The younger generation of Egyptians in the Kingdom says they have never seen anything like this in Egypt before. They are worried not only about the future of Egypt, but also their families there, especially after news broke of the escape of thousands of criminals from prisons.

Muhammad Raslan, an employee in Riyadh, told Arab News that following coverage of the demonstrations on television satellite channels has become a preoccupation for most Egyptians in the Kingdom.

"When we talk with our relatives and friends in Egypt, we discuss the present situation and we have fears of instability as a result of what may happen next," he said.

Raslan said although his sons were busy preparing for mid-year exams, they were in constant contact with their relatives in Egypt to make sure that they were safe.

Dr. Sara Hamdi Al-Kholi made a reservation to travel to Cairo last Friday to attend the wedding of her sister, but had to cancel her plans out of fear that she might not be able to return to the Kingdom on time.

Yusri Jamal, a 26-year-old Egyptian, said he has been distracted while following the news on television and talking to his family in Cairo.

"I cannot concentrate on my work these days. I am constantly glued to the TV and talking to my wife and mother in Egypt," he said.

Yusri Al-Sabbagh said he cannot bring his wife back to Riyadh from Cairo. "I spent the entire last week trying to find a seat for my wife on any of the flights coming from Egypt," he said.

Al-Sabbagh said he was able to book a flight for his wife on Thursday, but added she might not be able to make it to Cairo airport on time since she lives in a remote town and the curfew starts at 3 p.m., while her flight is at 9 a.m.

Egyptian expatriates were expecting their wives, sons and daughters to join them in the Kingdom during the mid-year school vacation about to start in Egypt, but they have lost hope now because of the crisis.

Saleh Abdullah said he has not been able to sleep since the demonstration started in Egypt on Jan. 25.

"I became more worried about my family when I heard the news that many criminals had escaped from prison," he said, adding that he spends his days switching between the remote control and his mobile phone.

Imam Sulaiman, an investor, said he was worried about his 78-year-old mother, who has to see her doctor regularly in Egypt but is unable to do this these days. "I am worried about her health. She can no longer see her doctor or have medical tests," he added.

Islam Al-Adawi, who works in Riyadh, traveled to Cairo five days before the agitation started. He applied for an electronic passport on Jan. 24 and was supposed to receive it on Jan. 29. He is now stranded in Egypt, not knowing when he will be able to return to work.

Ayman Abdul Aleem sent money to his family in Cairo, but before they received it, all the banks closed.

Many Egyptians wanting to be with their families in their country would go to King Khaled International Airport in the hope of finding seats on any flight to Cairo, but most of the time their efforts have been in vain.