Taif
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: UK
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Taif- Recent
OMG
Taif is OK, but only OK. 2 Compounds both quite small, certainly by Salwa (Riyadh) standards. Some western shopping, but not Riyadh. Saudi is a love it or hate it place, simple as that. Difficult for the wives. New primary school at Taif, but no secondary school may limit options. The people at Taif are friendly and form a close nit commuity. Driving is a special technique used only in saudi!! Defensive, is an understatement.
In Sum: BAE look after their people well, and the Saudis are on the most part fine. The facilities at Taif are basic, and limited. No Seconday school. No entertainment really, most people need to drive to Jeddah (3Hrs) for a decent night out. Climate better than Riyadh but it's all still very 16th Century. The end game is the question..... is the money worth it? It might also depend on the Job in question. Perhaps there might be an opportunity to visit someone before making up your mind?
Good Luck, whatever you decide,
Advo
Taif is OK, but only OK. 2 Compounds both quite small, certainly by Salwa (Riyadh) standards. Some western shopping, but not Riyadh. Saudi is a love it or hate it place, simple as that. Difficult for the wives. New primary school at Taif, but no secondary school may limit options. The people at Taif are friendly and form a close nit commuity. Driving is a special technique used only in saudi!! Defensive, is an understatement.
In Sum: BAE look after their people well, and the Saudis are on the most part fine. The facilities at Taif are basic, and limited. No Seconday school. No entertainment really, most people need to drive to Jeddah (3Hrs) for a decent night out. Climate better than Riyadh but it's all still very 16th Century. The end game is the question..... is the money worth it? It might also depend on the Job in question. Perhaps there might be an opportunity to visit someone before making up your mind?
Good Luck, whatever you decide,
Advo
Join Date: Dec 2007
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I spent over twelve years in Riyadh & Al Kharj, drove my own car without any hassle. It all looks manic at first, but one soon gets used to it & it all seems normal.
I left pre 9/11 so I don't know what difference that made. They do have their arsholes, but then, so do we.
I would say that 20% of people hated it with a passion, 10% loved it & 70% somewhere between the two. I liked it myself.
I left pre 9/11 so I don't know what difference that made. They do have their arsholes, but then, so do we.
I would say that 20% of people hated it with a passion, 10% loved it & 70% somewhere between the two. I liked it myself.
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Saudi
Well theres a mixed bag of replies, Saudi is what it is & sadly I feel BAE dont look after you like they prob could. They do the bare min to look after you, it could be one of the best jobs in the world. Sadly the fitters pay really is quite crap & has not really risen since the late 1990's, our pilots are on a fantastic wage & the company throws money @ the saudi trainees to keep them from bitching.
I did 8 yrs in Tabuk (Jul 2000 - Jul 08), travelled to Khamis, Dhahrain & Taif for work though those days are basically over for the expats, the saudi bae guys do the TDY's now. Taif is pretty basic much like Tabuk, though is close to Jeddah, they all have their pros & cons. Get a car, you will need one BUT make sure you have insurance!
If you are not there already go for a look, if you don't like it, keep your comments to yourself & simply make your next holiday a one way trip. You have nothing to lose (except pommy tax). I left as i simply had enough.
Blinky Morris
I did 8 yrs in Tabuk (Jul 2000 - Jul 08), travelled to Khamis, Dhahrain & Taif for work though those days are basically over for the expats, the saudi bae guys do the TDY's now. Taif is pretty basic much like Tabuk, though is close to Jeddah, they all have their pros & cons. Get a car, you will need one BUT make sure you have insurance!
If you are not there already go for a look, if you don't like it, keep your comments to yourself & simply make your next holiday a one way trip. You have nothing to lose (except pommy tax). I left as i simply had enough.
Blinky Morris
Join Date: Jul 2007
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I worked for a European company (not BAe) in Jeddah for 11 years and I'll pick up on a few points in earlier posts.
Yes, the driving is certainly "different", but most ex-pats sharpen up quickly - and survive. Adapting to UK driving on leave takes a day or so, however, and occasionally resulted in indrawn breath from Mrs LD! But being tied to a driver in Saudi would be very restricting - and would be costly and possibly unreliable.
When I left, two years ago, secondhand car prices were much less than in UK and petrol does really cost pennies per litre. There was a debate whether a tank-like car or a nimble one was best, and I went for "nimble!" In our company, with about 1100 employees, I knew of many traffic accidents involving our people but none where an ex-pat was found to be in the wrong just for being an ex-pat. No doubt it happens, but not in my experience.
Jeddah has some of the best scuba diving in the world, and I seemed to meet lots of BAe people from Taif who were prepared to come to Jeddah at weekends for that - and not just divers, families also. Lots of hotel package deals available.
