Anyone been to Saudi Arabia as a tourist?

[Rick Lee]

I can't believe I'm typing this. My mom is getting concerned that my dad is showing signs of cognitive decline and is going to the doctor with him next week to discuss. My dad called me at 6:30am today and the first words out of his mouth were, "Hey, we're going to SA in November and I wanted to ask if you think it's worth the price to upgrade to business class." At that point I was sure he was off his rocker.

But no. My dad's prep school classmate is a member of the Saudi royal family, also former ambassador to the US and Saudi foreign minister, they still talk now and then, and this prince invited a bunch of his prep school classmates and their wives (it was an all boys school back then) to the Kingdom for a private 60th reunion thing. My folks can't wait to go. I still can't believe it. I'm sure they'll be in a motorcade like our own president gets and, as they're probably all infidels, can't go to Mecca or Medina. What are they going to be able to do in Riyadh for 10 days? I reminded my folks that they may have issues with the Israeli visas in their passports and probably not to bring Bibles with them. But I'm really curious what westerners, who are neither contractors nor Muslim pilgrims, can do in the Kingdom. I kind of want to go, but I don't know that I can go that long without booze.

[Jeff Higgins]

I've worked there, and really had no issues. Things are different than we are used to, but follow their rules and suggestions (of those they will be with) and they will have no trouble.

There should be no Israeli visas in their passports. Israel does not stamp them, knowing full well the problems that can cause for folks. They just give you a card to stuff into your passport, and strongly suggest you remove it when you get home.

That said, I was accosted by their version of Homeland Security in Quatar on the way home one time. Couple of very nice young men with an even nicer Black Lab. They escorted me into their security tent in the main lobby, where we had a great conversation about my native Pacific Northwest, the Boeing Company, the Seahawks, and Porsches. They knew damn good and well that I had been to Israel... Fortunately, this was all for show - I was just the random guy they picked that time.

[Alan A]

If they are invited by a member of the family they won’t have any issues.
Not. A. One.
Go. Spend a day or two in Dubai on the way back.
And yes - upgrade. Especially if you are flying on a middle eastern airline.

JMO - ymmv.

[Rick Lee]

Really not worried about their security or getting hassled by the cops. I'm genuinely curious what you can do there as a tourist. BTW, is it easier to buy a stainless steel Rolex from an AD there, since Saudis are more into gold stuff? Asking for a friend.

[911boost]

^that is an awesome question, that I do not have the answer for but am subscribing to hear everyone's thoughts.

I do know that if you bought one in Singapore they would mail the box/papers back to you so you could "wear" your watch home and not declare it.

Or at least that is what the AD told me there years ago.

[SamC.]

The last time I was in SA, we were staging and getting ready to cross the border and go kick Saddam's ass, 1990 & 1991. I don't recall any visits from "royalty".

[Rick Lee]

Now, if I were going as a tourist, I'd like to go see Khafji. IIRC, that was the first battle of the Gulf War.

[Rick Lee]

BTW, I'm now inviting myself on this trip, as I am also an alumnus of this school and have some connections to all involved. No idea if I'll get to go along. But if it's green lighted, I'm so there.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

My dad's prep school classmate is a member of the Saudi royal family,

To me it sounds like a whole lot of fun. Good on your dad for going and thinking of business class.

[RNajarian]

No . . . not as a tourist, but the stories I could tell having been deployed there.

One of the more memorable stories from my visit was when a female member of our security forces was out on the town. Escorted by other male SF members they were visiting local souks (bazaars.) She was wearing a hijab but her pants were short exposing her ankles.

An officer of the “fashion police” in his late sixties saw this offense and without warning whacked her on the ankle with a cane.

This 24 year old combat trained member of our security forces reacted immediately grabbing the “fashion police” officer by the lapels and began pounding him into a nearby wall.

Her friends, realizing the gravity of the situation, grabbed her ran to their vehicle and immediately proceeded back to Riyadh AFB. One of the guys involved was wise enough to call to their First Sergeant en route to tell him what happened. The First Sergeant was wise enough to immediately tell the SF Commander, who in turn called the Wing Commander. The Wing Commander then called Operations to see if any flights were leaving within the hour. There was and the female security officer was immediately placed on the flight manifest.

The SF commander then called the SF personnel en route to Riyadh and told them to take the young lady DIRECTLY to Operations where she will be placed on the first available aircraft out of Saudi Arabia. They were instructed NOT to stop at billeting or anywhere else, but to go directly to Operations.

Within less than an hour of the incident the young lady was “wheels up” on a C130H leaving Saudi Arabia.

Not long after that Saudi officials arrived at the American ECP to try and locate and arrest the female SF member. Since the US does not have a Status of Forces agreement with the Saudis we would have been compelled to turn the young lady over for local law enforcement proceedings.

They were allowed on base and the Wing Commander told them she has already left the country for disciplinary action.

The Saudis, somewhat surprised by the quick action on the part of the Americans, realized that this was a fight they didn’t want to pursue and left empty handed.

If I remember correctly she received a Letter of Counseling and reassigned to somewhere in Europe.

Moral of the Story . . . Wear socks while in Saudi Arabia - especially if you are a woman.

[Otter74]

I've never been to Saudi, but given the social class of your parents' hosts, and the kind of hospitality that is typical for that part of the world, I wouldn't be surprised if your parents don't even have to think of things to do.

[Seahawk]

I lived in the Middle East for almost two years.

I got to know a royal from Dubai because he was a helicopter pilot and we had a session with them on smallish deck landing qual's when I was the Airboss. I briefed him in advance at his amazing home and we hit it off.

I have also briefed the Royal Saudi CNO on UAS and other stuff, I was there for four days.. Again, quality time before and after. The CNO actually came to the US post brief he was so intrigued.

All I can tell is, go Rick. It is a different world and at the level you will be seeing the country, don't miss it. There will be booze, btw.

I know you know, but get the in-country brief from the State Department website, read and heed.

Enjoy.

[Rick Lee]

Well, it looks like I'm not invited. Turns out response was much more than expected, so it will be limited to classmates and partners only.

[LWJ]

I have a co-worker who's father is a Saudi something or other. Not lower class. My co-worker's Mom is American. She hooked up with this guy in college. Got knocked up in the 70's and then the Dad high-tailed to SA.

Fast forward to the 2020's. Co-worker went to SA to connect with lost family. (there is a small documentary about this) He meets cousins and such. They show him a good time. He really enjoys SA. His Dad ghosted him but co-worker was very positive on SA. Considering he lives in a semi-rural community and is a member of the US military, I thought this was very interesting and positive.

[Bill Douglas]

My dad's prep school classmate is a member of the Saudi royal family, also former ambassador to the US and Saudi foreign minister, they still talk now and then, and this prince invited a bunch of his prep school classmates and their wives (it was an all boys school back then) to the Kingdom for a private 60th reunion thing.

I told GF this and she said "Ït's the coolest story" She is quite curious about it as she is off to Dubai (just down the road a bit ) in a month or two.