Job Discussion Forums

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

I am on a waiting list with Saudia from London to Dammam at the end of August, but might not get on.

Are there any other Airlines or venues, close to Dammam, where I might fly to, and then get a bus? Bahrein?

Thank you.

Ghost

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 4:58 pm Post subject:

I would say it's highly likely you will get on the flight - Middle Eastern airlines are known for overbooking (even more than other airlines).

If you don't, you could look into flying to Bahrain, a far busier international airport than Dammam. However, it's possible that your employer (if they're a government institution) can only arrange tickets for you with Saudia, so ask first.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Gulfair to Bahrain
Turkish via Istanbul to Bahrain
KLM to Dammam/Bahrain
Lufthansa to Dammam/Bahrain

Make it clear when you book that if flying to Bahrain you want to continue by bus to KSA

As Cleo says it is likely that you will get on the flight.

Chill ouzt.

Did you get a a visa yet ?

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

johnslat · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 8:56 pm Post subject:

Dear sheikh,
Visa, yes, I would think - travel arrangements, well, not necessarily. I always had to make my own, even on my first trip over there.
Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

This is quite common with my employer. If you come on some other airline keep the tickets etc and you will get a refund. Other employers in KSA insist on employees using Saudi Arabian Airlines.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You could get the bus. Damascus-Dammam is 24 hours and costs 300 SR. (= US$80)

There are also buses from Antioch (Antakya). Probably from Ankara and Istanbul too.

If it had not been for that terrorist Lawrence, yopu could get the train to Medina but that service has been out of commission for a while.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You don't mention where you're coming from.

The most convenient nearest airport is Bahrain. Taxi fare is 30BD and you will also pay a small Bahraini transit visa fee.

Another possibility is going to Riyadh, or Jeddah. You will often find that you can't book a through flight because the Riyadh/Jeddah -- Dammam flights are booked. even though the Riyadh/Jeddah -- your location have free seats.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

They were discussing rebuilding the Hejaz railway back in the 1970's when the youthful scot47 first set foot in the kingdom. He is still waiting.

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

I appreciate the responses.

Yes, my employer prefers employees to use Saudia, and I have a booking with them - but we get refunded if using other airlines - I am not sure if there is a price ceiling, and with the cost of travelling these days (fuel costs and tax increases) - I would prefer not to even think about that. Travelling throughout the world used to be relatively economical. Now the prices have made it prohibitive for many, and eats up a lot of the budget.

That is sad, because it affects one of the perks of working in the region - frequent travel opportunities during the breaks from work.

If I can`t get to Dammam, I will try Bahrain, and if that does not work, Damascus is a last option.

If the Saudi visa is stamped in the passport, I assume, no problem in coming originally from another country.

Finally, I still do not have the visa in the passport, as my American degrees have not yet come through for authentication. I am trying to get everything done by August 1, because many of the offices will be on skeleton staff during month 8.

Ghost

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I will be in Dhahran from 30 July
I hope everything is going well with visa application.
KFUPM should arrange to meet you at the airport. Dammam Airport is better in many ways, although some colleagues always use Bahrain.