Middle East

Saudi Arabia

Location

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. It is believed that terrorists are planning further attacks against Western interests. The crime rate is low and penalties for all crimes are severe. Do not take drugs, alcohol, pornography and medicines into the country as if you are searched and found to be in possession of any of these items the penalties are very severe. Dress codes and behavioural codes are strictly adhered to. Non-political criminal activity is minimal. Personal security, general travel, navigation, off road driving, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, terrorism, cultures / customs, communications.

Use bottled water only.

Mostly uninhabited, sandy desert.

Harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes.

Frequent sand and dust storms.

Bilharzia, cerebral malaria, hepatitis A, meningitis, polio, rabies, Rift Valley fever, typhoid, yellow fever.
Hospital: Riyadh Central Hospital, Riyadh 11196. Tel: 1-4355555

Desertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills.

Most roads are in good condition. However driving is fast on long desert roads. Beware of large transporter trucks and sand blown across desert roads. If travelling through desert areas, prepare your vehicle for such trips. Temperatures can reach 50C during the day and drop below 30C at night.

Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) (5 days)
Centurion's flagship Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) course is for people who operate world wide, particularly in areas where there may be personal health or safety concerns. It is extremely effective for "frontline" organisations.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.