Job Discussion Forums

[sicklyman]

[Lancashire]

Thanks for your concern but rest assured that I've done a lot of research!

So far I've heard some contradictory things between what I was told in my interview, what people I know who have worked in Saudi have told me, what various forums say and what the 'official' word is. The whole point of coming on this forum is to ask questions when doubts arise from those contradictions.

The only bus link with Bahrain that I was aware of was Saudi Aramco compound in Ras Tanura-Bahrain twice a week, but your comment about people commuting raised a doubt, simple as that.

Thanks for the info about the taxis.

[scot47]

There are buses in KSA but not suitable for commuting. Even with your own car a commute from Bahraion to Ras Tanura on a daily nasis makes no sense.

[sicklyman]

[sicklyman]

went for a drive up to Ras the other day to see what all the fuss is about. The road is not hell on wheels but it's not 17 Mile Drive either. Takes about 50 minutes to get from Khobar to Ras at the speed limit and there are plenty of cameras on the way if you decide to push that limit.

Ras itself is in the middle of nowhere at the end of a peninsula. It has a one horse town feel to it. As you approach it, it seems quite nice as the only road into town has trees, some greenery and nice houses along it. But you can tell that they are not the kind of places teachers are going to be knocking on the doors of. There were a few apartment buildings that I'd consider living in. Most I would not. All in all, it made the 'trailer park' compounds which my source mentioned seem like a relatively good deal. If you had your own car or a regular taxi driver, I suppose another option would be to live in Safwa which is at the head of the Ras peninsula and about 20 mins drive away. That seemed a bit more of a normal town and is probably a lot older than the more recent, gridiron Ras.

There's one intersection that has KFC, McD's, Baskin Robbin's, Pizza Hut and Dunkin' Donuts all within 100 feet of each other. That about sums up any western 'entertainment.' The only shops seemed to be locally run ones. I didn't see anything resembling a supermarket and so I assume there is nothing like a shopping mall.

The entire northeastern edge of the town is fenced off for Aramcons to enjoy the beach and life without non-Aramcons. COnsequently the Corniche, or coast road with public beach, is some way out of town. There were a couple of parks that seemed pretty well maintained and it was greener than Khobar, which isn't saying a lot.

It was quiet (i.e. hardly anyone on the streets) and seemed like it would be a great place to learn Arabic if you could actually find someone.

[leon79]

excellent lil summary there, made me laugh, and I'll not say cry, but what's the male version) def gonna be an interesting August I think... Here's hoping we can get some help (god loves a tryer) from some kind hearted contractor and not have to deal with everything when we land....As a non-car-driver I'm gonna be stuck with taxis whatever happens..... good work though sickly, getting involved in the truest sense of the word. So what was the Mc'd's like? )

[scot47]

You can use ARAMCO buses if you have ARAMCO ID. As a contractor you will be excluded. Brave New World.

[sicklyman]

[sicklyman]

[jadoaus]

Thanks for all the new info guys.

I really would like to get to the bottom of this. How long will a commute from Bahrain to Ras Tanura and back take, bearing in mind that I will be working a late shift, starting at 1pm and finishing at 9pm?

If it really is 1h30m both ways, including traffic delays and crossing the border bridge, I'd still consider it. But a lot of people say it's more than that. Grateful for all opinions.

sickly - I assume the speed limit in KSA is 120kpm?

If it is longer I am considering living in Dammam or somewhere like that (will look into this Sefwa aswell). Can still commute to work in less than an hour, much quicker to get to Bahrain and better facilities. Given that I haven't lived in KSA before, I can't tell if this sounds hopelessly naive.

[OperAm]

All being well I'll be moving out to Ras mid-Jan to work at the ICT.

How did you get on Leon79/Lancashire (or anyone else who's been through it)?

New to this forum so can't send PMs yet...

[sicklyman]

which contractor did you sign your contract with?

[OperAm]

Signed with Al-Hoty sicklyman - good or bad?

[sicklyman]

You did the best you could have done... I'll respond to your PM later...

[ultraman111]