Relocation guide saudi arabia by Ben Quinton

Relocation Guide: Saudi Arabia Our guide to living and working overseas

Saudi Arabia Overview

Saudi Arabia is an engineering powerhouse of a country which is looking to go places in the coming decades. With spending of $125bn on Oil and Gas projects confirmed for the next 5 years, it’s also a land of opportunity for skilled engineers looking to broaden their horizons while working on some of the biggest projects in the world.

Area: 11,437 km2 Capital City: Doha Currency: Riyals Government: Absolute Monarchy Language: Arabic / English Population: 1,541,130 Population Density: 74km2 Religion: Islam

Air Energi in the Middle East

Air Energi has been fully operational in the Middle East for six years and now supports over 200 contractors in the region. We operate from offices in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Khobar. Our Saudi Arabian office is located very close to the Saudi Causeway, close to the Movenpick Hotel and the Al Khobar corniche. We welcome visitors to our office at any time!

Overview of Saudi Arabia The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Jordan on the northwest, Iraq on the north and northeast, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates on the

east, Oman on the southeast and Yemen on the south. Saudi Arabia is the world’s leading petroleum exporter with oil accounting for more than 90% of exports and nearly 75% of government revenues.

Major Cities:

• Riyadh – the capital and largest city • Dammam – the capital of the Eastern Province • Khobar – significant business centre for O&G companies in the Eastern Province • Dhahran – the city in the Eastern Province that houses Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest petroleum company • Jubail – located in the Eastern Province and a serious engineering centre for Saudi • Jeddah – the major urban centre of the west coast, located on the Red Sea • Mecca – the holy Islamic City

Oil and Gas in Saudi Arabia

With the largest proven oil reserves in the world and structurally high oil prices due to increasing demand from emerging industrial giants such as China and India, Saudi Arabia has become one of the economic superpowers in the Middle East. Beyond oil, Saudi is increasing investments in infrastructure, science and technology which it is hoped will lead to futher economic growth.

Climate

As you would expect the Summer months are very hot with low rainfall (35-45 degrees Celsius). It cools off in the spring and autumn months (20-30 degrees Celsius.)

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Banking Information

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Travellers Cheques are all widely accepted. Banking hours are Saturday - Wednesday 07:30-13:00

Accommodation

You will find many luxurious western hotels in Saudi, including all the usual brand names with international standards that one can find throughout the region. Many contractors new to Saudi will stay in hotels until they find more permanent lodgings. Typically, expatriate accommodation in Saudi is in compounds which will generally include a range of facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts and playgrounds. The majority of villas and houses have gardens and at least three bedrooms. It is also possible to find separate townhouses and apartments to rent through local real estate agencies. In instances where we’re not arranging accommodation for you, we’re very happy to make recommendations and to guide you through the process of finding a new home. Security is the first priority and generally of the highest order on all compounds in Saudi Arabia.

Cost of Living

* This is an approximate guide only Compared to the rest of the Gulf, Saudi is very reasonably priced in terms of groceries and day to day living. Due to the high demand, the cost of expatriate housing can be said to be on the high side but it’s still possible to find fairly priced accommodation that you’ll be happy with.

Monthly prices (approx) Unfurnished 1-bed apartment Villa with 3-4 bedrooms Villa on expatriate compound

SAR 5,000 SAR 12,000 SAR18, 000

Food and Drink

In Saudi there are many western supermarkets where you can get almost anything you’d find back home. Meanwhile there are plenty of international hotels that offer 5-star cuisine. Arabs pride themselves on their hospitality and food and drink is a very important part of this.

Etiquette

Many people in Saudi don’t use knives and forks when eating traditional food, preferring to use their right hand. The left hand should not be used for eating, or indeed for shaking hands, as it is reserved for more demeaning tasks. Polite Saudis will only use three, or perhaps four, of their fingers to pick up the food. Alternatively, they may use bread to scoop up the food. Gulf Arabs tend to have a sweet tooth and many of the dishes they eat contain extra sugar – you may wish to request that sugar is not added to your fresh juices (according to your tastes!) Dates are a very important food and are often consumed with every meal.

Social Etiquette

Visitors to Saudi Arabia are required to respect local conventions, particularly with regard to Islam. Notably, things are far more relaxed on residential compounds where men and women can dress as they please, women can drive etc. While first-timers in Saudi are often regaled with tales of beheadings, amputations and whippings the full harshness of Saudi law is only reserved for criminals who have committed serious crimes involving drugs, violence or abuse. With a modicum of common sense you’ll be absolutely fine. If a visitor accidentally causes some minor offense the reaction will generally be amusement rather than anger.

