Engineering Jobs in Saudi Arabia

There are a variety of engineering jobs in Saudi Arabia, additionally, below is some useful information if you are working or considering a career or engineering jobs in Saudi Arabia.

Working in Saudi Arabia

Accommodation and flight tickets are often free, paid for by the employer and there are few distractions on which to throw away money so for most people there is great earning potential. Plus there is a low cost of living. Taxation is not deducted from wages, leading many workers to work in Saudi Arabia due to the financial incentives. The majority of UK Engineering workers in Saudi Arabia are contractors who fill short-medium term contracts across a varied spectrum of engineering jobs in Saudi Arabia and earn high salaries.

Typically UK workers come to work in the oil and construction industries. Saudi Arabia is the world's leading petroleum exporter. Petroleum exports literally fuel the Saudi Arabia economy. Oil accounts for more than 90 percent of exports and nearly 75 percent of government revenues. Thus there are many related engineering jobs in Saudi Arabia.

In order to encourage diversification beyond oil, Saudi Arabia will be launching King Abdullah Economic City which will be completed by the year 2025. This huge new development will diversify the economy of Saudi Arabia, and will also provide further a high number of opportunities for engineering jobs in Saudi Arabia over the next 20 years.

The city’s vision will deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure and processes that will redefine and showcase new standards around the globe. Integration of this infrastructure and advanced technology with business and public services will create a community that is totally self-supporting and accessible to all.

Working Requirements in Saudi Arabia

For a foreigner to enter Saudi Arabia, they have to be sponsored by an employer. If you have secured employment in Saudi Arabia and have your sponsorship in place, you will be required to present your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months, your employment visa and also a health certificate on arrival. Your visa will have a period of validity and you must enter the country within that defined period.

Living in Saudi Arabia

The biggest city is the capital Riyadh. Jeddah is the second biggest city and many jobs are based in either Riyadh or Jeddah. The spoken language is Arabic. Riyadh is mercilessly hot in the summer and there are many religious restrictions. Jeddah is a tolerable climate, has excellent beaches and Red-Sea diving; It has a cosmopolitan ambience with fewer restrictions than elsewhere. Climatic and cultural conditions may vary widely from one Saudi city to the next.

Living in Saudi Arabia, you will need to be very conscious of the religious restrictions such as no alcohol, gambling, pork, nightclubs, theaters or churches. Saudi Arabia is a strict Islamic country. There is also a strict dress code for women. Practicing a religion other than Islam publicly in Saudi is prohibited.

The weather in Saudi Arabia is incredibly hot. Temperatures in the summer can reach above 50°C (120° F) in some places which prohibits most outdoor activities.

Due to the location of Saudi Arabia there are great travel opportunities nearby in the Middle East, including Jordan, Oman and Dubai. Within Saudi Arabia, there are great natural wonders, dunes, deserts, coral reefs for diving and caves offer extraordinary hiking and camping opportunities.