The US Consulate in Dhahran remained closed yesterday as a precautionary measure, and an emergency committee headed by the US ambassador will decide whether to open the consulate and other US missions in the Kingdom today. The children of US diplomats were also advised not to go to school.

While life appeared to be normal in the cities of Dammam, Alkhobar and Dhahran, a sense of shock and grief was evident.

Residents in Dammam and Alkhobar say the Riyadh bomb blast was reminiscent of the June 25, 1996 blast in Alkhobar in which 19 Americans were killed and more than 500 injured.

The US Embassy issued an advisory to US residents in the Kingdom to “remain indoors” and go out only if it was essential, according to a consulate spokesman. However, all American employees of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) reported to their jobs at the normal time and remained at work. “We worked normally,” said an American working for Saudi Aramco who preferred not to be identified.

However, security inside Saudi Aramco as well as at residential compounds has also been increased and is being reviewed periodically. Elsewhere in the city, security has been increased at important sites where there are large numbers of foreigners. Similarly, security has also been increased at several housing compounds in Alkhobar and Dhahran, especially those for foreigners.

At foreign missions and trade offices in Dammam and Alkhobar additional security personnel are being deployed.

Increased security is also evident in markets, shopping malls and residential areas.

Despite severe checks, life in the Eastern Province remained calm, and shopping malls like Al-Rashid Mall and Alkhobar Mall were crowded in the evening.

People in the region were shocked and terrified over the bombing. Businessmen, company executives, officials and expatriates unequivocally condemned the attack as a heinous and unjustifiable crime. Many said the Riyadh bomb blast proved that Saudi Arabia was as much a victim of terrorism as the United States.

Abdul Aziz Qasim Kanoo, deputy chairman of Kanoo Group, said that it was terrible and shocking news and should not have happened in a country where locals and foreigners have worked shoulder to shoulder for many years. He said foreigners were guests of the country and their security and welfare was always of paramount importance to the country.

“We have always worked with foreigners as a team. And I’m sure this incident is not going to hamper that relationship. The whole country is shocked at this evil act of terrorism,” he said.

Saleh Al-Humaidan, managing director of Al-Youm group of publications, said: “Saudi Arabia has never been a source of terrorism. It is a victim of terrorism.