Boeris 0 #1 October 6, 2008 There's a good chance I'll be heading to Al Khobar to work for (possibly) the next year! I looked at the DZ locator and found nothing within 500 miles. I did an extensive web search a couple weeks ago and remember finding a couple DZ's that wouldn't be too far for either a long weekend road trip (not too sure I want to be doing that though) or flying, if it's a reasonable price, for the weekend. I can't believe there's no DZ's near there or even in Bahrain...??? Also, I did find some Saudi Arabian skydivers on Facebook...but they are way over on the other side of the country. Does anyone know what I could expect to pay for short flights in that region? Say if I wanted to go to Dubai or Jeddah for a weekend? Thanks...Any info will be much appreciated!!!www.theflystyle.com "When once you have tasted flight you will always walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward: for there you have been and there you will always be." -L.D. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fergs 0 #2 October 9, 2008 Hi Justin, I had many years (14 total) living in Saudi – including 3 in Khobar. You’ll have a good time there – lots to do, especially great desert camping and 4x4 trips, as well as scuba diving and misc other water sports. It’s also very handy to many great destinations for vacation time. Saudi has occasional sport jumping where foreigners are able to participate. PM me and I’ll give you some contacts there. Otherwise Umm Alquwain (UAQ) is closest to you. It’s around 1000kms (600 miles) from Khobar and across the Saudi / UAE border. You’ll need a multiple exit/re-entry visa for ease of travel, so make sure your employer gives this automatically within your employment agreement. There’s no real policed speed limits in the region, so the trip can be quite fast if you’re game for it (I won’t encourage you by letting you know what time you have to beat). But be aware that most cars really chew through fuel at a sustained 200 kph (120mph) and above …. UAQ is sometimes very busy and other times not so. They host boogies at times and so it can be hectic at these times. There’s accommodation available adjacent to the DZ at the Barracuda hotel – either in a hotel room or self contained cottage. Take a look at the DZ and Barracuda on Google earth, DZ at 25 34’ 54.94N, 55 39’ 14.22E. Cottages are at 25 35 17.42N 55 39 12.88E. If you’re in Khobar, Bahrain is an easy drive across the Causeway. There you can have a beer, go to a movie and generally shop for many items that are unavailable back across the border. Have fun in Saudi. Cheers, fergs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boeris 0 #3 October 17, 2008 Hey fergs! I really appreciate the info...Unfortunately, the company I work for wants me to somewhere else. I'm bummed, I was really looking forward to checking out Saudi, neighboring countries, and even short vacas to Europe and such... Sounds like I may got to Florida, which wouldn't be too bad. I found there is about 10 DZ's within 100 miles of the office! Again, thank you I will remember your advice, as I would love to go there someday for work or for pleasure! Justinwww.theflystyle.com "When once you have tasted flight you will always walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward: for there you have been and there you will always be." -L.D. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fergs 0 #4 October 17, 2008 Justin, No worries and thanks for the feedback. Florida may not be as exhotic a destination - but you'll have no trouble getting quality skydives. Your main problem may indeed be choosing amongst a host of high quality skydiving facilities. I once spent 6 months cruising around the US in a camper - we'll call it a "DZ Crawl". Florida seemed to me to be a state of DZ's - with some cities simply placed between the DZ's. It was all fun and a hard state to eventually drive out of. Also really friendly skydivers everywhere. Enjoy! Cheers and blue Skies, fergs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
