Job Discussion Forums

SaharaDesert · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 260

Hello,

I'm considering a move to Al-Khobar.
Is it it nicer and more relaxed than Jeddah ?
Are there private gyms, spas, and horseback riddding for women ?
Can a single lady go to the mall on her own ?
I know it is easy to get to Bahrain but does one need and entry/ exit visa each time ?
Thanks.

Anyone heard of EuroVillage Compound ?

posh · Joined: 22 Oct 2010 Posts: 430

Eurovillage is an inexpensive gem. Housing is more functional than luxurious but the swimming pool is one of the best I've ever used. Satellite TV, restaurant, shop, shaded roads good for jogging, a gym. One or two alcoholics shambling around (there used to be a pub in a neighboring compound) but, hey, this is KSA!

Jeddah v Khobar? If I was blindfolded and dropped into a Saudi city I would never know which one I was in. They are all the same, more or less. Jeddah has a repuation for its liberal attitude. In restaurants you'll see men and women unsegregated and the women showing their faces. Apart from being able to gawp at them, this means nothing much to you or I.

Gyms and spas, yes. Horse riding possible.

Can a single lady go to the mall on her own? Not advisable.

I know it is easy to get to Bahrain but does one need an entry/exit visa each time? Yes.

I'd choose Khobar simply because other countries are much more accessible from there. It's a mental escape route.

SaharaDesert · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 260

Thanks for the information Posh.

Have you heard of the International Programs School in EuroVillage ?
Does it have a good reputation ?

I have PM'd you.

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

International Programs schools (IPS) is good. It is relatively new (2000) and has a good Principal - Jim L (MOD edit). Their calendar is similar to a classic American school calendar/schedule, with the December/January break, etc.

The faculty at IPS is good, with a mix of nationalities, including Americans, Filipinos, and other Arab expats. Programs are good, and it is fast becoming recognized as one of the top schools in the Eastern Region.

Sending your kids to IPS would be a good choice, and prices are reasonable, in comparison with other 'International schools.' Faculty who work at the school avail of the Eurovillage compound, and bachelors are housed in very comfortable condos opposite Rashid Mall, a convenient place, with all the necessities.

Ghost
(MOD edit for using names)

SaharaDesert · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 260

@ghost=

Good to know that IPS is a reputable school.

Have you ever heard of Al Dorra Suites ?
Are they nice ?
I am looking for a nice place to live in Al Khobar.

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Al Dorra suites, opposite the Rashid Mall are very good and convenient. They have everything an expat needs, including air con, cable tv, gym, pool, and restaurant. There is a good common room at the top where the residents can meet, chat, play pool, chess, watch sports on tv, etc. Quite a jolly place.

The restaurant meals are excellent, well prepared and healthy, with a choice of different menus. I like the Indian dishes served, and one can opt for veggie meals all the time, if you like that.

The location is ideal as it is opposite the Rashid Mall, the best one in Khobar and Dammam. Also, you can walk to downtown Khobar, on the side streets from the suites.

The suites are more geared to singles than family, but family could get by in a pinch, while waiting for other accommodation.

The suites are fairly pricey, but if your employer is paying, it should not be a factor. Otherwise, the rental and meals could eat up a non negligible chunk of your salary.

Ghost in Saudi

Imdramayu · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 394 Location: South Korea

I was thinking of sending my sons there but, after talking to some teachers who worked there, I chose a different school.

IPS is catering more to people from a Muslim background in several ways:

(1) They segregate boys from girls @ Grade 3 up.
(2) More teachers are being hired with a Muslim background
(3) Mandatory Islamic/Arabic study classes are on the rise.

I'm not saying anything positive or negative about this trend but I just would like to people to be aware. Each to his own. Correct me if I'm wrong about these trends/facts but this is the last I heard about IPS.

Im

SaharaDesert · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 260

@ghost

Could you name me a list of reputable/good expat compounds one can live at in Al Khobar (even if there is a waiting list) ?

By the way, I have heard that Al Dorra is not a good location due to alot of construction going on near the area and there are prostitutes lurking in the evening ?