Saudi Arabia

[laowho]

Hi All,

Purchased my TDI this last December and went to Quartzsite--late. Arrived there with the heat and had a tough go of it. Gotta say, though, I really liked the way my machine balanced out there, especially compared to others.

So I'm off to Saudi Arabia to earn some $$, and haven't found any info on detecting there, except for a news item about an ancient statue found (with a minelab? I think). There is a dealer in Jubail (east Saudi Arabia) and detecting seems to be popular in Dubai (neighboring UAE). Anyone know anything about the laws there, what to look for, etc.? I'll be in Jeddah, near the mountainous west. There's also a famous crater (5 hour drive) that I'll wanna check out.

Thanks.

 

[UK Brian]

The Middle East needs more caution than most parts of the world. I always start by contacting the Embassy, you could do it online. If they say yes I write to confirm then you get written proof that you can carry with you.
If they say no...and that can be an automatic reaction even if you can detect without problems as often beaches can be detected but not inland without special permission then e-mail the dealership selling detectors and they will tell you the correct/current situation. The situation on detecting in the whole area is rather odd. A dealer in the U.A.E. (Discoverygold) when asked about detecting said he was not really certain as he had had stock sent straight through whilst at other times there had been delays of three or four months. Re bringing in your own detector on holiday it was down to luck as to how customs reacted !
I do know there's several people detecting round the Dhahran area so with luck you should be O.K.

 

[laowho]

Thanks UK Brian,

That's most helpful. If I decide to bring it to the KSA, it won't be without the proper paperwork.

 

[lytle78]

PM'd you - meant to post but did it wrong.

Basically, you would be well advised to forget it. To many chances to get hassled by local authorities, even if it is legal. Much more fun looking for stone tools, an awesome place for neolithic and paleolithic remains. Also illegal, but no fancy equipment to give you away.

My information is not current (I left about 15 years ago), but I did live there for 12 years and I doubt much had changed, and if so, unlikely for the better.

 

[laowho]

Thank You Rick,

I've been coming to the same conclusion, especially if, pending some investigation into my "granted permission," i had to surrender it even temporarily. Chances are still that I'd never see it again. I'm considering changing my plans and going elsewhere.