arcticengineer
Senior Member
Posts: 173
Job Status: Accepted Aramco Job
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Post by arcticengineer on Oct 7, 2019 5:56:43 GMT
Looks like I'll be moving to Udhailiya in the next month or two, just need my visa to clear.
I've read through the FAQ's and many older threads so have a general idea of what to expect. Are most homes rewired 220V, or are they still a mix of 110 and 220? Does Saco or any of the department stores ship to Udhailiya, or will I really need a car to shop for home goods?
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Post by batiofi on Jul 3, 2023 4:00:25 GMT
Hi! I have the same questions. Have you received any answer?
Thanks in advance.
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arcticengineer
Senior Member
Posts: 173
Job Status: Accepted Aramco Job
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Post by arcticengineer on Jul 14, 2023 15:52:34 GMT
After almost 4 years, here are my comments:
The homes are still a mix of 110 and 220 and I am still in a 110 house. I would insist if you receive an offer for Udhailiyah for a 220 home.
I was here for 1 1/2 years before I got a car, it's doable but having a car is nice. You'll learn to get co-workers to take you on occasional shopping trips. Amazon SA does deliver to camp, but it's to the front gate so you'll need a car to pickup your packages.
Any other questions, let me know.
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Post by batiofi on Jul 23, 2023 17:21:05 GMT
Hi, thank you for the information. We are relocating next month from Houston to the Udhailiyah camp and unfortunately there is not much info available for this particular one. We are not bringing furniture and are wondering if there are other places besides IKEA where we can get decent beds and at least a sofa if we decide not to stick with the ones included in the house after the first months. Do you know if there are king size beds available? Probably we would like to bring with us at least mattresses (a king size and a twin size) of those compact ones in a box, but are unsure if we can find a frame for the king size in the Kingdom. Best
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
Posts: 553
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Post by tamsin on Jul 23, 2023 20:46:17 GMT
There are a lot of stores, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Abyat, Home Cebtre, Home Box, Ashley Furniture. But I can’t comment on direct delivery.
But, you need to buy your mattresses with the bed, they can differ slightly by region. King are available, sometimes marketed as super king. King pillows/cases are limited choice so do bring those.
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arcticengineer
Senior Member
Posts: 173
Job Status: Accepted Aramco Job
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Post by arcticengineer on Jul 26, 2023 15:53:04 GMT
I don't know if they have king size beds over here. The bed sizes are definitely different and sheets don't always match the beds. I can't really help on the furnishings as I use a combination of Aramco furniture and what I inherited from friends that retired here. I'm trying to take the approach that I'm camping so haven't invested in furnishings.
The Aramco mattresses aren't great, so its a good idea to bring your own. As mentioned, you might have an issue getting a frame to match. But, you could probably have one built at a reasonable cost.
If the home isn't up to your standards, within reason, push back on community services to make sure you get a house that is clean and livable. You might have to enlist your supervisor or manager to help out. I would definitely insist on a 220 house as it makes no sense to have to move again in a year or two. You would think such a thing wouldn't occur, but you would be surprised as some of the things they do.
What department will you be working in?
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Post by effielapin on Oct 26, 2023 17:27:46 GMT
Hi All,
I’m going to be beginning my journey with Aramco mid November.
On my employment form it mentions that I’ll be located in Udhailiyah and working in the Southern Area Well Completion Operations (it does mention that it’s subject to change).
I was just hoping to get more information on Udhailiyah.
What is it like over there?
Is there much to do when it comes to extracurricular activities?
What is the dress code like for women?
What is the best way to travel to and from the office? Is there set times for buses?
Are there any stores nearby? In the guidebook the nearest town is around 45 minutes away?
What would consider as requirements to pack?
I feel like I’m asking a lot of questions, but I’m just really hoping to get and idea of what is going to become my life.
Thank you!
