pools) are now for 50-65K a year.They are viewd as the other option for not living in a compound.

So to answer you, SR25K for an American Family of 6 trying to live in a western life style will not be enough.