Job Discussion Forums

Sirens of Cyprus · Joined: 21 Mar 2007 Posts: 255

no, and even if it was, it would not come close to paying for a rental car

7168Riyadh · Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 149

Yes, johnslat, I got 10% in Saudi, and it would have covered most of the cost of renting a small car had I wanted to do that. Of course, a lot depends on how much you're getting paid. Buying a car is another issue altogether, although the allowance would have paid for something--gas/fuel, for example. My point is who wants to go to work on a provided bus?! Not me.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I certainly never received anything near 10% in Oman, Kuwait, or the UAE. Basically what I got covered gas/petrol and not much more.

The thing is that there are people who can't drive or fear the roads in the ME and they would be thrilled to have the option of a bus... as undependable as they may turn out to be. It is actually unusual for employers outside of Saudi to provide a bus. All the places that I worked only provided transport for the first week at best and then you had to figure something out for yourself.

While I wouldn't have used it and always got a car ASAP, not everyone shares my preferences.

VS

catweasle · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 53 Location: Australia

Thanks to the folks who replied to me. I'm in! Now to sort out the paperwork. Looks like I'm in for a drive to the big city (in in the country) to get some certs 'attested'... whatever that means. Guess I'll be finding out... ta again!

gharwell1 · Joined: 21 Oct 2004 Posts: 48

You can rent a Nissan Sunny with Budget at the airport in Muscat for around 170 OR. That's fully insured. If you rent a car from Abdullah's Car Rental in Nizwa you are to get completely ripped off if anything happens to the car. You will have to pay the repairs on anything damaged on the car before you got it as well as the rental until it's repaired. Better to go with a big company.

catweasle · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 53 Location: Australia

Thanks, but I am still in Australia. I will hopefully get there, eventually... Very Happy

the lowlander · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 171 Location: The Oort Cloud

I have to say that I am quite astounded by the University of Nizwa.

I applied to them two or three years ago, they replied to me at the time, and they were very interested.........then........ nothing.

I wrote a number of emails asking what had happened after their initial enthusiasm...........still nothing.

I thought it was very strange, but I forgot about it.

So, out of the blue this year, they contacted me themselves to offer me an interview.

I responded positively.....why not?......then nothing again.

Of course, I emailed them two or three times to ask what had happened......once again....nothing.

I have no idea what's going on there, but if their recruitment process is anything to go by, then you have to ask yourself what it would be like to actually work there........supposing they ever did get back in contact!

catweasle · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 53 Location: Australia

Going to China instead! Smile