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Hello All -

I wanted to introduce myself as I just registered to the blog. 

I have been offered as well a job with DAR Al Riyadh to work in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) project, starting asap as a Project Manager.  I live in London (UK), and I am of dual American and Italian citizenship.  I had the following questions that perhaps you guys may be able to shed some light on:

1. How well is DAR Al Riyadh known to deal with their expat employees?

2. Can I get my US passport back after I am issued with my Iquama?

3. How standard is it as an expat to be given a Multiple Exit/Re-Entry Visa? how long does the process tend to take?

4.  Is it common for Saudi companies not to issue the candidate with a work Contract before signing of the Offer Letter issued?  If so, how soon after arrival in Riyadh would one anticipate the work Contract to be given?

5.  What is the best expat compound to live in, and/or the most convenient within proximity to the KAFD site?  I hear from this blog that "Romaizan Compound" is a good one, but far.  Any tips on compounds, waiting lists?

6.  Are national holidays commonly included on the vacation days by the company for the expats?  I get 30-calendar days as vacation. 

Thanks very much in advanced, and apologies for the lengthy email... I am not familiar with using Blogs.

Caisar - I too is a project manager for DAR to work at the site project KAFD.
Base on DAR's human resource, I was to arrival at Dubai for a few weeks to perform a medical exam as well as obtaining a working visa for Riyadh and assuming all those necessary papers are completed and approved, I will then be at my destination in Riyadh.
I will ask my sponsor regarding your questions/concerns and hope to get an answer today and will forward them to you

And guys, I too have a company car for any additional bodies to be tranported around the city. How big is the car - i can't gurantee you that - I will ask for an SUV since gas is cheeeaaap there.

ya gas is damn cheap here! i think the price is the second cheapest in the world

well then - plan on a weekly rode trip

Doing my very best to answer some of Caisars Q's as follows:-

1. How well is DAR Al Riyadh known to deal with their expat employees? NO IDEA BUT THEY ARE A HUGE OPERATION THAT SHOULD BE WELL ABOVE BOARD IN COMPARISON TO MANY OTHER CORPORATE ORGS HERE WITHOUT A DOUBT

2. Can I get my US passport back after I am issued with my Iquama? YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR IT AND IT MAY BE GIVEN BACK TO YOU BASED ON COMPANY POLICY ONLY. MOST ORGS DO NOT SINCE THE PASSPORT IS A KEY FACTOR OF CONTROL OF THE EMPLOYEES MOVEMENTS OUTSIDE THE KINGDOM

3. How standard is it as an expat to be given a Multiple Exit/Re-Entry Visa? how long does the process tend to take?
VERY SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT FORWARD. AS LONG AS YOU PAY THE VISA FEE YOU CAN GET IT AS LONG AS YOU PLEASE. OF COURSE THE COMPANY MUST APPROVE.

4.  Is it common for Saudi companies not to issue the candidate with a work Contract before signing of the Offer Letter issued?  If so, how soon after arrival in Riyadh would one anticipate the work Contract to be given? IT HAPPENS BUT IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO HAVE THE CONTRACT UPFRONT. IN ANY CASE IT WILL BE REQUIRED BY THE SAUDI EMBASSY WHO ISSUES YOUR VISA.

5.  What is the best expat compound to live in, and/or the most convenient within proximity to the KAFD site?  I hear from this blog that "Romaizan Compound" is a good one, but far.  Any tips on compounds, waiting lists?  ROMAIZAN 9EXIT 7) IS VERY CLOSE TO YOUR WORK SITE (BETWEEN EXIT 4-3), JUST ABOUT 5-6 Km DRIVING ONLY WHICH WONT EVEN TAKE 10 MINUTES ON THE NORTH RING ROAD. THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPOUNDS IN THE VICINITY BUT MOST ARE WAIT LISTED FOR MONTHS AS I AM TOLD. THE MOST EXPENSIVE AT EXIT 8 ARE ALHAMRA, CORDOBA & ARIZONA.

