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Post by djs7777 on Aug 25, 2022 20:41:28 GMT
Hi all, I have an offer GC14 in Dhahran, and have a question about choice of accommodation. I am moving with my wife. Do we get what we are given, or have some say in where we will be staying? Reason I ask is it's obviously important to like where we stay given the permanent nature of the move. Also, can anyone recommend where we can see photos / videos of the Dhahran compounds. YouTube doesn't show much. Kind thanks.
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Post by hankhill on Aug 25, 2022 21:53:09 GMT
I've asked the same question to folks offline (including noting that YouTube hasn't been helpful). The response I've gotten has been that you get what you get. You don't really have any input beyond family size.
What I've been told is that Aramco uses a point system that combines Grade and Years of Service. While you may have a decent grade, you have zero service, compare that with a local who may have started working for the company when they were 17 or 18, and you just aren't going to compete. What I get told is "you go where they tell you for 2 years, then you can try to move".
But, maybe someone here will say differently.
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arcticengineer
Senior Member
Posts: 175
Job Status: Accepted Aramco Job
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Post by arcticengineer on Aug 26, 2022 14:11:21 GMT
If your housing is really important to you, Aramco might not be the best fit. Have low expectations and plan to invest in furnishings and remodeling to make it suit you. You don't join Aramco for the accomodations.
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
Posts: 553
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Post by tamsin on Aug 26, 2022 20:09:52 GMT
My husband is grade 15 and we’ve been put in one of the townhomes in the Hills. He did ask about changing, not because of anything but yard size (we have dogs) and it’s a hard no. They put you where there is space, in a house that suits your family size and that’s it for 2 years. But it’s okay, not the most modern kitchen or bathrooms but a decent size, nice floor plan, clean, in good order. And to be very honest, cheap as chips.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2022 8:41:42 GMT
If your housing is really important to you, Aramco might not be the best fit. Have low expectations and plan to invest in furnishings and remodeling to make it suit you. You don't join Aramco for the accomodations. Exactly, lower your expectations and you’ll be better prepared for the disappointment. Compared to back home the place I have here is no where near as nice and actually pretty grotty and substandard in many regards. Compared to places I’ve lived in other countries offered by the company I was working for at the time, it’s also way off what I would consider acceptable. It is what it is. Really it depends on personal circumstances and expectations - If you’re holed up in a small apartment, then moving here to a townhouse will seem like a step up! |
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peman00
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Posts: 42
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Post by peman00 on Aug 27, 2022 19:22:58 GMT
My husband is grade 15 and we’ve been put in one of the townhomes in the Hills. He did ask about changing, not because of anything but yard size (we have dogs) and it’s a hard no. They put you where there is space, in a house that suits your family size and that’s it for 2 years. But it’s okay, not the most modern kitchen or bathrooms but a decent size, nice floor plan, clean, in good order. And to be very honest, cheap as chips. I am guessing there is no chance for GC14s to get a place in the Hills. Have you heard of anyone with GC14 getting assigned there from the start? |
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
Posts: 553
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Post by tamsin on Aug 27, 2022 20:22:07 GMT
My husband is grade 15 and we’ve been put in one of the townhomes in the Hills. He did ask about changing, not because of anything but yard size (we have dogs) and it’s a hard no. They put you where there is space, in a house that suits your family size and that’s it for 2 years. But it’s okay, not the most modern kitchen or bathrooms but a decent size, nice floor plan, clean, in good order. And to be very honest, cheap as chips. I am guessing there is no chance for GC14s to get a place in the Hills. Have you heard of anyone with GC14 getting assigned there from the start? I don’t believe it’s a 15 and over neighbourhood, I think it’s one of the standard homes for families, regardless of grade. |
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peman00
Member
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Posts: 42
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Post by peman00 on Aug 27, 2022 21:01:32 GMT
I am guessing there is no chance for GC14s to get a place in the Hills. Have you heard of anyone with GC14 getting assigned there from the start? I don’t believe it’s a 15 and over neighbourhood, I think it’s one of the standard homes for families, regardless of grade. Ok thank you fir the feedback. Not sure if its old information but some people were telling me to try to get into newer sections as the water quality is better than older parts of Dhahran. My wife’s skin and hair is a bit sensitive to water quality so I am a bit concerned. |
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Post by kyle1639 on Aug 28, 2022 8:57:46 GMT
I don’t believe it’s a 15 and over neighbourhood, I think it’s one of the standard homes for families, regardless of grade. Ok thank you fir the feedback. Not sure if its old information but some people were telling me to try to get into newer sections as the water quality is better than older parts of Dhahran. My wife’s skin and hair is a bit sensitive to water quality so I am a bit concerned. I use the shower head filters on our showers as my wife is of similar skin sensitivity and she has not reported any issues. |
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Post by dudusa on Aug 28, 2022 14:45:12 GMT
Happy that this has been brought up, anyone could confirm what white goods are there to be kept as part of the property/rent. we do understand furniture is not (luckily  , beds chairs table sofa) But the question, can you keep the dishwasher, stove and fridge in the kitchen? or is that after 3 months also either, chargeable? anyone could confirm please, this will help with what goes into the container. Many thanks.. |
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Post by kyle1639 on Aug 28, 2022 14:51:29 GMT
Happy that this has been brought up, anyone could confirm what white goods are there to be kept as part of the property/rent. we do understand furniture is not (luckily , beds chairs table sofa) But the question, can you keep the dishwasher, stove and fridge in the kitchen? or is that after 3 months also either, chargeable? anyone could confirm please, this will help with what goes into the container. Many thanks.. Fridge freezer, cooker top/oven and dishwasher are all included for free |
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Falcon
Member
Posts: 28
Job Status: Accepted Aramco Job
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Post by Falcon on Sept 1, 2022 17:08:06 GMT
How about washer and dryer?
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Post by kyle1639 on Sept 1, 2022 18:00:30 GMT
How about washer and dryer? Yep you'll be provided with a washer and drier for free for the first few months, after that they are charged at a small fee, but we ended up buying our own and giving aramco back the company provided units. |
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
Posts: 553
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Post by tamsin on Sept 1, 2022 20:47:12 GMT
How about washer and dryer? They have run out and there is a waiting list. You get given 4 months of laundry service, not including underwear, up to the value of 300 SAR a month. |
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Aly1128
Newbie
Posts: 7
Job Status: Accepted Aramco Job
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Post by Aly1128 on Oct 9, 2022 14:14:11 GMT
I would like to ask, If a Western expat did not like the offered housing (due to size or condition) and wanted to live outside Aramco compound, does Aramco give them the Housing allowance? and how much?
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, beds chairs table sofa)