Saudi Aramco Communities 

Saudi Aramco communities are comprised of housing similar to parts of Australia, tree-lined streets, grass lawns, schools, grocery stores and golf courses, swimming pools and a host of other athletic and community facilities. Residents can walk, ride bicycles or take a bus almost anywhere they want to go. The company has designed, developed and continues to operate these communities specifically for its employees.
 
Most of the community and residential services are provided at no charge.  Buses, schools, maintenance and use of athletic facilities are free. Even electricity, water and local telephone service are free.

Saudi Aramco employees generally live in one of four main family communities. 

Dhahran

This is the largest community with a total population of about 11,300, including approximately 6,200 Expatriates (employees, spouses and children). It derives its identity from the Administrative Office Complex, the Medical Centre and its proximity to the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. It is located close to the cities of Dammam and al-Khobar.

Ras Tanura

This community is located on the Arabian Gulf, about an hour's drive north of Dhahran. It has about 3,200 residents, including about 1,700 Expatriates. Ras Tanura is also a terminal and refinery location.

Abqaiq

This community is also about an hour from Dhahran, with a population of approximately 1,950, about half of whom are Expatriates. It is the site of the company's main crude processing facilities. 

Udhailiyah

It is the smallest community, is about another hour from Abqaiq. With a population of 1,350 residents including 500 expatriates, it is close to the oasis city of Hofuf and takes its character from the numerous rocky hills or outcroppings, called jebels, that surround it.

Each company community has the same basic standard of amenities. Each community also has a commissary, which is like an Australian supermarket, a dining hall and a snack bar. Elementary and junior high schools are also provided in each community, as well as a medical clinic. Also there are other facilities - a library, youth centre, theatre, bank or cash office, barber shop, beauty parlour and dry cleaner.


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