I promised to post about what NOT to do when renting a car in Saudi Arabia, but I never got around to it until now, so here goes, Abu Miftah's list of what NOT to do when renting a car:

• Don't give anybody your original Personal Identification papers unless you know thm very well. You don't want the guy to hold them as ransome until you return the car and then you get pulled over at a Check-Point and go to jail. Can somebody spell "Illegal Alien" for me?!
• Don't give more than a 1,000 Riyal deposit if you are only renting the car for a week. Make sure you get a receipt.
• Don't think, "I trust these guys they won't screw up". Document everything and make sure you ask all the right questions like when you must turn the car in (some places are strict right down to the hour and half-hour). Make sure, the time you collected the car is accurately noted, don't forget!
• Don't deal with people you don't have to! If the guy is smoking up a miniature cloud over his head and is yapping away on the company phone and reading the comics, you don't need to have a professional, business or any other relationship with him. Most Rent-a-Car places are located near one another, take a hike down the sidewalk and keep shopping.
• Don't tell the guy you are not gonna leave your city if you possibly might do so. If you even remotely intend to go out of city limits, TELL HIM! So that he can provide the proper paperwork in case of Check-Points, you don't want to be considered a Car Thief. I don't think they've made a "Grand Theft Auto: Saudi Arabia" game yet. Please don't give them any ideas.
• Don't leave without getting a mobile phone number for the dude that processed your Car Rental. Get the number of the land line as well just in-case he turns his cell off. Try making friends with the dude, it might pay off.
• Don't EVER settle for the initial price-per-day or price-per-additional-kilometer. This is not America, there is no fixed prices, consider yourself at the local Hialeah Flea Market (only Miami people would understand that)! Bargain your way down to a suitable price, and never go there without an approximate price-per-day in your mind, ask a friend.
• If you're allergic to cigarette smoke, or if you get migraines like me, don't settle for a car that smells like a cigarette butt. Say no to drugs! Peep another car, or take that hike down the sidewalk again.

That's about it, check back soon i will update this after finals insha Allah.