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Post by xjonesy on Nov 4, 2013 20:21:41 GMT
For some reason I can't post to the "Life in Dhahran" page, so I'll post here since it's probably more relevant.
1. I'm interviewing for a position in Dhahran and I've been told it's either a GC 15 or 16. I've also read here on the forum that the Dhahran residential community is full. Is there a difference in where I would live if the position is a GC 15 or 16? Or is there any difference in where any GC level lives?
2. Also, can anyone tell me where the hospital and grade school are in Dhahran? Are they both located within the camp, or outside the camp? When I look at Google Maps, I'm trying to figure out the city. Is the entire city of Dhahran considered "the camp", or is the camp just a portion of the city?
Thanks!
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Post by vpainter on Nov 5, 2013 4:56:22 GMT
The camp is 4 sq miles. There is an area outside called DHA, where the Dhahran Mall is located.
The company schools are inside the camps.
The floorplans of the homes can be the same or different for the GC's. Housing is assigned depending on availability the week of your arrival. All GC's 11+ live in all the residential camps. There are bachelor camps for GC 10 and below.
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Post by UmmRiyam on Nov 5, 2013 6:37:05 GMT
I think GC 15+ is considered executive, so when bidding on houses there are some that will only be open to GC 15+, but I don't think GC will matter when you first move into the compound as there usually isn't very many open houses. You get what is available.
The hospital is located in the main part of the Dhahran compound. The schools are in the family camp section, so you go through an additional security gate to get into the +11 housing.
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Post by Keith317 on Nov 5, 2013 16:21:17 GMT
Hi, sorry to jump in here but I think clarification on a general principle may be useful more widely.
I have been offered GC15 with work location at Dhahran. With three small kids (8 mths, 3 and 5) the issue of location is important to us. Small kids on buses ain't a good idea from a uk perspective as is joining a mature community.
So, is this allocation at arrival immutable even if the allocation would, if known before, have changed the decision to accept?
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Post by vpainter on Nov 6, 2013 5:13:49 GMT
Housing assignments are made the week of your arrival and depends on availability, no matter what your GC.
If you do not want to live in Rakkah, which is more likely, then you may not want to accept the offer. New hires are going to Rakkah.
Although, I think you will find you will enjoy living in Rakkah. If you come with a negative atude, then you will probably not be happy here. Life here no matter which compound you live in is what you make it. It is not back home.
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Post by Keith317 on Nov 6, 2013 18:16:42 GMT
Vpainter
Many thanks. I appreciate your sentiment although you clearly misunderstand my context. Having lived in a number of places around the planet I know very well that each place is different. To be reminded of differences between my current and potential places of residence in response to an innocent question is a little presumptious and, frankly, superfluous.
I asked a question relating to specific circumstances in the context of housing allocation procedure. That was all and was something that material received from SA and ensuing discussions had declined to make obvious. I thank you for the clarity that you have brought to this.
So, in summary. It is Rakkah or nothing and if the specific location and what it entails does not fit with your lifestyle requirements then push off. Is that a fair summary?
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Post by vpainter on Nov 8, 2013 5:45:02 GMT
Sorry Keith317,
You just got my response to so many negative atudes posted in the forum towards living in Rakkah. I was making a generalization to everyone and not at you directly. My apologies for causing offense to you.
Since there is not the ability to ask for housing, then yes, if you do not want to live in the compound on offer, I would say: say no to the offer. You could try to negotiate for DHA, but I know of only one who has ever been successful, Rakkah wasn't in existence then. They have not been willing to negotiate housing that I know of in the recent past. I do not think anyone should come, thinking they will be moved once here. You can get on the bid list and bid on houses in DHA, but the bid list can take years to get a home, if ever, due to the points system it runs on.
Again, if you want to come, I think you would find living in Rakkah not bad.
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Post by scarleton on Dec 4, 2013 17:38:14 GMT
I wanted to check on the status of housing in any of the compounds as of today, Dec. 4, 2013.
I have been working with my Relocation Advisor and she is doing everything possible to get me on a plane Dec. 12., the only unknown is housing status. The offices in KSA have not responded to her e-mails and the 10 hour time zone difference makes things difficult for phone calls, though she told me today she will be in early tomorrow so that she can make the call before they close.
I will be a GC13 in Bachelor status, taking the cash in lieu option so as to expedite my departure. My work location will be Dhahran, but I am willing to live in any compound with availability.
Can anyone in KSA give me an idea of availability?
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Post by Quanta on Dec 5, 2013 4:56:55 GMT
I believe a bachelor with GC13 working in DH will have a bachelor housing in DH.
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Post by vpainter on Dec 5, 2013 5:09:33 GMT
Bachelors working in DHa have been being assigned residence in ABQ. DHA and RT are full.
A few have gone to RT when available.
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Post by azraeil on Dec 5, 2013 7:40:25 GMT
Bachelors are now housed in Abqaiq ... Dhahran is now full even for bachelors and singles.
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Post by new2aramco on Dec 9, 2013 5:39:17 GMT
"Bachelors are now housed in Abqaiq ... Dhahran is now full even for bachelors and singles."
I am GC-14 American married but bachelor status, US Payroll, and have been living in Riyadh for past 3 years (started there, never lived in Dhahran). Are you saying that when I am assigned to work in Dhahran (next few months) I won't be able to live in Dhahran camp? Does "full" mean there is a waiting list for Bachelor housing?
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Post by vpainter on Dec 9, 2013 6:02:54 GMT
If you are only coming for 3 months, you might get the temporary housing available in DHA if it is not full.
DHA housing is full.
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Post by new2aramco on Dec 9, 2013 6:07:37 GMT
This would be a permanent transfer to work on project in Dhahran ( I am with PMT) for next several years. I am planning on converting to family status in 1-1/2 years when my HS age son heads to college. Do I get any credit for my 3 years of Aramco tenure?
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