Ever been to Dhahran compound in Saudi Arabia?

Question

I just wanted to know what it's like over there because my daughter and I will be going over there and living on the compound for the next 2-3 years and this will be my first time going there.

The reason why we're going there is because my huaband is getting a contract job for there.

And our lillte girl is going on 2 this June

Answer 1

I LOVE THE ARAMCO DHAHRAN COMPOUND ♥
it is THE coolest place, EVER!!!!!!! ♥♥♥

if your a really religious christian or something like that, (since there is no church in saudi) there are communities in the compound where all the americans get together on sundays and stuff like that
i think you will really like it. you just need to know where to go... dont go to crowded areas like the kings road on wednesdays, because you will not like the arab boys. if your daughter is a teenager, make sure she chooses her friends wisely
other than that, it is REALLY cool you just need to accept that arabs will always have their own culture.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Ever been to Dhahran compound in Saudi Arabia?
I just wanted to know what it's like over there because my daughter and I will be going over there and living on the compound for the next 2-3 years and this will be my first time going there.

The reason why we're going there is because my huaband is getting a contract job for there.

Answer 3

Dhahran and the Eastern Province have been exposed to Western influences for decades, far longer than any other area of Saudi Arabia, and is therefore a more liberal place than elsewhere in the Kingdom. Most of the compounds are pleasant, self-contained, and secure. You also have the added benefit of being able to make a quick trip across the causeway to Bahrain for entertainment, shopping, and an escape from the oppressive lifestyle in Saudi Arabia. If you have to live in Saudi Arabia, Dhahran is one of the easier places to go.

Edit: Oppressive lifestyle - Extreme gender segregation (women can't drive, they must be accompanied by a male relative, they require a male relative's permission to leave the Kingdom, men and women not related by blood or marriage are not allowed to be in the same car or eat in a restaurant together or be in the same home, etc. - otherwise you are engaged in unlawful intimacy and subject to jail, lashing, and deportation if a foreigner); women must wear the black abeya and must cover their heads (and often their faces); Cultural segregation (if you are not a Saudi, you are a lesser person); religious isolation (only one legal religion); no movie/play/dance theatres; no clubs; no alcohol; roving religious police to ensure compliance; high security - checkpoints/armed guards/machine gun posts/security checks/barriers; and it is generally very hot and dry. Just personal observations - and I like Saudis and Saudi Arabia.

Answer 4

Ha! I live in the Aramco compound.. its just like a huge american city.. ... There will be plenty of activities for you to get involved in.. Many womens groups.. Your daughter can go to Dhahrans elementary schools.. the schools go all the way up to 9th grade level, then she must either go abroad to boarding school, or sent back home to USA to finish out high school.. thats not usually a problem though, You yourself cannot drive outside the community, but inside the camp you can.. I drive all over the camp. then there are shuttle busses that you can take outside that go to all the major areas, malls, shops, etc. Also this area KHobar the town just outside Aramco is so modern. you can find everything you would in USA,, all american brands are here from appliances, clothing, food stuff etc.. You can shop till you drop.. its fun. As for raising a child, here in Saudi its a dream.. people here generally have good morals and you know your daughter wont be picked up or harrassed or raped by a lunatic here. People are generally good.. The arabs are friendly and would soon enough strike up a conversation with you real quick, then you'll find yourself being invited to someones home for tea.. The little island country of Bahrain is only 30min drive away and its a nice change for a weekend and has modern malls and theaters also.. Then if you want a more of a break.. Dubai is only a 50min plane ride away.. .. The really only negative thing is the heat.. it can get up to 120F in mid August... Make sure your car has a super airconditioner in it.. goodluck! you'll like it..

Answer 5

I think it depends on where you're coming from.

I just visited my sister who lives there (Aramco) with her husband and children, and I was impressed by the pleasant atmosphere. It certainly feels different from living outside the compound (regular Saudi Arabia). Inside, it feels more like a part of the US (Phoenix with humidity is the closest I can describe it). While I was there the weather was cool and rainy, but that's not the typical weather they have. Most of the year it is quite hot and sometimes very humid.

I believe it's a nice place for raising kids, it's a very controlled environment, as people are there to work and enjoy family life primarily. As others mentioned, you also have the ability to go to nearby Bahrain or little farther out Dubai. Or if you're more adventurous, go to Egypt or other interesting places (e.g., Seychelles).

The Aramco website has lots of details too:www.saudiaramco.com

Good luck!

Answer 6

From what I have read and heard about it, it's like a big city but only for the people who work at the place in it. It's been attacked be terroists before, so I wouldn't feel safe there but I think they have big walls and gates around the whole area. It has schools, and malls and all that stuff. It's Saudi Arabia's oil capital, so they take care of it.

Wikipedia article on it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhahran

Answer 7

Welcome here! :) Dhahran is a city in the east of saudi arabia (KSA).
I'm a student in KFUPM, a university in Dhahran for almost 5years (graduating soon :)
---The city is relatively small, like Boulder in Colorado -if u know it-. it's so close from Khobar, less than 15km (10 miles).
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---75% of people are workers in Aramco company which means they're in general open-minded and friendly. When I feel upset I just roam around the city and my temp drops down with the silence and fresh air (cuz there's a lot of well-handled gardens there) and lil cute kids around (99% family residents).
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---In summer, it's extremely hot and humid. other than that it's cool. sea is close, so humidity is felt all the year.
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---it has all services near by. Geant (a hypermarket) is there inside a huge mall. Jarir Bookstore (best bookstore in KSA) is opening soon. short way to Corniche.
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Your hubby's company usually will handle the Bureaucratic governmental side even if he had a car accident for example, god forbid. conclusion= the bad side is taken! have fun!
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Disclaimer :)

1- If u r coming from the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan and countries from this level, you'll not be so happy with internet speed, public transportation (no trains no timely buses, just your car or the company's bus), and traffic in general. (except inside Dhahran city, but you'll go outside 4sure). bicycles are possible for short moves.
2- measures are international. distances measured by meter\kilometer instead of foot\mile; temp measured by Celsius. (1C=33.8F). weight by gram\ kg.
3- u should know basics of the law in the country and so on, this is your homework for yourself and your family. who respect local laws in any place in the world will be respected.
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sorry4the long answer!
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--- i felt sorry 4who said it's an oppressive environment here, after all it's a personal opinion. places are three:
1-obviously dangerous.
2-bviously safe, and
3- not obvious, depends on the person's experience.

Dhahran and the neighbor city Khobar are type 2. Riyadh (the capital) is type 3 (unless you're in Diplomatic section [embassy...etc] and live behind walls in campuses all the time, then it doesnt matter which city or even country u r. I hate campuses anyway, it's better u live with people not isolate yourself.)

Answer 8

Yes in 2007.

Answer 9

Very nice, relaxing and cool atmosphere. No more danger of terror attacks as security is much beefed up. YOu get the best facilities and the can enjoy a very western environment.

Answer 10

really it is nice place I live there . i 'm sure that you will be happy to live there alto of non Saudi people live there. welcome go ahead for more information you can send me an email for explanation .