To think is you don't respect Saudi law you don't go to Saudi

[Hanwillls]

I'm a very respectful person when visiting countries and will follow the local customs as long as they don't harm anyone. Saudi I strongly disagree with on many points so I wouldn't even step in the country. It does grate all these people that go of their own free will there, knowingly break the law and then pleed to not be held to the law.

Really throughthick?

I'm away and haven't seen news for a while - that's wonderful news!!

The boy had something about him that reminded me of Ds so it made me especially emotional.

Yes helmet I have a 17 year old enthusiastic, eager, idealistic, fresh faced DS and that poor boy tugged on my heatstrings. He's a child. I think I'd read that his sentence was squashed, I hope so.

Saudi definitely do turn a blind eye to alcohol, you just have to play the system.

I have anecdotals but the main proof is this guy we are discussing, if you think after living there for multiple years it was a one of occurrence then you obviously have never been there, he was 'running' for years, iirc he openly said so in one of the previous articles where his conviction came to light.

He either got complacent, or pissed someone of, as long as your not pissed out in the open the authorities generally turn a blind eye, alcohol is massive within the ex pat community (especially the Germans) you just have to be respective of the cultural norms.

Please don't compare dubai and bahrain to Saudi, that is pure ignorance. I've lived in both places and there is no comparison. Be aware of cultural differences, dress appropriately and don't make an arse of yourself - not really that difficult.