JUBAIL, 2 May 2004 — Though located on two different coasts, Jubail on the Arabian Gulf, and Yanbu, on the Red Sea, the two cities are seen as twins. Both are industrial towns, created and managed by the Royal Commission, and both epitomize Saudi Arabia’s economic base. There are many similarities in the structural design of the two so that when something happens in one, it has an effect upon the other.
The reports of the attacks in Yanbu had a disturbing effect on the residents of Jubail. The shock, however, was absorbed but there was little evidence of fear. At Fanateer shopping complex, a bus of Western housewives arrived in the afternoon. Rachel, the American wife of an Italian engineer, admitted that the Yanbu attack had disturbed her.
“Any such incident is disturbing, be it in Yanbu, Riyadh or anywhere else. It should not happen. It is absolute madness but then this has become part of life all over the world.”
Was she worried about herself and her family? “I am always concerned for my husband and children but there is a difference between concern and fear. I am not afraid. I have faith in the existing security arrangements.”
Cathy said she was comfortable with the security at her compound as well as in the city. “My neighbors are Saudis and they give my husband and me confidence.”
A South African working in a large company said he was concerned with the changing pattern of terrorist attacks. “The Yanbu incident shows that they (terrorists) have changed their strategy. There are no more bombings and political targets. Instead they have opted for economic and industrial targets. It is a dangerous sign but I am sure that the authorities will take note of the change.”
He said there were more than 400 South Africans in Jubail Industrial City, most of them teachers, doctors and engineers. “Until now there has been no big impact on the community. I received a few calls from friends expressing their concern but none of them sounded afraid.”
In the Royal Commission headquarters, Director General Dr. Jassem Al-Ansari was unavailable for comment but his office said that the commission was taking stock of the situation and reviewing security. All security personnel are on full alert.
Saeed Haider, Arab News
© Arab News 2004
