Hey All,

Ive just accepted a job for September at the British International School of Al Khobar. I'm really excited about my new adventure, but also nervous as I am moving completely on my own and have no idea what to expect from life in Saudi!!

Can anybody give me any info about the Oasis Gardens compound?

Thanks,

Sarah

Hi Sarah,

My Wife and I lived there in 2007. My wife also worked at the school. She was very happy working there at the time. School on compound, early start so good news that you can just walk to work. Tennis courts, gyms, track, playing fields, shop, restaurant, food delivery etc all there. It was the best compound in Al Khobar at the time. You will have to adapt to security, guns, abaya, lack of freedom etc, but will be a lot of other expats in the same boat and everyone usually very welcoming. Good luck!!

Thanks for your reply.

I have heard conflicting info about wearing the Abaya - does it have to be worn on the compound as well as out of the compound?

Just off the compound. Although there is a road through the compound between the different areas that might be needed but don't think so.

Hi Sarah,

I've just accepted a job with BISAK too starting in September, just started my visa application procedure.

Nice to see someone else in the same situation as me!


David

Your worried if you need an abyia or niqab ?

Hello Sarah, Just moved to Al-khobar, moving to Oasis....can you give me any pointers?
Thanks,
Monte

Life here is great!! I'm really really enjoying it!! What kind of things do you want to know??

I worked at KFUPM in Dhahran before retiring in 2011, and know Khobar quite well.

Some Western woimen do not wear the abaya when downtown but you may feel that is a mistake. It sends out a message that may be misinterpreted.

ARAMCO is a dominant influence in Khbar, although it is in neighbouring town of Dhahran.. Lots of activities within ARAMCO but it can be difficult to get access.

Lots of shopping in Khobar and Dammam. New shopping malls are taking over from the traditional markets and shops. Rashid Mall is still one of the busiest ones, although now 20+ years old.

Some go over to Bahrain for a day out and access to legal alcohol. Be aware that a State of Emergency may still exist in Bahrain and civil strife is never far away. Access to Bahrain by Causeway is easy and fast - unless you go in the rush hour ! Taxis available, and buses which are quick and reliable.

There is so much I would like to know...I have been for two weeks and still things are crazy, I hope to moving in at the end of the month. So I will need to figure out about internet, TV, etc.....things to do at the compound, how to mail letters, ...so much.lol

Pm me if you have specific questions. Mailing letters is easy - go to the post office. Women go to the front of the queue. There is a post office in downtown khobar.

Letters should be written in US fashion with recipient's address in the middle and address of sender at top left

To receive mail you need a PO Box and can probably use the one at the school. If you want your own you can rent one at the Post Office but then you have to go and collect the mail.

Scott, Thanks for getting back with me so quick. I'm new to this site could you please tell me what "PM" I dont see any link for that. I have drove just a small amount, back and forth to work and to the Malls in Al-khobar malls. I hoping to get moved in to the Oasis first of Feb. The apartment should be completed. I try to look for post offices as I drive by as you know it is crazy to just look around while driving. Thanks for you help!

Monte Miller

PM is Personal Message. Click on my name and you will see the options.

Various post offices downtown. The big one is on Dhahran Street which is the main street at right angles from the Corniche. Ask your colleagues. I NEVER drove in Khobar. I used taxis.

Park your car downtown in the area north of Dharan Street and wander about the area from 1st, 2nd, 3rd street. Ask any Filipino or Indian where the post office is

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-map-488134-map_of_al_khobar-i

In that area try a coffee in the HAMAD HOTEL in King Abdelaziz Street. Does not close over prayer time so you can use that as a base for a shopping trip.

You will probably find Sidney Greenstreet and other characters from 1940 movies in there. Like a Graham Greene novel.

Can anyone working at the British International School of Al Khobar help? We are a teaching couple, aged 42 and 53 (English and Business/Economics) with many years of teaching experience. We will have one son who is in Year 6 this year. We are living in Kuwait but feel it's now time to consider moving on. My questions are these: Does the school prefer singletons, couples or families? When is the best time to apply? What is school accommodation like for families? What is it like living in Saudi for women? Is the school co-educational?
Thanks.