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Post by effielapin on Oct 30, 2023 12:21:06 GMT
UDH is just a housing compound in the middle of the desert. It's like living on an army base - there's work, school, recreation, basic shopping and a couple places for takeaway food. AlHasa is decent enough if you need anything. Jarir book store, Ashley furniture, Ace hardware (SACO), decent enough massages at the Intercontinental... but it's not a big city in any regard. Requirements to pack? Yikes... nutmeg (the spice)? I don't think my family ever found tampons here? Other than that, pretty much everything is available. And Riyadh is only 3 hours away. Thank you! I was getting a little nervous. But I feel better now. 😊 |
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owais8
Member
Family
Posts: 10
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Post by owais8 on Nov 20, 2023 11:26:01 GMT
Anyone Indian on this forum working at Udhailiyah and living in Al Hofuf(Hasa or Al Ahsa)? I need some advise.
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arcticengineer
Senior Member
Posts: 173
Job Status: Accepted Aramco Job
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Post by arcticengineer on Nov 26, 2023 19:22:04 GMT
What is it like over there? It's a small community. It is quite a diverse camp with Expats from all over the world and quite a few Saudis. The people living in camp are friendly, but tend to socialize based on their home country. This can feel lonely if there are only a few people from your country or part of the world. I've made some wonderful friends and am looking forward to visiting them in their home countries after we have moved on from Aramco.Is there much to do when it comes to extracurricular activities? Your activities are up to you, you can stay active or get really board - I find myself doing both. The only really active self directed group is golf. There is tennis, swimming, golf and squash. There is a 5k walking loop. There are is a "biodiversity park" that has some osrtiches and a few other animals but I'm not positive on the types. There are some Bedouins with camels near the camp. You can go out and get photos with them.
There are a few of us that mountain bike in the desert behind the golf course but inside the camp. Some of us like to go out and drive in the desert to go camping and explore in the winter when the weather is nice. There are Aramco beaches that are nice with showers and restrooms. You can fish there, though catching the fish isn't so common. What is the dress code like for women? There is no dress code in camp. You'll see women in work out clothingWhat is the best way to travel to and from the office? Is there set times for buses? Depending on where your house and office are located, walking or riding a bike is a good way. Most people drive cars or golf carts. I got around camp for my first 1 1/2 years with just a bike, it can be done but not so pleasant in the summerAre there any stores nearby? In the guidebook the nearest town is around 45 minutes away? Hofuf is the closest city, figure an hour drive to the stores or markets. There is a commisary and mini mart on the camp. Unless you are picky about brands of products, you can handle all your cooking supplies from the comm.What would consider as requirements to pack? Aside from clothing, if there are sports you enjoy bring your sporting supplies. There are very limited options for sporting supplies in kingdom, except for camping goods. If there are specialty food items, or those you can't find in kingdom like nutmeg (get whole nutmeg it is so much better freshly ground) certain hot sauces, etc. Shower curtains, I'm sure you can find them in Hofuf but I'd say getting a shower after you arrive is key vs. maybe waiting a few days before going shopping. I brought in appliances from the US because I was (and still am) in a house that hasn't had the power converted to 230VAC. They provide some basic pots, pans and cuttlery. I like cooking so was glad I brought a chef's knife and pairing knife as the knives provided aren't that sharp nor do they seem to take or keep an edge.
Insist that housing puts you in a house that has been converted. You can get all the appliances you need in Hofuf or from the classifieds. |
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Post by drhassan on Jan 12, 2024 21:42:34 GMT
What is it like over there? It's a small community. It is quite a diverse camp with Expats from all over the world and quite a few Saudis. The people living in camp are friendly, but tend to socialize based on their home country. This can feel lonely if there are only a few people from your country or part of the world. I've made some wonderful friends and am looking forward to visiting them in their home countries after we have moved on from Aramco.Is there much to do when it comes to extracurricular activities? Your activities are up to you, you can stay active or get really board - I find myself doing both. The only really active self directed group is golf. There is tennis, swimming, golf and squash. There is a 5k walking loop. There are is a "biodiversity park" that has some osrtiches and a few other animals but I'm not positive on the types. There are some Bedouins with camels near the camp. You can go out and get photos with them.
