Aramco Expats

Returning to Our Home of 26 Years

1. Community
2. Aramco Annuitant Reunions

Author: Tom Henderson
Released 16 June 2009

In 2008, Saudi Aramco invited all Retirees, Family and Brats to visit Saudi Aramco for a Reunion on March 4 -18, 2009. The Company arranged Visas, Security Clearances, an extensive schedule of In-Kingdom Trips and was the perfect host to all who attended. Below is the list of all the activities arranged.

Around 500 Retirees, Family and Brats attended and each had their own Itinenary.

This is our (Eileen & Tom) story of what turned out to be a very enjoyable return visit.

In the beginning everyone had to arrange their own travel arrangements and accommodation. Saudi Aramco allowed the Retirees to stay in camp with friends or relatives providing they were prepared to sponsor. In our case we were very lucky to be sponsored by our friends, Elisabeth & Dr. Keith Raymond, in Abqaiq, while our accommodation was in Dhahran with Sarah & Dr David Roe. Staying with Sarah & David made life easier for us to attend our chosen activities as nearly everything started from the Reunion House in Dhahran.

View of Saudi/Bahrain Customs & Immigration Island
Photos by Tom Henderson

As we were no longer accustomed to long haul flights we flew into Bahrain 5 days before the actual start of the reunion then travelled by Limo over the causeway. It was very much a welcoming sight to see the lights of Al Khobar shining as brightly as ever and we soon realised that Khobar had increased somewhat in the last 5 years.

After a good night's rest David took us into town where we rapidly started into our shopping list. Although there were many cosmetic changes to the old part of Khobar, it is still much the same with the same vendors.

The biggest change is on the outskirts of the town where numerous huge new shopping malls and hotels have now been built - IKEA, The Mall of Dhahran (where Geant and many upmarket shops are under one roof), on the airport Suks road, Carrefour Hypermarket beside Al Rashid Mall - Coral International Hotel - all on King Abdullah Road between Dhahran and Al Khobar.

Eileen Henderson's badge.

Over the next two days before commencing our reunion schedule we caught up with some personal visits and family shopping.

On Sunday morning it was off to the Reunion House to collect our IDs where much to our surprise we each received a very generous Welcome Package which contained the book, 'A Land Transformed' and a picture of silver mementoes of Saudi Arabia as reunion gifts plus all the necessary information e.g. phone numbers etc. Now armed with our magic IDs we caught the inter-area bus to Abqaiq - our old home for 26 years.

Once there, of course we had to pay a visit to the Commissary where we were surprised to find no-one shopping but all was revealed when we looked at the prices - how sharply they have risen. Later we were informed that a new Panda supermarket had opened in Abqaiq Medinat where it was much cheaper.

Tom Henderson's badge.

It was nice to meet up with so many people we had come to know over the years and be 'Welcomed Back Home'

Lunch had to be in the Golf Club where we also caught up with a few friends. (Rene was delighted to see us).

In the afternoon we met up with Elisabeth (she and her husband signed for us to stay on camp), Elisabeth took us on a tour of the camp to see the changes that had taken place since we left Abqaiq in July 2004. Of course we had to visit H-205, our last residence, and the visit brought flooding back many enjoyable memories for both of us. Our final stop was a visit to the new Clinic where her husband, Keith, is a doctor. The Clinic is very impressive.

Monday, 9th. March, was the first official day of the reunion and we started by going on a trip to Ras Tanura. The buses were 40 mins late leaving as many of the retirees only arrived the night before and had to have ID’s made!

As with most of the ensuing tours it consisted of 3 coaches totalling approximately 150 people.

Ras Tanura Reunion flyer.

On arrival a Welcoming Reception of Chi, Ghowa and Dates was held in the Reception Area of the Najmah Services Complex. After some refreshments we continued to tour round the camp visiting various facilities - the Surfside Golf Course and Club House - the New Pool Complex, home of the Razorfish Swim Team - Women's Group where we were offered tea, coffee & goodies plus presented each woman with a rose. Our last place to visit was the new Executive Leadership Center - very impressive - where we were able to wander round the Conference Rooms, Fitness Rooms with all the best equipment and Libraries, before going for Lunch on the Surfhouse Patio. After various welcoming speeches and presentations lunch was served buffet style while dessert was served in a Bedouin tent. Each visitor received a small jar to collect shells in to commemorate their visit.

After lunch Eileen had a paddle in the sea and I was informed it was not warm!! Perhaps a little too early in the year. Swimming close by were long ribbon like fish with very pointed noses which seemed to want her company!

The following day, Tuesday 10th. March we were up at 5:00a.m. for an early departure to Shaybah - leaving Dhahran at 6:00a.m. The new Aramco Terminal was very well laid out. The departure lounge has a small cafe and a display of photographs and models relating to the history of Aramco Aviation.

