Living and working in Riyadh
Discussion
@ Mods: please leave this in the Middle East section as I need locals’ / expat advice 
Afternoon folks
I’ve been approached about a job in Riyadh, working for a local organisation. This is a more an exploratory / research question for the moment.
I’ve been reading up on some blogs and expat forums about what to expect, but some haven’t fully explained “the reality” or living and working in S.A.
I currently live and work in Luxembourg, and I’ve been here for >20 years, so certainly if I would go for the role I can expect MAJOR lifestyle changes in relation to social life, restaurants, etc.
Whilst petrol is cheaper than water, cars cheaper too, what could I really expect life to be like in Riyadh as a middle aged Brit? I’m unsure that if I would get the role, if my wife would move too, since children are almost finishing high school. I’d like then to be able to travel to / from Europe as needed, although that doesn't’ seem, from what I’ve read, easily do-able in respect of exit visas.
Please could I ask you for your thoughts on what I should look for, watch out for?
Thanks in advance!
Afternoon folks
I’ve been approached about a job in Riyadh, working for a local organisation. This is a more an exploratory / research question for the moment.
I’ve been reading up on some blogs and expat forums about what to expect, but some haven’t fully explained “the reality” or living and working in S.A.
I currently live and work in Luxembourg, and I’ve been here for >20 years, so certainly if I would go for the role I can expect MAJOR lifestyle changes in relation to social life, restaurants, etc.
Whilst petrol is cheaper than water, cars cheaper too, what could I really expect life to be like in Riyadh as a middle aged Brit? I’m unsure that if I would get the role, if my wife would move too, since children are almost finishing high school. I’d like then to be able to travel to / from Europe as needed, although that doesn't’ seem, from what I’ve read, easily do-able in respect of exit visas.
Please could I ask you for your thoughts on what I should look for, watch out for?
Thanks in advance!
I've decided against it.
What is the role?
In government sector, employer won't hold your passport, you can freely travel abroad as long as you have a valid work permit for saudi arabia.
Feel free to ask any question you have? I brought up in saudi and travel every year to see my parents.
Most foreigners go there to save tax free money and then after few years they go back to home country.
If you are settled where you are and earning good money then i won't go to middle east.
In government sector, employer won't hold your passport, you can freely travel abroad as long as you have a valid work permit for saudi arabia.
Feel free to ask any question you have? I brought up in saudi and travel every year to see my parents.
Most foreigners go there to save tax free money and then after few years they go back to home country.
If you are settled where you are and earning good money then i won't go to middle east.
Seems you have already made your decision. It would be a major change coming from 20yrs in Luxembourg. Most reputable employers will not hold your passport. Having a 2nd "hidden" passport would not help you anyway as without entry stamps you are not going anywhere with it!
I've worked in Saudi on both the east & west coast. Single it's no problem, but at the moment with a family no I wouldn't.
Things are a changing in Saudi for the better, but it has a long long way to go yet for it to be Western style family friendly.
I've worked in Saudi on both the east & west coast. Single it's no problem, but at the moment with a family no I wouldn't.
Things are a changing in Saudi for the better, but it has a long long way to go yet for it to be Western style family friendly.
Gassing Station | Middle East | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff