|
|
Post by Baileydoodle on May 16, 2014 7:36:40 GMT
Just wanted to chime in after reading some of the posts about housing in particular. It is probably the most difficult thing to nail down these days, and impossible to state anything with certainty. It is not definite that all contractors are leaving UDH this summer. That is still not confirmed. Housing is at an absolute premium and there are families placed in the apartments, and have been for some time. The best thing to do is not come with any expectations about housing at all, if you can pull that off. Supposedly every house that has been vacated recently or will become available, has been slotted for a new hire or a transfer (people housed in ABQ but working in UDH), but they generally do not want to let anyone know those assignments until the last minute in case they have to make a change. The vacated houses also have to be painted, new carpet put in etc. before someone new moves in. Personally, I would not assume anything to be 'temporary', to avoid disappointment. At this time it doesn't seem possible for Aramco to be able to fulfill the usual policies of what kind of housing families qualify for in UDH because of the housing limitations vs demand. So looking at housing plans you qualify for may not be helpful if none of those houses are available at the time of assignment. It is much better to set your expectations low, then you can be happily surprised if you get something you are supposed to qualify for. Pretend you are planning an epic adventure and will be most likely living in a tent(then any house you get will be an upgrade!) I know this makes moving very difficult to plan for, I guess that's part of the adventure of it all…
|
|
|
|
Post by bluebelle on May 22, 2014 11:43:31 GMT
Hi Baileydoodle, I took some time to digest your post. I appreciate the warning, but through this forum, in this particular topic I was already aware that we quite possibly will stay in an apartment for a few months. Your post made me a bit sad, as I perceived it as quite negative. Maybe this was not your intention at all, and just my feelings. I assume that somewhere down the line all families will be assigned a house, or not even that? |
|
|
|
Post by Baileydoodle on May 22, 2014 16:35:03 GMT
Bluebell, I'm so sorry the posting made you sad. I just think its important to understand that the housing situation is really tight right now. My friends (no kids) have been in temporary housing for two years. There are empty houses that are apparently designated for families, but have not been renovated. Hopefully some of this will speed up when the company (a contracted company) that does the renovation work changes to a new company in November. They don't have enough manpower to do the work now, so things move very slowly in terms of turnaround time with houses. I know there are families assigned to the apartments (called Udhailiyah Heights) who seem to be there permanently, but perhaps that is due to grade code, and others are just temporarily waiting for housing to become available. I know one new couple, who a few years ago would've qualified for a two bedroom townhouse (and technically still do), are being permanently assigned to a two bedroom apartment in the Heights. Later, they will be able to bid on a house. I would make sure that the 'temporary apartment' they are giving you does NOT mean that you have to bid when something comes available, that it is truly just temporary until your house is ready. That is most likely the scenario. It just makes planning and shipping a bit more complicated. Chances are you will end up in the normal three bedroom townhouse - if you have two kids, hopefully sooner than later! Don't lose heart! It just seems to be a slow process these days. Maybe your house WILL be ready when your visa comes through and all this worry was for nothing.  Your little ones will LOVE living here, it is so wonderful for families with young children. Up at the Heights they have put in a playground and there is a lot of space and grass to play. It's a very safe little compound and perfect timing for your family with your children the ages they are. Don't lose your excitement! |
|
|
|
Post by bluebelle on May 26, 2014 6:25:42 GMT
Hi Baileydoodle, Thank you for your kind second post. Our visa have been ready since the beginning of April, we were waiting for all contingencies to clear and as well for the three-month notice period we have here in Norway. We are traveling to UDH within 5 weeks... I have convinced myself we will be living in a one bedroom apartment for the next few years, so maybe it will be better, maybe not |
|
Your little ones will LOVE living here, it is so wonderful for families with young children. Up at the Heights they have put in a playground and there is a lot of space and grass to play. It's a very safe little compound and perfect timing for your family with your children the ages they are. Don't lose your excitement!