Arrival Information

FIRST CONTACT

You will be met at Dammam airport by one of our drivers if you already have your visa and are traveling directly to our compound. If you are flying to neighboring Bahrain to obtain the Work Visit visa, then you will need to take a taxi to the Shabaka host hotel. You will be told which hotel you’ll be staying at before your flight or at arrival.

Most hotels are 10-15 minutes from the airport. Hotel rates are around 40 Bahraini dinars (approx. $100USD) per night. Please be prepared to cover this expense (2-3 nights). Keep you receipt and Shabaka will reimburse you. The suites are large and have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, and living room. You will be sharing the suite with another teacher.

Taxi fare should be between 5-8 Bahraini Dinar ($20 USD) at most. Bahrain is very safe, but taxi drivers are the same everywhere; they try to maximize fares, especially for new arrivals. Set up an Uber account before you arrive, and use this for any taxis in Bahrain, or you will be ripped off. This is also very useful for Saudi Arabia as well. There is WiFi in the arrivals area at Bahrain airport, taxis pick up at the exit by McDonalds. 

In case of emergency you may contact Haitham Sheronick on +966 55 872 5287

AIRPORT ARRIVAL

When you arrive at Bahrain airport you will see a currency exchange, where you can exchange your money for Saudi Riyals (Saudi Arabia Riyal or SAR is accepted everywhere in Bahrain). Teachers should meet at the COSTA coffee shop. In most cases someone will be there to meet you. However, if you arrive early the best idea is to get a coffee and wait for a driver with a Shabaka sign to arrive. There is a phone shop next to COSTA where you can buy a phone card for a few SAR. If you have any concerns at all, use the phone card to call one of our numbers, and we will give you an update as to what’s going on.

Teachers who need to obtain the Work visit visa are required to stay over  a few days in Bahrain. Enjoy it because Bahrain is far livelier than Saudi Arabia! The hotel bill will be covered by Shabaka, and we always use the same hotel so we know where you are staying. Any room service, etc. must be covered by the teacher.

MONEY (upon arrival, bring your ATM card)

We highly recommend you bring at least US$200-300 cash just in case. If you’re staying in Bahrain for a few days to obtain your visa, you can exchange some USD at the airport for some Bahrain Dinars (BD) or you can use your ATM card at the airport to access Bahrain Dinars. You will need about 5-10 BD for the taxi fare to the hotel.

In the past, we’ve had teachers arrive without any USD or an ATM card, and as a result they have struggled during the first week or so. If you intend to bring currency to exchange in KSA, bring USD only, no other currency can be exchanged in Hofuf.

When you arrive at the compound your room will be fully furnished, but most teachers are eager to go on one of our regular shopping runs as soon as possible to buy groceries etc.

ACROSS THE BORDER

Please consider offering the driver a tip of around 10 SAR (approximately $2.50 USD) minimum.

The first time you come into the country you need to have your fingerprints scanned and your passport stamped. This can take quite a while, so bring a book, and try to stay relaxed. This is also where a photograph will be taken that will be on your Iqama residency card. Women should have a scarf to cover their hair. Abayas will be provided so you will feel more comfortable, and receive fewer long looks from the guards.

It takes about 2 hours from the border to get to the compound. Someone will be there to greet you and show you to your apartment. They will also let you know what is expected of you the next day. Should you arrive after 9:30 pm, you’ll be shown to your apartment and  and met with at the clubhouse around 7:30 pm the following day. A shopping trip will be soon after your arrival.

COMMUNICATION

We highly recommend arriving in Saudi Arabia with a laptop, a set of speakers and a mobile/cell phone. If you already have this equipment, definitely bring it with you, however, the prices for electronics here are normal if not slightly cheaper. The laptop will help keep you stay connected with your family, and the laptop/speakers are required in the classroom.

We have public Internet in the Clubhouse on the compound. It can be a little slow at times, but it is functional. You will have the option of buying a personal Internet service, (see Compound Internet page) however, this can take a little time to organize.

We do have SOME desktop computers at the University, but computers are not provided at the compound.