by Kulcha Hyderabadi » Mon Aug 19, 2002 10:04 am
On life in Saudi Arabia (Part - I): A couple of weeks back, I was invited to a birthday party at an NRI’s swanky villa at Jubilee Hills. After a sumptuous dinner, a 7-course meal: we settled down in the tastefully decorated, cool and dimly lit (chandeliers from Belgium and furniture by Chippendale) plush living room of our generous host. Most of us, who have never been abroad, were curious to know about life in Saudi Arabia, both working conditions and social life. Our host, who was dressed like a movie star in this three-piece Giorgio Armani Suit, gave us a brief account of his wonderful life in the desert kingdom. He works for a Multi-National Company in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia and has been there for several years like millions of other expatriates. “Life is pretty cool,” he said. “Most of us work 40 hours a week, great tax-free salary, annual paid vacation (40 days) with round-trip tickets for eligible dependents; free health care, educational assistance program for children and healthy bonuses. Generally, working conditions are genial, no stress, no deadlines and no politics” He paused, gave us a friendly smile, took out a gold toothpick to explore his gold capped teeth, checked time in his gold Rolex studded with diamonds and continued, “Social life is great. We have hundreds and thousands of Indians. Weekends (Thursday, Friday) are time for fun and partying. Miles and miles of natural beaches with resorts, cabanas, jogging tracks, hundreds of multi-cuisine restaurants and delis, health clubs, picnic spots, theme parks, amusement centers are a great attraction for families and kids. For more adventurous type, fishing, snorkeling, jet skiing, sand-dune buggies, and deep sea diving. Fabulous shopping malls with products from all over the world and gold souks (markets) are worth seeing. Annual shopping festivals offer grand clearance sales where you can pick up designer stuff at throw away prices. And for those who cannot shake-off their Desi habits, you can get practically anything of Indian origin (Meat, groceries, clothes, footwear and vegetables). We even have Indian Festivals, Cultural Associations and Community Centers etc. Cost of living is quite inexpensive and the savings are high. The Indian School, affiliated to CBSE, offers education up to Senior Secondary Level. The quality of education is excellent and there are about 8000+ students (boys and girls) at the school in Dammam.” He loosened his Pierre Cardin neck tie, adjusted the thermostat of the split Air Conditioner with hand-held remote control, inspected his Gucci shoes for any speck of dirt, then lit a Dunhill cigarette with a gold plated Dunhill lighter that matched his gold plated cuff links and the gold plated pen in his breast pocket. I was mesmerized by all this. I asked him in a weak tone when does he plan to come back and settle down in India. He gave me an incredulous look, “My friend,” he said, “After living there for such a long time, I have no intention of coming back. Why should I? The place is safe and secure, almost negligible crime-rate and I have a great job. Even if I lose this one, I can find another without much fuss. Not only us Indians, I have met several western expatriates who have been here for decades and do not wish to go back! I guess I will work there until I reach retirement age” At this point, his wife summoned him on the intercom (video-phone type) and we had to leave. He showed us to the door and gave us a warm handshake. The fragrance of the expensive Cologne was overpowering and I didn’t fail to notice at least three diamond rings on his right hand; I thought they were designed by Tiffany & Company. I was convinced that Saudi Arabia is the place for making money for someone like me with average education, skills and competencies. I already had drawn up a picture in my mind; grandiose palaces, gold paved sidewalks and oil rich sheikhs going round in shiny Rolls, Cadillacs, Bentleys and Benzs’ with bags full of money throwing at expatriate workers. Little did I know that I was going to meet another friend, who will tell me harrowing and frightening tales of his time in Saudi Arabia. Tales of exploitation, abuse, and inhuman treatment: miserable tales that will forever change my mind about going there! We will talk about it next week.