For people that have lived and worked in Saudi Arabia - Houston - Texas (TX) - Page 4 - City-Data Forum

lgbunch · 11-22-2009, 09:59 PM

I am a woman going to work on a contract basis and may live in a hotel. Are there any concerns for me? I may have a traveler with me. We will be working contract for Aramco.

linda02boy · 11-23-2009, 06:39 AM

I have not live in Saudi but have lived in Bahrain and Oman. How long are you going to go for? You wont be able to drive, you will need a driver. You will need to where an abya (long black over coat) but you wont have to where a head scarf. I you want my honest opinion then send me a private message and I will tell you what I think. I dont want to say on here. Bahrain is connected to Saudi buy a bridge and have come in contact with many Saudis and my husband used to drive there to Aramco once a week. Saudi is VERY VERY different from the other gulf states. In my honest opinion its not a good place for a single woman, but it will be what you make it and many families out there have a great time. I dont think your friend will get a visa unless they are related and are going to escort you. Saudi is a closed country you can just go and visit (or it was).

lgbunch · 11-23-2009, 10:32 PM

I don't know where I will be staying. At the compound or hotel. I will have an assigned driver just like my coworkers. I would like to know how safe it is staying in the hotels.

lgbunch · 11-23-2009, 10:35 PM

How safe is it for a single woman working contract for Aramco. Possibly living in a hotel taxied to and from work by the company? I know I am not the only single woman that will be working there.

hsw · 11-23-2009, 10:59 PM

With any career, need to figure out what makes sense vs own risk/reward parameters

Know several smart guys who went to Wharton undergrad and refused to live in the slums of Phila during their 2-3 yrs of college...and opted to rent a place in far safer suburban NJ and drive 20-30mins to Wharton's campus

Similarly, since mid-'90s, many smart young financiers (esp car nuts) refused to head to Manhattan for their first job, as they viewed Manhattan as a 3rdWorld slum no matter how much money one is paid....and instead opted to begin their career in SiliconValley....and never left....and became rather wealthy guys in their 20s-30s....and indulged their perf car addiction up in the nearby mtns in their few spare hrs while working 70hr/wk schedules in their early yrs

Obviously, energy industry is rather globalized, much like finance or tech, but need to draw own lines as to which 3rdWorld places (if any) one is willing to live/work, even briefly, even as a single....IMO, life is too short to actually live in places like NYC or Mideast or Asia, no matter how much money...talented, industrious folks are paid a lot anywhere....incl places like CA or TX or Switzerland

linda02boy · 11-24-2009, 06:06 AM

The middle east in terms of day to day crime is very safe. There is no need to fear being robbed or anything like that, partly because of the harsh legal system. There is however a constant risk for being involved in attacks directed at western people in Saudi. Then like anything its just luck and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you live in the aramco compound you will be very safe. Its like a small village and had everything you need. You will also be fine in a hotel. How can I put this, but many Saudi men think western women are only good for one thing!!! If you can just accept the way women are treated and dont have an opinion on there plight, put your head down and just get on with your work then you will be ok.
Absolutly no flesh showing except your hands and feet. You will have to sit in the family section of a cafe (ie women only place). As a women in Aramco you will be one in a few. There are many western families there and have a great time. I would push for the aramco compound where you would be with western families. In terms of shopping then there are many western shops so no worries there. Shopping is a sport in Saudi!

I would say that this is only in Saudi the rest of the gulf states are fine and wonderful places where there is virtually no crime and many genuine lovely people who welcome you with open arms. Where you never have to worry about being mugged or shot or anything else for that matter.

If its only for a few months then go ahead no worries but any longer I would think seriously about it. Personaly I would not do it and I like the middle east! Will you know other people from your company?

lgbunch · 11-26-2009, 07:21 PM

I am curious why you would not do it. And what do you think of staying at at hotel. Is it safe? Will I have to worry or be concerned of attacks where I live or invasion to my room? I may have a travel coworker going over there with me. I do not know anyone there other than who I work for at Aramco.

Cougar31 · 11-26-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgbunch

I am a woman going to work on a contract basis and may live in a hotel. Are there any concerns for me? I may have a traveler with me. We will be working contract for Aramco.

Going on your own is a totally story/experience than being sent by a company.

Going on your own will be very difficult...females have 'strict' rights. During the first war, with the heavy presence of the foreign press, Saudi females organized a "drive" to claim their right to drive vehicle, well foreign journalists who filmed were jailed and their captions got confiscated by the Saudi government. at that time Senior Bush rejected our "involvement" in Saudi domestic policies. That decision made an echo in the Middle East.

Going with a company will be a different experience. It's up to you to make the best of it. I know people, with a little budget, who went to Europe and had a great time, and others with beaucoup $$$ and had a terrible time. Your ability to communicate with locales will be a prime.
Some of my friends have been working over there, Engineering consulting in the oil/energy sector, have more positive memories than negative!

You get accustomed to certain habits while living in Houston, going over there will require you to "adjust" temporarily to other habits.

Check with your company about the housing, restoration, Laundry,...and other daily shores.

Keep your mind in a positive direction...and will make $$$$ and come back with a solid experience.

Regards,

Cougar31 · 11-26-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EEstudent

As many of you know... I am currently a student at the University of Houston and lately I have been thinking about where I want to be after I graduate.

And so, working in Saudi Arabia has become more and more of an option for me; I have family members that have gone to Saudi for work and they say it is a pretty good life, except that you dont get to see your loved ones for long periods of time.

Places like Saudi Aramco offer many benefits such as Housing and car... Plus the pay is significantly more than what one would be making in the states. and best of all... ITS TAX FREE!

And since I am going to be single and without many worries... Should I really be looking into working in Saudi? I know you live in a compound and there arent many things to do within the master planned communities(kind of like SugarLand

) but the pay is great and big expenses are already paid for.

Is there anyone in the Houston Area that has been to Saudi for work? I know Saudi Aramco is the biggest employer over there... but are there similar companies that I could apply? Just looking to see if there are any of you who wouldn't mind sharing their experience...

from readings your posts; you will be fine.
single and from a muslim descent...a plus, sometimes, overthere.