The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Saudi Arabia at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Saudi Arabia-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is minimal risk from crime in Dhahran. Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased over recent years, but remains at levels far below most major metropolitan areas in the United States. Criminal activity does not typically target foreigners and is mostly drug-related. For more information, review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Primary road arteries between major population centers and in larger cities are generally in fair to good condition; in contrast, roads in rural areas are less developed. Road surfaces range from pavement to sand/gravel. Roads in more rural areas lack road markings, lighting, and/or reflectors. Saudi drivers regularly drive without lights, at excessive speed, or in the wrong direction. Avoid driving at night outside of the greater Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran areas due to poor lighting, unmarked construction areas, livestock crossing highways, and erratic drivers. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report, Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

In Dhahran, traffic accidents are common and often result in serious injuries/fatalities. Driving is extremely hazardous due to excessive speeding, aggressive driving, lax enforcement of traffic regulations, and a high volume of traffic. In cases involving a Saudi and non-Saudi, there is often a presumption of fault against the non-Saudi. In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injuries, all persons involved may be taken to the local police station. In June 2018, the Kingdom gave legal authorization to women to drive. However, this has not caused a discernable influx of additional vehicles or additional safety concerns.

Short-term visitors may drive using their U.S. driver’s license or international driver’s license. However, U.S. citizens employed in Saudi Arabia must obtain a Saudi driver’s license from the Traffic Department. Saudi Arabia also requires approved drivers to carry vehicle insurance. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

Motorists should regularly modify their routes and travel times for security reasons.

Public Transportation Conditions

Public transportation is growing, and several projects are in the planning phases. In 2014, the Saudi Railways Company (SAR) announced a multi-billion dollar plan for rail infrastructure. The goal is to be the regional leader in cargo transportation, with special emphasis placed on creating a robust railway plan for cargo between Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam.

Taxis are available throughout major cities, in particular at hotels. Patrons may telephone for taxi services or summon them via smartphone app. Use established taxi companies, such as those offering cabs with meters. Ride hailing services such as Uber and Careem are available and popular with members of the international community in Jeddah. For more information on ride sharing, review OSAC’s Annual Briefing Report Safety and Security in the Share Economy.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Several international airports exist in Saudi Arabia; security is generally adequate. The international airports use biometric systems for immigration processing. Jeddah Civil Aviation Authority announced a May 2018 soft opening for the new international airport designed to handle the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca by many Muslims; however, operations have not yet transitioned to that facility. The U.S. Transportation Security Agency (TSA) assesses the Kingdom’s international airports on a regular basis. Some lapses (inconsistent management of badges) have occurred.  

Other Travel Conditions

Motor vehicle traffic between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain is via the 25-kilometer King Fahd International Causeway. Travelers into Saudi Arabia over the causeway need to ensure they have the proper visa to allow entry by both air and land travel to use the causeway. Saudi visas must include special annotations to allow for both air and land travel. Authorities have denied travelers entry from Bahrain because their visas were for issued for air traffic only.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is considerable risk from terrorism in Dhahran. Terrorist operations remain a concern for travelers to Saudi Arabia. ISIS, and to a lesser extent AQAP, continue to encourage terrorist attacks in the Kingdom, and aspire to destabilize the Saudi government. There is a continued risk of terrorist attacks in the country. Terrorist actors typically target government security forces or entities, but may also seek to attack public and/or tourist areas.

Notable terrorism incidents in 2019 and 2018:

• January 2019: Six militants were killed in a raid that also wounded five Saudi security forces in Jish, Al-Qatif.

• September 2018: Three militants were killed in a shootout with Saudi security forces in Awamiyah, Al-Qatif.
• July 2018: A Saudi policeman and a foreign citizen were killed at a checkpoint in Buraidah, Al-Qassim by ISIS-affiliated gunmen.
• April 2018: A Saudi soldier was killed during a raid on militants in Al-Qatif.

Saudi government capacity to combat transnational and domestic terrorism has increased dramatically over the past several years. Saudi Arabia has undertaken several initiatives leading to arrests, identification of smuggling routes, and interdiction of attempts by ISIS and others to cross the border illegally. The government security force has increased its capacity to respond quickly anywhere in the Kingdom.

