Working in Saudi - Specifically Jeddah [Archive]

Earl

11th Jun 2005, 17:32

Things in Jeddah have calmed down considerably.
ASDL Internet is available in some places, dial up can be obtained almost anywhere.
Everything runs through a proxy so you are limited to some web sites. Shopping is good if you are into buying gold or silver.
Latest PC software can be bought for 10 SR. All pirated but works well.
Discovered this only after paying a lot of money to MSN in phone valls to re-activate my legal windows XP account.
Around 30 USD, could have bought the off the street version for 4 USD.

Latest movie DVD'S can be bought for 25 SR. Cinema versions.
If you wait a few days then you can get the latest DVD 9 version.
Thank God the airlines work by the regulations.
Exchange rate is around 3.75 SR= 1 USD.
Changes very little if at all.
Best diving in the world on the Red Sea.
Not a bad life really.
Shopping downtown you have to be careful as you will not only get some strange looks but a few have lost their wallets and such.
No one has been shot in at least 6 months or more.
All though they still have a few problems getting the bad guys,
Not trying to scare you but you have to remain alert when out and about.
Gas for your car is cheap about .70 SR per liter.
If you are single then its agood place plenty of nice looking female F/A and nurses around.
Not many of us pale faces here anymore but those of us that are left manage to have a good time.

VH-Cheer Up

12th Jun 2005, 11:10

Thanks Earl, good insights.

Do ex-pats have to live in European-style compounds, or do just they tend to do that to keep close to support networks?

I live in Oz, and our government is recommending at the moment no Australians travel to SA unless absolutely essential - any idea if other governments are giving their citizens the same warning? If so, on the basis of what threat is that warning based?

(I do read the papers, I know there's been some bombings, but then that's not an issue confined to SA, Bali was on our doorstep...) I mean, as an ex-pat there, do you feel threatened in any way? do you carry any form of defence like some of our American friends do in their home towns?

What does it cost to rent an apartment there? I think I would be working somewhere in the Central Business District... I would prefer to be able to walk to work - or am I kidding myself? does anyone walk anywhere in the heat?

Cheers

FO Cokebottle

12th Jun 2005, 15:30

Been there and will be going again soon.

PM me.

Semaphore Sam

12th Jun 2005, 22:52

Hi VH-Cheer-up
I'm out-processing after 27 years here.
I've had a wonderful time. The locals can be difficult, but, on the whole, I've been treated with respect by my flying mates and other locals. First Officers (Saudis) are absolute max value...they are loyal to their captains, and are first-rate value for flying abilities and judgement (and, I've needed that!).
Danger to ex-pats is cyclical...goes way up, then way down. Actually, I think most Saudis just want to get on with life, and abhor murderers. My children were brought up here, and love the local atmosphere, and always pressure me to return for visits.
If you play the 'ugly' Westerner, you will be despised...take the locals for what they are, respect their customs and traditions, they will, like all humans, become friendly and accomodating. Actually, I regret having to leave. Sam

midseal

13th Jun 2005, 04:40

Hey Sam and Earl
I am trying to locate an old family friend of ours who use to work at Saudia Airlines. He was a check captain on the 747-400's years back. He use to fly for Kenya Airways before that. His name is Mr. Patrick Getasha. If you guys or anyone for that matter may have any contact info, it will be much appreciated. please PM me . Thanx

fourplay

13th Jun 2005, 08:38

I totally agree with Semaphore Sam! well written, and good advice.
I would return to Jeddah in a heart beat if I could.
Instead I am going to the next best place... AUH in July.

Go for it if you can take Semaphore Sam's advice!
If not, it's not for you.
Plainly, some westerners SHOULD NOT be in the Middle east!

ROCKSTEADY

13th Jun 2005, 09:07

How do expat western women do in these parts of the world? Are they frowned upon or openly accepted? Surely low rider jeans would be outta the question??

newscaster

13th Jun 2005, 13:49

They are looked down upon in general and feasted on by sight, most countries advise them to dress modestly, but arent too strict on the rule, except Saudi Arabia where you have to cover youself up with a black ankle length cloak and seperate headress if you step out anywhere from your home, same in Iran but a bit more relaxed.

