So not to totally crash your thread, but I perked up when I heard you were living in Saudi. I have an opportunity where I work to take a job that would require several 1-2 week long trips there over the course of this and next year. They provide security and transportation, but I am still curious as to how safe it really is for an American? Are you from there or somewhere else? I have done a lot of research and I hear crime is low, though there are terrorism issues (granted, who doesn't have those, but at least in the US we arent smack dab in the middle east). I am really interested to hear opinions from those that live there, especially if they aren't originally from there. Feel free to PM me too if you like.
hola amigo,
it's very safe here, granted there are some "cultural" customs you must be aware of, mainly regarding interaction between men and women. You will find that everywhere you go will have a "men only" and a "family section" it's a big "NO" if you try for example to sit down in the family section of starbucks and you are not accompanied by a woman. you will find this everywhere you go.
it is not advisable to talk to a woman, specially if she's alone, and if you are talking to a saudi and there's a woman with him you are supposed to address him only.
Under no circumstance go out without your passport (this is very important) even saudis must carry ID at all times.
another thing to note is that everything, and i mean everything closes 5 times a day for prayer, so if you find yourself in a store you will have to leave for the 20/25 minutes of prayer time. supermarkets are an exception and so are the main public areas of malls, however no one will serve you.
and unless you go to an embassy party you wont find alcoholic beverages anywhere (very very illegal) makes sure you have nothing (consumable) that contains alcohol when you are coming over.
As for safety.... well it's very safe, they are very hard on criminals here so the crime rate is very low. I sometimes go for a walk since i find it the best way to see a city and it's no different than going out anywhere else in the world, it is infinity hotter though
i hope this helps a little.
PS: take the job
PS2: i'm from argentina
PS3: i just want one of these
