Yemen - Oman, UAE and Arabian Peninsula - page 930

COUNTRY BY COUNTRY SAFETY STATUS
Safety is a subjective topic. As far as security in the Peninsula is concerned, most peoples' perceptions are shaped by me-
dia stories of Islamic fundamentalism. It's a picture that bears little relation to reality. Interestingly, Arabs travelling to the
US share similar concerns, bearing in mind Al-Jazeera reports of violent gun crime, car-jacking and theft that appear to
plague many of the cities of the West. Needless to say, day-to-day life in the Peninsula revolves around violence about as
often as it does in Wyoming or Kent.
Fortunately, the people of the Middle East are ready and willing to distinguish between governments and their policies,
and foreign travellers. You might receive the occasional question about politics, but you'll never be held personally ac-
countable. Keep abreast of current events, visit your embassy for travel advice if you're feeling cautious, but otherwise
(with the current exception of Bahrain and Yemen), just go.
Bahrain
At the time of writing (early 2013), political tensions following the Arab Spring uprisings in Bahrain of 2011 and 2012
were still running high. A ban on public demonstrations is in place and there are no-go areas around some towns outside
the capital. Sporadic violent outbursts, fuelled by frustration from opposition groups in what they regard as a lack of gov-
ernment reform, remain commonplace.
Before booking a visit, check with your consulate. While there, take local advice from the concierge at your hotel,
avoid large gatherings of people, and restrict your visit to the main areas of tourist interest.
AVOIDING TROUBLE
Some dos...
» Be vigilant in the cities, keeping clear of large public gatherings.
» Cooperate politely with security checks in hotel foyers and at road checkpoints.
» Keep abreast of the news in English-language newspapers published locally.
» Check the latest travel warnings online through your country's state department or ministry.
» Consult your embassy/consulate in the region for specific concerns.
» Register with your embassy/consulate on arrival if there has been recent issues around public order.
» Trust the police, military and security services. They are overwhelmingly friendly, honest and hospitable, in com-
mon with their compatriots.
Some don'ts...
» Don't be paranoid - the chances of running into trouble are no greater than at home.
» Don't get involved if you witness political protests or civil unrest.
» Don't strike up conversations of a stridently political nature with casual acquaintances.
» Don't forget to carry some form of identification with you at all times including some or all of the following:
passport; labour card; residence card; driving license; and travel permit (Saudi). It's helpful to carry something with
the contact details of your next of kin and your blood type.