Job Discussion Forums

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

It seems that for foreigners working in KSA the experience can be intense and intensely different to the lifestyle they were used to elsewhere.

I am thinking that getting away to a nearby alternative destination every once in a while could be a big factor in maintaining a healthy and positive outlook on life in the ME.

Could posters please outline places to go in countries such as Bahrain and the UAE, where Westerners can have a bit of a laugh/ some fun.

I would like to know about the practical considerations ... I figure one would need a weekend away every 6-8 weeks in order to stay sane.

Looking forward to your contributions ...

johnslat · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 1:37 pm Post subject:

Dear JerkyBoy,

"I figure one would need a weekend away every 6-8 weeks in order to stay sane."

Stay sane??? But JerkyBoy - hasn't anyone told you? You have to be crazy to go there in the first place Very Happy

.

(OK, you don't HAVE TO be - but it gets you off to a better start, and it does help.)

Regards,
John

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

You want to take a holiday every 6 to 8 weeks????
Good luck saving any dosh with those holiday expectations... yah crazy like a fox...I gaze into my crystal ball and I see a very jerky man...oh wait... no... a jerky boy...he is .. on some beach...in a grass hut...hmmmn no ...not in a grass hut ... wait...he seems to be smoking the grass hut! Rolling Eyes

You're talkin about holidays???
You haven't even freakin started work yet!
I'm the one that needs a holiday!
BTW...going from KSA to Bahrain or UAE isn't much a of cultural leap... you will need to go a little further than that to "get away" unless you are just wanting to sit in a bar and drink ...

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

If you get a business visit visa, you'll most likely be doing visa renewal runs out of the country every 90 days anyway.

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I recommend the International Christian Mission to Mariners in Manama, Bahrain. If that is not to your liking, try the TYlos Hotel.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

kidding aside...as you know how I like to kid...seriously...if you need to get away...Sri Lanka is one destination, I would recommend as it is relatively close and cheap. It offers an abundance of cultural and historical attractions as well as plenty of interest in the interior mountainous region and coastal sandy beaches. There are also jungle treks....not for the faint of heart though! It also offers diverse religons to suit everyone. There is a large Christian(catholic) community in Negombo.

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

Is Dubai any good?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

JerkyBoy, be aware that if you're on a single-entry business visit visa, once you leave KSA, you can't return to the Kingdom on that same visa. So if you plan on spending some occasional R&R outside the country (exclusive of the 30-day vacation), you're stuck doing so during those visa renewal runs, and you don't get to choose where you'll go. The opportunity to leave and return is better if you are issued a work permit/iqama. But as indicated on this forum, many recruiters go the cheaper, business/work visit visa route.

Do an Internet search on Dubai tourism; you'll find a ton of info.

desert_traveller · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 335

i never understood why the hype about bahrain. what has it got that saudi has not? alcohol - widely available. 'professional' ladies - available even tho not so widely. cinema, bars, disco - available at any friend's house on weekends. congestion, pollution, noise, crowded streets, oppressively hot (and humid) weather, traffic that lacks any sort of civility - all widely available. so why tell me why this obsession with bahrain? its the most miserable dungpile of all the gcc countries. i have been to all. whats this obsession with bahrain? its like a mantra: lets go to bahrain lets go to bahrain lets go to bahrain hey guys why do u wanna go to bahrain? lets go to bahrain lets go to bahrain lets go to bahrain

if you think saudi kills you bahrain wont help

ultraman111 · Joined: 17 Sep 2011 Posts: 148

Well, I should be based in Ras Taruna....and Bahrain is supposedly a 2 hour drive away. I expect to visit it every 6- 8 weeks minimum.

In the meantime, work, save and play/practice guitar.

Hmm new thread needed. Cool

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

AnneCO · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 53 Location: US

Hiya Jerkyboy.

I recently ran across this blog posting: http://blueabaya.blogspot.com/ . The blog is by a Finnish Woman who live in SA. It seemed to answer your question about travels outside of SA.