Leaving Dhahran for Shaybah.

After a delay the flight departed at 9:00a.m. and it was excellent. We received first class service as were the views. Our pilot kindly gave us a commentary on points of interest as we passed over – Dhahran grassed golf course, the Causeway and the whole of Bahrain Island including the newly reclaimed area off the south of the island which forms a circle plus crescents shapes. As we neared Shaybah the pilot pointed out the long row of trees which designated the border between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. To add to our experience the pilot flew low across the landscape as we approached Shaybah giving all the annuitants a fantastic view of the picturesque and colourful Sand Dunes.

On arrival we were taken to the Administration Building where we were able to use the facilities to freshen up. Because of the late take-off the schedule was running late which made the stop in Camp short and everyone was directed back on to the buses for a tour of GOSP 2 and GOSP 4. The scenery enroute is truly amazing with huge dunes of very red sand!

The tour concluded at The Oasis, a purpose built building set high above Shaybah Camp designed to look like a luxury Bedouin tent, where refreshments were served and speeches and a presentation given. Also from this vantage point we could see over the whole of Shaybah camp and how beautifully it is laid out.

The Oasis

Before lunch many went for a scramble up the surrounding sand dunes taking photographs of the magnificent views while others collected samples of the red sand!

Once lunch was prepared people began to wander back to the Oasis to enjoy a meal in the cool. Some were luckier than others as those who came in last ended up having to rush as an urgent call to hurry and finish was announced as the flight was having to depart early due to a shamal coming across the country. It had already closed Kuwait and Riyadh airports and Dammam was next. A few minutes later everything was on hold and told we may have stay overnight! Some people carried on eating - some lay down to sleep while others enjoyed the sunshine.

We were kept well informed by the Shaybah people as to the ongoing situation. Availability of beds was checked should we all have to stay the night plus menus for evening meals and breakfast – approximately 150 people.

However about 3.10p.m. it was hammy hammy on to the buses and to the airport. Dammam airport was still open as the storm was moving slower than expected. So began a race against time. We were rolling down the runway at 3:35pm!

Before take-off the pilot explained the situation and told us that if we could not land at Dammam he had enough fuel to take us back to Shaybah where we could spend the evening looking at a full moon.

As we flew north we could see the edge of the storm not too far away, unfortunately too far to photograph. By the time we arrived the shamal was beginning to encroach on the airport and the pilot was given clearance to land ASAP. It was down and straight in and as we landed it was as though we were travelling right along the edge of a red wall. Needless to say we were the last flight in until the storm blew over!

Wednesday, 11th. March. The storm has gone and the skies are clear!

2009 KSA Reunion Dinner Invitation

We returned to Abqaiq and during our 2nd. visit we met Evalie Lockard, Nancy Falkenburg, Sam Castello and Jack Clark. Even the Security Guard at the Commissary Door recognised us and spoke.

Again we had lunch at the Golf Club where we also met Dave Boult, Paula & Mark Pinkerton and Matt Hope. It was great catching up with everyone's news.

After lunch we had a lovely walk down through the new (to us) park – lots of ducks in the water and plenty of extremely small fish. From there to the Oasis Dining hall where we were greeted by the staff anxious to show us the refurbishment done, since we left Abqaiq, to the East West Lounge and the Dining hall - all very nicely decorated!

It was back early to Dhahran on the 2:00p.m. bus and as Eileen has an interest in crafting we had a quick trip into the Craft Fair in the Ad Diwan Building beside Dhahran Theatre. Very little appeared to be handmade - mostly imported to be sold on and very pricey.

In the evening all 500 + retirees plus dignitaries were guests of Khalid A. Falih, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco for a Welcome Dinner at Sunset Beach Resort near Al Khobar. All guests were bussed in from Dhahran or their Hotels in Al Khobar and Dammam.

It was a very spectacular setting, right on the beach with carpets laid all along on the sandy shore!!! As we arrived, we were welcomed with ghowa or chi, served by waiters in national costume. Also for our entertainment music was provided by a national Arabic Band.

This was one of the few formal occasions where the ladies could wear evening dress and the men jacket and tie. Ours was an Abqaiq table which included Janet Scott, Allan Martin, Pat and Lori Thompson and Tom Motichek.

Khalid Al Falih welcomed everyone back home to their Aramco family and spoke about the legacy that we had all left behind. This was followed by presentation of courtesy gifts to various people who had supported the funding and organising of the Reunion.

A special thank you was given to Ali Baluchi, the person behind the first KSA Reunion in 2000 and again the organisor of this the 2nd. KSA Reunion 2009.

After the speeches dinner was served under a clear sky with a full moon, the final touches to a memorable evening.