Surprising though that a supposedly ultra conservative nation like Saudi Arabia have rather relaxed uniforms for their female airline cabin crew, but in Iran which was ultra liberal at one time and is still less conservative than Saudi Arabia, have very orthodox uniforms for Iran Air crew, of course SV's uniforms uptil the 80's were designed by top European fashion houses and featured knee length skirts and half sleeved tops as well.

I believe in Oman even men are not allowed to wear shorts and tank tops in public.

But then in Harrods you cant even enter wearing cutoff's, even if its topped witha designer shirt, blouse, Tee etc. weird.

tomcat21

13th Jun 2005, 15:06

What kind of contract is this for? I am supposed to start with NJME next month in JED.

Earl

13th Jun 2005, 19:26

Things are more relaxed than years before.
My wife is Turkish and never has anyone asked her to place a scarf over her head.
The normal Abaya is sufficent.
You need a good bit of patience to live here.
Not the western world.
But a good place for you and your family If you want to save money.
Things are not expensive here, much cheaper than the USA or Turkey.

Captain Sand Dune

14th Jun 2005, 03:44

Left Riyadh 2 years ago after 6 1/2 years working for BAe Systems teaching their Air Force studs.
Bear in mind that places like Jeddah, Dhahran (i.e. not Riyadh!) are significantly more relaxed than Riyadh.
The security situation towards the end of my stay was not good, however I understand that it has improved somewhat. Nevertheless my advice would be to go solo if possible.
When in country, our passports were held by the company. Every time we went on leave we had to have our passports endorsed with an "exit/re-entry" visa. This is significant, because it means you can't up and leave at short notice without a lot of hassle.
I'd forget about walking to work. Firstly, your compound will most likely be some distance from the workplace; and secondly, I wouldn't like to be a white boy who walks the same route at the same time every day - get the picture?
Cost of living is slightly more than in Oz.
Shouldn't be a problem getting satellite TV and internet.
Good place to get a petrol-guzzling car if you're a revhead, but watch the local drivers - very carefully!
Keep your head down and your mouth shut.

Earl

18th Jun 2005, 16:22

Sorry made a mistake on the gas prices here in JED.
Its .90 SR per liter not .70 SR.
Still next to nothing compared to the USA at $ 2.00 per gallon or Turkey At $1.84 USD per liter.
You still can save a lot of money here.

VIPangel

21st Jun 2005, 12:15

Tomcat21,

Just a little advise...DO NOT join NJME! They are the worst crowd of s**ts to work for. Nothing short of TOXIC. In the 6 years since startiing thier operation in Jeddah, I'd say about 90 crew have left or been unfairly dismissed and they only have 7planes...so work that out!

The management, if you would like to call it that(They would be more fit in the Comedy store) are useless and sneeky gits. They don't trust anyone, as they don't trust themselves! I would say Netjets will break off all ties with them(Managment are actually National Air Service) as NJ's know they are a useless bunch and don't want thier name associated with them anymore. They are constantly breaking all rules and regulations and expect thier crews to do the same. You would hate working there believe me.

So my advise...Get ANOTHER job! Best of Luck

tomcat21

21st Jun 2005, 13:29

Check your pm's. I really need to know in more detail about NJME fast!

mutt

21st Jun 2005, 15:13

Sam,

I will be extremely sorry to see you go..... I will be back there on Friday so hope to attend your masalama.....

Midseal... send me a PM with your details and I might be able to find Capt G.

VH-cheerup.
Jeddah is VERY different to Riyadh, but your standard of life depends totally on where you live. If you decide to rent a road side apartment you will have a hard time meeting expats. I suggest that you find out what compound your company plans to base you in. If they are going to give you an allowance, let us know and we will find you some web addresses of compounds. The summer temperatures are around 45C, so forget walking to work!

Jeddah is what you make of it, in bygone years it was a paradise. These days expats are keeping their heads down and their number is rapidly dwindling. But i still feel safer there than in some European / US cities..

In the words that i was given on arrival..."if you like your job, you will love Jeddah"... but just make sure that you have a bag full of patience....

