Job Discussion Forums

Zlestial · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 8

Which would be better - a job with BAE Systems in Saudi with an income of about $85,000 plus many, many outstanding benefits or a job with an income of around $73,000 with housing, tickets etc. but generally fewer and less attractive benefits in the UAE?

Also, if I took a job in the UAE, would my Asian girlfriend be able to visit me or, perhaps, get a work visa and stay with me? I know that wouldn't be possible in KSA but perhaps the higher income and benefits outweigh all that.

Any thoughts on this matter?

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

If you are offered $73,000 plus the usual package in the UAE, you must not be in EFL.

In terms of visitor visas to the UAE, it obviously depends on which country your girlfriend is from. Filipinas can no longer get visitor visas unless a direct relative (sibling or parent) petitions for them. A work visa is not possible without a contract arranged in the Philippines. Japanese, on the other had, can probably just arrive at the airport without a visa, like Americans, and be issued a tourist visa on the spot. Mainland Chinese? Probably not.
Malaysians? Should be OK, since the Malaysian government is Muslim.

Which country should you choose? If you like any kind of life while you're working, the UAE is a country where you can enjoy personal freedom.

If you don't mind living in a large prison where everything is forbidden, where local men hate you and are notorious around the Arab world for their arrogance, and you can find sufficient solace in enjoying your bank account, Saudi might do just fine for you.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Do the honourable thing and marry the wench !

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

I speak from experience: Go for the cash, forget about the Asian girlfriend. Money lasts a long time, whereas these romantic things tend to fizzle out after a year or two. Just tell your girlfriend that you'll be able to meet from time to time in Bahrain on the weekend and during your holidays.

You left your girlfriend on the platform, with this really ragged notion that you'll return...
But she knows, that when he goes, he really goes...

I think (going by your figures and using a bit of guestimation) you'll be about $20-30k/pa better off - overall - on the BAE deal. Is the UAE that much better than Saudi? I doubt it.

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

The UAE is leagues above Saudi in every dimension, especially if you're comparing life outside the compounds. We don't even need compounds in the UAE. It's ridiculous to even compare the two. Saudi is not really of this beautiful planet; it belongs on the far side of the moon.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Some people prefer KSA to the UAE !

Longton · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

Only those who can't get jobs in UAE prefer KSA.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I do not think that you are right on that one. I have visited the UAE several times but have never been tempted by any job offers that I see there.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

----"Only those who can't get jobs in UAE prefer KSA."----

Depends a lot on your lifestyle.

Also it is easy to spend money in the Emirates; less temptation in Saudi.

I would say go for the Emirates job though.

egyptfan · Joined: 29 Nov 2004 Posts: 105 Location: Middle East

I would probably opt for the UAE too, but you'd also need to look at the work side of both jobs. Saudi - I assume it's TSI Dhahran which is supposed to have a difficult enough teaching situation. You haven't said what kind of teaching you would be doing in the Emirates. While lifestyle is very important, the working day can impact quite a lot on the overall 'happiness factor'. Please let us know what you decide in the end. Good luck!

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

It comes down to your opinion. Which is more important to you at this point in your life - money or lifestyle? The key may be your age... if you are under 40, I'd say Emirates...

Although I have to admit that this has turned into a very interesting thread... lots of common sense advice from the veterans of Saudi.

VS

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

It's not like $73K in the UAE is chump change. You can save a bundle from that in a couple of years. The question is, is spending those years in Saudi worth it for the extra money? Personally, I would not go to Saudi again for less than $100K, and I know I'll never get that much. Besides, some expats in Saudi get so stir-crazy for normalcy that they spend way too much on vacations.

Zlestial · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 8

Thanks to all for your advice. It has been most helpful and is much appreciated.

I am going to the UAE.

1. The BAE salary component to compensate for security concerns might well be reduced soon- - meaning a reduction in the total salary at some stage

2. At my advanced years, I have saved quite a bit and now am looking for lifestyle although money is important, too.

3. The UAE job isn't teaching, but monitoring and mentoring the teaching of others. I will enjoy that.

4. I think I might be able to sponsor my girlfriend on a visit visa. She might be able to get a job there.

5. I have heard that teaching young cadets at TSI Dahran is dispiriting

6. Although the statistical probability of being a victim of religious violence is very low, it must lurk in one's mind.

7. The chance to hit the night life occasionally, to see a movie, to drink, to dance, to talk to women and be in their company etc. is appealing.

8. In Saudi, you would probably want to live in a compound, but few feel the need to do so in the UAE.

Thanks again to all. Maybe I will meet some of you soon.

trapezius · Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 5:25 pm Post subject:

Clever boy, made the right decision! Cool

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

Lucky boy, too. It sounds like a good job - congratulations.

BTW, I apologize for my gratuitous relationship advice above. For some reason I assumed you were younger, not of "advanced years." Perhaps you should be advising me on these matters instead!