Job Discussion Forums

unc5050 · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 7

Anyone know anything about Princess Noura University? I got an offer to work their.

Saudi4Ever · Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 135

Can you be more specific? Also, were you hired by the university or a contractor? If it's a contractor, you should be asking about them as well.

unc5050 · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 7

I got offer from SBC through Adwaa Rabia contractor to work at PNU, do you know anything about them? is it true I can not take my family with me? and wait till I go there and ask for a family visa?

Saudi4Ever · Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 135

You may want to start a separate post with the subject being about females with family status or single status w/family.

princessali · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 12

I got offered the same contract from Adwaa for PNU through SBC, I also want to know about the university. However, I'm able to bring my child as she's a toddler and I have no one to leave her with and my partner wont be going with me. But when my friend was at KSU she had to wait two months to bring her kids and husband over.

I also want to know, does anyone know anything about the childcare facilities there and about maids?

Also I was told I would be staying in a compound. Does anyone know what its like and do you really have gym facilities and internet there?

Also what is the whether in the winter like there, as I started packing for my daughter but I don't know whether to buy her a coat or anything for the winter?

johnslat · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 1:11 pm Post subject:

Dear proncessali,

All I can answer is this one:

"Also what is the whether in the winter like there, as I started packing for my daughter but I don't know whether to buy her a coat or anything for the winter?"

Riyadh can get downright chilly in winter:

"Riyadh gets very hot in summer and as it is at 2000 feet it can get cold in winter.
Summer temperatures can be very hot, exceeding 50 degrees Celsius at times, but luckily as the city is located a long way from the sea, Riyadh weather tends not to suffer from humidity making the high
temperatures more livable. The average high temperature in Riyadh in July is 45�C. Winters are mild with cold nights with the temperature dropping bellow zero at times. The overall climate is arid,
receiving very little rainfall, what little rain Riyadh has usually occurs between November and May, but when it does rain it can be heavy and can lead to flash floods as the water tries to run off the dry
ground. Winter storms can also be accompanied by hail.
Riyadh has many dust storms throughout the year, the dust is often so thick that visibility is reduced to less than 10 meters.
From this you can see that if visiting Riyadh in the winter months bring a jacket and jumper for the cold, in summer bring t-shirts and shorts for the heat, but do not wear them in public."

but why pack a coat when you can easily buy one there (Batha - the old souk - has many shops where you can pick up jackets, coats, sweaters, etc.

Regards,
John

princessali · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 12

Dear Johnslat,

Thanks for that. It was very informative. I wanted to know cause I saw really nice winter outfits for my daughter in H&M and Next. I know I could probably buy it out there but I heard western stuff are more expensive there. Although I don't know if its true. Is it?

Princessali

johnslat · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 2:52 pm Post subject:

Dear princessali,

In my experience, if you shop in Batha, I believe you'll find that a lot of items, including clothes, are actually cheaper than in "the West."

By the way, check out the gold souk there; you can get some real bargains. You pay only for weight, not workmanship. And it's all 18k (no 14k there) or higher. The rug souk is good, too, but if you don't know much about oriental carpets (weave, origin, material, etc.) try to go with someone who does.

And haggle - it's expected in Batha.

Regards,
John

Muhammed Abbas Khan · Joined: 04 Jan 2011 Posts: 73

Depending on which city you are in you can find a live-in-maid or nanny from 600 SR (Jeddah) - 1500 SR (Riyadh). If you are going to be in Riyadh I have a number for someone who can provide you with a maid or nanny for a small one off fee. Ideally you should have childcare costs (an education allowance) provided by your employer to cover kindergarten costs (Although with SBC (Saudi British Centre) I doubt it)

Anyway, as for the more enjoyable aspect of KSA life (shopping) then definitely buy your H&M, Next and whatever brand clothes from the UK as KSA prices are extortionate. During their sales in KSA the prices are comparable to the usual full price in the UK.

Regards,

Abbas

princessali · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 12

Dear Abbas,

Thanks for the info. I'm going to be in Riyadh and I don't think my employer will provide childcare cost as it doesn't say it in the contract, but I don't really mind too much as I would have to pay about �200 per week or more for childcare in the UK. Having said that, you can get tax credits in the UK.
Can you PM your contacts number please. Although I can reply to PMs unfortunately, I need to have 5 posts before I can PM anyone.

I've decided I'm going to do my main shopping here and if I need anything else I'll do it there inshaAllah.

Thanks

Princessali

Saudi4Ever · Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 135

The information Abass is giving youis for illegal maids. Do not leave your toddler alone with anyone that you do not know.You need to find a nursery for your child. With that said, most nurseries are only for half days and not suitable for your schedule. Are you Muslim? I know of a Muslim woman who many westerners have trusted their children with and she has a great reputation for her in home child care services.

princessali · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 12

To Saudi4Ever

Okay I don't want any illegal maids. Yes I am Muslim. If you could PM the details, I'd appreciate it. This is my 4th post so if I do one more post I can PM people.
I'd prefer a nursery cause at least there would be other kids there and I'd feel more comfortable with that. Although a maid would be so much more convenient.

Princessali

Saudi4Ever · Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 135

I'll have to get her contact info for you. I'm not saying not to get a maid. She can clean your house. I'm saying not (and I'm sure you know this) to leave a young child with her alone (if you had an older kid that could tell you what's going on that's different.

If you are on Facebook join the group Sisters in Saudi Sand there are others from Riyadh there who may be able to help you find a good nursery and/or maid.

Ask if anyone has the contact for a nigerian woman name Hafsa. She is the one I mentioned earlier. She also braids hair, so give both references and someone may have her info. She's been here for years and well known in the expat Darul Dhikr community.

freesoul · Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2011 10:38 pm Post subject:

Dear SBC potential hires,
There is something in this space called SEARCH button. I strongly advise using that easy option before stepping into hard times.
Just a quick and simple warning: RUN AWAY from SBC!

princessali · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 12

@Saudi4Ever,

Thanks for the advice and the facebook group is very useful for both Muslim and non-Muslim women.

@freesoul,

What exactly is wrong with SBC? I've read some complaints but there in 2004-2007. I spoke to someone recently and she said she didn't have any problems working for them.