Safety in Saudi Arabia — Is It Safe for Expats to Live & Work?

TL;DR: Save 911 / 999 / 997 / 998 / 112 / 937 on your phone; add Kollona Amn (security reporting) and Najm (non‑injury accidents). Use our checklists and scripts so you can act calmly if something goes wrong. Key facts below are anchored to official sources.

Risk snapshot — what expats actually face

• Road risk > street crime. For most expats, your highest day‑to‑day exposure is on the roads (speed variance, lane discipline, weather). Behave defensively and keep your car kit ready (see below).

• Low petty crime in many districts, but always use basic precautions (don’t leave valuables visible; bookmark ride‑hailing pick‑up spots; photograph taxi plates; avoid cash where possible).

• Cyber/social scams target your phone and bank apps (fake couriers/tax refunds/OTP harvest). See Digital security for concrete blocks and official guidance from the National Cybersecurity Authority.

• Weather & crowds: Flash‑flooding in wadis, heat stress, and dense event crowds are the main non‑crime hazards—follow Civil Defense and NCM early warnings.

Emergency numbers — save these now (and pin to lock‑screen)

• Unified emergency (core): 911 — primary number operated by the National Center for Security Operations; expanding nationwide to serve all regions.

• Police: 999 (legacy police hotline; still widely recognized). 112 works without a SIM (general emergency).

• Ambulance / Red Crescent: 997. Civil Defense (fire/floods): 998.

• Traffic (accidents with injuries): 993; for non‑injury insured accidents, use Najm (see below).

• Health hotline: 937 — Ministry of Health 24/7 line for medical guidance, appointment help, and routing.

How to store: Add an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact with your name, blood type (if known), allergies, and insurer; put the numbers above on your phone’s lock‑screen via the medical‑ID feature.

Reporting crime & nuisance — the Kollona Amn app (EN/AR)

What it does: Lets citizens and residents submit security reports (e.g., harassment, threats, impersonation, privacy violations, cyber blackmail, nuisance) with photos/video/audio. Track your case inside the app.

Where to get it: Official Google Play / App Store listings (developer: Public Security – IT Dept., MOI).

When to use:

• Disturbances, harassment, privacy violations, fraud/extortion, suspicious behavior.

• Attach media only if safe; never put yourself at risk to record.

Tip: Add a home‑screen widget and pre‑fill location permissions so reports send faster.

Road & traffic safety — protocols that actually work

If you’re in a non‑injury collision (insured vehicles)

1) Move to safety if possible; hazard lights on; place warning triangle. 2) Report to Najm (app/WhatsApp/call) and follow the instructions; you’ll receive an accident number and can track the case to your insurer. 3) Document the scene (wide and close photos, plates, driver IDs). 4) If you disagree with liability, use Najm’s dispute path or ask for a Traffic Police review.

Najm quick links:

• Report via website/app; customer service channels shown in app store listing.

If there are injuries, a runaway driver, or no insurance

• Call 911 or 999 (police) and 997 (ambulance) immediately; do not move seriously injured people unless there’s danger (fire/flood).

• For injury accidents, Traffic Police (Moroor) handle the scene (legacy hotline 993).

9 road‑safety habits that lower your risk

• Always buckle up; kids in properly sized child seats.

• Watch for sudden lane changes and variable speeds; keep space.

• Avoid wadis/underpasses during heavy rain; don’t enter moving water.

• Keep a car kit: triangles, high‑vis vest, basic first‑aid, water, power bank, AC fuses.

• Save your insurance e‑card and Taqdeer center details in Notes.

• At night outside cities, watch for unlit vehicles and animal crossings.

• Don’t film crash scenes (privacy & decency rules apply).

Scams & digital security — the current plays (and defenses)

Common plays seen by expats:

• “Delivery/parcel customs” texts with short links → steals OTP/login.

• Fake bank compliance calls asking you to install apps or share codes.

• “Prize draw” links spoofing telecoms or retailers.

• Social‑media impersonation/blackmail attempts.

Defenses that work:

• Treat unknown links as malicious by default; verify URLs and vendor handles.

