English is widely spoken and understood. I suppose depending on what sort of business you transact and with whom, other languages would be helpful, and even perhaps necessary. For everyday things, shopping, dining, directing taxis English should get you by.
Housing prices are all over the map. We have a modest 2 bedroom unfurnished flat (not villa) and pay in the neighborhood of 5000 QR monthly (airport area).
I'd say that if you plan on being here for 3 to 4 years that purchasing a car might be a better option, but to each his own. We get by with a sedan. There isn't much offroad driving unless you plan on riding the dunes, although with all the construction the normal roads can sometimes be bumpy.
Dress codes are not as stringent as you might think. Work attire may call for long sleeves and trousers, but cargo shorts and short sleeves for men are often seen, and moreover are sold in stores here. Women's attire requirements may be a little stricter, but again everything is dependent on where you are (i.e. at the beach, out walking or jogging, at a bar or club etc.)
I'd suggest picking up a guide called The Marhaba where they discuss cultural dos and don't and other information of interest to expats moving here.
English is widely spoken and understood. I suppose depending on what sort of business you transact and with whom, other languages would be helpful, and even perhaps necessary. For everyday things, shopping, dining, directing taxis English should get you by.
Housing prices are all over the map. We have a modest 2 bedroom unfurnished flat (not villa) and pay in the neighborhood of 5000 QR monthly (airport area).
I'd say that if you plan on being here for 3 to 4 years that purchasing a car might be a better option, but to each his own. We get by with a sedan. There isn't much offroad driving unless you plan on riding the dunes, although with all the construction the normal roads can sometimes be bumpy.
Dress codes are not as stringent as you might think. Work attire may call for long sleeves and trousers, but cargo shorts and short sleeves for men are often seen, and moreover are sold in stores here. Women's attire requirements may be a little stricter, but again everything is dependent on where you are (i.e. at the beach, out walking or jogging, at a bar or club etc.)
I'd suggest picking up a guide called The Marhaba where they discuss cultural dos and don't and other information of interest to expats moving here.
Cheers
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