Elgin1983

Hello all,
I'm considering a job with BAE in which I would be based in Sara compound. Is there anyone in the forum who currently lives there, and would be kind enough to mention the pros and cons?

My work will start at a ridiculously early hour and I like to keep fit, so it would be great if the gym and swimming pool are open 24/7? I see on the internet there is a Tamimi: that's my favourite supermarket which bodes well, but is it a full-size one with everything, or the corner shop-sized rubbish I've encountered in previous (albeit smaller) compounds? And are prices inflated for the wealthy compound fatcats? I won't have a car, at least in the early stages, so it would be helpful if everything is available on site.

Having lived on and off compound in the magic kingdom, I've realised there's no way I'll make it long term in real Saudi with its salah closures, ubiquitous ninjas and just general alienness. In my previous compounds in Riyadh I found a real sense of relief as i drove through the gates: there was a pleasant western community atmosphere, with a social centre, exercise classes, and various other things going on. Would you say that applies here?

I've had a look for a contact number for the compound but haven't found anything, so if any Sara residents could enlighten me on the above and any other relevant information I would be most grateful.

many thanks 😊

nonthaburi

An ex colleague of mine lives there. He's got no complaints.

I've not visited the BAE compound in Dharran, but I have visited the one in Riyadh which is fine. Lot of bars.

Pretty heavy security though which may annoy you or relieve you depending on your persuasion.

Elgin1983

Hi nonthaburi, thank you very much for taking the time to reply. May I ask if your friends living on Sara are members of this fine forum? If not, might I make a small request, which would be enormously helpful? Is there any possibility you could ask them for a contact number for the compound admin, which I could call in order to obtain further information (primarily concerning the gym and supermarket)? If you would prefer to send it via private message so as to keep it out of the public domain, that would be no problem at all (I am most discreet!)

scot47

If you feel this way, perhaps Saudi is not for you ? In my days there I saw so many embittered Westerners who hated the country, hated their Saudi students and co-workers - and ended up hating themselves.

nonthaburi

That's not been my experience over the years.

nottmbantam

Going back to the OP - I don't know Sara Compound, but did live briefly on Salwa - it's Riyadh counterpart. I believe they are pretty much identical - but Sara is bigger. Which will mean it's a very big compound. Haven't visited Salwa for a while now but it is pretty much as nonthaburi describes it .

It really does depend on your own tastes and personality, most people I knew loved living there. Nice standard of accommodation, good facilities, etc For me, I found it a bit too cliquey, and a bit too 'Little Britain' but each to their own.

Elgin1983

I've already lived and worked in Saudi for several years. I've enjoyed my jobs and get along very well with Saudi colleagues (often better than westerners). However, there is no getting round the fact that for a single westerner, broader Saudi society with its various restrictions is not much fun. Plus it's just pleasant to live in a place with lots of facilities where everything runs efficiently.