Saudi Arabia Country Report
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a desert country located in the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait from the north. It is bordered by the Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from the east. South by Oman and Yemen. And it faces the Red Sea in the west. This country is the birthplace of Islam and the holy city of Mecca is the destination for millions of Muslims to perform Hajj and Umrah. Saudi Arabia is not only one of the largest oil producers in the world but also a regional political and global economic power. The government is an absolute monarchy. The House of Saud has ruled the kingdom since its unification by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, commonly known as Ibn Saud. Adherence to the strict laws of Sharia and Wahhabism has led Saudi Arabia to seek a delicate balance between domestic and international relations and traditional and modern cultural norms. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the country’s de facto leader, is promoting social and economic reforms to diversify the oil-dependent economy under Vision 2030. Social and economic reforms have been accompanied by severe repression of the opposition. This has been most evident through the purging of princes, ministers, and senior businessmen on charges of corruption, the arrest of women’s rights activists, and the death of prominent opposition journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey. These incidents have raised concerns about human rights violations and strengthened Saudi Arabia’s hardline stance against the opposition. Anti-terrorism laws are broad in classifying all opponents of the government. MBS is facing international pressure due to these policies and Saudi military involvement in Yemen. From 2016 to 2023, tensions with regional rival Iran escalated amid increasingly hostile rhetoric between Riyadh and Tehran and its regional proxies. Recent high-profile attacks on Saudi Arabia’s critical oil infrastructure have further strained bilateral relations and raised serious concerns about Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities. In March 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to resume normal diplomatic relations. This temporarily eased the tension between the two that had surfaced earlier.
The main sources of threats to travelers are terrorism, crime, environmental issues, and transportation infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has suffered numerous cross-border attacks since the conflict in Yemen began and will almost certainly face more attacks during the conflict. Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the conflict with Yemen’s Houthi rebels has led to regular missile and drone attacks along the Saudi-Yemen border. However, cross-border attacks by the Houthis appear to have stopped since mid-2022, possibly as a result of careful negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The possibility of additional attacks cannot be ruled out in the event of the failure of negotiations or the resumption of large-scale military operations against the Yemeni rebels by the Saudi Arabian army. Although the Saudi military claims to intercept most attacks, the debris that falls after interception is a potentially deadly hazard. Regular long-range missile attacks target critical infrastructure in urban centers and further away from Riyadh. Although the Islamic State (ISIS) threat has diminished as counter-terrorism measures become a priority, they continue to carry out shootings and suicide bombings. Similarly, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), although significantly weakened since its heyday in the early to mid-2000s, retains the ability to inspire and direct attacks. Previous targets have included religious facilities, security forces, and strategic locations.
Although crime statistics are low, there are petty crimes such as pickpocketing and pickpocketing. Cases of rape against foreign women have also been observed. There are also reports of kidnappings, carjackings, armed robberies, and vehicle thefts. Driving in Saudi Arabia can be dangerous. The condition of roads and infrastructure is of a good standard, but the number of fatal accidents is high. In rare cases, anti-government demonstrations have occurred in the cities of Qatif and Awamiyeh in the east of the province. Violent clashes may occur between demonstrators and the police. Cyber ​​attacks have historically targeted both organizations and individuals. Most attacks are either financially motivated or related to hacktivism. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases continue to be reported. The weather can be a source of discomfort, especially during the summer. Sandstorms are frequent and can disrupt land and air travel.
Last updated: August 25, 2023
Security
Artillery, rockets, armed drones, and missiles are regularly fired from Yemen towards the southern provinces of Jazan, Asir, and Najran, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and civilians. Yemen’s Houthi rebels also launched long-range missile attacks against major cities, including Riyadh. The Saudi Arabian Air Force (RSADF) uses a multi-layered air defense system that can effectively intercept long-range weapons and almost neutralize the impact of such incidents. However, there are concerns that Iran and its proxies are providing logistical and technical support and enhancing the Houthis’ capabilities. High-profile attacks on critical infrastructure have raised questions about Saudi air defense capabilities and their vulnerability to sophisticated attacks. Critical infrastructure such as desalination plants and ports along parts of the Red Sea coast have also been targeted in the past. However, since late 2022, the frequency of Houthi missile attacks has decreased significantly. It remains to be seen how long this will last. Water-improvised explosive devices (WBIED) are also a threat to ships traveling in the coastal areas bordering Yemen. Despite recent signs of de-escalation, tensions remain high between Iran and its regional proxies.
