Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

I want to get some walkie talkies or two-way radios for desert trips. I see they are on a list of technically "banned" items but I've seen people using them.

Does anyone know what frequencies one can safely use in Saudi (if any) without drawing unwanted attention? I am aware of the license-free personal use services on the FRS/GMRS bands (US) and the PMR band (EU/UK) but I assume there is no equivalent here.

Also is there anywhere to buy such radios in Riyadh?

Re: Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

Dunno about Saudi, but here we use the US band, specifically, the following:

Channel - Frequency/ UHF
1 - 462.5625
2 - 462.5875
3 - 462.6125
4 - 462.6375
5 - 462.6625
6 - 462.6875
7 - 462.7125
8 - 467.5625
9 - 467.5875
10 - 467.6125
11 - 467.6375
12 - 467.6625
13 - 467.6875
14 - 467.7125
15 - 462.5500
16 - 462.5750
17 - 462.6000
18 - 462.6250
19 - 462.6500
20 - 462.6750
21 - 462.7000
22 - 462.7250

How's that for a nerdy post.

No idea where to buy them in Saudi mind and if you get it here there is a fair chance of confiscation by customs (and anal probing) if you are caught.

Re: Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

Not legal and not available for free sale in KSA. But if you bring walkie-talkies from outside they will not draw anyone's attention in the desert, unless you drive in Riyadh with two-meters external antenna on the top of you car.

Re: Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

We (the company) have just bought some new radios from Bravo and we use them also as walkie talkies.

Since I am in Khobar and so I am told the range they could be used as far away as in Jeddah, just as log as you have a good Bravo reception.

The model we have is the Motorola i418 type.

Re: Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

Even the ones that are sold as kids' toys are illegal in KSA. I left in 2011 but I am pretty sure that the Min of Int will still be dead against them.

Re: Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

This concerns me! But I have seen expats using them in the desert (and also security guards in shops). Probably not worth the risk.

Re: Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

Model aircraft are also forbidden in KSA ! Does the Min of Def think they could be used as weapons ?

Re: Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

Model aircraft may be theoretically forbidden, but every supermarket in KSA sells them. There's even a specialised RC shop near to Tahlia Street. So I think in practice they are safe nowadays.

Re: Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

like the walkie talkies. They are not permitted in the UAE either. All sold under the counter... along with the touches with built in stun-guns.

Re: Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

Why not then? I never knew that yet it doesn't surprise me.

Are we allowed yoghurt pots on string?

Re: Radios/walkie talkies in Saudi
 

There are no laws that prohibit such things, but you have to ask the reputable scholar, is there a fatwa on this issue.