Saudi Arabia Risk Assessment Country Guide
The modern Saudi state, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was founded in 1932 and makes up most of the Arabian peninsula. The country is the birthplace of Islam and is home to two of the religion’s holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina.
Saudi Arabia is the only Arab country to be a member of the G-20, with a high-income economy supported by the world’s second largest hydrocarbon reserves.
On June 8, 2016, the CDC issued a travel warning to Saudi Arabia due to the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca from September 9-13. Those who travel to Saudi Arabia around the sacred pilgrimage are up to date on vaccinations and overall health. There have been multiple attacks on mosques which were directed or inspired by ISIL in the past year. Furthermore, there are ongoing security concerns related to the crises in neighboring countries such as Yemen and Iraq.
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have carried out several attacks on mosques in the region.
- Health
- Safety & Security
- Terrorism
On November 19, 2015, the CDC issued a level 2 alert for those traveling to the Arabian Peninsula due to an outbreak of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). MERS is a viral respiratory illness that causes fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC encourages travelers to wash their hands consistently and avoid contact with other sick people in the area. In May 2014, there were two confirmed cases of MERS in Saudi Arabia involving health care workers. The first reported case of MERS in Saudi Arabia was in 2012.
MERS is typically contracted from exposure with camels and is highly infectious, as people with MERS get it from others. The World Health Organization advises travelers to take heed around farms, markets, barns, or other places where animals are present. In addition, travelers should avoid contact with camels as well as eating undercooked camel meat.
With the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, travelers should take extra precautions by staying up-to-date on all vaccinations (especially Meningitis, measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetnus-pertussis, varicella, polio and influenza), following food and water safety guidelines, preventing mosquito bites, avoid swimming in fresh water like lakes and rivers, and following guidelines for hot climates. Contagious diseases spread quickly, especially during Hajj and Ramadan. Flu, colds and respiratory problems are very common. Expats and travelers are advised to bring basic medicines and consume adequate liquids and salts.
Expats and travelers should contact their General Practitioner about 8 weeks before going to Saudi Arabia to check whether they need any vaccinations or other preventative measures. Healthcare facilities in major cities are of a high standard, while most towns have a health center or basic hospital. For serious cases, you may be transferred by ambulance or by air to a better-equipped hospital in a major city that may be some distance away.
Clements Worldwide offers a GlobalCare® health insurance policy that provides health care while you are outside of your home country. Policies include USD 5 million in health care benefits, and family members overseas will also be covered. You will have flexible payment plans, choice of deductible and optional War and Terrorism coverage. This coverage extends your policy to include illness or injury caused by an act of war and terrorism.
Clements also offers Medical Evacuation and Repatriation insurance. A policy covers expenses to transport you to a capable medical facility in case a local medical center isn’t able to provide adequate treatment.
Call us today at +1.202.872.0060 or 800.872.0067 or email request@clements.com to discuss your organization’s travel needs tailored to considerations involved while operating in Saudi Arabia.
Source: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, CDC, World Health Organization, and Clements Worldwide
Foreigners should practice caution when traveling to Saudi Arabia. As of February 24, 2015, a travel advisory has been in effect for Saudi Arabia. On July 4, 2014, members of Al-Qaida attacked a border checkpoint along the Saudi-Yemen border. The last major terrorist attack against foreign nationals occurred in 2007, but security threats are ongoing and terrorist groups, some affiliated with Al-Qaida, may target both Saudi and Western interests. Possible targets include housing compounds, hotels, shopping areas, and other facilities where Westerners congregate, as well as Saudi government facilities and economic/commercial targets within the Kingdom.
Public demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia. Foreigners are advised to follow local media and be alert to local and regional demonstrations in order to avoid them and any resulting dangerous outbreaks of violence. Despite the ban demonstrations do take place occasionally, mainly in the Shia communities in the Qatif area of Eastern Province and Al Hasa.
Tensions are currently high in the Saudi-Yemen border area over ongoing illegal traffic in people and goods and terrorist activity. The Saudi-Iraq border is always dangerous, and on January 5, 2015, 3 Saudi Arabian border guards were killed in clashes close to the Arar crossing point.
Although the crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low, there have been some isolated incidents of more violent crimes. Expats should take particular care when traveling outside towns and cities.
Drivers should take caution when driving in Saudi Arabia. Standards of driving are poor and there are a high number of serious accidents. Distances between cities are large and emergency services can take some time to get to any accidents or emergencies.
Clements provides an international car insurance policy that is tailored towards your organization and to fit Saudi Arabia’s local requirements. Policies include Physical Damage, Third Party Liability, and Excess Liability coverage, as well as fast, efficient claims processing. Optional Political Violence extension is recommended, that broadens the coverage to include strikes, riots, malicious damage, sabotage, war, terrorism or civil unrest.
Call us today at +1.202.872.0060 or 800.872.0067 or email request@clements.com to discuss your organization’s travel needs tailored to considerations involved while operating in Saudi Arabia.
Source: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Clements Worldwide
There is currently a heightened threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia, particularly from groups affiliated with Al-Qaida and ISIL as they continue to target both Saudi and Western interests. Areas that have been the recently targeted have been border checkpoints.
On October 20, 2016 two people were killed in a shelling attack in the Saudi city of Jizan. Houthi rebels perpetrated the attack.
On October 9, 2016 Houthi rebels killed 25 Saudi soldiers during a raid against a Saudi base in Jizan. The attack was perpetrated as part of the ongoing conflict in the Najran.
On September 18, 2016, two patrolling police officers in Damman, Saudi Arabia were killed by heavy gunfire. The gunmen have not been identified.
On September 4, 2016, three people were killed including one woman, a man, and his son as a result of shelling from Yemen connected to the Yemeni Civil War. Officials suspect Houthi militants are responsible.
On August 16, 2016, Houthi shelling killed seven in Saudi Arabia.
On August 1, 2016, 4 civilians were killed and 3 others were injured when militants shelled a town in the Jizan Region across the border with Yemen.
On July 4, 2016, suicide bombers attacked targets near the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah, the Prophet’s Mosque (also known as Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Medina, and a mosque in Qatif. In Jeddah, a man blew himself up after police tried to arrest him near the U.S. consulate. Two Saudi police officers were injured.
On January 5, 2015, 3 Saudi Arabian border guards were killed in clashes close to the Arar crossing point close to the Saudi-Iraqi border. On July 4, 2014, members of Al-Qaida attacked a border checkpoint along the Saudi-Yemen border. On August 6, 2015, a suicide bomber took the lives of 15 people at a local mosque declaring the target a “monument of the apostate.” A new alleged affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed credit for the killings.
The last major terrorist attack against foreign nationals occurred in 2007, but security threats are ongoing and terrorist groups, some affiliated with Al-Qaida, may target both Saudi and Western interests. Possible targets include housing compounds, hotels, shopping areas, and other facilities where Westerners congregate, as well as Saudi government facilities and economic/commercial targets within the Kingdom.
Call us today at +1.202.872.0060 or 800.872.0067 or email request@clements.com to discuss your organization’s travel needs tailored to considerations involved while operating in Saudi Arabia.
Source: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Clements Worldwide