Would you refuse $1 Billion offer?

A leap into the unknown

Taking a leap of faith and going to Saudi Arabia together with my little girl was a tough decision. It required courage and made me work harder to reach my goals for the LEAP conference. It was exhausting, but well worth the effort.

While I represent a relocations industry and encourage corporate directors to support their employees with the best services they can get in the destination country, I feel obliged to walk the talk. Visiting Riyadh for the first time ever, I could have asked my Move One colleagues to help me get around and organize the stay. I didn't, for the very reason I believe in the real value our services provide. I wanted to experience again, that moving to another country is shockingly hard. And it is.

An offer you can't refuse

This is why many professionals, at all levels, decline generous offers, rendering recruitment costs and efforts futile. The famous $ billion contract, refused by football player Kylian Mbappé (source: Forbes), proves that money alone is not going to convince someone to move countries. I am one of those, that put financial status low in the priority list and I can tell that there are many likeminded individuals in the World. Highly skilled workers may be expensive, but their wellbeing is even more important factor to employers, than just the salary.

What does the government have to say

Saudi government offers Premium Residency products to attract distinguished individuals. During the LEAP conference, I had a pleasure to speak with Marketing Manager, mr Abdullah Alkadi of the institution backed by the whole Council of Ministers. Thanks to the gracious effort of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is opening up to become a global destination for exceptional talents. All gov authorities are aligned with the 2030 vision, willing to listen to expats, address their needs and welcome them with an exceptional hospitality.

My personal view

I came to Riyadh with my 8 years old daughter, completely unprepared. Since day one we have been treated with wonderful kindness. Every Saudi we've met was helpful and welcoming. We're continuing to explore what the country has to offer for visitors and invite anyone who still hesitates, to experience it first-hand.

If you'd like to learn more about our journey, stay tuned. We're going to share more, after we return home. Now off we go, adventures await.