Terrorist attacks usually target Shiite religious sites and security forces, but they have repeatedly threatened foreign interests. Saudi Arabia’s efforts to counter terrorism are strong and widespread, and the threat has declined in recent years. The possibility of more attacks cannot be ruled out, including in areas frequented by Westerners such as shopping malls and tourist spots.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and pickpocketing also occur. Burglaries, car thefts, and car thefts have been reported. Violent crimes against foreigners are rare. Protest is rare. However, protests related to sectarian issues have occurred in the predominantly Shiite community of Al-Qatif province, north of Dammam in Eastern Province. There have been sporadic clashes between protesters and the police.
Last updated: August 25, 2023
Infrastructure
Air travel complies with international safety standards. Due to the conflict in Yemen, flights from the airports of Jazan, Asir, and Najran provinces may be canceled without prior notice.
The annual number of deaths on the roads of Saudi Arabia is very high. Bad driving habits and disregard for traffic rules are common causes of road accidents.
King Abdullah Port in Saudi Arabia is very efficient.
Access to public facilities is good in big cities, but services may be inadequate in rural areas. Mobile broadband networks are growing rapidly due to increased competition and the mass availability of smartphones in the market.
Cyber ​​attacks target both organizations and individuals.
Last updated: July 6, 2023
Environment
Its climate is generally desert and dry with very hot summers. Two climatic extremes are felt between the coastal region, where Mecca and Jeddah are located, and the interior, where the cities of Riyadh and Buridah are located. Occasional heavy rainfall may occur, causing flooding and affecting ground travel and essential services. Most earthquakes are small and do not pose a risk to life or property. Sandstorms can cause difficult driving conditions, cause health problems, and severely affect air travel. Parts of the southern border with Yemen may be affected by unexploded ordnance (UXO). This country is highly polluted.
Last updated: March 16, 2022
Health and Medical
Medical facilities are generally on par with Western countries. There are many public and private hospitals and clinics. However, professional treatment may require evacuation to another country. Most medicines are available in pharmacies. Epidemics can spread quickly, especially during Hajj and Ramadan. Influenza, colds, and respiratory illnesses are widely reported. Malaria is present in the southwest region. Rabies also occurs in dogs, bats, and other mammals. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Last updated: August 25, 2023
Political
The government is highly centralized, with ministers, governors and other key political positions appointed by King Salman. The government does not regret the lack of democratic institutions. This has proven to be beneficial for political stability for decades. However, political tensions have escalated since November 2017, when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) ordered the arrest of a series of crown princes, ministers and top businessmen in an apparent attempt to consolidate his power. Regular reports of arrests sponsored by anti-corruption movements suggest that such activities may continue. The killing of Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018 also raised concerns about human rights abuses and strengthened Saudi Arabia’s hardline stance against the opposition. The Khashoggi incident temporarily raised tensions with Saudi Arabia’s traditional allies, including the United States, and hurt international investment as MBS pushes ahead with his Vision 2030 reform agenda. It is highly unlikely that reports linking MBS to the murders or calls for his ouster will lead to a change in leadership. The monarchy has made it clear that any changes, including allowing women to drive, are the result of a top-down approach. Opponents of MBS’ strategies and reforms, including the political elite, will be dealt with swiftly. The response to the activities will continue from the security point of view and will lead to repression and force. Efforts to fight corruption in Saudi Arabia are complicated by Wasta’s financial support and culture.
Last updated: April 14, 2022
