Job Discussion Forums

[msnow]

Hi All, how are you?

I took a job just outside Dammam, and I'm pretty unhappy. The pay is great, and that's all. Many of my co-workers are fairly decent people to. Except for the grassfire gossip, I have nothing to complain about in that department. (Everything has calmed down somewhat now that it's clear I didn't come here to convert to Islam.)

Really, it's the balance between work and life. There is no life.

I'm an artist by nature and a budding musician. Obviously Saudi Arabia isn't the best country for this. So I'd like to ask people who have more experience in the ME where to go.

I won't find San Fran out here, but hopefully there are some locations that are within striking distance of artistic venues.

I've had a few other offers, but they're either in the middle of nowhere, or it's a serious cut in pay (like 33% or more).

What do you people think? Where are some decent places that are slightly more open-minded?

Thanks

[nomad soul]

For the MENA, try Oman, the UAE, or Morocco, and for a bit outside the region, there's Turkey and Kazakhstan. Since you didn't indicate your qualifications/experience, you'll have to scope out job opportunities to see what you'd qualify for.

[cmp45]

Slightly more open minded locations you want? In Saudi Arabia? Surely you jest! On a more serious note, I doubt there is anywhere in KSA that will really satisfy your notion of an open minded atmosphere, but maybe within the art and music scene you may find a small network. This is after all Saudi Arabia; art and music are not widely encouraged or of interest to the majority of the population. The country does allow some artistic expression, but to me is low keyed and not vigorously promoted compared to other countries.
Having said that, when I was in Abha they had a very cool Arts and Cultural center close to where I worked. The organization had studio and exhibition space for artists. The center was designed in the traditional architecture, so it was quite intriguing to wander around the small maze of buildings. However not many of the artists I met there spoke any English, so interacting was at best a lot of hand waving and monosyllable words in Arabic. But if one was keen I am sure something could develop.

I have heard Jeddah is slightly more open- minded compared to Riyadh. In Riyadh there are a number of contemporary and traditional art galleries. Also, many Embassies in the Diplomatic Quarter sometimes host art exhibitions and live music entertainment. There is a scene out there, but may not turn out the way you envision in your mind.
As you say, keep an open mind, and you may find some of what you seek.

You also could try connecting on Expatriate.com they have a section for artists and musicians to place ads.

[msnow]

Thanks. I really appreciate the info.

[RustyShackleford]

Took up guitar in Saudi as my own little rebellion against the no music rule. Lulu had some great gear.

Dammam is actually better than you'd think for culture. With Internations you can make some good connections. I'm no expert as I only got social as I was getting ready to go but it's certainly possible!

[msnow]

Yeah. I'd like to be in Dammam. Instead I'm stuck in the sticks with the descendants of goat herders.

[scot47]

The Tri-city area of Damma/Khobar/Dhahran. When I was there we used to go to concerts in Khobar. British School used to ornase serious concerst once a month. In an around Artamco there were also lpots of cultural activities. Jeddah too is good. Not sure about Riyadh.

Keep trying but be wary of the LONO/NOC trap ! Abolished but still required. Not a legal requirement but an administarive requirement. See "Alice in Wonderland", passim.

[siologen]

Like anywhere, a bit of due dilligence is required on the part of any FT before venturing on a trip to accept a job in the gulf. Each gulf country is different, in terms of alcohol laws, socializing options and so on. Even Oman, as has been mentioned in past posts in the Oman thread, could be boring on a Friday, for a single FT. One has to be able to occupy oneself. I would imagine Dammam is pretty dusty and dull, but learning a language, reading, studying online, can pass the time. I do wonder, how boring is it in the KSA at the "weekends"? Anyone can clarify???

[cnthaiksarok]

[siologen]

I meant for example, places like Bahrain. That place would just not appeal to me, flashy clubs in expensive hotels, no cheap drinks, and a bit of a gaudy looking place, perhaps a lot like Las Vegas (minus the gambling!) in the Gulf. I prefer bars and clubs that are a bit more down to earth, and not for arabs/expats with more money than sense, and being able to BYOB and drink on the streets and so on....seems there is just nowhere in the gulf for that hence I prefer asia/europe for a social life. To each their own again!!!!!

[bigdurian]

I don't know about the art side of things, but as far as music goes Riyadh has got some good options. The only problem being that it depends on who you know.

We had a great time in Riyadh, parties every weekend, live bands in compounds sometimes, dj embassy bashes, karaoke etc.

A lot of people tend to be defeatist in Saudi. They're the ones who will tell you how boring it is, how there's nothing to do, based on the fact that they spent most of their time staring at four walls. So they think it must be like that for everyone.

You've got to get out there, meet people, get friends outside of work.

[bigdurian]

[bigdurian]

[msnow]

[siologen]