Even after a late night on the Wednesday it was up early to catch the Shopper's Bus and into town and do more of our shopping list. For old time’s sake we had lunch at the Burger King in the Al Rashid Mall which has had big changes made since we were last there!

On Friday 13th. March a quiet morning as we had signed up for the Reunion Golf Tournament (entry fee 100sr.) in the afternoon on the new Rolling Hills Golf Course in Dhahran. This proved to be very different to playing on UK grass!

The members partnered an Annuitant and those who had no clubs were able to use the member's clubs and Golf cart. Each Annuitant was given a commemorative towel, SR 25 chitty for food and 5 balls (used but clean!) We had paid SR100 for this!

If anything this event was very disappointing. Originally when we signed up the 100sr was for the green fees but on the Tuesday evening we were all informed by email that all Annuitants could play free on the course over the 10 days of the Reunion. On the Wednesday we received another email stating that the fees for the tournament still stood as it was to cover the cost of the towel, balls and food and prize money!

As an ex member of ANGC I realize that events normally have to pay for themselves but this was supposed to be a special reunion tournament and the Company had already cancelled the green fees.

The members who turned out to play were excellent hosts and did everything to make sure we enjoyed our day golfing to the full. We did not sparkle but enjoyed the experience. Eileen even saw a snake sunbathing on the edge of the course!

I cannot say that for the organising committee as there appeared to be little organisation for registration etc. and non-existent when we finished.

Most of the Annuitants expected to complete their game and return to the Club House to at least hear the result of the Tournament. We had presumed there would have been a small social gathering but there wasn't even anyone there to check the score cards. Instead the cards were posted in a box and, if you wished, use the chitty for something to eat and drink. We eventually found out the result of the tournament by going on the Reunion website the following week. A poor show from the biggest golf club in Aramco.

Saturday 14th. March we had quiet morning before attending a Reunion Lunch at the Ad Diwan building where we met Neil Walker, Manager of Al Nimran Hotel. Neil and his wife, Corinne, were friends when we lived in Abqaiq.

Udhailiyah Golf Club

In the evening we managed to catch up with our good friend Allan Fox. Allan and I have known each other since the early 80's when we worked at Qurayyah Seawater. It was great fun seeing Allan being dominated by a cat!

We were now well into the final days of the reunion. On Sunday 15th. March our trip to Udhailiyah leaving at 8:00a.m.! By 8.45a.m. our bus was the first to move! We only got past the Dining Hall when the ‘organiser’ called on the driver to go back. One man was not on the bus but had been in the Reunion House having coffee since 7a.m. This gentleman caused lots problems wherever he went! Once he was collected we were on our way and our day in Udhailiyah was very pleasant. Though it nearly did not happen!

The person we had to return for almost screwed up the trip at Udhailiyah Security gate. He was caught taking photographs of flowers at the gate (so he says) through the window of the bus. The first most people knew of it was when the security guard came rushing on to the bus demanding to know who was taking photos. Thankfully the guard gave him a warning and let us proceed. This was the second time this had happened as he had done the same thing when we were leaving Aramco Airport Terminal while going through the Security Gate there. That time and this time our Saudi Host, Bidah Al Qahtani was able to pacify the guard and we were allowed to carry on. It was not surprising to have heard Bidah say 'leave him' when it was discovered he had been left at the Reunion house that morning!

Once through the Security gate we proceeded to the Wadi Al-Saeed Golf Club where we had light refreshments before touring the Camp. The tour took us up to the top of the Jebel above Udhailiyah and stopped at the Bedouin Tent, similar to the one in Shaybah, where we stopped to take a few photographs. It was then back to the camp and a visit to the Commissary complex and Customer Care Center (CIC), which is being renovated. A visit to the Women's Group where the Ladies were given sweets and a rose was also included.

The tour ended at the Al Jebel Complex where lunch had been organised in the newly refurbuished Function Room. To our surprise Sue and Mike Higgins had come to the Dinner and spotted us as soon as they walked in, it made our day to meet more of our friends and talk over the latest news.

After the usual speeches etc. a presentation was given on Al Hasa, which is currently being promoted to be voted as one of the Seven New Wonders of the Natural World as it is the largest natural Oasis.

Lunch had a Morrocan flavour and the Desserts were exquisite. To round off our trip everyone received a Desert Design bag with various goodies – a tray – photo frame (looks like an old Arabic door!!). Plus another bag of road safety promotion goodies. Once the buses began their return journey our 'friend' was reminded not to take photographs until we were well clear of Security. It then was head down for a sleep which most did.

Abqaiq Oasis Complex

It was now Monday 16th. March and with only 3 days left of the official reunion we returned to Abqaiq on the 8.30a.m. bus.

