Job Discussion Forums

[Nabz1236]

Hi guys,

I am thinking of moving to Madina and wanted some advice.

I understand that Madina is a religious place and non muslims are not allowed entry into the centre and religious areas.

Does anyone have any experiences of life in Madina? Muslims or non muslims?

I am a muslim from the UK and I am thinking of moving over their for work and will be bringing over my wife.

I am concerned with Madina being a very religious place we will be very limited in what to do there. Any advice?

I hear it has 3 shopping malls and your fast food places to eat.

Weather is meant to be good and cooler there.

Anyone know what accomodation prices will be like there? Can you get a good standard of accomodation?

Would want at least a 2/3 bedroom incase we have family visiting.

I think i kind of prefer the idea of being in Madina than Riyadh but not sure pros and cons

Any advice would be appreciated and I understand non muslim expats may not have experienced life in Madina so maybe a hard one to answer.

Thanks

Nabz

[scot47]

Muslim friends are very enthusiastic about Medina and I am sure that it is a nicer place to live than Riyadh. I have never visited although I have been at the airport.

[Nabz1236]

[scot47]

Small airport but it does have international flights. I often used Saudia which used to fly Jeddah-Medina-Istanbul. I assume that the city is served by other airlines. PIA ?

[nomad soul]

[Nabz1236]

[Muhammed Abbas Khan]

Dear Nabaz,
The city you will be working in whilst important is nontheless a secondary consideration. It is more important to ensure that you are sponsored by and working for a reputable employer. Arguably, direct hire is best. Although in your case you have stated that this will not be possible due to your not having an MA. If you plan to be in EFL teaching for the long haul it advisable to obtain a related MA. The quality of life is very much dependent on the employer that you have with of course the city you are in coming in a close second. Working in KSA is not like working in a teaching post in the UK for a number of reasons. The obvious one is that you can not just change employer when it suits you. I have visited Medinah but never worked there. I have worked in Riyadh and I really liked Riyadh and the lifestyle there. That's more of a personal preference.
Regards,
Abbas

[plumpy nut]

The Muslims where I work hate Riyadh. Riyadh does have coffee shops, shopping malls, and Thalia St., the Riyadh strip loaded with great restaurants. However since you're Muslim I think Madinah probably would be a better place. If nothing else you would be able to talk about it with your friends and of course there is the better weather. However I agree with Khan, the quality of the employer is a lot more important.

[eslteacher2014]

Madinah is obviously a good place for religious reasons. So that is plus right there.

However some things to consider.

I get the impression that Madinah is an affordable place to live.
Housing is reasonable. Places near the masjid seem a little run down. However on the outskirts they have nice villas and apartments.

a good friend of mine who used to teach in Madinah but now living in riyadh told me that for a long time employers in Madinah would be very stingy in salaries because they know your trying to go there for religious reasons.

However places like taibah university pay market value salaries assuming you have the qualifications ect

[jaffa]

[Rostom]

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

Employers know that foreign Muslims are very keen to come to Medina, "The Radiant". Salary is adjusted downward accordingly.

[Nabz1236]

[nomad soul]