Saudi Arabia : Safety by CityThe biggest country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia occupies the biggest part of the Arabian Peninsula and has coastlines on the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
The holy Muslim cities Mecca and Medina are located in this very country, the cities all physically and financially able Muslims are obliged to visit at least once in their life, while the non-Muslims are forbidden from entering here.
However, even though Saudi Arabia has the second-largest reserves of petroleum in the world, and strong government controls over its major economic activities the rate of unemployment in this country is high, due to, most of all, reluctance to take on many jobs.
The unemployment situation on the side, this country is brimming with tourists, although the major part of those tourists is the religious pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina.
And just like its neighbors, Saudi Arabia boasts wonderful architecture, breathtaking sandy beaches and a plethora of historic, religious and cultural landmarks.
Warnings & Dangers in Saudi Arabia
OVERALL RISK : HIGH
Saudi Arabia is mainly safe but there are extremely unsafe areas, particularly near the border with Iraq and Yemen. Some of the biggest concerns for tourists in Saudi Arabia should be disrespecting their moral codes, as this is followed by severe punishments.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Reckless drivers are a major concern in Saudi Arabia. Accidents on the road occur frequently. If you're visiting Saudi Arabia as part of a pilgrimage, be prepared for extreme traffic jams and severely overcrowded public transport. The roads outside of the main cities vary in quality from well maintained to extremely poor. Vessels operating in the Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman are at risk of a pirates' attack.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpocketing is relatively common in Saudi Arabia despite the constant presence of police on the streets. Pickpockets are especially active during pilgrimages. Avoid wearing purses and keep your money in a hidden place, not easily accessible by pickpockets. Also, be wary of people trying to distract you, it might very well be a way to take your money.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
As for natural disasters, you can expect extremely high temperatures, reaching as high as 50C. This is why it is highly recommended that you always carry water with you and maintain hydrated. Sandstorms and thunderstorms are also common.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Near the aforementioned borders, muggings or kidnappings might be a concern, though generally, they aren't common in Saudi Arabia.
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
Terrorists are extremely likely to try and carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia. The main threat comes from Daesh that was formerly referred to as ISIL. Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK : LOW
Except for credit card frauds, expect virtually no scams in the territory of Saudi Arabia.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
There are some risks for women traveling to Saudi Arabia, especially if they're not respecting their codes of morality, like wearing an abaya at all times. Apart from that, women should apply basic precaution measures.
So... How Safe Is Saudi Arabia Really?
Probably the main concern for travelers in Saudi Arabia is the situations they can get themselves into in cases of disrespecting Islamic codes of morality, which are definitely a lot stricter than anyone outside of UAE can imagine, and what you may see as minor or non-relevant, may get you into serious troubles.
Women, for example, whether local or foreign, need to wear an abaya, a long and loose black robe.
And even though a headscarf is usually enough for foreign women, you are advised to at least bring one with you.
Another strict law in Saudi Arabia prohibits all LGBT activities in the country.
Anything LGBT related is illegal in Saudi Arabia.
It is, in fact, one of the least homosexual friendly countries in the world.
For first offenses, you can get prison sentences of several months to life, and physical punishments like whipping/flogging, chemical castration, torture, vigilante killings, and public execution.
Second offenses invariably lead to an execution. If you’re a member LGBT community, you are advised to stay out of Saudi Arabia.
As far as crime is concerned, the biggest danger for tourists in Saudi Arabia is the Fahateen: bad drivers.
You have to be very careful when picking your drivers and always wear a seatbelt.
Saudi Arabia has one of the lowest crime rates in the world as the police are regularly present on the streets, but there’s always a small degree of petty theft like pickpocketing and purse snatching.
Useful Information
- Visas - All nationals are required to get a visa in order to enter Saudi Arabia. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six-month from your planned date of return from Saudi Arabia. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
- Currency - Saudi Riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. Airports offer the best exchange rates, and ATMs are widespread throughout the country. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments.
- Weather - Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, characterized by extremely high temperatures, exceeding 50C. The period from June to September is the hottest period of the year.
- Airports - King Fahd International Airport is an airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It is located about 20 km northwest of Dammam and it is the largest airport serving Saudi Arabia.
- Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Saudi Arabia, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Saudi Arabia Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 20 | 24 | 28 | 33 | 39 | 42 | 43 | 43 | 40 | 35 | 28 | 22 |
| Low °C | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 26 | 21 | 15 | 10 |
| High °F | 68 | 75 | 82 | 91 | 102 | 108 | 109 | 109 | 104 | 95 | 82 | 72 |
| Low °F | 48 | 52 | 59 | 68 | 79 | 82 | 84 | 84 | 79 | 70 | 59 | 50 |
No where near accurate. Get your facts straight please.
liar
LOL, even Yemen is way safer than Saudi Arabia despite them dropping bombs there lol, you should get your facts straight.
To make things clear, many Arabs hate Saudi Arabia because of envy (Saudis are much richers than them) and that is why we see such stupid comments.
Warning: Saudi Arabia NOT safe.
It’s actually worse than what it says in this report. Nice people aside, overall extremely backward society.
E.g.During a conversation with his host (a Saudi businessman ) my brother in law mentioned that he likes to drink alcohol once in a while. The Wahhabi Saudi host decided he deserved to have his head chopped. Fortunately the Saudi host’s own brother talked some sense into him and rushed my brother in law out of the place. You don’t experience such things in Turkey or Iran two other very religious countries.
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Sean Cmon dude
This is super untrue
Some ppl in Saudi that drink talk about drinking but dont in ksa (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and they dont get killed or hurt in anyway
haha wtf
Saudi 2020 is different
People of Iran and Turkey hate Saudis, for many reasoons (including envy), that is why this guy created this imaginary story.
However, Saudi Arabia is now much different, and the whole page in this website describes Saudi Arabia in the 90’s, to see the real Saudi Arabia, search in youtube, for (Tourism in Saudi Arabia).
Btw, once a friend of mine who is American, said that he never felt safer in his life, after staying in Riyadh for few days.
YOU are WRONG
The people of Iran and Turkey are not envious of Saudi Arabia. They have much to be proud of in their own countries, so THINK AGAIN!
singular judgment
So from the experience of one person you judged the whole country? doesn’t sound accurate to me buddy.
Almost everything said here is wrong
It is safe almost everywhere except near the yemen border
Maybe for residents like you
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is mostly safe, as long as you obey the Islamic moral code and stay away from the Yemen boarder its pretty safe, the kingdoms full of hospitality and its culture and traditions are amazing, its truly the heart of Arabia.
My dad was invited to a public execution…
Was that 1970s ? Or maybe 1980s ?
Because there is no public execution after that
Big time lie, the public executions are no longer public since cellphones exists.
Saudi is safe. go check chomad on youtube, a testimony of how safe saudi is from a non muslim south korean guy
My mom went to Saudi for umrah pilgrimage, the Meccans aren’t friendly but extremely helpful, they will gladly help you. The people in the medina city, however, are very nice and friendly, she said that Saudi is one of the safest countries in the world, you can leave your Lambo unlocked without being stolen. Once there was a Harley Davidson on the side of the road with the key in it, and it is still there for days. No muggings or any assault-related crimes. Just stay away from Yemeni borders. the Houthis are a bunch of nutcases, they tried to bomb the Kaaba and blocking aid for the Yemeni people.
If any of you are interested to go to Saudi and need some sort of a testimony.. go check chomad on youtube, here is the link to his profile https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvuwlY4fWkWMuzRkj5MAK9Q
he’s a non-muslim south korean guy who went to saudi and had good times there..
Don't Bother
it is somewhat safe, driving and crossing the road isn’t safe, the idiots living there will drive at you to try and run you over – also male sexual harrassment is a thing, the place is gayer than a Village People video.
If you are a gay teetotaler, then the place is heaven.
you are the worst for the Saudi Arabia page.
I saw your Kuwait Page but Saudi Arabia is SAFER!
Get your fact straight ,, every single word you wrote is wrong !!
Please update the article
I would like this article on Saudi Arabia to be reevaluated since the country changed so much in the recent years. Most of the points are outdated!
Pickpockets do happen mostly and even only in Makkah and Madinah since they are crowded, but other than that its impossible because we are conservatives and no one will go out of their way to follow you. In my experience the pickpocket act happens mostly in the Western region of SA because of expats, this is my experience and knowledge and it might not 100% accurate, but I am sure of my country and its future vision.