We live in Sunrise Compound, the official name is Sunrise Beach Gardens. We’re one of hundreds of compounds or communities in the Eastern Provence. Most foreigners coming to KSA chose to live in compounds which are very similar to small neighborhood communities. The communities come in all shapes and sizes including modern apartments, single story ranch homes, large multi level villas, to large private mansions . Some compounds are very exclusive to upper management while others are housing camps with prefab accommodations. Some are company exclusive others have a large diversified mix of companies and cultures. Most provide 24 hour security and maintenance and have a board range of recreational facilities such as tennis, basketball, volleyball, squash courts, a pool and work out rooms. Some of the larger compounds offer dry cleaning service, mini-markets, day care, libraries, restaurants, bowling allies, beach facilities, play grounds, movie theaters and in some cases even schools. Size varies from several families to over 5000 people. The larger compounds have everything a small town would have.
We live in a Dow exclusive compound, all residents work for Dow Chemical. When M.E. first visited KSA in December she was shown two different compounds to live in but it was strongly suggested that she live in Sunrise. Sunrise is located on a peninsula right on the Arabian Gulf, one of the few that are on the gulf and it has its own beach. There are 32 villas and 8 one bedroom apartments. The villas are like twin row houses centered on a long walkway with a driveway looping around them. We live in the first villa in the row, farthest from the beach. From the second floor we have a view of the causeway and of the bay beyond it. We have 2 pools, one indoor, one outdoor, an indoor hot tub, an exercise room with free weights and exercise equipment, 2 tennis courts, a combination basketball and volleyball court, a squash court and a multi-purpose room. We also have a min-market. We are told that this compound is especially nice because it has a lot of green space. We do live in a desert. It has very nice lawns, flowering plants and palm trees and it is all very well maintained.
ME has a 15 minute ride to work and to the center of Al Khobar is 15 minutes. So far we like it here, what really is there not to like. During the week we have a yoga class, an interval training class, tennis lessons, group volleyball twice a week and on occasion community barbecues.
In the next post we will look at the inside of our villa. Below are pictures of Sunrise Compound.
It looks lovely. What an experience!
You guys might not want to come home after living the good life.
Hi Bob,
Your new home looks very secure. Do you feel safe walking/jogging outside the compound? Is it to hot to jog outside?
How does it feel to be surrounded by DOW people? Knowing you and ME you probably have already invited everyone for Friday night pizza!
After a few days without power at home or at the office and trying to navigate around the downed trees or wires on just about all side streets, seeing your sunny weather looks pretty nice. 81% of our township was without power during our latest ice storm. sooooo, I’m on the next plane over, pick me up at the airport, OK???? love you guys, n
It looks like a wonderful place to stay and I know you are taking every opportunity to learn about the culture. Keep those photos coming. Do you go out to dinner and what type of evening activities are there? I’m glad you feel safe.
KSA looks good compared to Maine’s 20 degrees! What’s the weather like? Does anyone swim in the Gulf? Hope all is well! xoxox
When it gets too hot to open your window (just you wait…) you should get yourself up to the Emirates for some rug shopping. We found it highly entertaining and a lasting memory of our time in KSA. Now the kids are bargaining with us for the rugs they want. Keep the entries coming! Jane
Bob,
Linda Called me and told me to look at your Blog.
the stories and pictures are awesome.
Give my love love to EM
Glenda