• Use strong unique passwords + authenticator app; turn on biometrics in banking apps.

• Never share OTP codes; no bank asks for them.

• Buy online from verified sellers; check Maroof listings and supplier reputations.

• Report cyber incidents to Kollona Amn and follow NCA consumer guidance on phishing and safe e‑commerce.

Public decency & photography — avoid headaches

• Baseline: Respect public‑decency rules (appearance and behavior in public places); avoid clothing with offensive slogans/images.

• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people, especially families; don’t film accidents, security sites, or government buildings.

• Ramadan & prayer‑time etiquette: Some shops may stay open during prayer times since 2021, but brief pauses still happen; plan buffers and be considerate.

Crowds, weather & seasonal risks — how to stay out of trouble

Flash‑floods & storms

• Follow Civil Defense advisories and NCM early warnings. Avoid valleys/low‑lying areas during rain; don’t drive through moving water; secure loose items on balconies.

Heat & dust

• Plan errands for early/late hours; use sunscreen, hats, sunglasses; hydrate. Don’t leave children or pets in cars—ever.

Big events & crowds

• Pre‑pick a meeting point; carry ID; keep your phone charged; respect security cordons and one‑way flows.

Women’s safety — day‑to‑day realities

• Women drive, work, and use public spaces widely. The same emergency numbers and security apps apply; carry a light scarf for mosques or conservative venues.

• Use well‑lit pick‑up points; share ride details; follow standard urban safety habits.

• For harassment or privacy violations, report via Kollona Amn; in urgent cases, call 911/999.

Home & neighborhood security — simple systems that work

• Apartments/compounds: Coordinate with security on visitor access; keep emergency phone list on the fridge; store fire extinguisher and check dates.

• Villas: Test perimeter lights; maintain door/window hardware; keep a “go‑bag” with copies of IDs, small cash, meds, chargers.

• Neighbors: Share phone numbers; set expectations for deliveries and parking to avoid disputes.

Health & medical emergencies — who to call and what to carry

• Call 997 (Ambulance) for urgent care; for guidance and referrals, call 937 (24/7 MOH).

• Keep a simple first‑aid kit (gloves, dressings, sterile wipes, oral rehydration, antihistamine, pain reliever).

• Know the nearest ER to home/work; store policy numbers and blood type in your phone’s Medical ID.

Checklists — print or save to phone

A) Wallet card (front/back)

• 911 / 999 / 997 / 998 / 112 / 937

• Home address + plus code; two emergency contacts

• Blood type / allergies / medications

• Insurer, policy number, embassy contact

B) Car kit (glovebox + trunk)

• Warning triangle, hi‑vis vest, phone battery, first‑aid kit, bottled water, small flashlight, spare fuses, printed Najm flow.

• Photos of license, registration, insurance; local towing number.

C) Storm day plan

• Move cars off low‑lying spots; charge devices; secure balcony items; avoid wadis/underpasses; follow NCM/Civil Defense alerts.

Scripts you’ll actually use (copy/paste — EN/AR)

Accident (minor, no injuries) — EN

“We’re safe and off the road. I’m filing a Najm report now and will share the case number. Please send photos of your license/insurance.”

حادث مروري بسيط — AR

«نحن بخير وبعيدون عن الطريق. سأفتح بلاغ نجم الآن وسأشارك رقم البلاغ. الرجاء إرسال صور رخصة القيادة والتأمين.»

Harassment/privacy complaint — EN

“This is a Kollona Amn report for harassment/privacy violation at [location]. I have photos/videos if needed. Please confirm receipt.”

بلاغ مضايقة/انتهاك خصوصية — AR

«هذا بلاغ عبر كلنا أمن عن مضايقة/انتهاك خصوصية في [الموقع]. لدي صور/فيديو إذا لزم الأمر. نرجو تأكيد الاستلام.»

Medical help — EN

“Call 997 for an ambulance. I’ll prepare the building access and bring ID and insurance to the entrance.”

طلب إسعاف — AR

«اتصل بـ ٩٩٧ لطلب الإسعاف. سأجهز دخول المبنى وأحضر الهوية والتأمين إلى المدخل.»

