Life in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s: An American Perspective
Life in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s: An American Perspective
Life in Saudi Arabia during the 1980s was a unique and enriching experience, as someone part of an expatriate community for a significant portion of the decade would attest. This article provides insights into the daily life, cultural experiences, and personal reflections of living in the country during this time.
The Setting and Employment
Our residence in Saudi Arabia spanned from 1991 to 2003, during which time my wife and daughter, who was just three when we arrived, adapted wonderfully to the new environment. My daughter has such fond memories that she considers Dhahran her hometown, and even tried to find a job there in her career. Although it didn't work out, she ended up working in Abu Dhabi instead.
My role was with Aramco, an American company that began in Saudi Arabia and was nationalized. We lived on the Aramco compound, which maintained a distinct American atmosphere. About half of the residents were Saudi nationals, while the rest were from various countries across the world. This diverse community made for a rich and stimulating environment both culturally and professionally.
Cultural and Personal Adjustments
My wife was born in Chile, and her first cultural shock came when she moved to the United States and had to learn English. Nevertheless, our family was accustomed to navigating different cultures and languages, making it easier for us to integrate into the Saudi community. My wife took a special interest in collecting Saudi antiques, rugs, and other cultural artifacts, and made two trips to Iran to bring back cherished rugs.
We regularly visited Chile, which kept us connected to our roots, but also introduced us to new cultures and experiences. Living in Surrey, we further deepened our understanding of different cultures and appreciated the sophistication and friendliness of our expatriate neighbors, including many Latin American friends for my wife.
Social and Professional Experiences
The social and professional environment in Saudi Arabia was quite different from what we were used to. The Saudis, especially the older generation, were extremely grateful to the American oil companies, particularly Aramco, for transforming their country from one of the poorest in the world to one of the richest. Aramco still organized grand reunions for former employees, where they were always showered with gratitude, including from the CEO of Aramco and the provincial governor, a prince.
A unique aspect of Aramco was that the Americans tended not to hold family, class, or ethnic biases, judging people based on their abilities and work ethic. This was exemplified in a heartwarming scene from the 1950s where a Bedouin herder, just a boy of about 11, demonstrated his potential in an Aramco typing class. This boy, who became CEO of Aramco, symbolizes the transformative power of education and opportunity.
Despite the many positive aspects, like the availability of great, cheap Middle Eastern food, the proximity to Europe, Africa, and Asia, and a generous vacation policy, no country is perfect. The often-cited joke about having buckets that fill with both irritations and gold highlights the mixed experiences of living in Saudi Arabia. Some expatriates left quickly, but for those who stayed, like us, the rewards far outweighed the challenges.
Conclusion
For the right individuals, life in Saudi Arabia during the 1980s was a wonderful experience, filled with cultural richness, personal growth, and professional development. While it may not be for everyone, the memories and relationships we built during our time in Saudi Arabia are a testament to the immense impact the country had on our lives.