Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa, Canada; address 201 Sussex Drive, K1N 1K6, Ottawa; phone +16132374100. Head of mission: Ms. Amal Yahya Almoalimi.
Frequently asked questions
How attractive is Saudi Arabia as a destination for visitors from Canada?
Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly appealing destination for Canadian visitors due to its rich cultural heritage and important religious sites. The country is actively working to diversify its economy by investing in tourism infrastructure, making it a more attractive and varied destination. With approximately 5 million Canadians traveling abroad annually, there is potential interest among some of them in exploring Saudi Arabia.
Please answer the following question: How safe is Saudi Arabia for tourists coming from Canada?
Saudi Arabia's safety for tourists, including those from Canada, presents a mixed picture. According to the Global Peace Index, Saudi Arabia ranks 100th out of 160 countries, significantly lower than Canada's 11th place. In terms of murder rates, Canada has a rate of 2.1 per 100,000 people, while Saudi Arabia's rate is lower at 0.8.
However, crime statistics from the Global Organized Crime Index indicate higher risks in several areas for Saudi Arabia, particularly in state crime (8.0), human trafficking (8.5), and arms trafficking (8.0), compared to Canada's lower scores (2.0, 3.5, and 2.5 respectively).
Overall, while certain violent crime rates may be lower in Saudi Arabia, the presence of organized crime and state-related issues suggests that tourists should remain cautious and informed when traveling there.