Departure December is a defenite maybe....

No Visa applications are processed or very slow because of the coming of The holiday of "Eid Al-Adha" is also a ten day holiday usually extending from the fifth to the fifteenth day of the month of "Thul-Hijja." It is observed by the government and private sector for the performance of Hajj (the Islamic religious pilgrimage to Holy Makkah).  There is an assignment to Cuba in the mean time but that is short term. 
Don't hold your breath for much news for now...

Iraq - Kurdistan - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - United Arab Emirates

I am getting back into blogging about my new life and personal observation in the middle east...

My previous blog about Guyana www.boldi.blogspot.com was very popular with my peculiar scrutiny so I was asked to create a new one for this job/adventure for my family and friends and whoever interested.  This will be quite different from the CUSO VSO experience since I am actually getting paid to live there and more protection from my company.   At the same time the current world state of affairs adds a danger element to this one as I never been to a country where there is active war going on so not sure how I feel about the Americans pulling out of Iraq and not helping that someone is threatening to burn the Qur'an.    

I am starting my training for my November departure and the home base will be in Al Khobar , Dammam but every second month there will be trips to Erbil, Sulamaniya and Abu Dhabi and Dubai.  On my days off most likely I will be in Europe spending some quality family time it's been four years again that I have seen them so I am very excited for that too.  Expect my real first overseas blogs to come around November December but I might post some interesting material in the mean time....

Things to know and look ahead of places I will be.

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Iraq, except for the areas administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government (the provinces of Dahuk, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah). See “Regional Warning” below for more information. Except for those in the Kurdistan region, Canadians currently in Iraq should leave. OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the provinces of Dahuk, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah, which are under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government. While there are still some attacks and threats from terrorist groups, this region has been significantly less susceptible to the violence plaguing the rest of Iraq. Border areas with Turkey and Iran should be avoided at all times. As borders are porous, travellers can unknowingly cross into Turkey and Iran, which could lead to serious problems with Turkish and Iranian authorities. Furthermore, in response to security concerns, Turkish and Iranian military forces have been carrying out periodic cross-border operations against identified Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) targets in border areas with Iraq. Canadians travelling to any part of Iraq should register with the Embassy of Canada in Amman, Jordan, plan their own security arrangements, limit their movements to areas not prone to violence, monitor local news reports and news broadcasts, and remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

Saudi

In public, physical contact (e. g. holding hands) should be avoided.

There is a constant and high terrorist threat throughout the Arabian Peninsula and Jordan. From time to time, reports emerge that terrorists plan to attack specific locations in one of these countries. Targets could include government buildings, public areas, tourist sites and Western interests. Heightened security measures are currently in place and may be reinforced upon short notice. Canadians are strongly advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Caution should be particularly exercised in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial, public, touristic). Canadians should monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are also advised to register and keep in contact with the Consulate of Canada in Jeddah or the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh, as well as to carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service.Electronic DevicesAll electronic devices entering or leaving Saudi Arabia will be submitted to a thorough verification at international airports. Canadians carrying pirated or explicit materials will have their equipment confiscated. Refusal to comply with this rule will result in detention and/or deportation. Moreover, deported Canadians will be barred from re-entry to Saudi Arabia.VaccinationsProof of yellow fever or polio vaccinations may be required.

Canadians have been denied entry into Saudi Arabia because their passports bore: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).

Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials.

Entry and Exit PermitsOne-time visitors on a single-entry visa do not need an exit permit. Residents may not depart the country without obtaining an exit permit from the Saudi Ministry of Interior prior to leaving and an exit/re-entry permit if they intend to return to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi sponsor's approval is required for these permits. The Embassy of Canada and the Consulate of Canada cannot sponsor Canadians for an exit permit under any circumstances. The Embassy of Canada cannot intercede on entry or exit visa issues.The Mutawa (the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice)

The Mutawa, also known as the Religious Police, and private Saudi citizens may harass, pursue, or assault foreigners who are perceived as disregarding the strict Saudi conduct standards. If approached by the Mutawa (they carry special identification and with uniformed police officers), Canadians should cooperate and follow their directions. Canadians who are involved in incidents involving the Mutawa should report them to the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh.

Dress and Behaviour

Women should observe the strict Saudi dress code and wear conservative and loose-fitting clothes, including a full-length cloak (abbaya) and a head scarf. Men should not wear shorts in public or go without a shirt. In order to avoid the Mutawa's attention upon arrival, visitors should seek guidance concerning acceptable clothing.

Women are not permitted to drive cars or to ride bicycles. Women and men are not allowed to mingle in public unless accompanied by other family members. A woman can be charged with prostitution if she is found associating with a man who is not a relative. Restaurants have two sections, one for men only and the family section where families, accompanied females and unaccompanied females are served. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Criticism of the royal family or Islam is not permitted by Saudi authorities.

Dancing, music, and movies are prohibited.

The importation, use, or possession of any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam is also prohibited, such as pornographic materials and weapons. Imported and domestic audiovisual media and reading materials are censored.

Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol, pork, illegal drugs or products containing their ingredients are severe. Saudi authorities practise zero tolerance and make no distinction with respect to soft or hard drugs, and using or trafficking. Drug offenders are regularly sentenced to death.

It is forbidden to photograph official buildings (government, military institutions, etc.) and holy sites. People should not be photographed without their permission.

Foreigners planning to work or reside in the UAE must undergo medical tests including for HIV. Those found to be HIV positive will be immediately deported by the UAE authorities. HIV certificates issued by foreign medical authorities are not accepted.There have been a number of consular cases of Canadians imprisoned in the UAE with regard to possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs, including drugs used outside of the UAE and still traceable in the blood or urine. Canadians should also know that prescription or over-the-counter drugs that are legal in Canada (e. g. codeine) may be restricted in the UAE. See Section 8 for more details.