Have to say I agree with everything Petitfromage has said.Someone on here said that if we visit there countries that we should accept there customs.I agree in a way with that if you are going to that country of your own free will.However dont forget that BMI crew are going there because of there job.Thats not the same as going there for leisure or whatever.
Im more worried about that BA pulled out because of safety implications and the safety of there crew.Yet BMI dont seem to see those safety implications.The good thing is that as crew observe these customs then they will blend in better and not stick out like a sore thumb which is safer than walking around in western clothes.
The last advice from the foreign Office.
Still Current at: 7 October 2005
Updated: 7 September 2005
Saudi Arabia
This advice has been reviewed and re-issued with an amendment to the Terrorism/Security section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
SUMMARY
There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. We continue to believe that terrorists are planning further attacks, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia.
If you choose to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements. You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places.
We have allowed non-essential staff and dependants at our missions in Saudi Arabia to leave if they wish.
You should remember that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism/Security
There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. We continue to believe that terrorists are planning further attacks in Saudi Arabia, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners. We believe aviation interests remain a possible terrorist target. The Saudi security forces are maintaining enhanced security measures and have achieved notable success in disrupting terrorist operations, killing and capturing some terrorists and seizing arms and vehicle bombs.
This continuing success should not give rise to complacency: as terrorist networks are disrupted, there are grounds for believing that remaining terrorists may resort to opportunistic attacks on western targets.
Terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia have taken various forms, including kidnappings; large-scale truck bombings of residential compounds and Saudi government offices; targeted shootings of individuals; small-scale car bombings; parcel bombings; and bombing of shopping areas.
There have been a number of terrorist incidents in Saudi Arabia in the past two years. A two-day siege by Saudi security forces of suspected terrorists in a building in Al Dammam in the Eastern Province ended on 6 September. At least five terrorists and four police officers were killed. On 18 June, a Mabahith (internal security) officer was assassinated, most likely targeted for his role in counter terrorism operations. A three-day stand-off between Saudi security forces and a group of suspected terrorists ended in Al-Rass, a town 340 km north west of Riyadh, on 6 April. It is believed up to 18 terrorists were killed and up to six detained. In December 2004, terrorists attacked the US Consulate in Jeddah. At least eight people were killed, including some of the attackers. On 26 September 2004, a French national was shot and killed in Jeddah, whilst driving back to his residential compound. In the preceding three months, six Westerners, including one Briton, were shot and killed (one was kidnapped first) in separate incidents in Riyadh. In May 2004, terrorists killed 22 people, including one British national in Al Khobar, Eastern Province and eight people were killed, including two British nationals, in shooting attacks in Yanbu (about 200km north of Jeddah). In April, a truck bomb in Riyadh killed at least five people and injured about 150. In May and November 2003, terrorists attacked residential compounds in Riyadh killing 48, including two British nationals, and injuring many more.
If you choose to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia, you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements.You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places. You should take sensible precautions for your personal and vehicle safety.
We have allowed non-essential staff and dependants at our missions in Saudi Arabia to leave if they wish.
British residents in Saudi Arabia are given specific guidance by our mission, including through Wardens notices. Advice is available to visitors from the British Embassy in Riyadh, the British Consulate General in Jeddah and from the Embassy website:
http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/saudiarabia (click on "Consular").
Please read "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas". You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments. Any increase in regional tension might affect travel advice.
Political situation
You should follow local news. You should take sensible precautions such as avoiding public gatherings, which could lead to disorder.
Pilgrimage
Saudi government regulations stipulate that British pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj can only travel with UK travel agencies accredited with the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. You should confirm the full itinerary for your pilgrimage before departing the UK. If you find yourself in difficulties during your pilgrimage, you or your relatives should contact the British Consulate-General in Jeddah (tel: +966 2 622 5550/5557/5558). The following link from the FCO Know Before You Go Campaign web page, contains practical advice and explains what services the British Hajj Delegation can offer British Pilgrims should they choose to travel to Saudi Arabia. Hajj.