ISIS-linked attacks on foreigners and Shia in Qatif and al Hasa prompted the U.S. Embassy to restrict personnel and their families from travel to the following areas:

• within 50 miles of the Yemeni border

• the cities of Jizan and Najran
• Qatif in the Eastern province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah
• Hofuf and its suburbs in the Al Hasa governorate.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

In addition to current security threats, there is low-level anti-Western sentiment in Saudi Arabia, often fueled by international and/or regional developments that involve conflicting stances with the U.S. on a given issue. Anti-Western sentiment tends to spark during times of major policy decisions or changes. For more information, review OSAC’s Report U.S. Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel: Security Implications.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

There is considerable risk from political violence in Dhahran. Since at least 2016, Saudi Arabia has experienced multiple cross-border ballistic missile attacks attributed to Houthi rebels in Yemen. The impacted area is diverse, including but not limited to a Red Sea coastal impact in Yanbu, missiles launched against Riyadh, and strikes in the Yemen-Saudi border region to include Khamis Mushayt. In addition to these locations, Houthi rebels have also attacked vessels in the Red Sea with missiles and explosive-laden boats. Saudi missile defenses reportedly intercepted many of the missile attacks, though some attacks nearly impacted major urban centers—such as the September 2018 attack in Najran that reportedly injured 26 people due to falling debris when the missile was intercepted by Saudi Arabia’s air defense forces. Additionally, in April 2018, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) hit a major oil refinery in Jizan as well as the Abha Airport (AHB). Saudi air defenses allegedly intercepted both strikes, though Houthi militia also claimed a subsequent drone attack in July 2018 on the Jizan oil refinery.

Houthi sources continue to threaten sending additional missiles against Saudi Arabia in retaliation for Riyadh’s military involvement in Yemen. As the number of ballistic missile launches into Saudi territory increases, Houthi leadership boasts of having the capabilities and intentions to target key locations, including military and government targets, in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Regardless of calls for Saudi Arabia to relax its involvement in the conflict, coalition activity shows no sign of waning. Retaliatory missile launches into the country are likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

Civil Unrest

Security forces generally do not tolerate public demonstrations and move quickly to prevent them from forming or gathering momentum. Security forces have sufficient resources in terms of equipment and manpower to respond to any civil disturbance.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Extremely high summer temperatures and pervasive dust present ongoing, but predictable, environmental hazards. Ensure adequate water is available and carefully plan all trips during the summer to ensure access to water and emergency communication. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report Dangers of Excessive Heat.

Due to the inadequacy of drainage systems, any significant rainfall in Dhahran poses a serious risk of flooding; exercise extreme caution if rain is in the forecast. Significant flooding occurred in Dhahran in September and December 2018.

Personal Identity Concerns

Saudi Arabia remains a very conservative country; understanding Saudi culture can assist visitors in blending in during their time in country.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Saudi Arabia. Saudi society does not openly tolerate or accept LGBTQ identities. Saudi law allows for the punishment of homosexuality with fines, corporal punishment, life in prison, or death. However, there is no evidence of hate crimes occurring against members of these groups. There is anecdotal, unconfirmed evidence (from social media) that religious police arrest members of the LGBTQ community and give them advice and literature on reforming their identities and sexual orientation. 

Drug-related Crimes

Drug use among Saudi youth is an increasing concern. Narcotics smuggling continues to be a challenge along the border areas. Ministry of Interior (MOI) officials have identified border security as an area of concern, and are addressing the issue through additional training and physical barriers. The media commonly report large drug seizures. Authorities frequently impose capital punishment for drug smuggling; according to media reporting, authorities executed at least 150 prisoners in 2018, 58 of whom faced drug offenses, with three-quarters of those being foreign nationals. Security officials have encountered armed resistance from traffickers.

