JEDDAH, 10 June 2004 — Security guards in the Kingdom have expressed their concerns in the face of increased terrorist threats. Security service companies provide training for employees that consist for the most part of first aid, fire safety regulations and basic security procedures.

“Everyone knows we’re not armed with anything more than a baton,” Muhammad Fuad, a security guard at one the city’s prominent shopping center said. “What kind of security can we provide? I can barely defend myself!”

According to Okaz, the demand for security guards is rising because of recent events in Alkhobar. Private companies and other establishments in particular are advertising for more Saudi security guards as reinforcements for those already employed. In fact, it was only after the Alkhobar attacks that some foreign companies in the Eastern Province began to provide security staff with bulletproof vests.

One applicant asks, “What is the use of more security guards if the guards are not efficiently prepared for attacks and emergencies?” He went on to explain, “I’m applying for a job as a security guard because I need the work — but without any means of defense, what’s the use? It’s not a matter of quantity, is it? It’s about the quality of security services.”

Imad Sulaiman, a security guard at a local compound, says, “According to local Arabic newspapers, the ministry is reviewing a plan to upgrade training and says that there could be changes in perhaps three months. But the problem is that things are getting worse and moving fast — what if three months is too late?”

Faisal Bakhsh, the administration manager of development and training at Al-Ishaa Company for Security Services, said “Carrying and using weapons is a serious matter that needs to be closely examined. It’s a military responsibility and a national security issue as well. It also needs serious training and other considerations. We await instructions and decisions from the ministry.”

When asked whether there are fewer or more reluctant applicants for security guard jobs, the employment supervisor at Al-Saher Company for Security Services said: “The flow of job applicants from Saudi men is the same. There’s no decrease at all.”