Landing in Al Jubail
 

Hello out there!!

Im arriving in Al Jubail for the first time in less than 3 weeks for a 2 year stint minimum, is there anyone in the region who can offer some advice as to what to expect, and what should I bring with me, except for drugs beer and porn.....:frown:

Cheers,

Re: Landing in Al Jubail
 

Good social life outside of work. Be very pushy and invite yourself to whatever is going on, don't wait for an invite as it will probably not come. There are some permanent venues for the odd sherbert or three and you will soon sort them out presuming you are working with UK expats.

Where are you going to be working?

Very hot this year, 45 degrees used to be exceptional but is now the norm as are the constant sand storms!

Bring anything you feel comfortable with except booze and drugs, why haul them all the way from the UK when you can get them here:rofl::rofl: A bottle of scottish water runs at sr 400 just now (around 80 quid but on a lonely weekend is worth every penny).

Electronics are very cheap here, about 70% of uk prices so don't go bringing your new PS3 or Xbox.

AlJarir bookstore in Jubail has all the latest games in stock so you don't need to nick the kids games.

As for the other on your list, load up your puter and spare hard drives with whatever you can as internet is censored here. Your computer will not be checked on arrival so do not worry on that score.

However, if you bring any novels or dvd's make sure the covers are BLANK as in non existent! Don't give customs any excuse to go through your kit. Don't bring any meds and pills, even asprin or the likes. They are allowed but will delay you while they are investigated.

Try to fly into Bahrain as, I was told just today, there are up to 4 hour queues at Saudi airports waiting to get in due to new rules about finger prints and retina scans. The causeway will be quieter at the right time.

Join the British Businessmans Association no matter what your job or profession. They will be your link to yet more "social" functions.

The beaches are great for sunbathing, swimming and fishing.

There are a couple of nice hotels with great food too.

Jubail Industrial City itself has not got a lot going for itself, It's just one massive chemical plant.

You will be able to escape to Bahrain for weekends which will be a welcome break.

Welcome to neverland.

Re: Landing in Al Jubail
 

Cheers,

Ill be working for Tasnee on their new R & D centre they are building.


Im booked on to a direct flight from Amsterdam to Damman so it looks like I will have to run the Saudi airport gaunlet:blink:
What sort of broadband speed should expect, I have read that 512kps is about the lot, is that true??:thumbdown::thumbdown:

Re: Landing in Al Jubail
 

Not sure what the speed of internet is but it is plenty fast enough to watch ther F1 live!

On Jubail seafront they have free wireless internet for everyone.

Enjoy your time here. I came out in 1984 for 2 years and still here. Saudi has been very good to me and my lot.

If you have a hobby try and bring it with you or you'll end up on the piss in front of the T.V.

Get yourself a Skype phone too, will save you running round Jubail looking for one.

Good luck to you.

Re: Landing in Al Jubail
 

Hobby,.. I have six kids, i have no time for hobbies i suppose i will have to invent some, is there any SCUBA diving around Jubail or will you get run over by oil tankers>???

Re: Landing in Al Jubail
 

Loads of diving and some good sites too.
With 6 kids I'm sure you will wellcome the peace:)

Re: Landing in Al Jubail
 

yeah but concerned for the missus back in the UK.......
if there are penty of sites I presume there must be schools, a I have only dived a couple of time when I was in the Maldives:cool: but really enjoyed it