There has been an increase in the number of reported cases of pickpocketing and other forms of theft in Mecca, particularly in the region of the Grand Mosque and in Medina, and you should take additional care with travel documents, tickets and other valuables while visiting these two areas. We also recommend that you should make a copy of your passport before travel, and keep it in a safe place. (Also see the section on Health below.)
Crime
The crime rate is low and not usually a problem for travellers in Saudi Arabia. However, petty crime does occur especially in crowded areas. Occasionally, British nationals have been the victims of more serious crimes such as assault and robbery.
Sea Safety
There have been acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around the Red Sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced.
The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam, or proselytising, is not permitted. The importation and use of narcotics, alcohol, pork products and religious books (apart from the Qu'ran) and artefacts are forbidden.
Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are also enforced rigorously. You should respect them fully.
Homosexual behaviour and adultery are illegal and can carry the death penalty.
The penalties for the possession of, or trade in, alcohol are severe. Both result in prison sentences. The punishment for importing drugs includes the death penalty. You should not arrive in Saudi Arabia under the influence of alcohol: the consequences could be serious. Cary with you a doctor’s prescription for any medication you have with you.
The possession of pornographic material, or of illustrations of scantily dressed people, especially women, is prohibited.
The Saudi legal system differs in many ways from the UK. Suspects can be held without charge and those detained have in the past not been allowed legal representation. Consular staff will seek to visit British nationals as soon as they are aware of the case. However, in some instances they have not been permitted to do so immediately or have had limits applied to access once granted. We have raised our concern about reports of mistreatment of some suspects during their detention.
Photography of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed. You should avoid photographing local people. It is illegal for women to drive.
Anyone involved in a commercial dispute with a Saudi company or individual may be prevented from leaving the country pending resolution of the dispute.
Passports are often retained by sponsors or government bodies for official purposes. You should carry a photocopy of your passport. Make sure you have included in your passport details of those who should be contacted in an emergency.
It is illegal to hold two passports in Saudi Arabia: second passports will be confiscated by the immigration authorities if they are discovered.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors, including pilgrims, require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. These should be applied for through visa agencies accredited to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Details of how to apply can be obtained from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia: Saudi representation in the UK.
British residents in Saudi Arabia should remember that they require a valid exit/re-entry permit from the Saudi Ministry of Interior in order to leave the country.
On occasion, Saudi visas have been refused when passports have reflected travel to Israel or indicated an Israeli birthplace.
Women visitors and residents are required to be met by their sponsor upon arrival. Women travelling alone, who are not met by sponsors, have experienced delays before being allowed to enter the country or to continue on other flights.
HEALTH
There have been cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in South-West Saudi Arabia, mainly in the Jizan area. There have also been cases of cerebral malaria but only in Jizan itself. The outbreaks of cerebral malaria are local and do not affect Jeddah or any other areas of Saudi Arabia. Visitors considering going to the Jizan region should seek medical advice on Rift Valley Fever and cerebral malaria before travelling.
Particularly during Hajj and Ramadan, contagious diseases spread quickly, and pilgrims should take basic medicines with them and consume adequate liquids and salts. Saudi government regulations set out that ACWY quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine is mandatory for people travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj and Umrah. You should check with your GP for specific advice.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the whole duration of your proposed trip before travelling.
For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at
www.dh.gov.uk
GENERAL
Residents and longer-term visitors are strongly advised to register with the British Embassy in Riyadh (tel: +966 (0) 1 488 0077), or Consulate-General in Jeddah (tel: +966 (0) 2 622 5550).
OTHER
Saudi Arabia Country Profile
CONTACT DETAILS
Address: British Embassy
PO Box 94351
Riyadh 11693
Telephone: +966 (0) 1 488 0077
Facsimile: +966 (0) 1 488 2373
+966 (0) 1 488 0623 Management
+966 (0) 1 488 1209 Consular
Email:
Office Hours: GMT:
Sat-Wed: 0500-1200
Local Time:
Sat-Wed: 0800-1500
Website:
http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/saudiarabia