Among the dead are Saudis, Sudanese and Egyptians, Saudi officials said.

More than 100 people, including many children, were injured at the compound, mainly housing foreign Arab workers.

Use the form to send us your experiences of the attack, or the experiences of people you know who have been caught in it.

This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.

Your reaction:

The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

I believe the Saudi people are clamouring for democracy. Oppression breeds terrorism. The longer the monarchy refuses to relinquish power, the more destruction will occur in their name.
arbibi ashoy, Malaysia

The US broke the alliance of free and democratic countries with the hasty invasion of Iraq. It now asks for help from those free countries. Until the US understands why other free countries did not support the hasty invasion of Iraq it is unlikely to gain their cooperation or make much progress in bringing democracy to the Middle East.
JohnM, LyneMeads, UK

Religion is being used as an excuse for personal gain Mike Larian, Irvine USA

This inhuman act is not a religious deed. Religion is being used as an excuse for personal gain. The root of the problem is between the world's haves and have nots. If this issue is not resolved we will unfortunately see many of these inhuman acts.
Mike Larian, Irvine USA

The attack on civilians is unacceptable whatever their nationality is. If this crime has been committed by Al Qaeda, it should be forgotten this act brought the USA to Afghanistan, made a constructive excuse to invade Iraq, and now it is inviting American interference in Saudi affairs. It should never be forgotten that the Saudi government is a Monarchy and is very far away from its own people. The Saudi government will ask for the help from Americans which they will do so happily. But at what price? It is needless to say that Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest producers and suppliers of oil in the world. It looks like Al Qaeda is serving the American lust for oil.
Jameel Bashir, UK

The Saudis have reaped what they have sown. They have been sponsoring Hamas and Al Queda for many years and thousands of American and Israeli lives are on their head. But alas, the tiger has started to bite back at its owner. I have no sympathy for the Saudis or the Arab public that supports these terrorists. I hope that with this attack the Arabs find out what the US and Israel realise that no political goal justifies the indiscriminate murder of innocent civilians.
Jason Brent, USA

It's funny how the letters, U.S., even come up in this discussion. We should be using the letters, U.N., and be asking them what do we do about this? The answer is clear, that all free countries bound together and join the war on terrorism full-force. It's sad that this is still a question. This is the fate of the free world people! Terrorism and WMD are WWIII.
TW, Rochester, NY, USA

The West cannot continue to behave in the way it does and expect no-one to act J Perry, UK

I think maybe we should spend a little longer on the 'why' of events such as this. Maybe we wouldn't be in this position in the first place if we did? The West cannot continue to behave in the way it does and expect no-one to act in the end. When is Bush going to start the War on Poverty that might be more productive in dealing with terrorism.
J Perry, UK

To J Perry, UK: Okay, let's examine the "why." What is it exactly that the West has done to provoke brutal attacks on civilians? Many of them women and children. No "why" in the world justifies that action. Maybe if they started placing the "why" where it belongs they might not view the west with such hostility. Place the "why" with the dictatorship governments and theocracies in the Middle East that have caused all the poverty and oppression against their own people.
Jason, USA

To Jason, USA: Britain created the Hashemite kingdoms in Jordan and Iraq. Britain promised the Kurds an independent state after WW1 and reneged, leaving them oppressed minorities in three countries. The Gulf sheikhdoms are British creations from the era when the Royal Navy was converting from coal to oil, they are mainly located on the oil finds of the day. Kuwait is a former British protectorate. Saudi Arabia was a Anglo-US project. In Iran, the CIA deposed Prime Minister Mossadeq in favour of the Shah's dictatorship, ultimately leading to Islamic revolution. Saddam Hussein, murderous criminal that he is, was a good friend until he invaded Kuwait. Britain created the problems in Palestine when it promised Arab lands to Zionists in a deal to secure Jewish financial support in WW1. America has been funnelling weapons and money into Israel for the past 40 years. Al-Qaeda's roots are the Afghan war against the Soviet Union: Osama Bin Laden and the CIA were allies in a war financed by Saudi money. And plenty else.
Eamon Donne, Dublin, Ireland

Follow the terrorist money trail. When we find it, just take it away. Terror cannot exist without financial support. Support the move for greater financial transparency and anti-money laundering. Maybe the Saudis will now realize that the charities operating with impunity in their country are not benign.
David, Taiwan

Wars do not make our world safer Costas Michalopoulos, Greece

It is really tragic for our civilised world when innocent people lose their lives from terrorist attacks. The innocent blood of the people who died in world trade centre cannot be refunded with the violence of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The fact that violence brings more violence must be considered by the politicians in U.S.A and Europe. Other methods of eliminating terrorism must be found, wars do not make our world safer.
Costas Michalopoulos, Greece

