Business travel to Saudi

[jeevsie 3737]

Anyone been? Tips/tricks? Wacky local traditions I should be aware of?

Really, though, I've been to UAE plenty of times, Turkey and Kuwait once.  This will be a trip to Dammam, then over to UAE and back.  I know I need a Visa and that's being arranged.  I know I need to schedule it before Ramadan.  How is local transportation? Taxis no problems or do I need to arrange transportation through the client I'm visiting? It really will be a one day meeting so just one night hotel stay.

[Ollie Slatt 289]

When you land there will be three customs lines.  One will be for middle easterners, and it will move fast.  One will be for white guys and it will take an hour or two.  And the third line will be for south Asians and it will look like they have been sitting there for days.  

I found the taxis to be fine.  Though the first thing my taxi driver said to me upon leaving the airport was "if you want to have any fun, it will have to be in Bahrain . . . no fun allowed here"

There is a popeyes in the airport.  

[Nueces River Rat 5539]

Don't forget your burka.

[52-80 19205]

Don't go to the embassy to pick up your visa

[WBT 20643]

You're probably fine without if you're just going to be there for one night but if you want unrestricted internet, be sure to set up a vpn before you leave

Edited March 19, 2019 by WBT

[52-80 19205]

for dating needs:  mujahideensonly.com

[ohchaucer 1443]

I'd check one suitcase full of booze. And 5-10 Bibles. 

[luke duke 6413]

Using your left hand to shake hands is a sign of respect. The right hand is reserved for eating and masterbation.

[G650 14272]

On 3/19/2019 at 12:10 PM, jeevsie said:

Anyone been? Tips/tricks? Wacky local traditions I should be aware of?

Really, though, I've been to UAE plenty of times, Turkey and Kuwait once.  This will be a trip to Dammam, then over to UAE and back.  I know I need a Visa and that's being arranged.  I know I need to schedule it before Ramadan.  How is local transportation? Taxis no problems or do I need to arrange transportation through the client I'm visiting? It really will be a one day meeting so just one night hotel stay.

It's mind numbing boring is the best info I have.

When are you there? I will be in Dubai in a couple weeks.

[fwtxbevo 91]

Keep your head on a swivel, and connected to your body.

[jeevsie 3737]

On 3/20/2019 at 2:00 PM, G650 said:

It's mind numbing boring is the best info I have.

When are you there? I will be in Dubai in a couple weeks.

Will be there the last week of April so in about a month.

[G650 14272]

12 minutes ago, jeevsie said:

Will be there the last week of April so in about a month.

Gotcha. I am first week of April.

[FartingMonk 3608]

Just don't go during Ramadan.  I was in Qatar for a month during Ramadan.  I just want to say fuck the middle east. 

[Parliament 14272]

Too much partying for you?

[thunderlounge 7893]

Pray to your deity of choice that your flight is at least in business. Main cabin would be brutal. 

If you’ve been to the ME before, you know the basics.  No left hands, no soles of shoes, blah blah blah. 

[jeevsie 3737]

I did the 15 hour direct to Qatar once. Coach bulkhead.  NEVER again.  

[FartingMonk 3608]

Economy plus is pretty nice on international flights.  They have about 20 seats.  Not usually packed and they won't let the economy people sneak up

[Chopper 17242]

If you do something stupid while you're there and get arrested, I recommend you push for assignment to the Ritz Carlton Prison.

[jeevsie 3737]

Back from a mostly uneventful business trip. Lots of good meetings and solid leads. Good mix of hotel food (easy), local upscale restaurants, and hole in the walls.

But, seriously, why didn't any of you jags tell me how hard the visa process is for Saudi?