6.  Are national holidays commonly included on the vacation days by the company for the expats?  I get 30-calendar days as vacation. JUST ONE DAY, NATIONAL DAY ONLY. YOU ALSO AVAIL AROUND 9 DAYS (INCLUDING TWO WEEKENDS) ON TWO OCCASIONS OF THE RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS OF RAMADAN AND HAJJ WHICH YOU MAY CLUB TO YOUR ANNUAL VACATION.

Hope that answers your questions?

caisar - here is what the response from my sponsor


1. How well is DAR Al Riyadh known to deal with their expat employees?
They treat them well - I have spoken a few expats including Americans who are happy with them

2. Can I get my US passport back after I am issued with my Iquama?
This depends on the employer. In Saudi, I believe the employer is held responsible in the eyes of the law for the employee.

3. How standard is it as an expat to be given a Multiple Exit/Re-Entry Visa? how long does the process tend to take? Like most things in the Middle East, once you have the paperwork sorted the process goes smoothly but it can take a few months.

4.  Is it common for Saudi companies not to issue the candidate with a work Contract before signing of the Offer Letter issued?  If so, how soon after arrival in Riyadh would one anticipate the work Contract to be given?
Yes all companies do this and you will receive the contract when you arrive.

5.  What is the best expat compound to live in, and/or the most convenient within proximity to the KAFD site?  I hear from this blog that "Romaizan Compound" is a good one, but far.  Any tips on compounds, waiting lists?
I would wait until you get on the ground. I have been to Romaizan - it is fine. Usually the smaller ones out of town, near the site will offer best value for money.

6.  Are national holidays commonly included on the vacation days by the company for the expats?
I get 30-calendar days as vacation.  You will also receive their national holidays.

Raylarch -  Thank you for your feedback.  Lets certainly get connected to discuss further as you find out more details.

Musicman - Is there anything you don't know about?  Hehe!  Thank you so much for the answers...  very thorough, timely, and informative indeed. 

One follow-up question on the compound:
* Any tips in how I can fastrack the process from abroad to get on the nice compounds, even where there may be a waiting list?  i.e. reserve a spot?

Ohh Thanks. I do my bit.There was no one to tell me anything when I walked in, waqy back in 1979.

Tough question, the last one.

I can ask around since I do have friends in most of these places. The only positive location where I may be able to use my "charm" and get you a place is Al Qaha Compound alongside the North Ring Road somewhere behind AlHamra Compound where the Compound Manager is a very close pal of mine and will be able to juggle the names on the list if and when necessary. However, Al Waha is not a 5 Star Compound. Maybe 3 Star...

I will also need to know what your budget is for accomodation.

You are a good man musicman
And I might take you up on your offer regarding the compound stay if no one jumps on the opportunity

oops sorry, typo. The name is Al Waha Compund and not Al Qaha.

I talked to the Compound Manager last evening and he said:

1. The villas are all being renovated and all leases coming to an end are not being renewed

2. Prices have been jacked up with the cheapest villa costing SR 100,000 per annum going up to SR 250,000

3. Wait list is a mile long and the villas will be let to those in waiting and NOT EVEN to those who have been resident before.

4. Best options for bachelor condo style accomodation for singles in the city is FAL Compound

5. WAHA does not have apartments

6. Rumaizan also has a long line waiting for both singles and family accomodation.

Looks like we are into another massive development boom in Riyadh.

God save us!

Al Fal Compound condo style apartments are available for rent for singles.

Please check this link:-



Location is at Exit 8 close to SABIC

and i guess the price ranges from 37000 to 45000 for studio apartments at FAL

yes, thats correct for FAL pricing, but mosty other compounds are jacking up their prices cos of the massive demand...

caisar - ask your sponsor to see whether or not they have already reserved accomodation for you to stay prior to your arrival to Riyadh.

I was told that I have a place to stay for 3 months and after that I can decide to go else where or stay where I am at. The option is mine.

I don't know if I'm staying at a compound or not.