The late Riyadh vicious attack joins the numerous suicide bombings in Casablanca, Haifa, Bombay to name a few. The time has come to label suicide bombing as crimes against humanity. Why is the UN is not doing anything to have such a worldwide consensus?
Uri D, Israel

Before we blame somebody, let's investigate it first. Whatever, happens around the world we just put everything on Al-Qaeda. I am not a supporter of Al-Qaeda, but justice always requires proof, and a full hearing in the court.
Omar bin Hashim, Saudi Arabia

It is a terrible act. However, in my view, whoever has done it is trying to undermine the Saudi government/royal family. Is it any wonder? High unemployment, needless poverty and a suppressed people, while the corrupt ruling family live in riches.
John, Bahrain/UK

This attack may prove to be a turning point in the 'war against terror'. If this was indeed carried out by Al Qaeda, it was a hugely ill-conceived plan. Whoever it was that carried out the attack, it will, quite likely, lead to the rapid undoing of Al Qaeda.
Tithira Wijetilleke, New Zealand

Tragic though this event is and a despicable waste of life, the Saudi authorities have only themselves to blame. For years they have at best turned a blind eye to these fundamentalist groups. In actual fact Saudi petrodollars have often funded these very movements so long as no atrocities were carried out on their home ground. Perhaps they will begin to realise that as George Bush said you are either with us or against us. It is about time the Saudi's stopped sitting on the fence and assumed responsibilities for their (in)action.
Isaac Garson, Gibraltar

This is a very tragic event where innocent people have lost their lives however we must not jump to conclusions. It is interesting that after all these years Al-Qaeda are able to carry out an attack like this in Saudi Arabia that too in the month of Ramadan. There is lot more that is going on that we don't know. After the chaos in Iraq seems like Saudi Arabia is headed that way.
Farkhunda Mahar,USA

I lost two relatives in the bombing. Two kids aged 6 and 3, their mother is being hospitalised and still unaware of what happened to her children. To think that to date some of the Islamic countries support Al-Qaeda is sickening. This terrorism must be brought to an end; we should unite regardless of religious beliefs. This incident proves beyond any doubt that Al-Qaeda is manipulating religion to achieve personal goals. Stop blaming American policies for igniting hatred in Al-Qaeda and Muslims.

The motives of this organisation should be clear by now. Little they know but this time they hit the self-destruct button. I hope the lives of the fallen not only in Riyadh but around the world will be an awakening call for everyone to put aside their differences and work toward eliminating this evil before it spreads any further.
Charlie Bou mitri, Lebanon

I am surprised that the US could insinuate that Bin Laden is responsible for this. Though I am an American by birth, and I am not in support of Bin Laden's activities if any way, I doubt he would turn against the success of his own people and home country. President Bush, would you send a bomb to Dallas?
Ubong Ukutt, Nigeria

To Ubong Ukutt,and others who buy into absurd conspiracy theories, today's headlines state that this attack was intended to be carried out against Americans. al-Qaeda was ill-informed, and unaware that Americans no longer lived in the compound. This organization wants to murder innocent men, women and babies, as long as they are holding a western passport or are American by birth. By your own admission, this category of individuals would include you. Please stop defending this murderous suicidal organization.
Anette, Hungary

Al-Qaeda wants to go back to the Stone Age, and will call all those who stand in their way G Williams, England

What I find sad is the inevitable blame the USA gets for this. People are suggesting that it wasn't al-Qaeda doing it, but others to discredit them! Unbelievable! Who would blow themselves sky high in order to discredit them? Face the facts - al-Qaeda wants to go back to the Stone Age, and will call all those who stand in their way. If Muslims thought they were safe from them, they will have to think again.
G Williams, England

Governments act like ostriches ignoring reality. Saudi Arabia ignores Al Qaeda and becomes the victim of suicide bombers. Africa, China and India ignore AIDS and face vast epidemics. Hong Kong ignores SARS and its economy slumps because nobody dares go there. The list is endless and it seems they never learn.
Mark, USA

Mark makes an excellent point. Western nations have been guilty of supporting dreadful regimes because it suited wider aims e.g. the Western support (particularly the USA and Britain) of rebels in Afghanistan. This led to the emergence of the Taliban. The French put short term economic gain ahead of human rights in their support of Saddam Hussein and Robert Mugabe. If Western nations adopted ethical foreign policies and shunned repressive regimes then they would earn the respect of other countries and gradually the world might just become a better place.
Kevin, UK