There are a few of us that mountain bike in the desert behind the golf course but inside the camp. Some of us like to go out and drive in the desert to go camping and explore in the winter when the weather is nice. There are Aramco beaches that are nice with showers and restrooms. You can fish there, though catching the fish isn't so common. What is the dress code like for women? There is no dress code in camp. You'll see women in work out clothingWhat is the best way to travel to and from the office? Is there set times for buses? Depending on where your house and office are located, walking or riding a bike is a good way. Most people drive cars or golf carts. I got around camp for my first 1 1/2 years with just a bike, it can be done but not so pleasant in the summerAre there any stores nearby? In the guidebook the nearest town is around 45 minutes away? Hofuf is the closest city, figure an hour drive to the stores or markets. There is a commisary and mini mart on the camp. Unless you are picky about brands of products, you can handle all your cooking supplies from the comm.What would consider as requirements to pack? Aside from clothing, if there are sports you enjoy bring your sporting supplies. There are very limited options for sporting supplies in kingdom, except for camping goods. If there are specialty food items, or those you can't find in kingdom like nutmeg (get whole nutmeg it is so much better freshly ground) certain hot sauces, etc. Shower curtains, I'm sure you can find them in Hofuf but I'd say getting a shower after you arrive is key vs. maybe waiting a few days before going shopping. I brought in appliances from the US because I was (and still am) in a house that hasn't had the power converted to 230VAC. They provide some basic pots, pans and cuttlery. I like cooking so was glad I brought a chef's knife and pairing knife as the knives provided aren't that sharp nor do they seem to take or keep an edge.
Insist that housing puts you in a house that has been converted. You can get all the appliances you need in Hofuf or from the classifieds. Hi, I'm joining Aramco as a digital architect (GC14) from the UK and reaching Dhahran on 1st week of Feb 2024. I'll be gratefull if you can provide information on the following few queries, plus would like you to share your experience based on your experience from 1st time travelling, brining necessary stuff/documentation etc to settle down in the Campus. Queries: 1. Does Aramco support/pay annual professional memberships e.g. IET, BCS etc. As I have to transfer from my existing company to a new. If yes, what is the process as my UK advisor has no clue and can't contact HR. 2. Electicity 220v/110v: How to get accomodation with 220v (UK compatible). I mentioned to my advisor and he said you have to accept what is provided.. bit harsh!. Is there a way to address this prior to getting accomodation assigned. 3. Luggage Refund: The ticket i recieved has baggae limit = 46kg, which is negligble especially for the 1st time. If I purchase more weight, will it get refunded (any limit). 4. Relocation allowance: If my family move (might be few months after I join), do I get a re-location allowance to cargo/ship all our home stuff/appliances etc 5. Are there anythings probhited to bring to avoid embarassment 6. Heard that we can't get bank accounts from start so bring Saudi Riyals, How much in avee will be reasonable amount for a single person. 7. Driving licence: can I drive on the UK license otherwise anything to make it quick 8. Any important documents or certificates etc Not to miss. Many Thanks |
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
Posts: 553
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Post by tamsin on Jan 13, 2024 5:04:34 GMT
2. No way to influence it. 110 houses will have a few 220 sockets, most people cope with those.
3. No refund, it’s paid out of your relocation allowance.
4. You will get an allowance for yourself then a further amount for your family, you should already have those numbers.
5. The list changes all the time, I suggest you google and apply common sense.
6. $2k? But you can use home country cards to pay and withdraw cash.
7. You can, for 90 days. Conversion is fast and there is now a service to speed it up further, a few people have posted about it. You can’t rent a car on a uk licence once you have an iqama and you can’t buy without a KSA licence.
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