Friday, November 28, 2014

Life In Saudi Arabia

More than two years ago when i first came here in Saudi Arabia, the land i called my second "home." The place of opportunity and host of more than 9 million expatriates working in the vast Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the gulf and one of the best places to work with due to its low inflation rate, tax free and many other opportunities offered by multinational companies. 

Saudi Arabia is deemed as the holiest place of Islam, as the two holiest mosques are found here. Millions of pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia during haj season and Ramadan from all over the corners of the world. Saudi Arabia is the most  conservative Muslim country in the gulf, and everyone is expected to conform with the rules and regulation imposed in the Kingdom.

Gender segregation is a serious business, each place has its own designated areas for both opposite sexes. Expatriates are also expected to follow and adheres with the norms and its Islamic cultures. It is wonderful to realize that despite of the advances of technology, Saudi Arabia is able to preserve its old traditions and customs inherited from their ancestors.

Being in the Kingdom for more than two years is short enough for most of the expatriates working here have spent almost the entire cycle of their lives, even some people prefer to die here than in their homeland. Mostly of the foreign workers are living in a compound or buildings occupied by the company to ensure safety and security.

For most people, questions like, what is really life living in Saudi Arabia, how do foreigners exist in a place distinctively different from their homelands? These are some of the many questions arises when one thought about living/working in Saudi.

To tell you, Saudi might be different in so many ways we can imagine, but living here is a great experience of somewhat like renewing your life from what you were used to before in your country of origin. Saudi Arabia is considered the holiest place of Islam by Muslim people, hence liquors and other forms of hard beverages are prohibited here in all parts of the Kingdom.

Aside from intoxicant drinks, bars, night clubs and some other forms of entertainment deemed as inappropriate are not allowed here. Even movie theaters are banned; however, recently it has been reported on the news that Saudi authority has already approved the opening of cinemas in the Kingdom, it just a matter of time these movie houses will be ubiquitous in all malls and public places here.

One thing which i really liked here in Saudi Arabia, is the tranquility and peace of mind. The place is very spacious and has wide sandy deserts where you can stroll and meditate without any disturbance. I have always wanted to live in a place like this, away from noisy and crowded city like our place in my country. Yes, it is true that sometimes people get bored here, even i myself do. But never in my mind i dislike to stay here.

Saudi Arabia is a true picture of living in simplicity and hustle free from the outside world. Saudis are very family oriented compared to other people in the world. They have a unique bond and strong relationship which they have nurtured through their faith Islam. A spirit of brotherhood is visible among Saudis, they greet each one another even unfamiliar people.

Being here is a rare opportunity to learn and observe their rich culture and traditions, Islam is a great religion to embrace and study. No wonder why Islam is considered as the fastest growing religion in the world and many turning into it. As it teaches morals, values, and fervent faith in God.





Sunday, November 23, 2014

The Four Types Of Personalities In The Work Place You Should Avoid

Working with various personalities in the workplace is not easy, having to face these people from different backgrounds and nationalities are among the most interesting experience i got. Dealing with people in some point in time is very difficult and stressful. Let me tell you the four most types of personalities in the office you are most likely to encounter and avoid: 

1. The dumb - These are the people who don't even understand even the basic self explanatory situations, these people sometimes are very irritating and nerve-wracking,patience is required in order to deal with these jerks.  

2. The Snobs - As the saying goes "You cant please everyone," this is true indeed, even if you are working in the same company or team. There are people in the office who are just born snob and don't care about their fellows. Anyhow, you don't need to get close of these people, so just be yourself and let them be as long as you are doing your part well. 

3. The Boss-like Wannabe - Believe it or not, some people in the workplace are acting like boss and will treat you like you're under their authority. These people are truly annoying sometimes as they are insensitive and tactless in nature. 

4. The Gossiper - Among the most disgusting personalities in the workplace, these people are toxic and have nothing to do, but gossip all day long until their tongues dries up. They usually gathers in two or three groups and observed their colleagues as their subject of their nasty conversation. 

Having to meet these people everyday in the workplace is a challenging experience, but knowing their personalities and learning to shun them is among the most effective ways to avoid troubles and stressful day in the office.

Be positive and always look at the right side of the situation for whatever it might be on that day or no matter how bad your day is, surely there is a better day to come. The best way to keep cool from these situations is always wearing a smile in your face.