Mutt.

newswatcher

21st Jun 2005, 15:17

Mutt, "patience"? I thought on arrival it was best if your bag was full of yeast and sugar!
:p

Kazakhstan

23rd Jun 2005, 15:32

Hi,

Sounds like things have not changed too much wish I could visit. Left in 93 after living in Jeddah for 12 years. I grew up there and arrived when I was 1.

Loved it, Mobil had a huge motor yaught that we used to go out in on the weekends, took me a while to get used to Thursday and Fridays not being weekends back in the UK. Used to be 7 SR to the pound as I remember.

My dad worked in Aviation out there and we lived for a long time in Saudia City which was nice but the Security was a little ennoying to guest coming over for parties as they all had to be announced.

Next to Saudia City was a little market probably not there now however they had the greatest food Shawarma are like kebabs but in a wrap which we used to buy from the Lebanese shops and then there was Broast Chicken, like KFC. As a male we were treated very well by the locals all though my Mum nearly got beaten for not covering up. She never did!

We also had nice perks like Maids and Drivers who ferry us about. It was a cool place to grow up especially with the Red Sea and the Corniche. Used to have a fish tank and fly model planes in the desert.

Nice to talk to people who are still out there, in some ways you guys are very lucky. I still miss it.

Do people still make their own wine and champagne!

Speak soon.

hoofie

23rd Jun 2005, 16:01

I spent three years there, from 91 to 94, when I was in my late twenties.

I lived on Sharbatly first [what a tip] and then latterly in Binzagr compound, which is alongside Madinah Road going North, almost opposite the Juffali building I recall.

What a time - getting pissed all the time, home-made beer etc brewing away in the bathroom.

Nocturnal visits to Arabian Homes for parties, chasing nurses from the National Guard Hospital who lived at the old Sheraton Hotel !

The souk the last poster refers to might have been the Filipino Souk. It had a cracking chinese/filipino restaurant in it.

The only thing I worried about then was either getting killed driving whilst hammered drunk or getting lifted for having a girlfried in the car.

Kazakhstan

27th Jun 2005, 15:47

Hi,

Unfortunately I was a little too young to chase nurses however I had a girlfriend who I new since arriving kind of the girl next door thing.

I went to the Continental School, and most of my Friends lived in Arabian homes next to NCS (American School). Some friends went to Jeddah Prep.

Hoofie, Did you go to the British Consulate Christmas parties.

Bit of a long shot but do you know any of the following:

Richard and Mary Field,

Francis Freeman Saudi Captain lived Saudia City

The Frost's, wife was called Busy, think!

These were some of the well known characters around.

My Father was responsible for the Jet Aviation FBO at Jeddah Airport.

mutt

27th Jun 2005, 18:38

Francis Freeman Saudi Captain lived Saudia City

The Frost's, wife was called Busy, think!

Francis retired, Richard and Bizzie are still there.

Mutt.

Kazakhstan

28th Jun 2005, 10:08

Hi Mutt

Thanks for the Spelling correction.

Yeh knew Bizzie's son Duscow who I heard is joining the aviation ranks as a helicopter pilot

Francis was a good chap allways the life of the party.

Small world!

Did you know them well?

How have you come to live in the Great Kingdom?

KeMac

1st Jul 2005, 11:21

Hoofie Mentions Sharbatly Compound as a tip - well it has not changed much (LoL) There is one big change though as it now has half a dozen armed troops at the entrance to check you going in, then as you get to the Sharbatley security you come across a static Hummer with a 303 Cal Gun on top then you go through the gate and there is a sandbagged emplacement with a belt fed machine gun. Outside there are a further two Hummers patrolling, the street on one side is closed off and the whole place is now surrounded by a double row of concrete blocks along with the barbed wire on top of the walls. They were trying to get troops to go on the tops of surrounding buildings as a further precaution. It resembles Stalag Luft. All in a good cause no doubt but it shows the state the whole place is getting into

Semaphore Sam

5th Jul 2005, 21:36

Hi Mutt
Saudi has been wonderful to me, but, when my supervisor determined that I was a 'dangerous pilot', I figured it was time to hang it up...so I go. To all my friends. who read this, and, especially you, Mutt, thanks for the good conversations and times; and my wonderful SFS first officers, I regret having to leave. But I have no choice.
Sam