Pakistan

Homesick Aramco workers get an American oasis in Saudi Arabia

Inside Aramco's Dhahran compound, women can drive and even ride bikes in what is a slice of America in Saudi Arabia

Web Desk February 17, 2015

Inside this compound, women can drive. PHOTO: www.ayeshamalikphotography.com

It is hard working in a land hundreds of miles away in another country with a wholly different culture. Which is probably why Saudi owned oil giant Aramco has tried to build a slice of home within its walls, the Times reported.

Aramco has provided its employee’s with a 22.5 square-mile gated compound known as Dhahran, specifically for those workers who hail from the United States.

People can take pictures freely inside the compound. PHOTO: www.ayeshamalikphotography.com

Women, who are generally not allowed to drive and forced to sit in segregation sections at restaurants, enjoy the same luxuries as any regular “western” facility in Dhahran.

Photographer Ayesha Malik, an American-Pakistani who lives in Dhahran, has showcased life in this American oasis in a photo-essay on her website.

Residents of the compound on an early morning run. PHOTO: www.ayeshamalikphotography.com

“Sure, (Dhahran) is in Saudi Arabia, but it’s not really Saudi Arabia,” Ayesha Malik told Times.

Women are ‘free’ inside this American oasis, says Ayesha adding that that not only drive, women can even ride a bike there and take pictures publically.

Women can drive inside this compound. PHOTO: www.ayeshamalikphotography.com

However once women step out of Dhahran, they need to be accompanied by a male relative and must abide by the ‘real’ ironclad laws of the Saudi territory.

Street signs in Dhahran are written in both Arabic and English. PHOTO: Ayesha Malik

“I try not to let the restrictions on women get in my way,” Ayesha tells the Times. “I focus on the positive. As a woman, I have the chance to meet and speak with many other young women in Saudi Arabia, which would not be doable as a man. I get my fair share of rejections [from men and women], but I also find people are more curious and open to [being photographed].”

Families relax by “The Pond” at sunset. “The Pond” is on the North East corner of the Dhahran Golf Course in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. PHOTO: Ayesha Malik

COMMENTS (6)

Ed | 9 years ago | Reply Disappointing read. Gated communities and compounds exist in many countries. What value did this piece add? ...by the way, would be nice to read and see pictures from some compounds in Islamabad.

Kanwal Ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply Everything in this article is proper and correct; except for one misconception. Women DO NOT need a male companion to escort them outside the camp gates. In fact; women wonder freely to do their weekly shop; mingle in cafés and attend college or university etc. The only occasion a male relative is required is during the pilgrimage to Mecca! Don't believe everything you read! Very surprised Ayesha did not correct this information before it was approved and published.