YOU ALSO AVAIL AROUND 9 DAYS (INCLUDING TWO WEEKENDS) ON TWO OCCASIONS OF THE RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS OF RAMADAN AND HAJJ WHICH YOU MAY CLUB TO YOUR ANNUAL VACATION.

musicman, I can take off those holidays, too, EXCEPT they come out of my 'annual leave' time (so don't think they are IN ADDITION to your vacation time, Caisar).  If I chose to work, I have to prove that I'm working (submit a description of what I'll be doing) and to top it off, I don't get paid holiday pay! (This is actually against the law here, but people disregard labor laws here when it suits them to do so lol---crazy-ass place because nobody has to worry about being sued--unlike in the States!).

Here's another thing in Saudi, Caisar: your 30 calendar days vacation most probably INCLUDES weekends!  You could have knocked me over with a feather when I found this out (the hard way).  The only way you can work this to your advantage and get the full 30 days is by taking one week trips. Anything lengthier, you lose those weekend days sandwiched in the middle.

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom!

caisar - here is what i was told regarding the 30 days vacation

You don't have to wait after your 11 months working is up to take your vacation days. You can spread them out within the 1st year of your annual work pending on the work load you have. If you are busy - then no point of taking off and visa versa

as far as I am aware both the Eid Holidays of at least a minimum of 5 days each between weekends (which amoiunts to 9 per Eid) are NOT taken out of ones eligible annual 30 days leave.

Yes, the 30 days leave includes all the weekends that lie within the period availed which is normal across the globe. Its NOT 30 working days vacation. Its 30 calendar days.

Heres an article that justifiesd why the demand for housing is soaring in the city.

caisar - when do you arrive in Riyadh? Let me know so we can all can get together.

Hi Ray and all. I´m still interviewing for Dar al Riyadh, but glad to see its all good and appears legit. I tried the website! I´ve later discovered they sacked the webmaster, pretty obvious why.

I was wondering, package details aside,do they have a compound of their own and if so whats it like. I´ll be bringing my wife and baby with me. So if its not ok I´ll need to sort out some pukka accommodation.

Cheers

I tried the website! I´ve later discovered they sacked the webmaster, pretty obvious why.

what do you mean "they sacked the webmaster?????"

What I was told was I will be accomodated in a hotel for 3 months time. once the three months expires, I need to look for a place to live in. Either an option of looking for a compound or an apartment in the city.
Based on what information I gathered here in the forum, most compound have a waiting list or are booked. And the apartments are less cheaper but you are pretty much isolated as far as your lifestyle.
As for me, I prefer the compound - more things in common there.

Ask your sponsor where is the best place to stay in regards in your family situation.

I am told by many of the Compound Managers that it may be best for you guys to ask your sponsor/employer to obtain the accomodations for you in compounds where they may already have corporate arrangements for their staff.

By this way you will be assured of a compound faclity if they have one. The only drawback would be that you wont be able to play around with your housing allowance by yourselves in trying to save up some cash if possible.

No harm asking them.

my sponsor will give me an annual budget for the accomodation. From there, either I can use all of it for housing or choose a reasonable rate where you can still save up the difference.

Yes, Ray, thats the way it usually works. However, if you choose to opt for Company Compound accomodation thats provided by them, then, usually, you forfeit the housing allowance 100%, irrespective of the cost of the rent.

thanks for the heads up -will keep this in mind and make sure the company gives me the entire annual budget

Hello Guys !
I am an Architect based in Canada and I have been offered the post of a Senior Architect with Dar al Riyadh. They are currently processing my visa and I hope to be at the work site (KAFD) by Jan. 2011.
So looking forward to meeting with you all then.

Dudley George

Welcome to the forum Dudley.

will the Kind Moderators rename this thread to "Dar" Al Riyadh Company? its calling in more than a few readers from serach results so its useful I imagine.

Salman

For me, I don't have any idea about it. Just wanted to wish you the best.
Regards,

raylarch wrote:

thanks for the heads up -will keep this in mind and make sure the company gives me the entire annual budget

Ray,
I would like to know how you got settled with Dar Al Riyadh and in the KAFD project and in Riyadh too. How was the experience.
I am not new to Riyadh. I have worked in RIyadh for an Aluminum Glazing company from 1998 - 2000. But at that time, I used to be based in Batha and never went out expect to my office.
But during this time, I plan to visit the length and width of Riyadh.
Dudley George

Hey guys I also work for KAFD project .y Dont we just meet up sometime in KAFD .