Saudi Arabia 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety

Middle East / N. Africa - Saudi Arabia
3 Mar 2008

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Overall Crime and Safety Situation 

Incidents of crime in Saudi Arabia remain at the low level. Although the Saudi Arabian Government (SAG) does not provide crime data, non-violent street crime does occur and the embassy has received increased reporting from U.S. citizens over the last year. While infrequent by U.S. standards, petty theft and pick-pocketing are seen in areas highly populated by third-country nationals. Foreigners are more likely to experience problems if perceived by Saudi citizens as not being observant of Saudi Arabia’s conservative standards of conduct. In such instances, the foreigner may experience harassment, or even be pursued and assaulted by the offended Saudi. 

Saudi Arabia is a monarch ruled by a king chosen from and by members of the Al Saud family. As the premiere governing head of the monarchy, the king appoints members of two advisory councils which, in conjunction with royal decrees issued by the king, determine and oversee the country’s Islamist-based laws and extremely conservative customs and social practices. Saudi authorities do not permit criticism of Islam or the royal family. The government prohibits the public practice of religions other than Islam. Non-Muslims suspected of violating these restrictions have been jailed. 

Both men and women are expected to dress conservatively and the Saudi Embassy in the United States advises women traveling to Saudi Arabia to dress in a conservative fashion, wearing ankle-length dresses with long sleeves, and not wearing trousers in public. In many areas of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh and the central part of the Kingdom, Mutawwa’in (religious police) pressure women to wear a full-length black covering known as an Abaya and to cover their heads. Most women wear an Abaya and carry a head scarf to avoid being accosted. Women who appear to be Arab or Asian origin, especially those presumed to be Muslims, face greater risk of being confronted if not properly attired. 

Some Mutawwa’in try to enforce the rule that men and women who are beyond childhood years may not mingle in public, unless they are family or close relatives. Mutawwa’in may ask to see proof that a couple is married or related. Women who are arrested for socializing with a man who is not a relative may be charged with prostitution. Some restaurants, particularly fast-food outlets, have refused to serve women who are not accompanied by a close male relative. In addition, many restaurants no longer have a “family section” in which women are permitted to eat. These restrictions are not always posted, and in some cases women violating this policy have been arrested. This is more common in Riyadh and the more conservative central Nejd region.

Safety: Road Conditions and Road Hazards 

Short-term male visitors may drive using their U.S. driver’s license in Saudi Arabia. American men employed in Saudi Arabia should obtain a local driver’s license from the Department of Traffic Police. Women are not allowed to drive automobiles or ride bicycles on public roads throughout the Kingdom. Traffic safety and road conditions vary greatly throughout Saudi Arabia. In the larger cities, roadways are often multi-lane and well-constructed with adequate road markings and lighting. However, in rural areas, road surfaces range from pavement to sand and gravel, and lighting and road markings may be non-existent. Traffic accidents are a significant hazard and driving habits are generally poor. Drivers throughout the Kingdom speed regularly. Traffic accidents involving high speed occur often, with many automobiles being recklessly driven by minors or adults with little driving experience or training. In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, all persons involved (if not in the hospital) will be taken to the local police station. Drivers are likely to be held for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid. In many cases, all drivers involved in the accident are held in custody regardless of fault. Those involved in an accident should immediately contact their sponsor and the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate for assistance.

Political Violence

The embassy in Saudi Arabia remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests. Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Saudi Arabia. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassination, kidnapping, hijacking and bombing. Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests.
Regarding organized crime and civil unrest, historically neither has been of specific concern in Saudi Arabia. However, the embassy reminds visitors that demonstrations, while infrequent and generally in response to domestic issues, can occur with little or no warning.

Post-specific Concerns

In February 2007, four French tourists were killed in a terrorist incident on a desert track north of Medina. A gunman fired shots at the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah in May 2006 and an armed attack on the same Consulate General on December 6, 2004, resulted in five deaths and eleven serious injuries among non-U.S. staff members. Although extremists have not conducted a successful attack against westerners since February 2007, the United States Mission in Saudi Arabia remains an unaccompanied post as a result of continued security concerns. Those officially on assignment or on temporary duty to the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia must be housed at Mission-approved hotels and travel in Mission motor pool-driven armored vehicles. These travel policies are also in place for official U.S. personnel in Jeddah and Dhahran. 

Police Detention or Harassment

Islamic law is the basis for Saudi law, customs and practices which are strictly enforced by SAG police authority. Persons violating Saudi Arabia’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, imprisoned or even executed. Suspects can be detained for months without being charged or afforded legal counsel, pending a final disposition of a criminal case. Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs are severe and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, fines, public flogging, and/or deportation. The penalty for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia is death. Saudi officials make no exceptions. Customs inspections at ports of entry are thorough in finding drug and alcohol violators. 

Throughout the Kingdom, Saudi law enforcement efforts include large numbers of high profile uniformed and plain-clothes officers, including Mutawwa’ in, working both openly and covertly throughout communities. In the event an American citizen becomes a victim of crime, he or she is strongly encouraged to immediately contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate for assistance. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh cautions American citizens that Saudi Arabian police authorities have detained Americans who are viewed even as potential witnesses to a crime. American witnesses have been held without charges or access to legal counsel, and with limited or delayed consular access. During the investigative stage of a criminal incident, which can take several months, persons viewed as witnesses may have personal effects confiscated. Even upon release from Saudi custody, potential witnesses may be prohibited from leaving the country until the investigation is completed.

