Working in the Middle East

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers a rare opportunity to experience a community that is closed to much of the outside world. Tourism is uncommon in the Kingdom, so the opportunity to work in this country, steeped as it is in mystery, and gain access to their traditions and culture is rare. The Kingdom is a reserved and conservative society and you must be prepared to respect, and adapt, to their way of life. Females are required to cover themselves with an abaya (black cloak and scarf) and are forbidden to drive.

The religion and customs of Saudi Arabia dictate conservative dress for both men and women. While foreigners may be given some leeway in the matter of dress, they are expected to follow local customs, particularly in public places. As a general rule, men should wear long trousers and shirts that cover the upper torso. Women are encouraged to wear loose fitting skirts with hemlines well below the knee. Sleeves should be at least elbow length and the neckline modest. The best fashion guideline is "conceal rather than reveal". Teenagers are also required to dress modestly in public places. Jeans should not be tight fitting and low necks and tank tops are not recommended. Shorts and bathing suits should never be worn in public.

Alcohol is forbidden throughout the Kingdom for both men and women

Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital of the Kingdom. The city is located inland in the East-Central part of the country surrounded by wadi (dry river beds) and oases. The city has become a modern metropolis over the last century due in large part to the nation’s extensive oil reserves. There is a large ex-pat population living in the city with many Embassies and Consulates, as well as multi-national companies, based there. The city has a great mix of traditional ancient souq (markets) to explore and modern shopping malls all. Riyadh is a great base to explore the Kingdom from and close enough to the East Coast to have a weekend in cosmopolitan Bahrain .

Jeddah

Jeddah is located on one of the old caravan routes along the coast of the Red Sea , Jeddah is a city with a long and wonderful history. It is considered the gateway to the Holy City of Mecca and is an important strategic and commercial centre. There is a well-established ex-pat social network based in the city. Being a coastal city Jeddah has a relaxed atmosphere and there are many ways to make the most of the gorgeous waterways nearby. Sailing and scuba diving are popular pastimes with both ex-pats and local nationals.

Al Khobar and Al Hofuf

Both Al Khobar and Al Hofuf are smaller cities in the Eastern provinces of the Kingdom. Al Khobar has a cosmopolitan community and good links to nearby Dhahran, Dammam and the causeway leading to Bahrain . The town of Al Hofuf is in the centre of the Al Hasa oasis, one of the largest oasis in the world. Hofuf has a beautiful old fort and fascinating old souq, the surrounding villages dotted through the oasis are great weekend visits.Hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Hospitals in Saudi Arabia

King Abdulaziz Medical City

King Fahad National Guard Hospital – Riyadh and King Khalid National Guard Hospital – Jeddah are part of King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC). These hospitals have been established for over a decade and are considered two of the most prestigious institutions in Saudi Arabia . Sister facilities, they are located in Riyadh and Jeddah and both offer comprehensive services to the members of the Saudi National Guard and their families. KAMC Riyadh is a 690-bed facility, whilst the KAMC Jeddah is a 450 bed facility, and has also expanded to include a new Oncology Centre with 30 beds.

King Abdulaziz Medical Cities are renowned for their in-house training programs and proactive approach to further education for their staff members. Two additional hospitals which are part of KAMC are located in Al Ahsa and Dammam. Imam Abdul Rahman Al- Faisal Hospital in Dammam is a 100 bed facility and the King Abdulaziz Hospital in Al Ahsa is a 300 bed hospital. These facilities have a large ex-pat staff drawn from all over the world, as well as employing many Saudi Nationals.

Contracts at KAMC are for twelve (12) months and provide free flights from point of origin and some contracts provide a bonus mid-year flight. Free accommodation on secure compounds is standard and free medical and emergency dental cover are provided. Tax-free salary paid monthly in Saudi Riyals with a two week bonus at completion of contact and approximately 45 days annual leave.

King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH)

This 228-bed hospital has established a world-class reputation throughout the region for its standard of Opthlmic care. Contracts at KKESH are for twelve (12) months and offer free flights, free accommodation, 40 days annual leave, medical and emergency dental cover and a tax-free salary (for some nationalities) paid monthly in $US with a two week bonus at completion of contract

Security Forces Hospital (SFH)

SFH is a large, 508 bed, well-established facility located in downtown Riyadh . It caters to members of the Saudi Security Forces and their dependants. It offers comprehensive facilities in a wide range of specialties. Contracts at the SFH are for twelve (12) months, provide free flights, free accommodation, 40 days annual leave, two week bonus and a tax free salary (some nationalities) paid monthly in Saudi Riyals.