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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-01-05, Page 12Crossroads 12 Wednesday, January 5, 2005 Exeter Times Advocate Commuting to work in the Middle East By Pat Bolen TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF SAUDI ARABIA — For the past several months, Bob Hutchinson of Grand Bend has had a different commute to work than most people, after taking a contract to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the weekend, Hutchinson stays with his wife Vicki, the daughter of Vesta and Hubert Miller of Dashwood, and their children Emilie, Nicole and Megan in Abu Dhabi. It is about an hours flight from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. where he stays during the week working as vice-president of Exxon Mobil Chemical. Hutchinson accepted the posting after it opened in November 2003 while working in Houston, Texas. Events continued to unfold in Saudi Arabia over the last year the decision was made by the company for the Hutchinsons to stay in Abu Dhabi. The country is more westernized and tolerant of western culture according to the Hutchinsons, who are allowed to go to church. With christianity allowed in the country, western- ers are allowed to go to church. Although most families stay in Dubai, three with school age children stayed in Abu Dhabi because of a shortage of school space in Dubai. Vicki said staying in the kingdom would have been wonderful but they would have been stuck inside the compound and wouldn't have been able to experience the Middle East. "You can't go around, you can't shop at the markets or do any sight- seeing because you're westerners. This way we can experience the Middle East but still be safe." Bob added only a frac- tion of the Saudi popula- tion supports what is going on in the kingdom. "The majority of the peo- ple are totally disappoint- ed about what is going on." The decision to move to the area was made after a lot of family discussion and after visiting with families who had lived there, as well as the chil- dren talking to other kids who said they would love it. "The biggest decision was the three girls," said Bob "since the culture is tougher on women." With the original plan to stay in Saudi, the women would have had to com- pletely cover in black, which is not required in Abu Dhabi. Although the culture is more conservative than that of Saudi Arabia, the Hutchinsons said it is still different than North America. "We do have to dress conservatively," said Vicki. "You're supposed to be covered to your knees, no tank tops and your shoul- ders are supposed to be covered...which is too bad because it is very, very hot." Bob arrived in Saudi Arabia in January and said it was an adjustment to get used to the differ- ent culture. "They have prayer calls five times a day over loudspeakers," said Vicki. "They pray in chanting and it goes off every- where you are. I bowl and in the bowling alley the chanting goes off." Another difference between Abu Dhabi and the kingdom is women are allowed to drive where the Hutchinsons are staying, but not in Saudi Arabia. The city of Abu Dhabi consists of about 300,000 people with the total Emirate totalling about 800,000 people. While security is tight in Saudi Arabia, with west- ern compounds guarded around the clock by the Saudia National Guard, security in Abu Dhabi is more relaxed at the apartment type com- pound the Hutchinsons stay at. "It's a gate with an arm that lifts," said Vicki. "And it lifts for every- body." With security a constant concern in Saudi Arabia, Bob said his company has taken many steps to pro- tect its employees. While using methods such as varying routes and times that become part of his daily routine he said "you never get complacent. You always have to be aware...it's part of the environment you're working in." Keeping in touch with family at home is another important part of life for the Hutchinsons, with constant communication through e-mail. They will also be getting visitors in the spring with family members from both sides planning to visit. While camel rides were an expected part of the Middle Eastern culture the Hutchinsons have tried, others have been different. Dune Bashing is a popu- lar sport, with local dri- vers taking riders into the desert in four-wheel- dri- ves. Cricket is another popular local sport. Sitting in local cafes drinking coffee late into the evening is another popular past time in the area smoking, sheesha with water pipes. In any meeting it is a custom to offer coffee and it is considered an offence not to drink it. While the family has so far eaten mostly western food, they are getting more adventurous at try- ing local food. "You meet people who have lived there for two or three years and they know all these little places to go that are kind of off the beaten track...and we experience this wonderful little cafe. That's the way to find your way around," said Vicki. The Hutchinsons wit- nessed one of the most significant events to hap- pen in the area in November with the death of Abu Dhabi leader and Emirate founder, 90 year- old Sheikh Zayed Bib Sultan Al-Nahyan. The country was shut down for three days with a 40 day period of mourning, and 48 straight hours of prayer over loudspeakers. The family plans on travelling around the region, with a trip to Egypt booked for January and a planned safari to Africa. The Hutchinsons will return to the Middle East this week as Bob contin- ues the three year con- tract. "It's been an exciting adventure," said Bob. "The opportunities we've had over the past year, plus the opportunities we're looking forward to...probably we would never been able to afford." He added the girls were getting an education beyond academics, meet- ing friends from around the world. "One of my biggest con- cerns going back, is that we know a lot of people going on vacation in those areas." Vicki said the kids adapted quickly to their surroundings and the family will continue to take the experience as it comes. "We'll fill our time with family while we're here." she said. Vicki, Emilie, Nicole, Megan and Bob Hutchinson of Grand Bend, who are living in Abu Dhabi while Bob commutes to Saudi Arabia working for ExxonMobil Chemical. (Below) Emilie goes for a ride on the local wildlife, which (bottom) are found just about everywhere in the area. (photos/submitted)