SnapD,
Well at least you have taken my comments as they were intended (tongue in cheek). After five years at the academy I decided that I had enough of the whole place and I had also reached the goal we had set for ourselves. The time we spent there was enjoyable but also miserable at times . I would never tell someone not to go. However, they should go with a clear understanding that job satisfaction is not going to be very high, BAe management can make some incredibly stupid decisions and unfortunately some of the other expats you work with are just as bad as the Saudi's (Very happy to point out your short comings yet ignoring their own).
BlackS, I know you have a couple of kids and that was a big worry when I left a few months ago. Mostly about their safety while going to and from school. A lot of us felt that the idiots there might target a school bus in order to get more expats to leave the region. For a while the shopping bus had a police escort too.
I know of a few guys who have gone back to Saudi, just got there and a few who are just about to go. Overall it might seem like things have calmed down and I hope for everyone's sake it stays that way but I would also have a backup plan if things turn sour or you just don't like it enough to stay for a while.
Overall holidays were top notch, Money was good depending on where you were from ie UK money OK, South Africa or Canada money very good. Job itself- boring and irritating, Quality of life-OK but felt like I was treading water for five years.
Oh yes, here is a good piece of advice if you do go over. Don't listen to anyone else wrt investing your money. Seek advice only in your home country. More guys there have lost more money listening to each other’s "tips" than I can count. Also, the so called experts in investments there know you make a lot of cash and will make good sounding pitches aimed at maximizing their commission vice your portfolio. Don't look too far down the road. Keep it to just 3-6 months ahead. Any further than that and you will get a little down in the mouth about things.
Cheers
SP9