Job Discussion Forums

[Sweaty Ted]

Hello, everyone!
Has anyone here taught at King Khalid University or does anyone know someone who has? I am asking as I have just signed a contract to start with them on the 25th of August of this year. I will receive an annual housing allowance of 17,000 Saudi Riyal. I have been told that teachers are put up in a place called the Mansac Hotel and my monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment will be ca. US$373 per month, all included.
Has anyone on this board been lodged at this place? Can you tell me what it is like? I am really concerned about distance between this apartment and the university itself as taxis are sparse in Abha, I cannot find any information on buses, and I really want to avoid driving in KSA, if I can help it.
If any King Khalid veterans could tell me about their experiences, I would be most grateful. Thank you.

[KME0050]

Hello!

When I was there a year ago, the university didn't provide any accommodations for teachers--we were all on our own. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about this hotel. You will find everything in Abha--really nice apartments and some that are absolutely dreadful. When I first arrived in Abha, the university put me up in a hotel for a week while I looked for an apartment and, if I had to stay there, I would have turned around and gone back home it was that disgusting, no exaggeration.

Eventually I found a 2-bedroom, furnished, and very lovely apartment in a rather new building for 2000SAR a month, which was about twice what my colleagues were paying. However, it was immaculately clean, very safe, staffed by very courteous and professional men and was directly across the street from woman's campus of KKU, so I didn't need a driver to get to work. You should be able to get a decent one bedroom apartment for 1000SAR if you aren't happy with the Mansac Hotel. I can't imagine that the university will require you to stay there.

There are no buses in Abha and the only place I ever saw taxis was at the airport--never on the city streets. You really need your own driver or your own car. I don't blame you one bit for not wanting to drive there. I think I had my hand over my eyes every time I was a passenger for the first month I was there. It's terrifying! If you have a friendly colleague or two that will give you a lift to and from the campus each day and then include you on weekend trips, you should be ok. If you want your own driver, you will just have to ask everyone you meet and eventually someone will be recommended to you.

Good luck in Abha! One thing I can tell you for sure--you will LOVE the weather. It is perfect. It is never hot, never humid, and only a little chilly on winter nights. Most days are sunny, pleasant, and beautiful.

I have also sent you a PM if you would like to know more, ok?

All the best,

Kathy