srjhon
From: United States
2/1/2003 03:37 EST
What's happening among US expats in KSA since the travel warning 1/30? Do you feel more threatened with the Iraq situation? I've been offered a job in Riyadh, but if I have to stay in a compound all the time to feel safe, I'm having second thoughts. Appreciate any advice, or news.
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Whatnow
From: United States
2/1/2003 18:47 EST
Thanks for beating me to the punch on this one. I was just logging on to see any activity. I too have an opportunity. I was concerned, but confident until today. While the Travel Warning does not seem to be the highest warning level issued by the State Dept, it is no less disconcerting. Also, does anyone know of any other sites to check for expat forums like this ?
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Pete58
From: Saudi Arabia
2/15/2003 22:37 EST
Hi,
I am not what you would call an expert on this subject, I have only been in Saudi for two weeks, although i have travelled extensively in many other countries.
I had the same doubts that you have and I can only say I am enjoying my stay here. I have a year's work, well paid and I do not have much time to really miss my family. My "compound is like a holiday villa complex and I have no problem staying inside it during my one day a week off. Swimming pools, gymnasium, library, pool table, squash courts and I brought a pile of books with me (time to read those books I bought over the last few years which were gathering dust on the shelf) The political situation is a worry, but I feel safer here than i would in New York or most major cities in the world. I am based in Houston these days and there are more murders there than we Brits ever had in Northern Ireland. I have lived in a few countries in South America and have experienced a few riots there. There is law and order in Saudi Arabia and the government is doing their best to calm the situation. However, they can not prevent the isolated "nut-case" shooting a gun or planting a car bomb.
If you arrive here keep a low profile, respect the laws and customs, be friendly to the locals earn your money and leave intact.
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sandrose31311
From: none
2/27/2003 10:15 EST
Well, after only being repatriated for a couple of years, it would seem that I were disconnected. Well, I lived in Dhahran, an Aramco company compound on the eastern coast of Arabia, for ten years; most of my life. I learned what fear was when the Khobar bombing occured, though I was not terrified. You learn to let things slide somewhat and not dwell on your paranoia. Many people are leaving our company compound, but some of them aren't leaving from fear of their safety. After September 11 many of my friends did not venture into the Khobar, the small city 15 mins. from our compound. This has far worn off and, though we still keep wary.
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mneuman1969
From: Saudi Arabia
3/12/2003 23:13 EST
At present, we're seeing relatively small numbers of people leaving the Kingdom - maybe 5% of the dependents. Most are holding tight, but have a "Plan B" in case things go badly. I agree with others that if you're smart about your behaviors and activities, you'll be perfectly fine. And once these war clouds blow over, it's a wonderful place to be.
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srjhon
From: United States
4/10/2003 04:20 EST
Thanks for the information. It's reassuring for the most part. Can we get an update, post-war. Are things about the same?
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mneuman1969
From: Saudi Arabia
4/22/2003 22:12 EST
Post-war, things are quite good. Normalcy is returning; for example, people are starting to smile again! (it's amazing how you miss such things) While most remain "on alert" for terrorist threats, the level of anxiety has decreased significantly.
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