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Post by Soaring eagle on Oct 11, 2012 4:42:46 GMT
o I am discussing an offer with Saudi Aramco and in the early discussion i have been told that i may get accomodation an hr away from Dhahran. I am guessing it is in RT My family consists of myself, my wife and 4 yr old daughter. I need help to make a decision. Any sincere information would be really appreciated. 1) Can anyone share experiences of this daily commute (Commute time, quality of commute, is it a good quality bus wherein you can either sleep/read etc?) 2) What is life like in RT for family and what kind of activities we can expect on weekend? 3) Since this is a small community, is there a need to goto DH etc for all your needs (shopping etc) 4) Does living in RT feel like being a poor cousin of Dhahran - activities for wives, kids to do 5) Does anyone have any experience/advice about non aramco expat compounds which are closer to Dhahran office? 5) I play squash, my wife plays badminton.... i read Squash is possible, what about badminton ?  Any information / perspective / thoughts / advice would be highly appreciated Regards SE |
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Post by vpainter on Oct 12, 2012 23:29:53 GMT
An hour away could be RT or ABQ.
People who live in these two compounds like doing so. Yes they are smaller than DHA but the each have their own character. They each have all the amenities.
The commute is discussed in the forum and you can do a search and read many experiences with it. Reading them, comes down to what you are comfortable doing. Living in Houston, a 45 min commute to work was normal.
The Aramco bus provided is like a Greyhound bus. Yes you can read or sleep, seats slightly recline.
RT has the beach inside camp, so you can go to the beach at anytime.
There a many self-directed groups which you can participate in both camps.
No, you do not have to go to Dhahran for all your needs in either camp.
Squash courts are in all compounds.
I don't know if there is a badminton group in ABQ or RT, there is one in DHA.
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Post by Twofeets on Oct 13, 2012 6:26:22 GMT
1) As VP stated, you will be a bus similar to a Greyhound. A lot of people read or nap during the commute. From RT its about 45-60min depending on traffic and where you board/exit the bus. While you dont get the benefit of being 5 min from work, its very similar to commute times back in the US.
2) There are a lot of activities for families in RT. 2 swimming pools, the beach, tennis/raquet ball/basketball/soccer/baseball/yoga/martial arts, all kinds of sports, courts, fields, and playgrounds. There are also several ladies clubs, a diving club, lots to do if youre willing to get out and get involved.
3) In RT there is the town of Rahima right outside the gates. Most of what you need can be found in the commissary on camp or in Rahima. For those items you cant find locally, there are frequent shoppers buses to Khobar (free, same as youd take to work). The shoppers buses will take you to the malls, grocery stores, etc and then take you home. Also, taxis are a lot cheaper than in the US.
4) Yes and no. DH does get upgraded before anyone else, has more amenities etc. For example, Im one of the assistant coaches for the swim team in RT. Due largely due to RT Recreation the pool hours are only from 9am until about 10pm and the swim team frequently has to share lanes with the public (even though there are 2 pools). DH opens much ealier (I believe 5am-6am) and has a year around swim team. That being said, RT is a much quieter (and I believe safer) neighborhood. A lot of families get around by golf cart which gives RT its only little small town charm, the camp is much more laid back, and its easier to get to know people.
5) Cant help you with other non aramco compounds, sorry.
5) Again, not sure about squash and badminton in RT as I dont play either.
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Post by Soaring eagle on Oct 13, 2012 15:19:13 GMT
o VP and twofeats
Thank you very much for your time and feedback. Much appreciated. From your posts I am encoued to have more open mind to this situation. RT sounds like a great place for my family though I'd have to commute.
Would you know similar details for ABQ also? Elsewhere on the forum I came across bit of negative press regarding ABQ, unlike RT which sounds great.
I should have more details from ASC in the next few days and am keeping my fingers crossed.
Regards
SE
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Post by vpainter on Oct 13, 2012 15:52:35 GMT
My friends who live in ABQ, love it. They have the same amenities and they have their self directed groups as well. You will have plenty to do. There is a local town outside of ABQ also and the same bus services are there also.
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Uman
Senior Member
Posts: 161
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Post by Uman on Nov 8, 2012 15:38:52 GMT
would make for a long day.....5 of them in a row.
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Post by maujkar on Nov 9, 2012 8:13:40 GMT
Just to be specific - there are three buses from RT to DH in the morning and all of them reach before 06:50am to your office areas. Work Time is 0700 to 1600 with 1hr lunch/prayer break 1130-1230... depending on which dept/area you work in, there are return buses from DH to RT. For many of us working in the Core Area[main bldgs] or R&D, get to take the earliest bus back to RT. we reach RT by about 55 to 60 mins later and get a good sleep in the bus. Same goes for Abqaiq residents. the commute time is already discussed in this forum in greater details, and YES, it varies anywhere from 50mins to 1hr+. Keep in the mind the many highway construction diversions on the way etc. However there is a bridge being constructed over from RT to Safwa, expected completion by 2013 (?), which will further reduce the commute time to DH. You can see the bridge on wikimapia. its called the some prince name bridge Bottom line.. RT is way better than DH...you will know more once you land here.. so don't worry and come on over P.S. Aramco is currently replacing all its bus fleet and we are getting the new Mercs...they are really comfortable... Snoring is permissible fyi update: bus looks like this i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/108436 ... 00_III.jpg cheers MJKR |
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Post by Soaring eagle on Nov 11, 2012 19:49:05 GMT
MJKR
Thank you for your reply. The early return option sounds good and would compensate for at least 1 way extra travel time.
I am learning the patience associated with dealing with ASC now. My post was in anticipation of what may come but not much update over the last one month so keeping fingers crossed.
When i have an offer on hand, would come back with specific questions, hopefully sooner than later
Regards
SE
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