Abqaiq Women's Group had arranged a Welcoming Lunch for the Annuitants which Eileen wanted to attend. Alas due to prior lack of information only 3 other Annuitants attended. The lunch was excellent with home made corned beef and many other delicious side dishes!!! Every lady received a flower neatly made out of ribbon.

Eileen thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with the ladies, most of whom she has known for many years both as a former member of Womens Group and assisting with the Shuf Shop.

Meanwhile, I had the loan of Matt Hope's Golf Cart and was ready to do battle with the 'hands of Abqaiq' (the palm trees!) on the Golf Course. Needless to say the 'hands' won but I did enjoy playing the old course for what most likely will be the last time. After the golf I met up with Eileen and we used the golf cart to go to the Admin and my old IDP office. There we had a coffee and chat with Matt Hope who brought me up-to-date with all the changes in the Unit. Unfortunately none of the evaluators were in so our visit was short and we returned the golf cart and caught the 3:30p.m. bus back to Dhahran.

On Tuesday 17th. we had a free day and took up Allan Fox's kind offer of his golf cart. We decided to bravely tackle the grass course at Dhahran once again but this time to play at our own pace.

KSA Reunion Farewell Dinner

It was certainly some experience – a marathon event! The old adage is very true - that local knowledge is a great advantage!

In the evening all Annuitants and Local Business Men attended the Farewell Dinner at the Seef Centre. A truly enormous purpose built building near the Meridian Hotel on the Khobar Corniche which is mainly used for weddings. Chi and Ghowa was served in a huge Reception Hall and once all the dignitaries had arrived we were ushered through into an even larger Hall. As things were running late, for once we had dinner first then all the speeches and presentations. The whole event was amazing.

Wednesday, 18th. March the final day of the Reunion and for Eileen and I it had to be the Abqaiq trip our 2nd. home.

I had tried to arrange my department trip to coincide with the Abqaiq trip travelling to Abqaiq along with the other Annuitants and being dropped off near the East Admin. Building. Over the past few days there were numerous emails between myself and the department arranging for someone to meet me at the Admin and then drive me out to Qurayyah. Unfortunately even though I had security clearance for my visit it did not happen. Nobody turned up and I could not contact the person who arranged everything. Apparently he was on a course and his standin misunderstood the arrangements. Pity as I would have liked to have seen the Seawater II development.

After waiting 30 minutes I joined back up with the other Annuitants at the Oasis. The others by now were being shown around the various areas of the complex after having some refreshments of coffee, tea and goodies in the refurbished East West Lounge now known as the Swiss Lounge, so we were informed!

KSA License Plate

The buses then transported everyone to the front of the Commissary at the entrance to Deer Park, where many photographs were taken in the park by everyone and of course a group photograph.

After the tour it was to Abqaiq School where lunch was set up in the school hall - the best lunch of the whole visit - for once the food was piping hot. The food as always was delicious and presentation excellent. Romy and his crew still carry out the same excellence. When Romy saw us he was delighted and made sure we sat at the table he was serving.

After lunch those who wanted to visit Abqaiq Plants left while the rest of us were entertained by the school children with a performance of their current show - excellent.

Eileen and I dropped out from the rest of the tour to meet Elisabeth and Keith to re-iterate our grateful thanks for having been our sponsors for on camp housing. We also saw Rene at the Golf Club and said our final farewells.

Later we were collected by Turki Qahtani (our Saudi Son) who took us on a tour of his construction company site, offices and Computer shop. We then met up with his brother and friends in the cabana in the garden.

After visiting with his mother, wife, sister in law and other various members of the family, they served us a banquet!

A very full day came to an end when we caught the 8:30p.m. bus back to Dhahran leaving Turki near to tears. He wanted Eileen and I to stay, he would get us a 5 year visa etc. etc. It was hard leaving but our immediate family are all in the UK.

The Reunion was officially over and all that was left to do was complete our shopping on the Thursday morning and visit our friend Allan Fox in the afternoon. Then it was time to pack.

Friday 20th. March, 2009 our 44th Wedding Anniversary - and we still speak to each other!

Ali Baluchi

We left Dhahran at 11.50a.m. by limo across the Causeway having thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience so ending our Return Home and Reunion!

It was heartwarming to know that the warm welcoming spirit of Saudi Arabia has not changed. Our grateful thanks to Ali Baluchi and his committee for spearheading such an undertaking as the Reunion. All their hard work is greatly appreciated. Our only regret is that we could not fit in all the tours that were on offer! Perhaps another visit is required!

We completed our trip to the Middle East staying in Bahrain for another week with friends and we celebrated our Wedding Anniversary at the Rugby Club listening to the excellent Irish Band who had played at the St. Patrick's Ball a few nights before. It went down well with a pint of Fosters!