Dhahran - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Bahrain next door. Going off-road in the desert. Getting away from western expat communities and finding your way with Saudis or non-western expats who have made KSA their "home". Get out of the bunker mentality and exploring "local" areas. - Apr 2016
Aramco has every activity under the sun. Hazzaz is great for cheap shopping and offers pillows to build your own diwaniya. - Jul 2015
visiting Bahrain, getting involved in Aramco activities, the consulate and compounds put on fun events, desert camping, women's spas. - Jun 2015
Day/weekend trips to Bahrain are popular because women aren't required to wear abayas, alcohol is permitted in hotels and women can drive/use taxis. Diplomats have security restrictions on in-country travel but it is possible to visit other cities. In Dhahran, popular pastimes include shopping and eating in restaurants (family areas for women). Travel in the regional area is not too difficult. Life in Dhahran takes place in private compounds and is easier depending upon "who you know." - Jan 2014
Go to Bahrain, and/or Aramco (if you can get in). - Oct 2012
Go to Bahrain for a night or a weekend. Where you can wear pretty much what you want, eat what you want, drink what you want, for women they can try on clothes before they buy them at the store (not an option in KSA except for one floor in one mall in Riyadh), women can drive there, and they have several movie theaters. The only movie theater in all of KSA is at Aramco and it shows older movies; although there is a new I-max theater in the EP as well. Another thing to do is take advantage of the recreational facilities at Aramco, including their private beach. You can also go out quad riding in the dunes and you can go scuba diving in the Red Sea in Jeddah. - Apr 2008