Kidnapping Threat

While kidnapping is not common, it is most likely to be perpetrated by terrorist actors seeking to target foreigners in the event they are unable to orchestrate a large-scale attack. The threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups continues despite recent counterterrorism efforts. Terrorist elements may resort to targeting individuals rather than carrying out large-scale attacks. Criminal kidnappings are usually associated with other violent crimes. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

The U.S. Embassy periodically processes requests for assistance from U.S. citizens with children abducted or wrongfully detained in Saudi Arabia. The majority of cases involve one parent refusing to allow his/her child to return to the U.S. Saudi Arabia is not a party to the Hague Abduction Convention; custody orders and judgments of foreign courts are not enforceable in Saudi Arabia if they contradict or violate local laws and practices. In the event of marriage or divorce under Sharia law, parents do not share equal rights of custody to their children; religious/citizenship status affects the court’s judgment in custody cases.

Police Response

Police response times to emergencies vary due to lack of physical addresses and street names. Local residents have reported that the police response time averages about an hour; however, the police are particularly responsive to the needs of the diplomatic and international business communities. Law enforcement efforts include large numbers of high-profile uniformed and plain-clothes officers working openly and covertly.

• Saudi law is based on the local interpretation of Sharia law (the religious law of Islam), which is influenced by local customs and practices. Authorities may expel, arrest, imprison, or even execute those violating the laws, even unknowingly. U.S. citizens are subject to all local laws.

• Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, fines, public flogging, deportation, or death. Customs inspections at ports of entry are thorough and effective in finding drug and alcohol violators. For more information, please OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.
• Religious police enforce strict standards of social behavior, to include closing commercial establishments during the five daily prayer observances, insisting upon compliance with strict norms of public dress, dispersing gatherings of women in public places designated for men, and preventing unaccompanied or single men from entering public places designated for families. Religious police frequently reproach females for failure to observe strict dress codes, and arrest anyone found with people who are not married or closely related. Incidents involving the religious police increase during Ramadan because many religious police believe they must increase assertion of their authority during the holy month.
• Members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (CPVPV, Haia, Mutawa, religious police) patrol Saudi Arabia. These officers encourage people to go to prayer, ensure shops/restaurants close at prayer times, and intervene if they see any behavior they deem “un-Islamic.” The most common enforcement issues are being in the presence of a person of the opposite sex who is not a family member, and women not covering their hair, arms, or feet. The Saudi Government has curtailed CPVPV arrest and enforcement powers, although they may still harass people not complying with Sharia Law.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

While many members of the CPVPV are respectful and polite, enforcement can be in the form of harassment or even violence. Listen to the officer and let him know you understand why they stopped you, in order to resolve the interaction peacefully and without confrontation.

Detained U.S. citizens should immediately contact the Embassy/Consulate for assistance.

Crime Victim Assistance

The emergency number for police is 999. The emergency number for an ambulance is 997. The emergency number for the fire department/civil defense 998.

U.S. citizens who become victims of crime should immediately contact the nearest Embassy/Consulate for assistance. If accused of (or arrested for) a crime, you must resolve the matter through the local legal system. Authorities may detain suspects for months without charges, pending final disposition of a criminal case.

Police/Security Agencies

There are various units within the MOI with oversight over different areas of policing, security and enforcement.

Medical Emergencies

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, refer to the Consulate’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

• King Faisal Hospital in Riyadh: Tel: (966) (11) 464-7272 ext. 33333 or 31448

• SOS International: Tel: 0044-2080-762-8133
• Air Response: Tel: 001-303-858-9967
• Air Medical Services: Tel: 001-305-359-4730
• Air Ambulance Network: Tel: 001-727-934-3999

Insurance Guidance

Review medical insurance options prior to traveling to the country.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Saudi Arabia.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Dhahran Country Council meets quarterly. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Middle East and North Africa team with any questions.

U.S. Consulate Dhahran Location and Contact Information

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation

US Consulate Driveway, KFUPM, Dhahran 34464

Hours of Operation: 0800-1700, Sunday-Thursday

Consulate Contact Numbers

Tel: (966) (13) 330-3200

Website: https://sa.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/Dhahran/

Nearby Posts

Embassy Riyadh

Consulate Jeddah

Embassy Bahrain

Consulate Guidance

U.S. citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Saudi Arabia Country Information Sheet