Is Saudi safe? The answer is yes, it’s insanely safe…despite what your “local travel advisory says”. Do you know how many people ask me if Saudi Arabia is safe for Americans?
But to really get my point across, I have to categorize you depending on your life experiences. Select which answer applies to you, and you will get your answer.
Of course there’s always some kind of crime in the world, but will you get stabbed, robbed, or pickpocketed?
Disclaimer: This post represents my experience. Obviously I’m not talking about going to the Yemen border or anything. Use your head here.
You Have Only Been To The USA
If you have only been to the USA, you will find Saudi Arabia shockingly safe. But first, you will have to overcome the culture shock.
It’s not like home. Some spots are gritty…and it’s going to feel intimidating. From the airport, you are going to be scared until you overcome it. The friendly people will make it very easy for you, but it’s still up to you get your mind right.
Would I walk alone at 2am in Los Angeles or Atlanta? ABSOLUTELY not.
What about Jeddah or Riyadh? Well actually, you’re going to see little kids running around playing. The night time is the real culture due to the heat. There will be traffic and people just hanging out peacefully with each other. They drink coffee at midnight.
The gulf countries are some of the safest places you can be, despite what your friends and family will say. There are actually punishments for actions there, unlike the west. It truly felt like I could leave my iPhone on the table and it would still be there later.
You can apply this to the UAE, Oman, and Qatar also (per my experiences).Â
Sure you might run into a taxi driver trying to scam you for something. I didn’t personally, but not every person and country is perfect. That doesn’t determine what is “safe”.
Is someone on hardcore drugs going to rob you? Nope because there is a strict drug policy.Â
Is a drunk person from the bar going to pull out a knife? There is no alcohol.
You will not fully grasp my comments until you are physically there. But like I said, you will be “scared” first. Until you understand.Â
If you’d rather go vacation in Memphis…go for it.
You Have Been To Europe
Look at reddit, you’ll see comments “I lived in Saudi Arabia for 18 years and witnessed 0 robberies. I lived in Ireland and I was pickpocketed and had my backpack stolen within 2 weeks.”
No offense to Europe, but I mean the crime speaks for itself. Some places are safer than others, it’s not an insult. I’ll walk by myself in Rome at 1am…but I’m looking over my shoulder. In Saudi Arabia you could have Metallica playing full blast on your Airpods. I think that’s the best example to be honest.
How many stabbings a day in the UK? I lost count. Shootings in the USA? I lost count.Â
If you have been to Europe, you have probably felt uneasy at some point. Whether it be scams, touts, criminals, etc.Â
If you can handle that, you are more than ready for Saudi Arabia…I wouldn’t even think about it.
You Have Been To Asia
If you have been to Asia, you have seen more of the world and probably have a different understanding. You kind of “know”. You have been to Bangkok and went down a sketchy alley…but know it’s safe despite looking a little sus.
You have seen Japan and have felt and overwhelming amount of safety and security.
You have been to India and got cut in every single line.
There’s nothing to worry about in Saudi Arabia. This section wasn’t even really needed because you are probably not even researching this topic due to your travel experience.Â
If you are reading this and you are from Saudi Arabia, I appreciate the hospitality and overall safety I received in your country.
If you are visiting Saudi Arabia soon, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about. Sure, it’s an “exotic” location, but by day 2 you’ll be walking the streets at midnight for some delicious Al-Baik.
This post may contain affiliate or Amazon Associate links to in which we would recieve a small compensation on purchase. But it also might not.