I'd be inclined to agree with that. I was based out of Bahrain for over a year, spent many days in Dubai, and both were fantastic. Kuwait is even pretty good (except you can't get a drink).

As for Jeddah. . .The Red Sea is OK, the resorts are OK (we used to go to the Sheraton Villas), but behind walls. The corniche is very nice except you can't wear shorts and the woman are covered from head to toe in black. Driving around the Jeddah suburbs was like being in a war zone; not many people on the street and lots of rubble. And what about the huge tools, or the Austin Mini on the mozaic wave? Strange place.

Again, not my first choice and if you have other options I'd seriously consider them.

Can't knock the people though. I flew with some Saudi lads that were great fellows, treat you like a brother, and as for the baddies, even Dubai has it's nasty element.