Dress

Women, be they local or foreign are all required to wear an abaya, a long and loose black robe. This is strictly enforced in Riyadh but less so in Jeddah and the Eastern Province. A head-scarf is optional for nonSaudi females. For men, shorts and/or bare arms should be avoided.

Sex Segregation

Everything in Saudi Arabia tends to be segregated by sex. Naturally, this is not an issue for families, only for single men and women. Again, in the accommodation areas, no such rules are enforced.

Arriving in Saudi Arabia

There are two methods by which you may begin your contract with Air Energi – a flight into Bahrain International Airport and a trip across the Saudi Causeway or a flight directly into a Saudi airport. © Air Energi 2013

Transport into the City

We offer a full meet and greet service for all new arrivals. A free guided tour on the way back to your hotel is optional!

Public Transport

Public transport is limited in Saudi Arabia – taxis and/or private drivers are the norm.

Car Hire

Available from local companies at the airport and hotels, however local road hazards apply. Our advice would be to settle in first and acclimatize before looking to drive in Saudi.

Driving in Saudi

Generally speaking it’s best to drive very defensively at all times with enough space in front of you to allow for the sometimes bizarre driving practices that you tend to witness not just in Saudi but in the region as a whole. It’s something you get used to over time. Women are not permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia and instead utilize private drivers who are reasonably priced and often shared between families to reduce the cost.

Khobar which are both 1-2 hours drive away. Bahrain is also just a couple of hours away and therefore perfect for a weekend getaway. Jubail consists of the Old Town of Al Jubail, which was originally a small fishing village, up to 1975 and the new industrial area. In 1975, Jubail was designated as a site for a new industrial city by the Saudi government and has seen rapid expansion and industrialization ever since. The Seventh Census Report for Jubail Industrial City, prepared in 2009, gives a resident population of 150,367. The industrial city is the largest industrial complex of its kind in the world and consists of petrochemical plants, fertilizer plants, steel works, industrial port and a huge number of support industries. There is also the Royal Saudi Naval Base plus a separate Commercial Port and Military Air Base. It holds the Middle East’s largest and the world’s 4th largest petrochemical company, SABIC. Jubail is home to the world’s largest seawater desalination plant, MARAFIQ. It provides 50% of the country’s drinking water through desalination of seawater from the Persian Gulf.

Alcohol

Alcohol is not permitted in Saudi Arabia. With nearby Bahrain (or Dubai) offering a good selection of nightspots, bars and restaurants many people choose to spend regular weekends there so the loss of alcohol during “work time” is often not the big deal that people expect it to be.

Drug Policy

Drug laws are among the toughest in the world in Saudi and a policy of “zero tolerance” is very strictly enforced.

Health

There are several hospitals in Saudi which are of a high international standard. We will be able to provide you with a contributory healthcare plan, but this does not cover consultations with a doctor or dental care. Regulations can change at short notice. It is advisable that you speak to your GP about any medication you may need to take with you. If you are taking any controlled drugs, we recommend a doctors letter to cover you for any customs enquiries you may receive.

Emergency Numbers Ambulance 997 Fire 998 Police 999

Vaccinations

It is recommended that you are up to date with typhoid and polio vaccinations. Speak to your medical practitioner for this.

Jubail

Jubail, is a city in the Eastern province on the Persian Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia – many expatriate contractors work in Jubail and choose to live in either Dammam or www.airenergi.com

Tra vel Tips Be prepared

Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order.

Copy your documents

In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.

Vaccinations

Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.

Taking medicines with you Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, before you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Please also be aware that certain medicines are forbidden in Dubai, such as Codeine. Please check that any medication you are taking is legal and if you are unsure please contact us and we will check for you. Prepare a simple medical kit of over-the3

counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.

Your health on long-haul flights

Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.

Scuba Divers

If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.

Coping with Jetlag

Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up!

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Lost Luggage

If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.

Personal Safety

Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.

Unsafe Water - What to do

If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.

Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia? You may be required to enter on a business trip visa whilst your workin visa is being processed. Can I take my family with me? We advise you not to bring your family before we have secured a residency visa for you. Do I need a local bank account? Yes. We will provide you with the necessary documentation to open an account. This needs to be set up immediately to allow you to secure property and long term transportation. Will I need a medical? In order to finalise your residence visa you will be required to undergo a medical.

Contacts Air Energi KSA 5th Floor, Tanami Tower Prince Turki Street Al Khubar Saudi Arabia 31952 Phone: +966 3896 8831 Fax: +966 3867 5515 middleeast@airenergi.com