Looking to travel or live in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia but unsure if it’s safe? Wondering if Riyadh is safe to travel and work? In this article, we will explore the safety aspects of Riyadh and answer common questions around crime rates, security measures and more. Whether you’re a traveler looking for tips on staying safe or an expat considering moving to Riyadh, find out what you need to know here!
Introduction
Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and is one of the most populous cities in the country. It is also one of the wealthiest cities in the world, with a large number of high-rise buildings and luxury hotels. There have been a few reports of crime and violence in Riyadh which makes tourists wonder if it would be a good choice to travel to the city. It should be noted that Riyadh is generally safe for visitors and residents alike as the crime rate is low here and it is sometimes regarded as one of the safest cities in the world. There are a number of security measures in place, such as police patrols and CCTV cameras, which help to keep crime levels low. Police are very efficient and helpful especially if you’re a foreigner. People are tolerant here and the city has a very low scam risk as well.
The Current Situation of the Country
The current situation of the country is that it is in a state of flux. The government is in the process of trying to modernize and liberalize the country, but there is still a lot of conservative resistance to change. This has led to some political instability and unrest, which has made some people hesitant to visit or live in Riyadh. However, overall the city is still safe and welcoming to visitors and expats and you should not face any problems if you are following the rules of the country.
Due to the police’s constant presence on the streets, Riyadh boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the world, yet there is always a tiny amount of minor crimes like pickpocketing and handbag snatching. You should be completely safe if you avoid going to less-developed or deserted areas in the city.
Safety Precautions
When it comes to safety, Riyadh is generally a safe place to visit and live. However, there are some precautions you should take in order to stay safe while in the city. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when traveling to or living in Riyadh:
– Follow the country’s rules and regulations, as you would do in any other part of the world.
– Be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or deserted areas.
– Keep your belongings close to you and do not leave them unattended in public places.
– If possible, avoid using public transportation late at night or in isolated areas.
– Don’t entertain strangers.
– Register with your embassy or consulate so they can contact you in case of an emergency.
Recent Developments to make Riyadh more safe
It should be noted that Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman is driving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan for economic and social reforms. He envisions the Middle East to be the “New Europe” and he has already taken big steps to develop its own economy.
The implementation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy of the nation and lessen its reliance on oil, includes opening Saudi Arabia to tourists as a significant step. By 2030, Saudi Arabia intends to receive 100 million international and local visitors annually, bringing in significant outside and domestic investment and producing one million new employment.
To boost this vision, Saudi authorities have been making extra steps in order to attract more tourists and make it a safe place for all. They have been quite successful in this so far as a number of international events have been held in the past 3 years in Riyadh. These events had artists from all over the world and a lot of foreign audiences were in attendance too. No unfortunate incidents were reported during these events.
Conclusion – Is Riyadh Safe to visit and live in?
In conclusion, Riyadh is a safe and welcoming city that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. While there are certain precautions travelers should take in any foreign country, the security measures taken in Riyadh make it a great place to visit and live. The beauty of Riyadh city is that it never sleeps. You will always get traffic and a taxi (sayyara). Roads are normally safe. Police are present everywhere and help all very efficiently. People here are usually good and helpful.
From its stunning architecture to its vibrant culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Riyadh. So start planning your trip today and get ready to experience the beauty of this amazing city!
Additional Note :
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Riyadh city have strict LGBT rules. Riyadh prohibits all LGBT activities in the country. Anything LGBT related is illegal in Saudi Arabia. If you happen to be a member of the LGBT community, you are advised to stay out of Saudi Arabia.
Keep visiting TravelRiyadhCity to read more information about the city and its happenings.
You can also read our recently posted blog, Riyadh vs Jeddah : Which city is better to live?
