Hi, im new to the site, and was looking for some information on Dammam, as i will be spending 2 weeks there shortly for work. this will be my first trip to a middle eastern state.

My main questions are about safety and security, as i will be staying at a hotel, but do not know which one yet, and will be travelling to work by private car (a phillipino employee)

I have asked my company to provide security for myself and my collegue who i will be travelling with, but have just been laughed at

Im 50/50 about going, as i would like the experience, but i am also worried. I am even thinking of putting my notice in, as i know other employees at my company will flatly refuse the job because of safety issues

i have searched the board, but would like some input to my questions, as its only a short period of time. i know i cant have a full english every morning, or a skinfull of ale at night, but that doesnt really bother me

any input would be most appreciated!!

thanks!!

It is a pretty decent place.Nevertheless try to maintain a low profile most of the times since there have been incidents against foreigners in Saudi Arabia in the past.

thanks for the quick reply, can you elaborate on 'pretty decent' compared to?? Basra? London? Any other Saudi city??

cheers

Dammam is decent in comparison to Khobar, Khamis Mushayt or the other areas where oil industry is based.

Please make sure you have the contact number for the High comission and the consulate.

I live in Bahrain but go shopping in Dammam so it's really not that bad!!

Compared to what, Iraq ???

are you getting paid extra? at the end of the day is is only two weeks, not two years.

Just my overseas pay, no different to working in china/states/colombia, my over seas pay is £25 a day!

I would do it, if not just for the experience of seeing Dammam, the world is an interesting place, at least you will see it for free! and you will get a full english, it will be beef sausage and beef bacon, so don't worry about that! as for the ale though - doubt it !!!!!

Not as bad as other places in that godforsaken hole of a country.

Should be OK for a few weeks, just demand a good hotel, a driver and don't plan on too much sightseeing.

Seriously it's Saudi, not Iraq and can't really be compared. Two weeks, just do it, take the money and run.. Can I do it for you? Offering??

For 25 quid a day extra!!

Having said that, Damman is one of the better places in Saudi (not that that says much).

I know a couple of people who live there.

Who Damman?

thanks for your input, i think ill be going, i have no choice!! im sure it wont be as bad as i think it might!

thanks again!!

You Damman!