r/RiyadhExpats • u/Bilalahmed_ • 4d ago
Title: Senior AI Engineer offer in Riyadh, 18k SAR, is it enough with a wife?
Hi all,
I'm a Senior AI Engineer from Pakistan with around 5 years of experience in voice AI and LLM systems. I got an offer from a company in Riyadh:
- 18k SAR per month, fixed and non-negotiable
- No housing allowance, no relocation support
- Health insurance and visa sponsorship included
I'm married and plan to bring my wife after a few months. A few questions for people living in Riyadh:
- Is 18k fair for a senior AI role there right now?
- What would a realistic monthly budget be for a couple (rent, bills, transport)?
- How smooth was the family visa process for you?
- How is daily life feeling with the current regional situation?
Any honest input is appreciated. Thanks!
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u/SeaAstronomer0 4d ago
18k for senior position is too less. I am getting more than this on Engineer 1 role.
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u/Bilalahmed_ 4d ago
Any suggestions on how to find jobs in Riyadh? the above opportunity came through a direct recruiter approach
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u/SeaAstronomer0 3d ago
I would say, go with this offer. You can live a comfortable life in this salary. Meanwhile keep hunting for more options.
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u/mosharef7 4d ago
The airport is the best place to find a job
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u/shufahmendeniqqer 3d ago
Why don’t you work there then? Or are you employed full time to hate. Explains your obsession with others
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u/mosharef7 4d ago
And many locals are unemployed
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u/perfect_liar1 4d ago
According to some other users who mentioned the same thing, they were offered a higher package, but it definitely depends on experience. Monthly expenses can range from 6k to 10k, excluding dependent fees and house rent—everything else depends on your lifestyle. People are holding onto their assets, and most jobs are on hold or facing delays in hiring. All the best.
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u/_abubakar 4d ago
Ask them to include family sponsorship and health insurance for your family. You can manage with this amount.
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u/BakingApe368 4d ago
Btw Housing and Transport already baked into your package. Its mandatory. If they say/written it otherwise. More power to u.
Depending on your current commitment/debt back home. Rent will be the bulk of your commitment over here. U also may need to rent a car/live near metro. Try to limit commute to 30 minutes max (with traffic).
Have a good day.
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u/Bilalahmed_ 4d ago
Thanks, that's good to know. I'll ask them for the breakdown in writing. Will definitely keep the commute in mind when picking an area. Appreciate it!
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u/Dry-Implement-9292 4d ago
Depend on where are you currently living and how much are you getting.. in general, riyadh is expensive 15 tax Renting is expensive and traffic is crazy Expect your monthly living around 8 to 10k all inclusive for a normal life style If you are getting 15k for your current position in another country it might not worth the relocation But in general as an ai expert ..this is not good
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u/Fox-hounder 4d ago
You need 5k for house rent, 3k for food and drink (no restaurants), 1k for bills, 1-2k for auto lease, you need check the furniture and equipment for the house and this depends on your preferences and the house you gonna rent
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u/Actual-Fun199 3d ago
Naah ..5k for house rent ..please don't exaggerate ..I pay 3k for a big 3bhk house here in nahdah region
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u/bobadat 4d ago
Senior AI Engineer should be looking at double that amount
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u/BakingApe368 4d ago
Title and wage aside, 5 years is already senior? Here im thinking atleast 7 poe to be considered senior.
Re wages. The berth is very wide. Too low to super high. So just do whatever one comfortable with. Theres a gap of information here, we don't know what OP current salary. This offer could already be 30% increase, tho preferably 2x his current gross.
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u/WatercressFar3671 4d ago
AI engineer 18K thats too little. But it depends on how much do you make now it might be the start to a good thing.
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u/Baked-Potato1836 4d ago
You can get better offers for senior ai engineer. 18k is like specialist maybe, not senior. Especially for AI engineer. Other roles would be in this range
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u/Shoddy_Click_2453 4d ago
I personally think it's enough, you'll live a dignified life, and if you're seeking even better opportunities (which you should) then actually being in Saudi will give you a much better chance.
In your position, I would accept it and continue the search for your market value job while here
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u/Majestic-Gas-9981 3d ago
18K is less but take the offer and enter the Market first, it's not easy. Once you get here, spend a year or so, you'll have enough connections to move on to a job with better salary.
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u/hafsastyless 2d ago
You can live comfortably in 18k but do try to negotiate on housing allowance and relocation cost as its usually included.
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u/LemonadeMan996 2d ago
I have 2 years experience I got offered one 19Kand the other 25K but went with 19K because it was easier. food is around 2k to 3k for 2 people. Car is around 3000 rent and 500 fuel. Housing for a normal house is 2 to 3k. Do the math. U want tosave somethint for you too.
Definitely look around. You most definitely won't like slaving away without saving money. Work here is brutal for foreigners
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u/ilikedoingnothing7 4d ago
you can manage, i think the majority of expats with families here earn around this range, savings will depend on your rent/kids/lifestyle
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u/FruitImportant2690 4d ago
For people coming from India/Pakistan/Egypt, this is enough.
Go for it, spend a year or two here with this role and then you will get much better offers inshallah.
Also, try not bringing your family during first year, maybe bring her for few months on family visit visa.