Welcome to Jabal Las Vegas 2008!
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Author: Aramco ExPats
Released 1 October 2008
The 2008 Saudi Aramco Annuitant’s Reunion, Jabal Las Vegas, began on Monday, September 29th, at Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Over 1,000 annuitants, expatriates, and brats registered to attend this year’s reunion. To date, this is the largest annuitant reunion gathering! The celebration, which takes place every two years, was especially noteworthy, as this year also marks the 75th Anniversary of Saudi Aramco.
Catching up at the 2008 Reunion.
Photo by Aramco ExPatsThe hosts for this year’s reunion were Al and Karen Fallon, who worked to wrangle volunteers, sponsors, and all arrangements so that the many attendees could spend plenty of time relaxing and enjoying the company of their Aramco pals.
Special events for the first day included a Duplicate Bridge tournament and Scavenger Hunt. “Gamers” that weren’t ready to hit the casinos just yet could also take part in games of Mah Jong, and the Simulated Sports Society also gathered for Vegas Bowl IV.
As annuitants mingled and greeted one another, they also had the opportunity to explore the Sidelines Suq and Saudi Aramco Heritage Gallery Exhibit in the Paris’ Champagne Ballroom. Luxurious sofa seating was also provided, courtesy American Furniture Rentals, so that annuitants could relax while catching up with old friends.
Sales for Charity Rugs and The Camelot help benefit charities, such as the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institut of Cambridge, England.
Photo by Aramco ExPatsThis year, the Sidelines Suq featured products created or collected by annuitants, many with elements of Arabian influence. A variety of Juana Johnson’s JJ Oasis collection featured camels, from specially printed camel sarongs from Bali to Christmas Camels, perfect for winter decorating and festivities.
Jo Watt’s handmade porcelain figures stood out as well, especially her angels. “I don’t use molds, so they’re all one of a kind,” Jo said. Each of them also has a unique face and name. “They all have their own personality too,” she said. Along with angels, Jo also sold wall reliefs, goblets, bowls and lamps. One of her pieces, “Shattered,” reflected how Jo felt when she was evacuated from Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. “This reunion is the first time I’m seeing some of my Saudi Aramco friends in 18 years,” Jo said, emphasizing how much her seven years at Saudi Aramco meant to her, and still mean today.
Other suq booths included books, antique jewelry, rugs for charity, and photography. Annuitants could also learn more about financial advising from Reilly Financial Advisors, the 2009 Saudi Arabia Reunion, and, of course, logging on to Aramco ExPats.com.
At 6 PM, the Hofuf Gathering area was crowded as annuitants congregated for a pre-dinner Cocktail Reception and informal photos as they shared stories of the past and present experiences of Saudi Aramco. Seating for the Aramco Services Company sponsored Welcome Dinner began an hour later with welcoming remarks from ASC Associate General Counsel Brian Macbeth. He stated that the company is proud to help support these events, reminding attendees of the unique opportunity they had in working for a company like Saudi Aramco. He also spoke fondly of the day when he’ll be sitting in one of these seats as a retiree, saying, “I will welcome the event.”
Karen Fallon also took a moment to thank some of the reunion sponsors, and requested that all Old Timers—anyone with a badge number of two, three, four or five digits—stand up to remind us all that the legacy they began continues today.
Enjoying dinner and conversation with friends.
Photo by Aramco ExPatsThe dinner was a delicious buffet with a wide assortment of vegetable dishes, and savory courses of beef or fish for the entrée. The dessert table was an elegant assortment of French pastries.
The special gift this year included two unique items that will hold a special place in Aramcon hearts: a Las Vegas bean bag bear, adorned with a hijab or shemagh, and a special Jabal Las Vegas 2008 poker chip, in various denominations. Unfortunately, all the chips were just souvenirs, as some annuitants with $1000 chips were a bit disappointed to discover.
After dinner, the night continued with dancing, drinking and conversation, while anticipating two more fun-filled days of reuniting with old friends and faces.
See more photos in Aramco ExPats Galleries: Day 1 and Welcome Dinner.