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Post by MEintheME on May 1, 2014 8:31:05 GMT
Hi, My husband has been offered a job in Aramco and we have been told that we would likely be offered a house in Rakah as Dhahran is full. I'm a bit concerned that because Rakah is smaller that there will be less for me and my kids to do. I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. Are they many young kids around the compound? Are there any Mums & Tots groups organised? Any dance/gym classes or do you have to travel to Dhahran for these? Are there many buses going to/from Dhahran compound each day? Do you end up spending most of your time there?  I'd love to hear from Mums in a similar situation, as we need to make a decision soon, but it's a big move and I don't want to end up bored and/or miserable! All feedback and pros/cons would be much appreciated. Thanks! |
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Post by vpainter on May 9, 2014 13:26:09 GMT
I have sent you an email so you can get answers to your questions directly from mom's living in Rakah.
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Maursh
Senior Member
Posts: 169
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Post by Maursh on May 9, 2014 16:02:21 GMT
Rakkah is fantastic for families with small children. It is because the camp is so small and there is virtually no traffic, children, even young ones, can have a freedom that you wouldn't find elsewhere. When school is done (and the day is cooler) the place is littered with hundreds of children on their bikes, scooters, at the park, in the pool. It is a wonderful community.
For 0-5 year olds during the day there are water confidence classes, an art/craft programme, rhymetime and storytime. For less structured activities, there is the pool, the library, three outdoor play parks and an indoor community space with toys and books - a playgroup is in the throes of being set up there. My three year old loves nothing more than a trip to the 10-pin bowling alley.
Run privately from peoples homes there is a drop-in creche and a K2 and there is an onsite K3 and K4 run by Aramco. You won't have any trouble meeting mothers with children of similar age and organising play-dates or baby-sitting swaps. There are more than 400 children on Rakkah and the camp is only 60% full.
There are frequent buses to the main camp (I will not disclose the frequency here, but it was recently doubled). I don't think that many pre-schoolers are going to main camp for activities (I know of only a couple and it is a once a week activity). I don't take my 3yo to the main camp for any activities at present - the journey is too burdensome and it seems most of what is available there is at Rakkah.
I hope that gives you a flavour and eases your concerns a little. We love Rakkah and having seen both sites, prefer it over Dhahran for our particular circumstances.
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Post by Rihana on May 9, 2014 18:14:40 GMT
hi everyone, we too will move to Rakah by the end of the month , and i am also worry that our kids , will not have friends over there , but now i feel much comfortable to read that there is a lot of activities for kids. I hope will meet new friends when we will arrive  |
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Post by AKhan123 on Jun 11, 2014 13:14:22 GMT
Hi,
I have few questions regarding the activities for kids i have a 6 and 2 year old boys.
My 6 year old will be attending DHA schools. As i was reading the forum i figured out most of the activities like swim lesson, soccer etc are held in Dhahran. Is there any lessons available in Rakah? we'll be traveling back n forth. Please let me know . Thanks.
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Post by vpainter on Jun 11, 2014 20:39:49 GMT
Sent you an email
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Maursh
Senior Member
Posts: 169
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Post by Maursh on Jun 12, 2014 12:31:49 GMT
There is a soccer coach who does sessions once a week for 4+ age
There is also an after school swim club for 4+ and water confidence lessons for under 4s.
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Post by dunkinmocha on Jun 24, 2014 16:13:00 GMT
Hi there!
We were also told that we will be staying in Rakkah. I have a 18 month old toddler and a little one on the way (due in Feb 2015).
I am interested in seeing how the inside of the houses are like - I've seen the FB photos and they look great, just didn't notice a lot of in-house photos? (As of now we are assigned a 2-bedroom house).
Do moms usually bring in the playmats from the states? What are some baby-items that are exceptionally expensive in KSA that you would definitely recommend bringing from the US?
Can I also receive all the toddler activities/time via PM?
Is there some type of map of the compound? Is everything within walking distance?
Do men usually ride buses to work? If so, how long is the commute? What's the dress code like for men at work?
I too am very excited to meet all the moms! I am going to quit my full-time job here at another O&G company to be a full-time mom...this is definitely life-changing, but we are excited!!
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Post by vpainter on Jun 24, 2014 17:08:59 GMT
Bus rides from Rakah to DHA are covered well in the posts in this discussion group, please do a search for them or read through the posts in Living in Rakah.
I will send you contacts for knowing about activities for small children.
Are you sure you are assigned to Rakah? All the houses in Rakah are 3 BR houses. There are people in Rakah who would normally get a 2 BR in the other camps, but living in Rakah you would get a 3 BR.
Things are within walking distance on the Rakah camp. As the houses are filling up, some houses are getting further away, but the whole camp is walkable. In the heat, you may want a car, but you could walk or ride a bike.
Yes, some men ride the work buses. Some drive. Some carpool. Mostly casual wear at work, depends on your job, but most are casual. Jeans and a collared shirt, khakis and a collared shirt - short or long sleeved. If you give talks to upper management, you may want a suit on occasion. I have seen a couple of t-shirts but not usually. Dress shoes, casual shoes, tennis shoes, and sandals all are acceptable.
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Post by tousson on Jul 25, 2014 18:51:06 GMT
Hi:
We are scheduled to arrive in Al Rakah in November. I was wondering how we would transport the pet from this housing compound to DH if we don't have a car. Is the leashed dog allowed on the regularly scheduled buses between the two camps or do we hire a driver/taxi? Are there vet services on the Al Rakah compound?
Also, I would appreciate more information on the Kennel Club and what activities they attend for dogs. How would I go about obtaining a flyer of sorts outlining the club? Is it a complete kennel association with dog compeions/training as well as boarding features if we leave KSA on vacation, or is it just for vet services?
Many Thanks
- Belinda
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Post by vpainter on Jul 26, 2014 21:16:36 GMT
The Kennel Club is a complete veterinary office with grooming and boarding facilities. No training or compeions.
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Post by tousson on Jul 28, 2014 3:33:14 GMT
Ok, understood. May I humbly ask what do the current Expats do with their dogs to keep them socialized with other dogs? Or should I ask this question to other Expats directly when we arrive?
Many thanks for all your help. It is most appreciated.
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Post by vpainter on Jul 29, 2014 6:59:14 GMT
You would find friends with dogs and you would get together and/or walk your dogs together.
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Post by tousson on Aug 7, 2014 21:34:35 GMT
Thank you VPainter! This sounds like he will get to continue his socialization with other dogs and kids AND keep his exercise regimen! I will be bringing his training equipment. We've discovered it will all fit into the e-Boxes! They are totally portable/collapsible I have to buy new rollerblades for his roadwork before we leave though. Mine cracked apart last week after 20 years of loyal service to me and our dogs over the years. We are looking forward to our new adventure in KSA! We just sent off for our Visa's - fingers crossed! The hardest thing to do in all this is the waiting in between document approvals - LOL! |
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Post by vpainter on Aug 9, 2014 13:43:30 GMT
If you bring training equipment, you may have to start a self-directed group for those who would like to join you in training their dogs. Or start a home business with dog training.
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