Job Discussion Forums

damok · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 3

'Long time reader, first time poster' you know the story.

I've just applied for a teaching job working for BAe in Riyadh working at the Air Force Academy. I know there has been lots of sledging of this kind of work previously. But I just want to know if there is anyone out there that can talk about the quality of the housing complex for single members.

Also, most of my friends have said I am mad for thinking about taking the job because of the security issues. If there is anyone in Riyadh who would like to comment on foreigner safety at the present moment, I would be most interested in hearing your opinions.

Thanks in advance.
Damo

ntropy · Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 671 Location: ghurba

I'm not interested in the BAe job but I find it curious no one has replied to this. Can no one working for BAe contribute?

andrew · Joined: 19 Feb 2003 Posts: 38

I was just in Riyadh for a month. Unless you live in a nice conpound the place is tha a--hole of the planet! I didn't feel particularly unsafe however. I can't imagine being there in the hot months. ( I have spent a year in Dhahran-1000x better.)

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

I lived in Riyadh for four years in the early nineties and quite liked it. I didn't live on a compound, and would never have wanted to. The security situation might be a problem now.

Gem · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 4

I live in Saudi - the single quarters i have seen are very nice......you would live in a compound (suggest kingdom/arizona), for safety - or on the DQ...they all come furnished and generally the facilities - and the social life - on compounds are very good.....if i were you, i'd accept the job.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

BAE Systems do not normally give you the choice of finding your accommodation. They house you ion one of their compounds.

Riyadh is certainly not Califoirnia.

Gem · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 4

No, it's not California.........but it has its good points. Its all about who you know....at least you're rarely unsure as to the dress code if you're a woman - which is often less-stressful for the men, lol. Living on the BAE compound isn't bad either - I can't say i've had a look round it (not sure if there's more than one - doubt it), but I went to a party at someone's house there - and it was a very nice one. There is also a very good medical centre in the compound.

dogzB · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 29

If you're not worried about the security problem the housing is a minimal problem!! You will probably be on a compound called Izdihar if you are single. It is more than adequate, has medical and sports facilities and more than enough activities to keep you occupied in your spare time.
You will 99% not be put on the compounds that have been posted since they are not compounds owned by BAES.

I left a couple of years ago when the bombs went off and it wasn't nice!! If that hadn't happened, I would still happily be there.My friends who have stayed report that things are slowly returning to a relative state of normality and you will be on the best teaching contract in the Middle East; no question about that!! Heavy money (paid in sterling I believe?), free board and lodging and although the teaching might not be the most stimulating in the world, it's okay. If you are worried about what you will live in, don't go. In my opinion there are much more important considerations than accommodation.
Good luck

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Military Contracts in KSA are renowned for their mind-numbing properties. They do pay a lot of money though.

Are you happy working for the "Merchants of Death" ?

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

BAE guys are getting around 50,000 pounds sterling these days plus benefits.

Nice gig.

cody jarrett · Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Posts: 21 Location: Middle East

I can confirm what Mark 100 has said. The downside is that you are faced with troublesome unmotivated students.

Still, for 50K sterling a lot can be put up with!

Cody

niko60 · Joined: 07 Jan 2005 Posts: 36

And pray tell where are you not confronted with unmotivated students in this fair country?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I work in KSA for a lot less than those guys in BAE Systems. I stay because I enjoy teaching. I have a light teaching load and good holidays.

Is money the ONLY factor in your life ?

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

Money is the main reason for coming to Saudi. For lifestyle and professional satisfaction I think you look elsewhere.

Who would turn down 50,000+ pounds because the students are unmotivated?

Holidays? You could do a few years at BAE and then enjoy a permanent holiday!