Job Discussion Forums

stellarsky627 · Joined: 17 Mar 2010 Posts: 11

hello! I am a female so I am wondering if there is any way to rent an apartment as a woman. It seems as though companies will give you around 15 000 for housing. Is that monthly or per yearly contract? It looks like you can save even some of the housing allowance as well if you choose you own housing. Any advice?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Your choice - if any - will be VERY restricted and most employers will insist that you stay in the accommodation they provide.

It may be different if you are in KSA with a "mahram" (ie husband or other close male relative) , who acts as your guardian and sponsor.

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

I have been of the impression that this wasn't even possible. Do we have any single women here who have gone around flat searching and rented one on their own? (nomad soul?? do you know of any?)

Personally I would only accept a job that provided single furnished housing as part of the benefit package.

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The housing allowance on offer would almost certainly not cover the sort of accommodation required in a max-secvurity female-only compound. Not even sure if such places exist. The airline had one in Jeddah but that was for female flight attendants. Security was like at Fort Knox.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

KME0050 · Joined: 02 Jun 2010 Posts: 87 Location: U.S.

I was in the ultra-conservative Abha and needed to have a male friend co-sign my lease. The university did not provide housing, assistance securing housing, or transportation to and from the campus. If I did not have my friend waiting for me upon my arrival, I could have never accepted the job offer. I needed my friend to help with nearly every challenge I experienced there. On my own, I could do--literally--NOTHING. A man was 100% necessary.

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

lynnknows · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 6:57 am Post subject:

I have a several single friends living in KSA on their own. None of them are in Jeddah. My friends live in Houf, Riyadh, Hail, and Yanbu. Its possible,however, KSA, like all these other countries, have people that want to give women a hard time.

I had to get a "paper husband" in Kuwait because it was hard for me to rent without a husband. Well, there were many flats I could choose from but they were western units and thats not what I was looking for.

I think the problem will be if the person will feel safe living on their own. If I were her, I would try to live in the same building as some co- workers. If thats possible. To me it is always best to have someone near by to look out for you. Saudi can be a nice place but there are TONS of creepy people there.

I saw my fair share of them while I was there Smile

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"A man was 100% necessary."
Which is exactly how the system works in most spheres in KSA ! Saudis find it difficult to understand how a man lives alone. For a woman it is inconceivable !

johnslat · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 12:17 pm Post subject:

Saudi - one of the few places left on earth where a fish DOES need a bicycle.

Very Happy

(a link for those unfamiliar with the quote)

http://rlv.zcache.com/a_women_needs_a_man_tshirt-p2354966133595761523mba_400.jpg

Regards,
John the Bike

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

KME0050 · Joined: 02 Jun 2010 Posts: 87 Location: U.S.