bizkitgto

Hey expats,

I've always thought that with Saudi being the center of the universe (at least in the oil biz) it would be an exciting place to work, considering the large amount of expats working there. I'm mainly referring to Aramco here. Do most people agree? I assume that compounds on the east would be most desirable (or essential) due to proximity to Bahrain? I'm guessing Dhahran camp (east coast) is the hardest to get in to.

It's too bad the Jizan refinery project is on the west coast - that project looks like fun (I know commissioning is a few years out) and right up my alley, but my gut tells me that if you wanna work for Aramco, you need to work on the east side to maintain sanity (if you're single)....am I way off base here??? Is Aramco the place to be in the middle east?

Thanks!

csdf

I'd prefer ADNOC, personally.

bizkitgto

Based on experience?

mentalist

I was always told that Saudi Aramco was full of tossers.

norsk

if you absolutely must work in saudi then yes aramco in dhahran is probably the best option possible. as long as you are of a certain grade you will get accommodation in the dhahran camp which is like a little piece of america in saudi. not sure if that appeals to everyone, but it is certainly better than living anywhere else in the country. also bahrain is close so you can get beer and see civilization on the weekend (or even on a school night if you so wish).

aramco is also known for paying a lot better than other companies in saudi and they have a pension scheme (in addition to the end of service gratuity stipulated by law? not sure but i think so).

however working for adnoc is probably easier on the family since you would be living in uae instead of saudi. no idea if the packages and opportunities etc are comparable though..

norsk

if you think everyone who's different than you is a tosser then maybe this is true, but try turning the scale on its head. now who's the tosser?

not very constructive comment is it?

Paracletus

He was only told it. I guess it's up to him whether or not he believes everything he was told.

Should we turn this into a stereotype thread perhaps? I'm beginning to form an opinion on your nation and countrymen here Norsk.

DesertOcean

Most of the people I've met who work for Aramco seem upbeat & happy, and you can tell there is a real sense of community which is often lacking among other expat groups in Saudi.

http://www.aramcoexpats.com/

norsk

i know he was only told it by someone else, but that makes it an even less constructive comment. anyway...

you're forming an opinion on my country based on my random comments on a forum? this could quite interesting, but perhaps you should start a new thread rather than hijacking this one.

Paracletus

Yes.

Oh no no far from it, I moved to your lovely little country some months ago from Bahrain. A wonderful change and a whole new way of life to get my head around.

Anyway, does Aramco still provide those home brewing kits for that delightful Saudi special drink? Tried it once...

norsk

oh that's right. i remember now that you said something about considering a move. it sounds like you are enjoying it. that's cool, i don't think i will ever be able to move back to be honest, so i envy people who do move there. however i'm not jealous of the weather you are getting around now, although at least they have proper seasons in norway.

did aramco actually provide the kits? i know they used to have a few recipes in the orientation pack, but no idea if it still happens. it's dead easy to make cider or wine though. it will make you pissed and give you a massive hangover.

so you want to run us through the pros/cons of norway and bahrain? i'm curious to hear. my top pros for norway would be the easy access to nature and the lack of serious crime (i'm not taking into consideration that nutter this summer. that's nowhere near representative of norwegian society as a whole). my top cons would be the cost of living and the fact that it is such a small country with limited opportunities.

OleJanx

Never got hold of a copy of "The Blue Flame" then?
How to destroy your liver and your head at the same time....