Saudi Arabia, with a land area of 1,960,582 sq. km., occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula, with the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba to the west, and the Arabian (Persian) Gulf to the east. Neighboring countries are Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, and Bahrain, the last connected to the Saudi mainland by a causeway.

Employees who are entitled to housing allowances have a choice of securing their own apartments or of sharing an apartment with others. Housing allowances are generally 25% of the employee's basic monthly salary.

There are two types of apartments: those for bachelors and those for families. Bachelor flats may range from SAR 8,000 to SAR 12,000 a year while adequate family flats may go up to around SAR 14,000 to SAR 16,000 a year. Bigger flats for those who require them may go as high as SAR 20,000 or more a year.

Most apartments are generally bare, with only kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures already installed. A tenant can generally make improvements within the flat, depending on the arrangement with the landlord. Some may choose to live in furnished apartments that already feature modern furniture and amenities. Some employees may also qualify to live in Zamil Village, which is an enclosed compound.

Apartments are leased for three-, six-, or 12-month periods. An employee must present the following documents:

• Residence Permit (Iqama)
• Employment certificate with Company seal issued by Personnel
• Proof of family status (for those leasing family accommodations)

The employee must then pay the advance on the lease for the period specified in the agreement with the landlord. Similar arrangements also have to be made as regards payment of water and electricity, as well as installation of a telephone, satellite TV, and broadband Internet services.

Expatriate employees may get an advance of up to six months of their housing allowances during the first year of service and may get an advance of the amount for the entire year on subsequent contracts. This amount, however, shall be deducted from the employee's salary should he terminate his employment with the Company before the end of the specified period.

In furnishing his flat, an employee may seek the assistance of other employees who have used or excess furniture and household appliances and equipment. In order to avoid excessive spending, an employee can also go to the "haraj" or flea market in Khobar or Dammam and get bargains on furniture, appliances, and other household sundries. Bulk purchases on household items are also available in many major stores.

It is advisable to take note of the electrical and safety specifications of the flat and the building. Voltage in the Kingdom can be either 110 or 220. Before purchasing and using any appliances, users should check and match voltages accordingly. A surge protector is highly recommended for computers and other electronic equipment.

Ensuring Privacy and Quality Home Life

It is prudent to be mindful of regulations in one's home while in Saudi Arabia. In order to preserve harmony, one should be sensitive to the needs of the people in the vicinity. If an employee has family living with him, he should also take care to remind his family members of some of the regulations within Saudi Arabia as well as within his particular apartment building. This becomes even more important when one is sharing an apartment with other people, whether bachelors or families.

Many people have remarked about the safety they feel for their children. There is a "protected" atmosphere with regard to the temptations and complexities of Western life.

Searches of homes are considered illegal in Saudi Arabia if the authorities cannot present written authorization or good reason for such a search. Any citizen or expatriate may resist unlawful search and refuse entry to police or religious authorities.

Schools

Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, arrangements for schooling of the children should be made. There are various international schools operating under the respective ministries of education of their countries. Employees should check with their local government authorities on accredited schools under their educational system before leaving. Embassies of their home countries within Saudi Arabia should also be able to provide assistance.

There are also international schools that are accredited according to standards from the US or the UK. Employees can visit the International Schools Group at http://www.isgdh.org.

There are various recreational activities such as sports, theater groups, and community organizations within and outside the housing compounds. In the coastal areas, fishing and other water sports are popular. Each community develops clubs and activities based on common interests. There are no performing arts theaters, cinemas, or night clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Public Transportation

Employees living in camp are provided bus services daily. From Rakkah Camp, there is also a service for shopping in Khobar on Monday and Thursday evenings. Taxis are available and the flag-down rate is SAR 10, but in general one can bargain with the driver, depending on the distance, for a minimum of SAR 10. On the main highways, for example, from Dammam to Khobar and vice versa, one can share taxis with other passengers and pay a minimum of SAR 2 toward the fare. Passengers are enjoined to be aware of their fellow passengers and take all precautions for their safety.

Public buses are generally available but do not provide as immediate a means of going around as taxis. For those who drive their own cars, see the separate section on driving below.

Train services to and from major urban centers in the Kingdom are available, as are airline flights.

When traveling around the Kingdom, it is advisable to inform one's colleagues, particularly if travel is prolonged and not work-related. While a letter of authority is no longer required as it was previously, it is best to travel prepared - including taking note of the addresses, landmarks, and contact details of the people one is going to visit. The traveler should also be in possession of emergency numbers for the Company GRO (government relations officer) and the traveler's immediate supervisor.

Driving in Saudi Arabia

All drivers should always have their driver's licenses and the "estimara" (vehicle registration that must be renewed every three years) of the vehicle.

It is Company policy and a general safety habit for all drivers and passengers to use their seat belts while traveling. Drivers must advise their passengers to use the vehicle seat belts.

Traffic regulations mandate that drivers not exceed 120 KPH (70 MPH).

Employees whose job duties require them to drive Company vehicles go through the following process:

• The employee's department must notify the Personnel Department, stating that the employee is required to drive a Company vehicle. The Safety Supervisor then conducts a driving skills assessment.
• If the employee passes the internal driving test, the Government Relations Unit then prepares the documentation. Documentary requirements are as follows: Valid driving license issued in another country, if any; Translation of non-Arabic driver's license; Photos; Copy of Iqama and passport; Results of an eye test and blood-grouping test from a Traffic Department-accredited clinic.
• The employee then has to take and pass a driving test administered by the Traffic Department.

Employees driving their personal vehicle go through a similar process. However, they will initially have to submit a written request endorsed by the Department Manager regarding their intention to apply for a Saudi driver's license.

Paramedics and similar services are not available in the Kingdom to the private sector. However, the Company, on its own and through arrangements with medical service providers, maintains emergency ambulances and transportation as needed by employees for medical emergencies.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, each employee should get in touch with Administration or the Personnel Unit-in-Charge, as well as his immediate supervisor. The most available and safest form of transport should be used to get to the closest medical facility.

When involved in an industrial accident, an employee must report to Administration immediately so that a report can be filed with the government authorities for any treatment covered by the Saudi General Organization for Social Insurance.

An employee, when going for treatment for himself or a family member, should inform the doctor about any allergies to medicines he or the member of his family has.

Immunizations

The following immunizations should be current for the employee and his dependents before departing or upon arrival in the Kingdom:

• Hepatitis B
• Measles
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Poliomyelitis
• Mumps
• Tetanus-diphtheria

Some physicians may recommend additional vaccinations at certain times of the year, depending on living and working conditions or the countries to be visited. These are not covered by medical benefits unless the employee travels on Company business.

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid fever
• Yellow fever