Aramco - been contacted by them for work, advice wanted.

[chemeng58]

Hi

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but looked the best section!

I have been approached by Aramco for a role. I have worked in Saudi about 5 years ago as a single person, but now living with partner of 5 years (yes in sin!) British)

Just after any comments about family life (guess it will be best to get married before going out?) social life etc.

I am a Process Engineer 10 years industrial Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Chartered Chemist (CChem)

Thanks

 

[ewh]

I would make sure that she's fully onboard with this if she is to accompany you; she's the one who will mostly be affected by the culture shock.

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - [small]Robert Hunter[/small]

 

[ivymike]

ewh - how'd you know which (if either) was the female?

 

[chemeng58]

I would just like to clarify that I am male and my partner is female! Not that I am agaist or anti same sex partnerships!

Hope that helps you all in my question!!!

 

[ewh]

You got me, ivymike. Another one of those dam*ed assumptions!

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - [small]Robert Hunter[/small]

 

[automationbabe]

I'm a woman and lived in Saudi for 5 years. I was able to cope with it just fine, but I was also there pre-Gulf War. I met many people, local and other foreigners, and consider it a great experience. I learned a lot living there.

I don't think the Saudi government will allow you both there if you are not married.

You will want to discuss with your partner the impact this culture will have on her. If she respects their culture, it should be easier. However, it's a significant lifestyle change, especially in the freedoms we women are used to in the Western world. Not all Saudi's appreciate the Western culture either, and that distaste is amplified towards the women more than men.

Take her to the gold souks once a week

 

[thruthefence]

I worked in Saudi many years ago as a helicopter mechanic. At the time the "Aramco compound" was considered very desirable, and I was based there for a time, after getting in-country.It was a great gig. At some point, the Saudis acquired a majority interest in the helicopter co I worked for, and we were moved out to the boonies to avoid the 'sins' of the Compound, ie movie theaters, etc. I lasted 6 more months after the move. I'm not sure the "compound" exists these days, as it did in the early 70's.