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The Saudis know how to look after a visitor - Thankyou |
I was amazed to find Paint Ball local to Al Khobar! Actually this is in Sunset Resort, an exclusive area on the coast.
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Shop front in a Mall. This one is for Alasdair - a life long fan
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You will often see shops shut here when there is prayer time. Also the opening hours here are totally different to UK, shops open in the morning and then late afternoon and night. Actually this is much better for those who work. At prayer times the Mall halls get very full with people waiting.
Las Dunas Garden Village - where I live. Its so lovely to jump into a pool after work wit the sunshine on your face.
Further views of Las Dunus, below. This resort is exclusive to those who work at Sadara.
Among expats this resort is regarded as one of the best because it is so green and also has a holiday camp feel. It has been established for 30 years (previously was for BAE employees).
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Las Dunas Restaurant and Lounge |
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A very civilised BBQ! from the British Business Association in Al Khobar |
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STRAY CATS - Common in the area |
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My work place - ALTURKI in Al Khobar, very pleasant |
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Traditional Saudi Beach Hut at Half Moon Bay |
MYTH: CENSORSHIP This magazine was on a supermarket shelf in Saudi. What is amazing is that it was not censored, ie a lady showing her shoulders, when you consider most ladies here only show their eyes!
My reflections to date are that living in Saudi is worth a try if you get the opportunity. It is very different from England but you will love the weather and in my experience the locals are very respectful. Life in al Khobar will be based around your compound and the shopping Malls. However there are amazing weekends to be had in Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and of course UAE with Dubai being the favourite. I am going there in August, so more of that later. Greetings to all my friends.....
Great photos Oliver and very informative. Looks a fun place to live, especially the shopping and pool!
ReplyDeletei also lived there, i moved on the compound after the family section was built but before the pool and recreation centre was finished, and left before bachellor section was complete, came back on vacation since i left when it was complete lol, honestly, the best upbringing and surroundings i could have wished for
ReplyDeletei used to live on las dunas... my family were one of the first to move there after it was built.. well at that time only the family side was built and the bachelor side was still under construction, as it was in 2001-2002 im sure it has changed a fair bit since then... here a fact that will let you know for sure... back then the house we used to use as the compound bar... the floor collapsed and left a large sinkhole under it... i wonder if anyone there remembers that i was only 12 at the time
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