Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia?

Question

I am from the UK and wish to travel there on business

Answer 1

In spite of random attacks now and then on foreign nationals, you are still, statistically speaking, far safer on Saudi streets than you are on UK streets. Street muggings, robberies or random violence (especially alcohol fueled) is unheard of.

However, there are some parts of the country (the extreme South West and North West) and parts of the capital, Riyadh, which are home to some people with extreme interpretations of Islam. You'd be advised to stay away from them and I'm sure, if you're going on business, your company will make arrangements to keep you away from any areas of concern.

In Jeddah, it is the totally insane drivers that you need to worry about. Be careful on the roads there. In Dammam/Dhahran, life is a little more relaxed. They have the highest concentration of ex-pats and you can go anywhere without worrying.

Putting this into perspective, there are far more areas in the UK that I'd warn you against traveling to than in Saudi. I have been living here for the last 3 years with a very white face and I have found the Saudis to be some of the most hospitable and friendly people I have come ever met. In fact, you will be very surprised at just how friendly everyone is out here.

(Don't believe the British media. They are very ill-informed.)

Answer 2

Yes, it's very safe. Don't listen to all the racist stereotypes and Islamophobic comments. Avoid remote areas though. Violent crimes are extremely rare. It's more likely you'll get shot in UK than in Saudi Arabia. I'd say Saudi Arabia as a country wasn't something wow, I've met most wonderful people in Saudi Arabia.

But if you don't know Arabic it will be difficult for you to move around. And as an English speakers you'll be probably rounded up by Indian immigrants since they speak some English unlike Saudis, who rarely know a word of English. Avoid Indians at all price because most of them are beggars who really want your money and when you give one, more will follow. Especially beware of Kashmiris. It's difficult to get rid of them as they are very persistent.

Saudis may not seem friendly to a Westerner at first sight, but they are actually very warm, hospitable and generous people. Respect their culture and forget the stereotypes. It'll make your relations with them smoother. Don't shake hands with women and don't talk to women. It's not a custom in Saudi Arabia. Also, Saudi views on entertainment are quite different. Saudi Arabia has no discos, pubs etc, but has lots of cafes and restaurants where you can hang out.

But Saudi Arabia is not a tourist place, so don't expect too much in sense of tourism. Knowing a bit of Arabic is much recommended. Also so called "islamists" are actually very nice people, can say much nicer than other Saudis, but somebody needs to break the ice... There is an invisible wall between Westerners and Arabs, much due to Western political interference in Middle East matters. Arabs have reacted with mistrust to 9/11 agony and aren't really happy over rising islamophobia. Though Saudis will mostly judge you on 'who you are', not on 'where you come from'.

Answer 3

Oh, it's very, very safe! Just remember a few ground rules:

No alcohol
No porn
If you're a woman, cover up.

Somebody made a comment that there is no tourist industry. It's not very developed, but there is a booming industry in scuba diving, quad bikes and dune buggies and micro-lites. The Red Sea around Saudi Arabia is supposed to be about the most pristine there is near a land mass, so I imagine snorkelling is very good, too.

Answer 4

It's safe to travel to Saudi Arabia. But for an American it's not really recommended!!!!

Answer 5

Saudi Arabia actually has some of the safest streets in the world.

Answer 6

am 100% sure that if you came to Saudi Arabia you will feel safer than home and this is the actull thing many people even during the problems they refused to leave
you can be any place any time in almost any street with no risk at all

Answer 7

It is probably safe but saying that I am from the UK and I wouldn't like to chance visiting there. with things the way they are in the middle east I will stay well clear of it.

Answer 8

Saudi Arabia has Islamic law, there is virtually no crime there. People are too afraid to commit crimes so it is safe for an Englishman to visit.

Answer 9

It is v safe as long as you stocked to your business and hotel or the western compound , usually the western compounds has all what you need and v well protected ,there are some special resorts assigned for westerner for your weekends which are v nice and high class
try to avoid the shopping malls unless you have good driver who can drop you and pick you directly to and from your residence

Answer 10

It is perfectly safe, there are thousands of American kids living in Saudi...She does NOT need to cover her head, just make sure she wear long jeans and tshirt is fine :) I hope she has fun!