JIM NEWMAN, 52, managing director, construction company, Riyadh
“I FIRST came to Saudi Arabia on a two-year contract for the company I was working for in the UK. Seventeen years later I’m still here, so I guess you could say I enjoy it.
“Like most expats, I have seriously considered leaving in the past two years. There was a point just over a year ago when the country seemed to be on the verge of a complete collapse in law and order. Since then the authorities have been very impressive in the way they have stamped down on the situation and we get the impression that security is improving all the time.
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“The exodus of expats has pretty much stopped and quite a few of those who left are drifting back. Yes, it is a nuisance having to go through national guard checkpoints every day, but you soon get to know the guys on duty and they are all pretty friendly. What is not mentioned very often is that, in terms of day-to-day living, Riyadh is probably one of the safest places in the world. There is virtually no crime.
“From a business point of view it is a very good time to be here. Oil prices have rocketed and the Saudis are increasing their crude oil production dramatically. The French have done us a favour by voting against the European constitution. That has weakened the euro against the riyal so the exchange rate is not as horrifying as it has been.
“Many companies recently moved their Middle East operations to Dubai, which puts them at a major disadvantage because most of the business is in Saudi Arabia. You need to be here to build proper long-term business relationships. The Saudis are proud people and can be difficult to get to know, but once you do know them they are incredibly loyal customers. It will be very difficult to gain their trust if you just fly in from Dubai once a month.
“The security situation aside, expat living here is still good. The standard of accommodation in the living compounds is high and most people’s packages include everything except telephone calls. With a tax-free salary it is still an excellent place to save. Or, if you want to spend it, the shopping is very good.
“The idea that Saudi Arabia is still in the dark ages is way off the mark. Riyadh looks quite like Houston.”
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Some details have been changed for security and commercial reasons.