Mar 21, 2010 11:11 AM
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Jedid Sanayya is about 40 miles from Riyadh, the capital of KSA. Its expanse is like a buffalo splayed out in the mud. A large spread out industrial zone, with areas marked of for worker’s accommodation. They are housed in what are called compounds. It is usually a two storied building with high fence walls and little by the way of a compound in front of the building. The building has rooms, large halls, a TV room, a community kitchen, and a dining room. There is room for laundry. Toilets and bathroom on every floor.
The temperature averages at about 50 degrees Celsius for most part of the year except the winter months, when the cold is really biting. Temperatures touch 0 degrees Celsius and strong winds blow in from the desert. The entire city is build in the midst of the desert, but particularly in Jedid Sanayya, the extremes of temperature are palpably high. Every day, the entire city including shops, restaurants, offices etc. shut down at five times of the prayer. The timings vary and are relayed over the television, radio, and over the minarets.
Work begins early, after a quick shower and breakfast, workers are herded in Daimler buses (common in Riyadh), and transported to the factories. They work almost the entire day, with a break for lunch and afternoon tea. The work is hard and rigorous. There is no room for complaint. There is no room for any industrial dispute. The word of the Munir (supervisor) is final. You complete the work and then go home. There are no courts, lawyers, or appeals in KSA!
The workers travel to Al Batha, the city centre in what are called Coasters. These are Toyota built 12-15 seaters, packed beyond capacity and run by mostly the Bedouins who love to race with the wind. The dynamics of driving, braking, banking, and cornering are merrily cast to the wind. Women from 6 to 60 and beyond are required to wear a kabaya - a black gown with head scarfs covering everything except the eyes. But beneath that you could have haute couture! And loads of gold!
