Client focus life in the kingdom of saudi arabia
What is it like living in Saudi? As well as working with one of the world’s largest defence companies, the team on the ground get to experience living within a very different culture, face new challenges and enjoy new hobbies. As you would expect, it’s hot most of the time – temperatures can rise to 50 degrees in the summer months. It is often quite dusty, and they have some spectacular sand storms (the end of the world type scenes). The team lives on the BAE Systems compound, a mini village of 1km by 1km that houses up to 1,500 people – this is a mixture of families and bachelor apartments. There is one restaurant on-site, and a clubhouse that hosts social events. Although the clubhouse has bars serving a variety of home brew alcoholic drinks, no real alcohol is available, unless it is at a British Embassy event. The team also ventures into town to sample the different shopping malls and restaurants. The malls have separate queues for men and ladies and there are separate eating areas – but if they are in a mixed group they can make use of the ‘family areas’.
Project One has been supporting BAE Systems, in both the UK and internationally, since 2009. We have partnered with them on many of their most critical change programmes across their business – specifically in Maritime, Air, Group Finance, Shared Services, Applied Intelligence and the International Operating Group. We enjoy a deep and trusted relationship and are known across this blue-chip client for being able to take on some of their most challenging and high-profile change.
As part of our ongoing relationship, we were asked to assist them in their Change and Enablement Programmes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is not a usual destination for a Project One team, but it was a fantastic opportunity for the business, and the individuals, to be involved in. The team has grown to 10 people now living and working in Riyadh. There are a relatively high number of expats in Saudi, though the number is diminishing as part of the Saudisation agenda (Vision 2030). In common with other Middle Eastern countries, this is part of a drive to upskill locals and provide employment, whilst reducing the reliance on, and the expense of, expats. Indeed, part of Project One’s work here is to help set up governance and processes and train the Saudi employees, so that they can become self-sufficient. As we see the country modernise in-line with the Saudisation agenda, 2018 saw permission granted for ladies to be able to drive (Saudi is the last country in the world to allow this), abayas (their robe-like dresses) can now be coloured instead of black and there are more Saudi ladies in the workplace. It’s an exciting time to be part of Saudi’s growth plans. Our Saudi team are: Cheryl Ashman, John Griffiths, Joe Hamilton, Graham King, Peter Lewis, Allan Maher, Clare Mann, Kay Mitchell, Kevin Phillips, Brian Starr and Phil Weatherill.
Cheryl and Clare in the wrong queue (for Men) in the shopping mall food court
When it comes to dress code, outside of the compound ladies must wear an abaya, though no headscarf is required for expats, and men must wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers.
Sandstorm over the compound
Weekends in Saudi
Our KSA-based team won the team award at this year’s Project One summer event – a recognition not only for the outstanding delivery, but their dedication and flexibility in committing to this work. The reputation they have developed for themselves and our business is nothing short of spectacular. They made an immediate positive impact on the client and adjusted well to a different culture and way of life. With long periods of time away from their families, they support each other, socialise together and have become the epitome of ‘one team’.
At weekends, the team enjoy many different activities. For the sports enthusiasts, there are lots of facilities, in an air- conditioned sports hall, including; squash, tennis and badminton courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and rugby and football pitches. The sub-aqua contingent, led by our very own qualified diving instructor, Kevin Phillips, take weekend diving trips to Jeddah, Muscat and further afield – and the water is amongst the team, who make the most of the variety of spices in the supermarket and cook dinner for the rest of the team. Allan Maher was delighted to be on- site when the new, fully stocked supermarket opened. much warmer than the UK! There are also some chefs
Dinner out in Riyadh
Christmasinthecompound
Steve, Joe and Kevin - our fully qualified divers
Small portion of supper for Clare in Nadj village - Camel Stew!
our saudi supermarket - spot the difference
34 PROJECTONE.COM - issue 14
issue 14 - PROJECTONE.COM 35
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