It's a shame that, yet again, it takes the deaths of more innocents for people to wake up to the reality of terrorism.
Tim,UK

Terrorism is unjustified for whatever reason it is being executed. By killing innocent people nobody achieve anything other than attracting contempt. The present US policy of 'war on terrorism' is creating more terrorism than elimination of it. US may not be able to end terrorism all over the world. But it can do much in preventing the creation of terrorists.
Pratheep P S,India

The Saudi regime has only itself to blame. Having continually encouraged and fostered an extreme form of religious belief, it cannot be surprised when some of its adherents accuse it of not being sufficiently devout. The unfortunate thing here is that innocent people get killed in this battle of religious obscurantism.
Paul F, London, UK

It has been a wake up call for the Saudis that the threat of fundamentalism is as much a threat to them as it is to the western world Phil Jordan,Saudi Arabia

What has really shocked me, living in Riyadh, is the underlying feeling that this attack would have been almost acceptable to some of the local population had it been carried out against western targets. The loss of life has really hit home mainly because it has affected the feeling of being safe amongst the Saudis and the fact that the 'Muslim nation' has been attacked from within and during the holy month of Ramadan. It has been a wake up call for the Saudi population that the threat of fundamentalism is as much a threat to them as it is to the western world.
Phil Jordan,Saudi Arabia

But I thought that George Bush sent his soldiers into Afghanistan to eliminate the Taliban and Al Qaeda. We are supposed to be living in a safer world thanks to the Americans. Every speech that Bush makes talks about war on terror and how America is winning this war. Eyes wide shut.
Tarik, UK

To Tarik, UK: The US and UK can't do this alone, they've been asking all along for help from others, but they instead turn their heads and don't want to see what Bush & Blair have been saying all along.
Tom E., USA

I am asking fellow Muslims to rid the world of these terrorist acts, and the teachings leading to these acts.
Hussein, Kenya

The continuing carnage in Riyadh and the Middle East only reinforce the old political tenet that it is easier to gain political following and power by focusing followers on the hatred of others than it is to gain following by focusing on doing good. Stalin, Hitler and now Bin Laden have proven that sad tenet correct. Pity the day that the followers of Bin Laden and others of similar ilk awaken to find their world not as painted by Bin Laden or ignorant "religious" zealots, but instead awaken to find themselves the focus of a world bewildered by their hatred and misdeeds.
William Hebb, The Netherlands

Osama Bin Laden and his acolytes must have offered prayers of thanks to the almighty when Bush invaded Iraq. If we drop the propaganda labels and recognize them instead as revolutionaries pledged to topple the Saudi regime, then the advantages of Iraq in permanent turmoil become obvious. Iraq has a long and porous border with Saudi Arabia, is awash with weapons, and has plentiful opportunities for volunteers to gain combat experience. If he had the franchise, he would vote Bush for a second term in 2004.
Julius Walsenburg, Nice, France

It's time the whole world came out to say no to terrorism by routing out the source of evil Rose Nassali-Lukwago,Uganda

The majority of the dead were non-Saudi Arab workers and innocent children. When the attacks took place in Nairobi and Dar-es-Salaam simultaneously, and later Mombassa, innocent Africans paid the price. Those who died in Bali had nothing to do with politics at the time of the attack. It's time the whole world came out to say no to terrorism by routing out the source of evil. Terror must not triumph, there are better ways of addressing whatever form of injustices.
Rose Nassali-Lukwago,Uganda

If this were the suicide bombers in Israel, the Arab press would say "they are freedom-fighters", "they are just expressing their rage, in the only way they can", "look at the reasons for the action". OK, lets play the same word game here...The Saudi Arab press condone it when it happens in Israel but when it's in Riyadh, the bombers are called terrorists. Wake up Saudi!!!
Abrahmen Muthu,Saudi

The attack in Riyadh clearly proves that the attackers do not belong to any religion. They are terrorists and are using the Muslim card to achieve their devious goal which now seems to be coming to power in Saudi Arabia & taking the country back by 50 years, now that they have lost Afghanistan.
Mohan, India

I cannot comprehend what happened because it killed innocent children, women, and men. Terrorists have no agenda but killing and destabilizing Saudi Arabia and to harm their fellow residents of the kingdom. They are so ugly. Hospitals filled with injured kids. It's inhumane.
Abdullah Suliman, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

I don't know who is "winning the war on terror," but it's obvious to me who is losing: normal, every day people, all over the world.
Matthew, USA