Frequently asked questions

Do I call 911 or 999? Either works in many areas, but 911 is the unified number under the National Center for Security Operations; 999 remains recognized. If your phone has no SIM, 112 will connect you.

What’s the fastest way to report nuisance/harassment? Use Kollona Amn; it accepts media and tracks your case. For emergencies, call 911/999.

Who handles a non‑injury fender‑bender? If at least one vehicle is insured, Najm typically documents and routes the case to insurers (app/website/WhatsApp).

Where do I see weather alerts? The National Center for Meteorology runs the early‑warning platform; Civil Defense echoes safety instructions.

Which laws should I keep in mind in public? Follow public‑decency regulations (modest appearance, no offensive slogans; respect privacy).

Is there a hotline for family/domestic violence? Yes — the MHRSD unified center at 1919 (Arabic/English) supports domestic violence reports and routing to protection services.

Police report workflow — what to expect (and what to bring)

At the station: Bring residency ID, passport copy (if available), address (plus code), and any evidence (screenshots, messages, photos). You can request an English‑speaking officer or interpreter if needed. Keep your explanation factual and concise; avoid speculation.

After filing: Ask for the case/reference number and the unit handling it. Save the officer’s name and phone extension. If property was stolen, provide serial numbers and photos to help recovery.

If your phone is seized as evidence: Request a receipt and ask whether a temporary phone can be used with your number/SIM to keep banking and OTPs active.

If you are detained — staying safe and constructive

• Stay calm and respectful; ask for an interpreter if you need one.

• Keep a copy of your embassy/consulate emergency numbers; if appropriate, request they be notified.

• Contact your employer/HR if sponsored under them.

• Do not sign documents you don’t understand; ask for an English version or a translation.

• This guide is not legal advice—consider contacting a qualified attorney for case‑specific guidance.

Desert & off‑road safety — quick primer

• Travel with a second vehicle for remote trips; share live location with a friend.

• Carry recovery straps, shovel, air compressor, and a tire‑pressure gauge; reduce tire pressure on soft sand and re‑inflate before highways.

• Pack water (at least 4L per person), shade (tarp), and a basic tool kit; check your spare tire.

• Avoid driving on crusty salt flats after rain; they can collapse unexpectedly.

Sea & waterfront safety — simple rules

• The Coast Guard hotline is 994 (add to your wallet card). Strong winds can create rip currents—swim only in designated areas with lifeguards when available.

• Wear lifejackets on small boats; check weather via NCM before trips.

Home fire & gas safety — 10‑minute audit

• Install smoke detectors on each floor; test monthly; keep a fire blanket in the kitchen.

• Know your extinguisher class (A/B/C) and how to use PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

• Villas: have gas lines checked annually; if you smell gas, ventilate and avoid switches; call building management or Civil Defense (998) if uncertain.

• Plan two escape routes per room and practice at least once with family/roommates.

Teen & child safety — online and out‑and‑about

• Teach OTP hygiene and privacy boundaries; encourage teens to share concerns early if they face sextortion or impersonation—report through Kollona Amn.

• For outings, set check‑in times, use location sharing, and agree on trust signals (e.g., a code word for help).

• Save a small ID card in school bags with guardian contacts and medical info.

Rentals, tickets & marketplace fraud — stay on platform

• Housing: Visit properties in person; verify Ejar registration with the landlord/agent before paying deposits; avoid off‑platform escrow links.

• Tickets & events: Buy through official providers; counterfeit QR codes circulate before major events.

• Marketplaces: Insist on in‑app payments or cash on collection in public places; scammers push you to unfamiliar payment links.

Documentation & checkpoints — be ready, be polite

• Carry your residency ID (or digital equivalent in official apps); store a PDF copy of your passport in an encrypted app.

• At checkpoints, lower music, remove sunglasses, and provide documents calmly; keep hands visible; ask for clarification respectfully.

Quick reference tables you’ll actually use

A) Numbers & platforms

B) Storm‑day go/no‑go

C) Car kit — minimal vs full