Rain! and other Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Warning Or Danger Tips

Yes, rain can be a hazard. First of all, it rains very seldom in here but when it does so you'll notice it. Usually it comes in very powerful bursts that can last hours. When that happens, the traffic invariably clogs (you don't build drainage systems in the middle of the desert, of course).
In more serious cases some places can flood in a dangerous way. In February 2005) 5 teenagers drowned because of flooding.

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A lot of questions in the VT forum verge on security and terrorism. You can get a good snapshot of the current situation from the American embassy web site.

This is the official version. However, reality is different. I won't take responsibility if you choose not to follow the official guidelines, but can tell you that in practice the terrorism situation has considerably improved in Saudi Arabia since the attacks on foreigner compounds in May 2003. The Saudi authorities have finally got a hold on this terrorism thing, and the truth is that most of the wanted terrorists are either detained or dead.

This said, you should be careful when going around, but since terrorist attacks are unpredictable, I'd suggest you take care when crossing the street, it's much more likely that you die because of a reckless driver than an islamic terrorist in here.

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Website: http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/saudi-arabia/citizen_services.html

No, it's not about anti-western terrorism. The real danger in Saudi Arabia is Saudi drivers.

Not that the many foreigners would score high in a safe driving contest, but the Saudis are absolutely spectacular in breaking all rules, whether they originate from the street laws or from common sense. Whether it's youngsters driving all-too powerful car at scary speeds in the very centre of the city, businessmen slaloming among the heavy traffic in King Fahd road or families going shopping, beware when you negotiate that crossing.

Things can get particularly hairy if you are a pedestrian (and most visitors are since they aren't allowed to drive in the Kingdom without an international driving licence).

You should take particular care especially at those rare crossings that do have pedestrian lights. The reason is that the drivers around you will interpret them as street decorations, and often behave like they're deliberately aiming at you.

Check the website below if you want a glimpse of how bad it can get down here.

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Website: http://www.wreckedexotics.com/newphotos/weird/weird604.shtml