Decibel

Hi all.

I'm new here, so hello to everyone - hoping some of you will be able to give me some advice based on your experience working in Southern Iraq.

I'm an engineer, and have been working in O&G construction/brownfield for a few years now. I've done some breakneck rotations living in grimy camps (in fact, I've not had many good ones...) so I'm not too concerned about that aspect of it.

However, I'm in two minds about the latest job offer. It's 6/3, with 3wks in Dubai and 3 in Southern Iraq (primarily Rumaila I believe) with a smaller UAE O&G contractor. I've had the offer through a contact from a previous job so it's not completely out of the blue.

The thing that I'm unsure about is what it would be like for me as a youngish female, given the climate and cultural tensions of the region.

Are there many ex-pat women working out in Iraq? Would it be as safe for me as a woman, or less so? Are there other considerations I have to take into account?

I've set up a call with the company next week as I'd like to ask them about their security policies and provisions, and standards of accommodation. Do you have any suggestions on what else i should be asking?

As I said, I'm pretty adventurous and mentally capable of dealing with working conditions. It's the safety aspect that I'm unsure about, and whether it's a place suitable for working ex-pat females.

All advice gratefully received!

King Cobra

Avoid.
The country is in a state of civil war, and you do not want to be in a state of kidnapping.

scot47

It is not safe. Thanks to intervention the country is in a chaotic state.

OriginalSunshine

Don't go if you are female unless you work directly for a large multi national.
Even then think twice thrice.
A mate lost his legs when a SAM passed through his rear armored landy from the side. He only survived due to the amazing ER the company had.

Britmal

It's not safe for anyone.

scot47

Ask Mr Blair