By SAM INGLEBY
The Oasis resort in the oil-rich eastern province of Al-Khobar advertises a lifestyle of "opulence and exclusivity for the most discerning expatriate", as it cocoons its residents from the realities of life in the Saudi kingdom.
Security is of primary importance and the compound is surrounded by 4m-high concrete
walls. The only entrance is through a gate manned by armed guards around the clock. Additional security measures include CCTV cameras and external vehicle patrols of the compound.
A British woman named only as Tracey said after the hostage-taking: "I feel relatively safe here - it is extremely hard to get into the compound. We won't be going out of the compound for a few days."
Inside, the compound has 200 villas, 48 apartments and 195 studio apartments. The luxury three-storey Mediterranean-designed villas boast "marble floors, beautiful rugs, and decorative lighting", and are fully furnished with a dining room, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a children's playroom and accommodation for a maid. Each villa has a private garden and staff.
There are three heated outdoor swimming pools and an Olympic-size indoor pool, a state-of-the-art gym, an eight-lane bowling alley and an ice-skating rink. The man-made Musaad Beach is a short drive away and, because women are not permitted to drive, the resort provides a shuttle service to and from the beach.
The complex also boasts six restaurants including a sushi bar, an Italian restaurant, a Middle Eastern restaurant - the "Oasis Tent" that seats 300 - and the "Patisserie de l'Oasis".
For those with young children there is the learning centre for kids of 2 1/2 and upward. This could enable mothers to spend time at the "Beauty Centre" or to take part in the "ladies events" including cooking demonstrations, afternoon tea and sewing groups.
Such a luxurious lifestyle attracts many of the expatriate community to Saudi Arabia. Tracey said she - like most of the foreigners in Saudi Arabia - were working there for the money.
- INDEPENDENT
