Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > Middle East
Reload this Page >

Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Old Jan 12th 2005, 9:09 pm
  #1  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 124
smartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the rough
Default Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Hello all,

Plannin a trip for 2-3 days to Riyadh and got all the visa paperwork sorted out. Wondering if anyone's got any useful tips, tricks, advices, do's, dont's, anything really.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Dani
smartd is offline  
Old Jan 13th 2005, 1:45 am
  #2  
Yes, Master...
 
Tami2's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: U.S./Dubai
Posts: 1,159
Tami2 is a jewel in the roughTami2 is a jewel in the roughTami2 is a jewel in the roughTami2 is a jewel in the rough
Exclamation Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Originally Posted by smartd
Hello all,

Plannin a trip for 2-3 days to Riyadh and got all the visa paperwork sorted out. Wondering if anyone's got any useful tips, tricks, advices, do's, dont's, anything really.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Dani
Hi Dani,
Two questions: Are you male or female and have you been to the KSA before? I lived in Riyadh for 4 years (left in June '04). If you're a guy, just keep a low profile, stay away from obvious expat hangouts and get the hell out of there as fast as you can. If you're a female, get a nice long abaya and a long black scarf and cover up as much as you can. I really don't think your company would be sending you if you were a female though, so no worries. Basically, you should ask for extreme hazard pay and get in and out as fast as possible. Good Luck! :scared:

Tami
Tami2 is offline  
Old Jan 13th 2005, 3:15 am
  #3  
Banned
 
Jellybean's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 10,998
Jellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Originally Posted by smartd
Hello all,

Plannin a trip for 2-3 days to Riyadh and got all the visa paperwork sorted out. Wondering if anyone's got any useful tips, tricks, advices, do's, dont's, anything really.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Dani

Gosh your company loves you!!!

From the sound of this reply my tip would be....stay at home
Jellybean is offline  
Old Jan 13th 2005, 3:48 am
  #4  
The Delivery Man...
 
Nabs's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: The Eighth Cylinder
Posts: 2,402
Nabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud of
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

I'm going to Riyadh and jedda in two weeks time and I really don't want to go
Nabs is offline  
Old Jan 13th 2005, 4:35 am
  #5  
Banned
 
Jellybean's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 10,998
Jellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond reputeJellybean has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Originally Posted by Nabs
I'm going to Riyadh and jedda in two weeks time and I really don't want to go
Take care Nabs xx
Jellybean is offline  
Old Jan 13th 2005, 5:03 am
  #6  
Up in the air
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: I'm global baby!!!!!!
Posts: 7,263
Jammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond reputeJammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond reputeJammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond reputeJammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond reputeJammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond reputeJammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond reputeJammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond reputeJammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond reputeJammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond reputeJammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond reputeJammy_Dodgers has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Originally Posted by smartd
Hello all,

Plannin a trip for 2-3 days to Riyadh and got all the visa paperwork sorted out. Wondering if anyone's got any useful tips, tricks, advices, do's, dont's, anything really.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Dani
Did a year there and have to go back for 2 months soon :scared:

Obviously do not have any Non-muslim religious icons or literature, no pornography (i almost got a stick-beating from the religious police for having FHM on me).

If possible arrange a private driver to collect you from the airport. the locals will deliberately take you well out of your way..or worse.
If you are in a hotel, vary your departure times and the route that you travel. Stay off the street as much as possible.
A German guy got shot at Kudo, 15 metres from my office..He had only popped out for a snack and had only walked a few yards.

Just keep a very very low profile !
Jammy_Dodgers is offline  
Old Jan 13th 2005, 6:38 am
  #7  
The Delivery Man...
 
Nabs's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: The Eighth Cylinder
Posts: 2,402
Nabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud ofNabs has much to be proud of
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Originally Posted by Jellybean
Take care Nabs xx

Thanx JB xx
Nabs is offline  
Old Jan 13th 2005, 12:21 pm
  #8  
The 5th Amendment
 
joseph.creative's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Dubai City
Posts: 3,142
joseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nice
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Originally Posted by smartd
Hello all,

Plannin a trip for 2-3 days to Riyadh and got all the visa paperwork sorted out. Wondering if anyone's got any useful tips, tricks, advices, do's, dont's, anything really.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Dani
I would second NOT going. recently refused to go myself. i enjoy breathing.

