Job Discussion Forums

ChrisV · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 42 Location: Cambridge, UK

I've applied for a job with BAE in Dhahran. I have no idea if I'll get it, but if I do, I'd like to be able to give my wife a little info on what to expect. I've worked in the KSA before, but only as a single man, far from the semi-legendary levels of luxury supposedly existing in the free-livin' compounds. I know this is really vague, but I've never been on a compound before, so...what's it like? Is it kind of like a really big three-star hotel? Is there a good social life for the wives? Are there any employment opportunities for wives without formal qualifications?

Oh, and is there a women's shopping mall in Dhahran/Dammam/Khobar where she could go on her own?

Thanks in advance,

ChrisV

The Immigrant · Joined: 19 Feb 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Australia

Dear ChrisV
I saudi ELT in Jubail(70 Kilometer from Dhahran) where you apply for the job. I wanted to answer some of your questions. The women is not allowed to drive by herself so she can not go to shopping centers unless it's in the compound where you live. Moreover, you can go easily to any shopping centers with your wife which located in Dhahran or Khobar where lots of different shopping centers. There is another option to you (Bahrain) which is 25 kilometers from Dhahran. The situation in Bahrain is totally different. Your wife can drive or go anywhere by herself.
I hope I help by this little information.
Laughing

mouse5 · Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 142

Wives get a good deal living on BAe compounds. They're plush places with all the facilities and probably have the best security you'll find anywhere. You can do much worse. MFS (married family status) is popular even if you've got kids. There are shopping buses to the malls and into Khobar. If you end up in Dhahran, give it a go. You'll certainly be able to afford it on a BAe salary.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 5:44 am Post subject:

Compound life is not for everyone, no matter how 'plush' and 'free-living' the compound in question. Pesonally, I loathe compounds and what passes for the social life there, but that's just me. Others quite like them and wouldn't live anywhere else. I know nothing about the BAE compounds, but will just point out that all compounds are not created equal: some indeed are similar to posh hotels, with all the facilities you would ever need. Others, however, consist of nothing more than a few plain villas grouped around a small pool and a tennis court.