Jon,

Sure thing!  Feel free to use the post for your site, and you can use my email
address as well.  Thanks for asking!  :)

Mel

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I lived in Aramco Dhahran with my family from 1979 to 1993, at which point my
father retired from Aramco and we returned to California.  I would like to add
to the discussion that living inside the Aramco-Dhahran compound is completely
different than living outside the compound, as in living at KFUPM or in
Khobar.

Dhahran is basically set up to look like a "little America," complete with
golf course, pools, schools, a theater, a bowling alley, a library, etc.  The
neighborhoods are quiet and well-kept, and you usually get to know your
neighbors well if you're living in the family housing (I cannot speak for
bachelor housing).

If you have children, the Aramco schools are wonderful, with excellent
instructors and a fairly advanced curriculum (compared to public and private
schools in the U.S.).  If you have a wife, she will be able to drive within
the compound, but not outside of it, as women aren't allowed to drive in the
Kingdom. Speaking as a female who grew up in Dhahran, I can say that it wasn't
the most woman-affirming place to be, but I wouldn't exchange those years for
anything.

The scenery is beautiful, the opportunities for diving, scuba, and spelunking
trips are plentiful, and it is definitely an experience not to be missed.
P.S. The beaches are great!! Especially in Ras Tanura, with the wonderful rec
area right next to the beach (there is easy access for Aramcons thru the RT
bus that leaves Dhahran from the baseball field/Theater area).   Wish I
were there! :):)

Melanie B.
Melisand2u@aol.com