Job Discussion Forums

kirez · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 29 Location: Iraq

Thanks, for what it's worth, at least I got a little picture of what all the anxiety in these threads is about.

The question on my mind these days is: why would someone opt for KSA over more friendly environments like UAE? (But I realize I opted for Russia a couple years ago, so I ought to know as well as anyone why you'd opt for a worse place.)

Advantages of KSA:
-- 'deeper' into Arab culture; more thorough immersion
-- easer access to Mecca, Medina, Red Sea coast (for muslims)
-- perhaps with greater immersion, more intensive Arabic language learning

Advantages of UAE:
-- greater liberty, recreation
-- more entertainment and socializing opportunities
-- more like western civilization
-- less burdensome environment -- easier to walk outside and be yourself

* * * * * * *
For me specifically, I like open water swimming and it's still not clear how easily I can head to the beach in Jubail and dive;
...and as a distance runner, it seems in KSA I'd always be running in long pants and long-sleeved shirt. It's feasible, but the temperature is already oppressive making this extra burden quite worse.

Does anyone have any thoughts on these? For those of you who live in KSA, what do you see as the advantages? What am I missing?

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You will be able to swim every day. You're right next to the beach.

As for running, do bear in mind the temperature and humidity. Imagine Florida 20 degrees hotter.

If you want Arab culture don't come to KSA. Either go to a non-Gulf country, or if you need a reasonable salary, Oman. On the other hand you can get around all the Middle East in the holidays.

007 · Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 8:46 pm Post subject:

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

007, the guy is coming to Jubail. That is 1,600 km or more away from your island.

007 · Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 10:25 am Post subject:

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Fish in Jubail and Dammam and Khobar is fine, and tastes gorgeous.

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

Strange staff @ JUC. Is it worth the money to subject oneself to that staff? I'm trying to apply there myself but they have all these strange document requirements. Do they still have the housing problem (no married housing until a few years after starting)?

Im