Job Discussion Forums

[JerkyBoy]

I recently learned that 15 of the 18 individuals involved in the 9/11 plot were Saudi nationals. Of course some believe it was perpetrated by the US/ Israelis. Then again some people still think Tupac is alive.

Is there any danger living in KSA?

What can one do to minimise the dangers?

What if one is a bottom-feeder and cannot afford to live in a compound with private army?

[johnslat]

Dear JerktBoy,

Is there any danger? Sure, but from the drivers there, not so much from terrorists.

I never lived on a "compound", just in the housing provided, a regular apartment building with other IPA employees of different nationalities.

And, when they started attacking / bombing the compounds in 2003, that seemed like a better place to be, anyway,

To minimize danger: look both ways before crossing any streets - and then run like hell; always wear a safety belt in a vehicle; avoid driving or being driven as much as possible.

I'd be more worried about terrorists if I were living in, say, New York - and even then I wouldn't be very worried at all.

Regards,
John

[JerkyBoy]

No one will spit at me or hurl stones?

[cmp45]

[cmp45]

[JerkyBoy]

They threw stones at us in Ethiopia and they didn't even care a hoot for the Palestinian cause. They were just angry because they were poor and we werent. Maybe something to do with skin colour, too. Not sure.

[JerkyBoy]

[johnslat]

Dear JerkyBoy,

Wear Canadian/Irish/Australian/New Zealand/ South African T-shirts.

Nineteen years there - there during the worst of the terrorist activity. I was never spat upon, never had a rock thrown at me.

If anything gets you, it'll be the traffic. No joke.

Regards,
John

[JerkyBoy]

I've been in Egypt and they drive like kids playing the Grand Theft Auto video game. So I guess I'm prepared in that sense.

I won't be driving.

[JerkyBoy]

I was over dramatising it. They only threw rocks once. But they tried to mug us several times.

[JerkyBoy]

I would stay in Thailand if it paid ME wages.

I have taught in 9 countries in all.

FYI Security is a very valid query.

An American who accompanied us one night in Addis Ababa was stabbed in a botched robbery and began to bleed out. He was operated on and was lucky to survive.

I am not a shrinking violet and have applied for jobs in North Korea and Kabul in the past.

[JerkyBoy]

Actually I narrowly missed out on an assignment training the Rwandan National Army last month. Otherwise my Saudi adventure would have been postponed.

[JerkyBoy]

Saudi adviser denies threat to foreigners in Riyadh
SAUDI ARABIA�
�
September 29, 2011|
�Nic Robertson, CNN


The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia said Wednesday that it has received information about a terror threat.
An adviser to Saudi Arabia's government denied Thursday there is any kidnapping threat for Westerners in Riyadh, adding that he has "no idea" what prompted U.S. officials to issue such a warning.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia said it had received information that a terrorist group may be planning abductions in the Saudi capital. The embassy passed along the notice in an emergency message for U.S. citizens.

But the adviser to the Saudi government -- responding to questions from CNN by e-mail Thursday -- said "we were not told about the intelligence or warning ahead of time and have no idea what it is based on."

"It may be credible, it may not, we have no idea at this point," he added.

The adviser criticized the content of the warning, including its mention of a "terrorist group" and "demonstrations," which he said were not happening.

"The way the warning was written is completely unacceptable," he said. "There is (not) a terrorist group running around Riyadh threatening to kidnap expatriates."

Deputy U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Wednesday that he could not comment on specific intelligence, but said there was no reason for U.S. citizens to leave Saudi Arabia.

"We deemed the information to be credible, or would not have issued the emergency message," he said.

The Saudi adviser said there was "no precedent" for the warning, vowing a reaction in a "very stern manner" if it is based on "circumstantial evidence."

"The hype that this warning is causing is absolutely unwarranted, and we will not tolerate it," he said. "The achievements of the Saudi counter-terrorism program will not be put into question or belittled by the Americans or anyone else for that matter!"

http://articles.cnn.com/2011-09-29/middleeast/world_meast_saudi-arabia-threat_1_saudi-arabia-saudi-adviser-riyadh?_s=PM:MIDDLEEAST

[johnslat]

Dear JerkyBoy,

It's a CYA warning. The embassy issues them every now and then (usually based on nothing) so, if anything does happen, they can say, "Well, we issued a warning."

Put not your trust in embassies. .

Regards,
John

[nomad soul]

JerkyBoy, be aware there are many expat women---single and married, some as mothers---who work and live in Saudi Arabia with no major worries about safety except for the crazy driving. (Saudi Arabia is not very pedestrian friendly either!) Of course, we're able to blend in easily with the Saudi women, but frankly, I find myself having to be more alert in my home country of the good ol' USA than I do here in the Kingdom!

Your safety can also depend on how you physically present yourself in public, especially if your actions cause you to stand out (and not in a good way). But overall, you'll be fine if you simply use common sense, are respectful of the culture and law, and stay cognizant of what's going on around you. Basic rules to follow regardless of what country you're in.