Arabian Honey: The Best of the Best
Bees and the honey they gather are among nature’s greatest wonders. Take away bees and the role they play in pollination and much of agriculture as we know it would be devastated. Take away bees and the honey...
Taif Emerges as Top Local Tourist Destination in Saudi Arabia
Taif governorate has gained the lion’s share of the Kingdom’s domestic tourism volume, crowning it as the city of roses and the best Saudi summer city, due to its mild climate during summer and natural landscapes especially in the Al-Shifa and Al-Hada areas.
Walking the Plank in Old Jubail
Who can forget those fantastic dhow trips out to the islands? I particularly remember the ones I went on before they turned Jubail into a super-port - when was that? Somewhere before 1980, I would guess. Back then, Jubail was just a little fishing port and the dock for the fishing dhows was quite tiny and set behind a group of old custom buildings.
Gertrude Bell: “Queen of the Desert” or “The Female Lawrence of Arabia”?
While conducting research into the history of sites for possible inclusion in our recently-concluded Seven Wonders of Arabia series...
Coffea Arabica: Cultivating the Coffee Culture
Since it was first introduced to the Arabian Peninsula from Abyssinia in the fifteenth century, coffee and the rituals surrounding its enjoyment have been important components of daily life there and all across the Middle East.
The McGinley Family Winery
Positive change is happening all over the Huntsville area, but at the top of the list would have to be the opening of the beautiful wine tasting and dining venue at West Sandy Creek Winery located at 1773 FM 1791, just a few minutes South West of Huntsville, TX.
Aramcons Challenge the Euphrates, Part VI: Scylla and Charybdis
In the previous installment of this series, a party of Aramcons had just run a daunting bedrock rapid at the entrance to a stretch of the upper Euphrates in eastern Turkey known as the Serpent’s Mill. We continue here with their story...
Mosques that Host Some of the World’s Largest Eid Congregations
Muslims will soon observe Eid Al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan. Eid Al-Fitr, which means Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, will see Muslims gather for the congregational prayer in mosques or special prayer grounds around the world.
Dates: The Miracle Food of Arabia
Absent the camel, the history of Arabia and the world would have followed a far different course than what it did. Much the same can be said of the date and its impact on humankind.
The Seven Wonders of Arabia, Part VII: Ar Rajajil—The Stonehenge of Saudi Arabia
Last year a series was introduced in these pages identifying what we termed “The Seven Wonders of Arabia.” The time has come to announce our choice for the seventh and final member...
Erik Hebert: The Fight Continues
Aramcons are known for their big hearts, as are Aramco brats like Erik Hebert. Born in the Kingdom in 1979, Erik was raised in Dhahran by his parents, prominent annuitants Cindy and Byron Hebert.
Aramcons Challenge the Euphrates, Part V: The Serpent’s Mill
In the most recent installment of this series, a party of Aramcons was about to enter a stretch of the upper Euphrates River in eastern Turkey known as the Serpent’s Mill. We continue here with their story...
Linda Johnson: Volunteering with a Purpose
The mere mention of the name Casablanca instantly conjures up images in the minds of movie buffs the world over of the 1942 Oscar-winning film set in the Moroccan city during World War II and starring Humphrey Bogart...
Aramcons Challenge the Euphrates, Part IV: Into the Kemer Khan
When last we heard from Vicci Turner two installments ago regarding her memories of descending the Upper Euphrates with 10 fellow Aramcons in 1979, they were two days into their adventure and had just entered the stretch of river...
The Seven Wonders of Arabia, Part VI: Rijal Alma—A Wonder to Behold
Since late last year, Aramco ExPats has been publishing installments in a series we call the “Seven Wonders of Arabia.” Five destinations— Madâin Sâlih, the Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah, historic Jeddah, the Rock Art...
My Khobar Addiction
Every Thursday morning I would be on the Aramco bus to Khobar like clockwork. Even the bus was an adventure because you would meet people from all over the world -- Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Malaysia-- and could strike up an immediate and fascinating conversation.
Unicorns Return to the Rub’ al-Khali
Here’s a bit of good news for young girls the world over who collect unicorn dolls and whose favorite T-shirts and sweatshirts and pajamas all feature colorful images of the mythical creature: Unicorns have reportedly been spotted in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Really, but not really. Almost, though.
Aramcons Challenge the Euphrates – Part III: Blame Charlie and Richard
Responsibility for the Great Aramcon Assault on the Euphrates River of 1979 rests squarely on the shoulders of Charlie Franck, American ExPat teacher working in Abqaiq at the time for Saudi Aramco, and Richard Bangs...
The Problem with Target Date Funds
No professional Investment Adviser would invest his or her personal money in a target date fund, so why should you? Target date funds are an option to start investing but are too objective in a subjective world. What they do offer is simplicity and instant diversification, something investors just starting to save need access to.
Photo Trip to Dammam and Al-Khobar
With so many things to do at the just-completed reunion in Dhahran, it would have helped if I had been able to clone myself in order to take everything in. Trying to decide which options to choose was perhaps the most difficult task...