Tight security in capital for Obama visit

RIYADH: US President Barack Obama arrived here on Wednesday amid elaborate security arrangements in order to ensure a safe stay for him in the capital.
Police vans were seen patrolling city streets and security helicopters circling in the skies to provide security to the foreign dignitary and his delegation.
Helicopters were seen hovering in the sky since morning.
Police patrol cars were also stationed at various intersections to ensure security during this high-profile visit.
“Foolproof security will continue during the visit. There should be no concern regarding security issues as an elaborate security arrangement is in place,” a senior police officer said.
He added that security personnel are alert and posted at key locations on the route which the presidential motorcade will take.
The Ritz-Carlton hotel, where US Embassy officials were seen amid security arrangements extended to members of the US delegation, was cordoned off by security personnel not allowing anyone to get in the luxury hotel.
An Arab News staff reporter was turned away from the hotel entry due to elaborate security arrangements for the delegates.
Moreover, eateries and shops along the roads the presidential motorcade passed were closed with “no parking” signs on the road, citing security reasons.
An Arab News staff member returned from an eatery on the Khurais Road as it was closed. When asked, he said it was closed on security instructions.
The high-profile visit is the talk of the town with people exchanging views as Mohammad Alarfaj, a businessman, strongly believes that after some ups and downs in relations in recent times, President Obama will now seek to ease the Kingdom’s concerns on important regional issues like the nuclear deal with Iran, and the Syrian and Yemeni crises.
Wishing the US president a pleasant stay in the Kingdom, Abdullah Zeyad, a student, said: “Hopefully, the two countries will reach agreements on several aspects of bilateral cooperation to further enhance ties and we will work hand in glove more often to protect mutual interests.”
The US Embassy also posted greetings, “Welcome Mr. President” on their social networking sites Facebook and Twitter with a photo of President Obama.
Earlier, the president and his accompanying delegation were received at the royal hall of King Khalid International Airport by Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir US Ambassador Joseph Westphal and a number of other officials.
People watched Air Force One from the neighborhoods in the capital as it made its approach to the KKIA runway.