Embassy and Consulate Assistance

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Saudi Arabia have no standing in Saudi courts to obtain leniency for an American convicted of alcohol or drug offenses. However, American citizens may contact American Citizen Services at the following U.S. Embassy and Consulates for assistance in Saudi Arabia:

The U.S. Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Located at Collector Road M, Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter) - International mailing address: P.O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693; U.S. Postal Service address: U.S. Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; Telephone number: +966 1 488-3800; Fax number: 966 1 483-0773.

The U.S. Consulate General, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (Located between Aramco headquarters and old Dhahran Airport at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Highway exit.) - International mail address: P.O. Box 38955, Doha-Dhahran 31942; U.S. Postal Service address: Unit 66803, APO AE 0988-6803; Telephone number: +966 3 330-3200; Fax number: +966 3 330-0464

The U.S. Consulate General, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Located in Palestine Road, Ruwais.) - International mailing address: P.O. Box 149, Jeddah; U.S. Postal Service address: Unit 62112, APO AE 09811-2112; Telephone number: +966 2 667-0080; Fax number: +966 2 669-3078 or 669-3098

Medical Emergencies

Good modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in the major cities of Saudi Arabia, but only adequate medical care may be available in the outlying areas. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. American citizens are encouraged to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling to Saudi Arabia to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation.

Medical Contact Information - The following medical facilities are frequently utilized in Riyadh (Used country-wide):

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center - Telephone number: +966 1 464-7272; Emergency number: +966 1 442-3838; Poison Control: +966 1 442-7604 (Saturday-Wednesday only). King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center has the reputation of being the premier hospital and referral center in the Kingdom. King Faisal Specialist Hospital specializes in treatment of serious life-threatening conditions, i.e. cardiac arrest, trauma due to motor vehicle accidents, head injuries, etc. Kingdom Hospital Telephone number: +966 1 275-1111 (emergencies dial ext. 1 or ext. 5301).

Kingdom Hospital, Riyadh – One of the newest facilities in Riyadh, Kingdom Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department best suited for non-life threatening medical conditions or injuries; i.e. broken bones, lacerations, etc. Kingdom Hospital also has evening private clinics.

King Abdulaziz National Guard Hospital - Telephone number: +966 1 252-0088 (Emergencies dial ext.3332); Poison Control: +966 1 252-0088 ext. 2200 (24-hrs). King Abdulaziz National Guard Hospital is considered the best hospital suited for mass casualty scenarios in the Kingdom. This hospital has evening and daytime private clinics. 

The following medical facilities in Jeddah and Dhahran are also frequently utilized:

King Faisal Specialist Hospital - Rowan Street, Jeddah; Telephone number +966 2 667-7777 x 1000; Emergency: +966 2 667-7777 x 5555; Ambulance: +965 2 67-7777 x 7000

Sa’ad Hospital - Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Street, Al-Khobar, Dhahran; Telephone number: +966 3 877-8999; Emergency: +966 3 801-2503

Air Ambulance Services:

SOS International - Telephone number: 0044-2080-762-8133

Air Response - Telephone number: 001-303-858-9967

Air Medical Services - Telephone number: 001-305-359-4730

Air Ambulance Network- Telephone number: 001-727-934-3999

Travel Precautions

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia. The security threat level remains high due to the continued presence of terrorist groups, some affiliated with al-Qa’ida, who may target Western interests, housing compounds, and other facilities where Westerners congregate. These terrorist groups may also target Saudi Government facilities and economic/commercial targets within the Kingdom. U.S. Citizens who travel to or remain in Saudi Arabia are strongly urged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulates General in Jeddah and Dhahran. This may be accomplished through the State Department’s travel registration website, www.travelregistration.state.gov, in order to be included in the Mission’s Warden System network. Updated travel and security information for Saudi Arabia is issued periodically at the Warden network. 

From time to time, the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia may restrict the travel of official Americans or suspend public services for security reasons. In those instances, the U.S. Mission will keep the local American community apprised through the Warden System and make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Warden messages can be found on the U.S. Embassy website, www.riyadh.usembassy.gov. Updated information on travel and security in Saudi Arabia may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling, 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. or Canada or via regular toll, 1-202-501-4444. Additional travel information may also be obtained from the Department’s Consular Information Sheet for Saudi Arabia, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and Middle East Public Announcement at www.travel.state.gov.  

Further Contact Information - American citizens may use the following to contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate General in Saudi Arabia to speak with American Citizen Services staff:

U.S. Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: +966 1 488-3800
U.S. Consulate General, Jeddah: +966 2 667-0080
U.S. Consulate General, Dhahran: 966 3 330-3200

The Overseas Security Advisory Counsel (OSAC) Country Council Representatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are:
Riyadh: Allan Thornton - + 966 0 1 445 9100
Jeddah: TC Smith - +966 2 689 8160
Dhahran: Jef Geagan - +966 55 490 1226 

For more information about security overseas, log onto the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) website at www.osac.gov. There are three active Country Council chapters in the Saudi Arabia– Riyadh, Jeddah and Eastern Province. Please visit our country council websites at www.saudiarabia.osac.gov.