There are some jobs for women: teachers, nurses, doctors, etc. Jeddah is definitely more relaxed in dress requirements than Taif - abayas for the women and guys usually don't wear shorts in public.
I think since the "new" king came to power in 2005, the country is indeed moving forward into a later century. Women driving has been debated since I went there in 1996, but more and more Saudi women are in the workplace, in finance and banking in particular.
Mistiming prayer time can be a pain, and you ends up joining others, who have made the same mistake, lurking outside supermarkets etc. However, once you work the timings out, it's livable with. I used to leave to go shopping about 10 minutes after the evening prayer call - and the shops are usually closed for about 30 -35 minutes. Shops seem to be until all hours, but closed in the afternoons, other than the big supermarkets, which seem to work 24/7.
I do agree that there may be some Saudis who indeed talk at you and regard all expats with suspicion. However, as the population becomes more educated and "internationalised", and more Saudis work for western companies with western bosses, I saw this situation improve a lot over my time in Saudi.
Compared to Oman, where I also spent a decade with my family, I think there was a great ex-pat spirit in Saudi. I was lucky in having a job I enjoyed; make some great friends; did over 700 scuba dives; paid no income tax; and loved missing the UK winter. However, as in all jobs, it also had its moments!!
Yes, the driving is certainly "different", but most ex-pats sharpen up quickly - and survive. Adapting to UK driving on leave takes a day or so, however, and occasionally resulted in indrawn breath from Mrs LD! But being tied to a driver in Saudi would be very restricting - and would be costly and possibly unreliable.
When I left, two years ago, secondhand car prices were much less than in UK and petrol does really cost pennies per litre. There was a debate whether a tank-like car or a nimble one was best, and I went for "nimble!" In our company, with about 1100 employees, I knew of many traffic accidents involving our people but none where an ex-pat was found to be in the wrong just for being an ex-pat. No doubt it happens, but not in my experience.
Jeddah has some of the best scuba diving in the world, and I seemed to meet lots of BAe people from Taif who were prepared to come to Jeddah at weekends for that - and not just divers, families also. Lots of hotel package deals available.
There are some jobs for women: teachers, nurses, doctors, etc. Jeddah is definitely more relaxed in dress requirements than Taif - abayas for the women and guys usually don't wear shorts in public.
I think since the "new" king came to power in 2005, the country is indeed moving forward into a later century. Women driving has been debated since I went there in 1996, but more and more Saudi women are in the workplace, in finance and banking in particular.
Mistiming prayer time can be a pain, and you ends up joining others, who have made the same mistake, lurking outside supermarkets etc. However, once you work the timings out, it's livable with. I used to leave to go shopping about 10 minutes after the evening prayer call - and the shops are usually closed for about 30 -35 minutes. Shops seem to be until all hours, but closed in the afternoons, other than the big supermarkets, which seem to work 24/7.
I do agree that there may be some Saudis who indeed talk at you and regard all expats with suspicion. However, as the population becomes more educated and "internationalised", and more Saudis work for western companies with western bosses, I saw this situation improve a lot over my time in Saudi.
Compared to Oman, where I also spent a decade with my family, I think there was a great ex-pat spirit in Saudi. I was lucky in having a job I enjoyed; make some great friends; did over 700 scuba dives; paid no income tax; and loved missing the UK winter. However, as in all jobs, it also had its moments!!
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Cloud9
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The Land of Sand
Ex-military aircraft engineering UK guys have been going to that large beach area since I was a nipper in the RAF. If it appeals to you, go do it - so long as you are prepared to take the crap that goes with it.
However, though I realise that this is an intensely personal decision, there are alternatives.
Well before you leave the Service:
a) Study for your EASA Part66 Engineer's Licence & pass the modules.
b) Get a Type Rating course on a commercially popular Type.
c) Work as a freelance contract Engineer in civil aviation in Europe.
d) Spend your spare time counting your cash.
You will make far more money, have a good lifestyle & even if you are working away from home, you will get home as often as you like - most contracts I have done have been 50/50, ie 2wks on/off or similar.
I have spent the last 11yrs thus; I survived (job-wise) 9/11, SARS, sundry wars & financial turmoil.
Guys, let go of the military apron strings & sample a different environment. Just start preparing for it now!
HB
However, though I realise that this is an intensely personal decision, there are alternatives.
Well before you leave the Service:
a) Study for your EASA Part66 Engineer's Licence & pass the modules.
b) Get a Type Rating course on a commercially popular Type.
c) Work as a freelance contract Engineer in civil aviation in Europe.
d) Spend your spare time counting your cash.
