jetmech05

thinking of taking a job in Saudi....don't know where yet...does anyone know if there are clubs..and would there be a problem of my daughter flying?

rwright142

I have a cousin working there so I will ask for you.

Ram Jet

Women are forbidden to ride bicycles and motorbikes so I doubt they could not fly an airplane. Probably couldn't anyway because they are required to wear loose clothing, probably black, a hijab, black cloak, head covering, and face veil. Females are subjected to a system of gender apartheid. Can you leave her with her grandparents?

Bill

jetmech05

westerners are not required to wear that stuff on the compound..I don't think westerners are required to wear that stuff at all, any more, I maybe mistaken...
If they are required to wear the garb, or she can't fly I won't go...
No amount of money is worth leaving my daughter with anyone....
this is why I'm asking questions now...we are still discussing this
thanx

bbbair

You are HALF right here.

Westeners are not required to meet local protocals as long as they remain in the 'Western' compounds.

As soon as they LEAVE the compounds, they MUST adhere to all of the SAUDI Laws and customs.

I hope that they are paying you a lot of money, because the pain that they are about to cause you is... IMMENSE. [&o]

jetmech05

Thanx I'll check this out...I don't have to go

rwright142

My cousin responded that he is in Kuwait not Saudi like I thought. I asked if he know about the culture in Saudi and this was his reply:

Makes me glad to be American. Sorry if that offends anyone, I didn't mean it like that.

KW_Counter

Jetmech,
I have lived overseas. Cultures and laws are very different than here.
Also, the enforcement of customs are constantly changing.
Your employer should be able to answer these questions and concerns.
If not, they aren't doing their homework and may be putting you in jeopardy.
If you are unsure please check with the state department.
This is not something you want to base your decisions on from here.
The people here are well meaning but not experts in this field.
Good Luck,
KW_Counter.

jetmech05

I have lived overseas before..I just want to know about RC flyin in Saudi

JL1

My Feedback: (93)

I have been in the Middle East, and I am very glad to be an American. I really don't care if anyone is offended by that.

jetmech05

Me either..that's one of the reasons I was a United States Marine for 13 years..and have my eagle, globe and anchor tatooed on my arm.....

daven

My Feedback: (1)

I was in Saudi for 6 months during the first gulf war, also with the marines. I did quite a bit of driving and armed escorts throughout Saudi, to Bahrain, and into Kuwait city.

Of all the places I have been and seen, that part of the World is the last I would ever move my family. The disparity between the poor and rich is immense, and the treatment of women that I saw was beyond what I would ever have believed. Have you ever seen women hearded like sheep with a stick through the streets of a city? The compounds are nice, but they will become confining quickly. I had the privlidge of staying with an Aramco family for a day and that was nice compared to living in a tent, but basically similar to an older 2 bedroom apartment you would find here in the states.

Not sure if this matters to you, but alcohol is considered a narcotic in Saudi Arabia, and although some are "brewing" their own in the compounds, it is not legal and faces stiff legal prosecution if caught.

I would be very diligent in your research of the specific compound you would be going to and make sure it offers everything you will need, as you will most likely not be wanting to bring your family into the Saudi cities. As to flying RC, I would check with the compound and not plan on flying elsewhere with your daughter.

KW_Counter

Jetmech,
I understand, call the State Department.
They should be able to answer your questions or point you to someone who can.
You might also try the Saudi Consulate.
Let us know what you find out.
Good Luck,
KW_Counter

vivekbali

Hi,

Having worked & lived in KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and being a r/c flyer, let me tell you, it was difficult for me to fly with the locals. I had to request some friends to introduce me to the ARAMCO flyers, who fly within their compounds. Unfortunately, the planes which are flown are only prk flyers and nothing beyond 35" span, keeping low on altitude.

Alternatively, i used to go to the dessert on 4x4 and fly alone, but not worth it as you are constantly threatened by the police presence on the roads and locals trying to make things difficult.

If you do plan to fly, please get in touch with the local police station and take their suggestion. In KSA, anyone and everyone is a probable terrorist.

Happy Flying

jetmech05

ok that's what I want to know....I guess I'll have to get very poor before I'll go...Thanx everyone

Flak

My Feedback: (1)

I would never voluntarily go back there. Subjecting your daughter to their culture is absurd. In the event she is pretty, she could easily be kidnapped and sold into slavery. I wish you all the best.

jetmech05

Flak that is a concern even in Asia.....don't think it doesn't happen here as well...all the kids on milk cartons weren't kidnapped by their dad's

Ejiro

My Feedback: (4)

The truth is, believe it not, you CAN fly with your daughter in Saudi. At least in the Al-Khobar - Dhahran - Dammam area, where I lived for two years. The best thing to do is to contact the Saudi Aviation Club (http://www.sac.com.sa) They can give you the best advice. The club in the Eastern Province were I lived also has it's web page: (http://epflying.org/e_index.asp). We had a lot of fun, trust me with unlimited runways in the desert;some of my Saudi friends came with their daughters regularly. Of course, these were little kids, not teenagers, so that is another issue.

Finally one piece of advise you need; don't send your RC stuff there without first getting in touch, and getting clearance from the Aviation Club, or els it will be confiscated by customs.

Good Luck

Tall Paul

.
I could never be poor enough to need to go to the Middle East!

Stevie334

Hey Jetmech05

Did you ever take the job in Saudi? I'm relocating to Riyadh in May 2010. I've been emailing a few RC guys out there and they seem really friendly and keen to help etc. I'll let you know what it's like when I know first hand.

jetmech05

nah I stayed here in the US...went to work at a LHS....still looking for an aviation job here in the area as I could never sell my house