What is Camp Arifjan like?

Hot, zero to no cloud cover. Two PX, 3 chow hall, multiple zone, 6 being the most common for many SM. Training opportunities are great for most MOS. Overall like many deployment its what you make of it either good or bad, beneficial or a waste ect. Definitely enjoy & use the opportunities to better yourself as a soliders, civlian (if reserve/guardmen) better your finances, schooling/education, fitness/health ect.

Hot. Dry. Smells. There are 2 PXs; one in Zone 6 and one in Zone 1. Zone 1 is better. I believe the pool is up and running now. Not sure about the USO. If you do not have T-Mobile, I recommend it as that seemed to have the better International plan compared to others. You're going to want to get a Puck when you get there. It's a mobile hotspot. But, just know that EVERYONE on that base will have one and all your signals will bog down each other. Best time for signal was 0200 when I was there. Lots of food options outside the DFACs. Invest in sunscreen and a really good pair of shades. If you end up in Zone 6 barracks, it will be one giant open bay building with everyone setting up privacy curtains. Everyone becomes a gymbronie there so trying to find a good time to hit the gym without people camping out on one piece of equipment is a chore in itself.

I spent a year there on 2006 and another in 2019-2020. It changed remarkably little.
Extremely hot summer, nice winter.

Research phone plans. The big companies I remember were Zain and ooridoo or something like that. Try and find a good price Sim card or get a international plan before you go. Some housing has hardwired internet but most do not.