Warden Notice 23/03 (11 October 2003)

The FCO Travel Advice has been updated to remind you of the continuing threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia and the need for you to take your security seriously.

As the Travel Advice makes clear, we continue to judge that attacks against Western interests in Saudi Arabia are likely. There also remains a risk of opportunistic attacks on Western individuals.

The Saudi Authorities continue to maintain a high level of security at foreign installations and many largely expatriate housing compounds. As we have advised before, British nationals should take all necessary steps to protect their safety and to make sure they have confidence in their individual security arrangements. They should also maintain a high level of vigilance and follow rigorously the security advice, which we have issued over the last few months. For example:

• Be especially vigilant in places frequented by Western expatriates (e.g.. shopping malls)
• Vary routines (e.g. do not go shopping at the same place at the same time every day/week)
• Vehicle security: check all around, above and under your car before getting into it after leaving it unattended
• Treat unexpected packages with caution
• Avoid behaviour that might draw attention or provoke.

The full version of our Security Tips can be found on the Embassy website: www.ukm.org.sa (click on "Consular").

Since the holy month of Ramadhan is about to begin, I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of our traditional advice at this time. Throughout the month we would advise against drawing unnecessary attention to yourself, while observing modesty in your dress and behaviour. It is wise to follow requests from the Muttawa, to avoid confrontation.

The requirement for sensitivity to local customs is even more important. The Islamic requirement that every Muslim fast between sunrise and sunset during Ramadhan is strictly observed in Saudi Arabia. Any person caught drinking, eating or smoking in public during those hours in Ramadhan risks arrest and deportation.

William John Neil
HM Consul

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Visit http://www.fco.gov.uk for British foreign policy news and travel advice; and http://www.i-uk.com - the essential guide to the UK.

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