Al-Yamamah

[Black Shadow]

Can anyone give me an update as to how life in Saudi is these days? I'm specifically interested in the BAe jobs at Riyadh on the PC9. How are the families coping? Are the children still being home-schooled? How has the security situation impacted on life?

I'm thinking of secondment, but accompanied - am I losing my marbles?

PM me if the info is sensitive!

[Snapdragon]

Black Shadow, Check your PMs

[Belgique]

SnapDragon

Same PM please

B

[Snapdragon]

Belgique Check PMs!!

[Black Shadow]

Snapdragon,

Thank you for the info.:ok:

BS

[Macchi]

Oooh, ooh, me too please. Thanks in advance. ;)

[SiClick]

Doesn't it say something about saudi, that a sensible and reasonable request for information about the living conditions cannot be answered in a public forum, but everyone has to PM each other for fear of incrimination. What a marvellous place, not for me I am afraid, they can stick their bucket of gold!

[Snapdragon]

Si-clik, yes it is a sad state of affairs, however if you want to get/keep a job it has nothing to do with ability, just keeping a clean slate.

[Thewad]

Snapdragon.

Info to me too please. Thanks.:D

[Piet Lood]

Wouldn't it be easier to make your own website? I would like the same info please.
Kind regards.

[Paul Wilson]

If someone wants to pm or email anything to me for posting, feel free, I've got no connections to Forces, Saudis, or Tony B. Sad state of affairs when you have to worry about posting on an anonymous Forum. Better yet suppose you could send it to a Moderator for posting, probably someone retired.

[Tudor Bush]

Discretion is the better part of valour..;)

[Background Noise]

Bit of a bandwagon here but I'm interested too please. FJ, Hawk QFI qualled so a Hawk or PC9 flying job.

[Tink Master]

Same interest as BN, please.
Also, has anyone got any top-tips on some of the other Hawk operators in the sun? My knowledge is limited to some horror stories from friends in Kuwait, but that's it; and nothing recent. Understand the money is less but a smaller bucket is req'd. Tempting if its safe for Mrs TM and the bin lids.

Much appreciated. Ta.

[dolphin 153]

similar theme, anybody have any gen on the ew ground school at Taif? thanks in anticipation

[Echo 5]

Instead of everyone faffing around with PM's why don't you all just ask Warton for an information pack ?

[Wappy Tupper]

Can they PM it to me??

[saudipc-9]

C'mon Snapdragon grow a set! I was truthful on this site when I was flying there. No need to think the Saudi's are going to be reading this site as that would mean they would have to put effort into something!

[Echo 5]

Alternatively, check out the thread, " More Fun and Games in the Magic Kingdom " you should get the gist of things from reading that.

[KM-H]

Alternately, go to

www.projectay.co.uk (BAE SYSTEMS site)

Plenty of contact no.s there for each specialiastion

regards to all,

KM-H

[Black Shadow]

The BAe Systems website and contacts will only give a company view of life in Saudi Arabia; I was interested in the views of those on the coal face.

I would also argue that since Snapdragon is still there and that Saudipc9 left following the bombings, the need to 'grow some' does not necessarily lie with Snapdragon. Let's not turn this into a slanging match.

BS

[saudipc-9]

BS,
Lets not turn this into a slanging match and you say the need to "grow some" does not necessarily lie with SD. A rather two faced comment. My decision to leave was based on alot more than just the bombings. I also note that you are not there or possibly have never been there so I suggest you heed some of your own advice and get back in your box!!

[Black Shadow]

Thank you for your constructive criticism and carefully balanced reply!

I would still appreciate any genuine reply to my original post.

[Snapdragon]

Thank you for your kind comments Dark Shadow, as I've already alluded to, you don,t S**t in your own nest, if you want to stay employed in this part of the world. To all those out there in the real world, my honest view is that at the moment life here is OK. The money is good otherwise nobody would be here, having dealt with the threat of the IRA for a considerable period, the situation here is not as bad as the press would make out, however some circumspect personal security precautions would be a good idea!!!.. the family are all enjoying the culture of wearing "habbiyya's"(sp) and the weather is warming up. Anyone with serious issues about coming here is welcome to PM me, but if you want a broad brush answer to the question, I and my wife feel that we made the right decision to come to the kitty litter tray in the sun!!

p.s Saudi PC9 having been shot at in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, DR Congo etc I'm sure my" kahunas" are bigger than yours, Mrs SD has absolutely no complaints!!!....... Only kidding, not getting into a slanging match, Everyone has raesons to come here and to leave when it suits. At least you will never wish you came here but didn't give it a go!

Sorry BLACK Shadow , been having too much TEA, my spelling of BLACK SHADOW came out as DARK SHADOW. I\'ve reported myself to the authorities and will be trying to avoid Chop Chop Square !!

[saudipc-9]

SnapD,
Well at least you have taken my comments as they were intended (tongue in cheek). After five years at the academy I decided that I had enough of the whole place and I had also reached the goal we had set for ourselves. The time we spent there was enjoyable but also miserable at times . I would never tell someone not to go. However, they should go with a clear understanding that job satisfaction is not going to be very high, BAe management can make some incredibly stupid decisions and unfortunately some of the other expats you work with are just as bad as the Saudi's (Very happy to point out your short comings yet ignoring their own).
BlackS, I know you have a couple of kids and that was a big worry when I left a few months ago. Mostly about their safety while going to and from school. A lot of us felt that the idiots there might target a school bus in order to get more expats to leave the region. For a while the shopping bus had a police escort too.
I know of a few guys who have gone back to Saudi, just got there and a few who are just about to go. Overall it might seem like things have calmed down and I hope for everyone's sake it stays that way but I would also have a backup plan if things turn sour or you just don't like it enough to stay for a while.
Overall holidays were top notch, Money was good depending on where you were from ie UK money OK, South Africa or Canada money very good. Job itself- boring and irritating, Quality of life-OK but felt like I was treading water for five years.
Oh yes, here is a good piece of advice if you do go over. Don't listen to anyone else wrt investing your money. Seek advice only in your home country. More guys there have lost more money listening to each other’s "tips" than I can count. Also, the so called experts in investments there know you make a lot of cash and will make good sounding pitches aimed at maximizing their commission vice your portfolio. Don't look too far down the road. Keep it to just 3-6 months ahead. Any further than that and you will get a little down in the mouth about things.

Cheers
SP9

[Black Shadow]

Thank you SP9 - I appreciate the time you spent replying to my question.

BS