ALKHOBAR, 30 July 2004 — Over the past few months a significant number of Westerners have left the Kingdom. Some had lived here for decades. John and Suzy Pint lived in the Kingdom on and off since 1981. During that time they dedicated their lives to the exploration and documentation of Saudi Arabia’s caves — underground wonders little known even to local geologists. The Pints’ departure from Jeddah in mid-July was an unwelcome surprise, but in an e-mail to friends and colleagues they put forward their reasons.

“We are moving back to our little home high in the Primavera Mountains outside Guadalajara, Mexico. The day Bush attacked Iraq, we predicted that the result would be an increase in terrorism, a worldwide surge of hatred toward the US and our evacuation from Saudi Arabia. We watched the whole scenario unfold before our eyes, right up to when they began to shoot foreigners in cold blood on the streets of Riyadh and in their own homes. The day they shot the BBC men was the day we gave up.

“Once upon a time you could camp in the middle of nowhere in this country and receive nothing but kindness from any soul who might happen upon you in that vast desert. And you could walk the streets of any city in the country at midnight without the slightest fear of mistreatment or aggression. Those days are gone, perhaps forever, because — as an old Arabian proverb puts it — “Not every genie goes back into the bottle.”

The Pints and many others are gone but the exodus of expatriates from the Kingdom is not as severe as many “experts” had predicted. However, as the situation in Saudi Arabia has quieted there are some who are less than happy. These thrill seekers are desperate to increase the level of anxiety among the expatriates here. One of their methods has been to circulate rumors by telephone and e-mail. An administrator from the International Schools Group (ISG), telephoned Arab News recently to advise that despite rumors to the contrary, ISG planned to reopen all their schools as scheduled.

“The rumors about ISG are quite over the top,” said the administrator. “Parents keep telephoning asking why we have put out a letter saying that the schools are closing. I have begged these parents to send me a copy of the letter because we never did any such thing. So far I haven’t received even one of those letters. The letters are just fantasy. Please let everyone know that we are processing visas, booking tickets, ordering materials, in fact doing everything we can to ensure that ISG schools open on time in August.”

It’s not fair to point out only the negative activity in the community. The truth is that some companies have been using the normal summer lull to fly security experts into the Kingdom in order to beef up corporate security arrangements. This is especially important since some embassies are sending out notices advising their citizens that the embassies believe the potential for violence against targeted individuals remains high. In light of that businesses are not only ratcheting up security on their corporate premises but also having the outside consultants brief staff on the most effective means of enhancing personal security.

Arab News obtained a copy of a security presentation given last week to employees of an American company with offices in several locations in the Kingdom. Here are some of the key points from that briefing.

• Through constant awareness and good security habits, you can lessen the chances that you, your family or your workplace will become the targets of a terrorist attack. Everything you do to protect yourself, you must also teach to your spouse and family members and ensure that they do the same.

• Don’t draw attention to yourself. Vary your clothing. Blend in with the community as much as possible. For example, even if you are obviously non-Arab you will blend in better if you drive a car common in the Kingdom.

• Vary your route to work, the store, and common social and recreational locations. Vary the times you depart/arrive. Make sure someone knows where you went and when you are due back. Watch for things suspicious or out of place. Make it more difficult for people to target you.

• Never give out personal, family or sensitive company information over the phone. Be careful what personal, family and company information you send by e-mail. Don’t open e-mails from unknown sources. Utilize security features on your mobile, PDA and computer. Shred all documents containing personal and company information.

• Beware of strangers who approach you. Keep your space; be prepared to defend against attack. Refuse to meet strangers outside of your workplace. Be aware of someone or some action distracting you. Be aware of those around you. Do the same strangers or the same vehicles seem to be everywhere you are? Keep an eye out for work crews that seem out of place, too long in one place or not performing a task.

• Can you see who’s at your home or office building’s door without opening/unlocking it? There should not be a name, position or nationality marking on your home or property. There should be a visible address number on your home, so police or rescue personnel can spot it. Outside your home have good exterior lighting. Control vegetation growth. It provides hiding places for attackers.

• For greatest home safety doors should be solid not hollow, with “one-inch” deadbolts and 2-3 inch screws in hinges and lock mounts. Metal grating can be installed on ground floor glass doors and windows. Be sure that windows and skylights are locked. Limit access to your home and house keys. If a key is lost or stolen change the lock.

• Be sure at home and office to have more than one access/exit route. Be familiar with the security measures around your home, compound, office and children’s school. Know your neighbors and neighborhood. Be suspicious of unexpected packages or deliveries. When you’re out, make it look like someone’s home using timers to control lights and radio.

• Think about where you park your vehicle. Gated parking is best. Are you trapped if attacked in your parking area? Does your parking area offer hiding places for attackers? Is your parking area well lit at night? Car alarms offer extra protection. Look for subtle markings left on your vehicle such as a paint mark, sticker, plaster or mud blob. These are usually on the rear area of a vehicle so as to be visible by trailing cars. Wear your seatbelt.

• If you’re attacked while in your vehicle, keep moving! Keep your wits about you. Remember that you’re driving a 3000 (+/-) pound weapon. Get out of the attack zone as quickly and safely as possible. Go to a safe haven. In advance, choose several safe havens in your area.

This list highlights only some of the most important personal security tips. Last week the UK government began releasing information to all its citizens on emergency preparedness. The British government has created a booklet titled, “Preparing for Emergencies,” that may be viewed and downloaded from the Internet at www.pfe.gov.uk.

While not all the details in the publication are applicable to the Kingdom, the booklet does contain important information on first aid, basic emergency preparedness and even tells how to possibly prevent a terrorist attack. It is currently available online in English but by the end of August the booklet will be downloadable in 16 languages including Arabic, Hindi and Urdu. It’s worth a look.