Zahran Holding KSA
 

After promising myself I would never, ever, in a million years even visit KSA, much less work there, I have a promising offer from the above company who are running a project for the GENERAL AUTHORITY OF CIVIL AVIATION.
Anyone heard anything about this companies modus operandi, are they the usual KSA 'muck you around as much as we like' lot or are they genuine?

Zahran Operations & Maintenance Co. (ZOM) running the Air Navigation Operations & Maintenance Project.

thanks in advance

Re: Zahran Holding KSA
 

you might be surprised, you might actually like it. Many say how shite it is without actually having set foot there. Plenty of worse places to be in the world than KSA.

Re: Zahran Holding KSA
 

I'm basing my thoughts on comments from the bored. Things like the ever changing bureaucracy depending on the persons mood, visa entry/exit issues, the religious aspects overshadowing everything, lack of any social life outside of the compounds, terrifying driving experiences etc.
Thank you for commenting :)

Re: Zahran Holding KSA
 

Yeah, fair points.
1)Your relationship with admin is important, and how efficient they are even more so. 2)Once you get an Iqama and multiple exit visa you shouldn't have any issues, see 1).
3) As a non-Muslim religious aspects wouldn't really affect you. So long as you know prayer times for shops shutting that's it really.
4) Social life is what you make it. Depends what you're into. Can't say I do much different here to anywhere else, but maybe I don't do much.
5) Absolutely! some of the angles people exit and enter on are incredible. Can't be much different from UAE though surely?

It is a surprisingly relaxed country in a many ways.

Re: Zahran Holding KSA
 

Is the job in Jeddah or Riyadh? To be honest I don't really mind living in Jeddah but I wouldn't fancy Riyadh much, although saying that I know people managing a pretty good life in Riyadh.
Once you have Iqama and assuming your employer is happy to keep your multi entry/exit visa valid at all times then to be honest the bureaucracy is not really a problem ,yes it's often slow and inefficient but if you make your decisions based around the that then it's not too stressful. I manage a pretty decent social life, the key is to get to know other expats and never say no to an invite, especially in the early days. The driving is awful but you get used to it...I have one firm rule for driving, never give way to anyone, ever.

Re: Zahran Holding KSA
 

GA of Civil Aviation is a Government body and I knew several people who worked for them. That was a few years ago and things may have changed. At that time the Dallah Group had all the contracts for them. A good employer. Not sure if this one you mention is part oif the Dallah Group.

Re: Zahran Holding KSA
 

Just had a long 'phone interview' with the new head of ATS. Very interesting and challenging job. The potential offer is Riyadh or Jeddah, my choice.

Re: Zahran Holding KSA
 

well, I know which I'd choose.

Re: Zahran Holding KSA
 

Mikewot - I think you'd fit into the UK ex-pat Riyadh social circles very well. Bit old school.

Re: Zahran Holding KSA
 

Flares I should bloody well cocoa old boy ;-)

Re: Zahran Holding KSA
 

Jeddah ! Not a bad place if you have to be in the land of Al-Saud !