You will make far more money, have a good lifestyle & even if you are working away from home, you will get home as often as you like - most contracts I have done have been 50/50, ie 2wks on/off or similar.
I have spent the last 11yrs thus; I survived (job-wise) 9/11, SARS, sundry wars & financial turmoil.
Guys, let go of the military apron strings & sample a different environment. Just start preparing for it now!
HB
Join Date: Jul 2013
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BAE Compound
Hi all.
I am possibly coming across to Taif with BAE Systems, and wondered what the Compound is like re family accommodation. Is it reasonably spacious, even if dated? Are they furnished and what facilities are available. Am ex forces as is the other half, so used to making do so to speak.
I would be really grateful for any info re cost of flights to other locations, eg, Egypt, Sri Lanka etc. Am coming to make the most of the tax free situation, and save as much as possible. Not a drinker, that's for the youngsters these days lol, and as for shopping, I don't think the wife could possibly dream uo another excuse to have this that or the other. Enough shoes to open a shop! Sound familiar guys? Is it possible to manage without a vehicle until the famil join me? How far from the Compound is the workplace. Have googled as much as is possible, but not a great deal of information available. Maybe that in itself should tell me something. However, we are a quiet family, and I guess lead quite a simple life, however we do like adventure and travel. So, hopefully this will be possible, even if the decor of our new home is dire. It's a base after all, and we will make the most of what we have whilst there.
I also have a child at Primary Scnool, so any info re education and activities would be appreciated. In fact any information would be helpful.
Apologies for the many questions all. :-)
I am possibly coming across to Taif with BAE Systems, and wondered what the Compound is like re family accommodation. Is it reasonably spacious, even if dated? Are they furnished and what facilities are available. Am ex forces as is the other half, so used to making do so to speak.
I would be really grateful for any info re cost of flights to other locations, eg, Egypt, Sri Lanka etc. Am coming to make the most of the tax free situation, and save as much as possible. Not a drinker, that's for the youngsters these days lol, and as for shopping, I don't think the wife could possibly dream uo another excuse to have this that or the other. Enough shoes to open a shop! Sound familiar guys? Is it possible to manage without a vehicle until the famil join me? How far from the Compound is the workplace. Have googled as much as is possible, but not a great deal of information available. Maybe that in itself should tell me something. However, we are a quiet family, and I guess lead quite a simple life, however we do like adventure and travel. So, hopefully this will be possible, even if the decor of our new home is dire. It's a base after all, and we will make the most of what we have whilst there.
I also have a child at Primary Scnool, so any info re education and activities would be appreciated. In fact any information would be helpful.
Apologies for the many questions all. :-)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Dhahran
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1) Decent size houses on the compound and furnished. I assume you'll be on 'preferential married status' ? The minions (me) have to wait 2/3 years to bring their families out.
2) Flights to Egypt roughly 200 quid and Sri Lanka from 300. Flights to UK from 400 to 800 quid economy depending on the time of year.
3) Airbase is 10 mins from the married compound.
4) Small primary school on the compound. Limited activities, swimming pool, gym, tennis, squash etc. Jeddah (beach and shopping) 2 or 3 hours away depending on speeding tickets !
Conditions here are vastly inferior to Dhahran and Riyadh and Taif itself is centuries behind ! But some people enjoy it here. Not a drinker though...........that could be a deal breaker !!!!!!
2) Flights to Egypt roughly 200 quid and Sri Lanka from 300. Flights to UK from 400 to 800 quid economy depending on the time of year.
3) Airbase is 10 mins from the married compound.
4) Small primary school on the compound. Limited activities, swimming pool, gym, tennis, squash etc. Jeddah (beach and shopping) 2 or 3 hours away depending on speeding tickets !
Conditions here are vastly inferior to Dhahran and Riyadh and Taif itself is centuries behind ! But some people enjoy it here. Not a drinker though...........that could be a deal breaker !!!!!!
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Manchester
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Hi guys
I'm new to this but just wanted to see if could get a better idea what to expect when I go to Saudi.
Supposed to be going working for 12 days in Taif at the airbase, me and 3 others are staying at the Intercontinental hotel Taif. Anyone stayed there? Just asking because I presumed when going Saudi people stayed in compounds so just wondering if it's safe staying in hotels or is it just me worrying too much?
Any help would be appreciated thanks
I'm new to this but just wanted to see if could get a better idea what to expect when I go to Saudi.
Supposed to be going working for 12 days in Taif at the airbase, me and 3 others are staying at the Intercontinental hotel Taif. Anyone stayed there? Just asking because I presumed when going Saudi people stayed in compounds so just wondering if it's safe staying in hotels or is it just me worrying too much?
Any help would be appreciated thanks