So instead of firing you, they are trying to get you shot... nice company.

Erm... if u do go then please change ur name from SmartD to I was bloodyluckytogetbackaliveD

but good luck and be safe. What ian said is very valid. Do take note.
joseph.creative is offline  
Old Jan 13th 2005, 9:12 pm
  #9  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 124
smartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the rough
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Is it safe enough to just use a hotel shuttle pickup from the airport and then stay in the hotel room whenever i'm not in a meeting and then just use the shuttle back to the airport.

?

Thanks for all your comments.
smartd is offline  
Old Jan 14th 2005, 11:00 am
  #10  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 124
smartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the rough
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

well im off in a couple hours.

wish me luck!

Cheers,

D
smartd is offline  
Old Jan 14th 2005, 11:08 am
  #11  
Yes, Master...
 
Tami2's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: U.S./Dubai
Posts: 1,159
Tami2 is a jewel in the roughTami2 is a jewel in the roughTami2 is a jewel in the roughTami2 is a jewel in the rough
Red face Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Originally Posted by smartd
well im off in a couple hours.

wish me luck!

Cheers,

D

Good Luck D. Just remember: don't call attention to yourself. Get in and out of public buildings quickly (don't hang around the front door or lobby), don't go sightseeing and get in and out of the kingdom asap. Yes, it is a good idea to use the hotel shuttle as they won't try to scam you like a regular taxi driver. Hopefully, whomever you are meeting with will have other strategies for keeping you safe, although some Saudis still haven't realized that their country just isn't safe now.
Take care and let us know when you return safely.
Tami
Tami2 is offline  
Old Jan 15th 2005, 11:30 am
  #12  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 124
smartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the rough
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

alive in riyadh. hey that rhymes

safe and sound. hotel transfer overpriced at 85 sar
airport was fine, no probing of the arse.

all well so far, should be out of here tomorrow night.

Cheers,

D
smartd is offline  
Old Jan 15th 2005, 1:35 pm
  #13  
semarang
 
novita77's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: sand dune
Posts: 7,763
novita77 has a reputation beyond reputenovita77 has a reputation beyond reputenovita77 has a reputation beyond reputenovita77 has a reputation beyond reputenovita77 has a reputation beyond reputenovita77 has a reputation beyond reputenovita77 has a reputation beyond reputenovita77 has a reputation beyond reputenovita77 has a reputation beyond reputenovita77 has a reputation beyond reputenovita77 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Originally Posted by smartd
alive in riyadh. hey that rhymes

safe and sound. hotel transfer overpriced at 85 sar
airport was fine, no probing of the arse.

all well so far, should be out of here tomorrow night.

Cheers,

D
Take care and pls get out of there in 1 piece !!
novita77 is offline  
Old Jan 16th 2005, 4:42 am
  #14  
The 5th Amendment
 
joseph.creative's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Dubai City
Posts: 3,142
joseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nicejoseph.creative is just really nice
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

Originally Posted by smartd
alive in riyadh. hey that rhymes

safe and sound. hotel transfer overpriced at 85 sar
airport was fine, no probing of the arse.

all well so far, should be out of here tomorrow night.

Cheers,

D
and if u say it quick enough....

"They found my body riddled with bullets because I ate a Pork sausage sandwich on the street" does as well..... heh heh

take it easy. J
joseph.creative is offline  
Old Jan 16th 2005, 10:09 pm
  #15  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 124
smartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the roughsmartd is a jewel in the rough
Default Re: Biz Trip to Riyadh, Any Advice ?

back in dubai. safe and sound.

it was really uneventful security wise. worse thing i recall is taking shoes off for the xray machine when leaving saudi.

no issues other then some checkpoints where they pop the hood and trunk to check for explosives i guess. but really didnt feel any threats at all.

Cheers,

D
smartd is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.