Moving to Riyadh

[FineWithWine]

Hello!

I’m a 24 year old nurse (will be 25 on moving to KSA, if I get the job) and thinking of applying for a job at the King Faisal hospital in Riyadh. Would apply in February 2021 as then I will be two years qualified. I’ve spent quite a lot of time in the region due to having family in Abu Dhabi (although I know KSA is VERY different!!).

Does anybody have any experience of expat life in Riyadh? I’ve heard very different things- some say it’s strict, social life is restricted whereas others say there is a bustling expat social scene with very much everything available!
As a single woman in my twenties I am curious, I would only accept the 1 year contract at first. Package seems really great- 54 days annual leave, double what I earn currently in the U.K. with accommodation/utility bills paid for.
Thank you!

Hi OP, I have lived in Riyadh for three and a half years, been in the region for another nine. As you say, KSA is very different to the rest of the GCC so be prepared for that. In saying that, Saudi is emerging with newer freedoms that weren't around when I moved here in 2017.

Will you be living on a compound? There is a great social life bubbling under the surface, you have to be a little discreet about it, but there's usually a bbq or a party to go to and other expats are usually friendly and welcoming. There are some cultural things to see and visit in Riyadh but otherwise it can feel a little dull. A lot of friends go to UAE or Bahrain for a weekend by car every once in a while for a change of scenery (though we've been locked in since the first week of March due to COVID-19).

I'm not a nurse so can't comment on your contract offer but 54 days leave is very generous in anyone's book. I think accepting an initial one year contract would be a good idea so you can see what it's like, before committing to more.

I'm happy to answer any other questions if that's helpful

You need to balance the sacrifice of a lot of liberty with saving money and advancing your career.

Friends of mine nursed here as singles many years ago and enjoyed it despite it being alot stricter and not the ability to be connected to home via zoom etc like today.

A year will pass very quickly if you are happy working most of it.
I believe shifts are longer with less days off between.

Try to connect with someone from the same country as you that is already in the job via
FB. There is a group called ISO - In Search Of Saudi Arabia- Susie of Arabia/Blue Abaya.
Ask about the accomodation. Is is woman only or on a mixed compound. Does it have a pool ? A gym ? What do they do on their days off.

Like the previous poster said, we have been unable get return flights out and back to KSA since March. Most expats would have taken several breaks and many left for the summer under normal circumstances.
Moral is low.

I know a few nurses who have done this and made bank.

But I would strongly suggest not to go. If everything goes well you will be living a restrictive lifestyle mostly spent in compounds - this can be fine if you are making enough money to compensate and have the right mindset about it.

But the real issue is if something goes wrong. There can be limited assistance and you will not have the same rights you hold at home.

the money is usually that good for a reason i.e. they need to give people an incentive to go there.

I agree with PP that if anything goes wrong you will have a hard time of it.

A long time ago I know, but my dad worked out there in the 80’s. Someone on their camp was murdered, and all the expats had their passports removed and were stuck out there for nine months. even with foreign office involvement it was a horrible experience.

I would never go there.

I'd also be sure to set a firmtime limit and clear saving goals.
E.g : If you are earning 25K in the UK and will earn 50K in KSA be sure to save the extra 25K and as much as possible per year. Don't spend it on going to Dubai and buying expensive clothes and jewellery every day off.

I live in Riyadh. Life is a little dull here but it's not very restrictive. I don't even wear an abaya anymore.

I know a nurse who works in that hospital and she seems to really enjoy it. She's Irish and there's a lot of Irish nurses there. They all seem to have a great social life.