As a Moslem, I condemn the targeting of innocents. These so called Moslems that commit these atrocities are akin to 'cult zombies' who have been taken over by people such as Ossama Bin Laden.
Tarek Rouchdy, Egypt

This surely reflects the 'state' of world at the moment Ali Yasir, Malaysia

This surely reflects the 'state' of world at the moment. You can expect terrorism anywhere in the world and anyone even without the exception of innocent kids could be the target since the terrorism now knows no boundaries. Not only is it against America. Its to make the world a fearful place to live in.
Ali Yasir, Malaysia

Those who did this are young people who don't have a good grasp of religion, they don't serve Islam in any shape or form. Indeed their act serves the present day enemies of Islam. Yousef Hawas, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
(translated from BBCArabic.com)

This cowardly act is evidence of the gap between Al Qaida and humanity and Islam.
Jerjes Al Helo, Syria
(translated from BBCArabic.com)

The main purpose of the attack is to destabilise the regime, especially when we bear in mind that the recent targets have been Arab residential areas and not Western or US compounds. Perhaps behind these attacks are more than just one organisation. It could be terrorists or countries.
Badr Jasim , Kuwait
(translated from BBCArabic.com)

Why do we always focus most of our anger on those who perpetrate these acts without inquiring into their causes? We are against this act but suppression and bitterness lead to a loss of hope. It is a hopeless act.
Mohamed Abu Al Yazid , Alexandria, Egypt
(translated from BBCArabic.com)

The most alarming part of this tragedy is that Al Qaeda can carry out their mission when global headlines talk about their plans having moved to an operational stage, when the country's security is on high alert, when every compound is protected by the National guard and that they can strike this close to the palaces of the Royal family. The bombing in May was not a one off event. This carnage will continue till Al Qaeda is rooted out completely. I pray that it happens soon as Al Qaeda is the greatest disservice Osama Bin Laden did not only to humanity but also to Islam.
Amna, Saudi Arabia

A fertile ground for extremism and social unrest, which with time is becoming increasingly militant Najla,UAE

As I watch the events unfold in Saudi Arabia I recall the words of a relgious man who once said, "if you want peace, then work for justice." I am from the Gulf, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of justice in Saudi society, particularly towards women - it is a society of extremes. Saudi Arabia is rife with unemployment, the gap between rich an poor is growing, the stereotypical image of all Saudis having a very high standard of living is just that, a stereotype - economic hardship in the midst of the lavishness that the Saudi leadership enjoys from oil revenues is bound to cause resentment from many Saudis, coupled with the strict interpretation of Islam that the Saudi leadership has nurtured up until now, makes this a fertile ground for extremism and social unrest, which with time is becoming increasingly militant.
Najla,UAE

Nobody will support such incidents but just saying this is no solution. I think the world is seeing a chain reaction of unjust US policies. It's about time that US should stop promoting puppet governments in other countries that only serve US the best.
Hasan Zaheer, Pakistan

I heard the blast quite loud and the house shook a little. We know people from the compound who luckily escaped unhurt. It's possible al-Qaeda scored an own goal from out-of-date intelligence. This was a former Boeing compound (B2) housing mainly Americans - they probably didn't realise the Americans had moved out a few years ago. Everyone here is sick to the stomach with Al-Qaeda, let's all pray the reaction within the Muslim world kills any remaining loyalty for them.
Rizwan Minhas,Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

I think the attack was carried out by people that want Al Qaeda to lose the support they have in this areas. This is not the style we have been made to believe Al-Qaeda operates by.
Qasim, Saudi Arabia

One wonders if Al Qaeda is really an Islamic organization! This proves that Al Qaeda is serving one purpose: an individual one - theirs. Al Qaeda is a group of losers who have lost their soul and their mind. They are cowards who are terrorizing the whole world, including the Muslim World. It is time that the whole world got together to fight this terrorism.
Randa, Syria

It is too soon to blame Al-Qaeda for this suicide bomb in Riyadh. We are too used to putting all the blame on Al-Qaeda after the World Trade Center explosion. The Riyadh explosion seems very different from the traditional suicide attacks which have taken place before. Al-Qaeda does not target Muslims usually. The case should be investigated seriously before issuing any baseless comments about it
Hamid Bactrian,Samanghan , Afghanistan

I don't think this is an attack by al-Qaeda. There is no political or military gain from such a terrible attack for them especially after their recent successes in Iraq. There is more to this attack than we will ever know.
Sanath, U.A.E

I live in the Saudi DQ and heard the bang around midnight. Last year I stayed in the Al Moyeya compound for 6 months. I have many friends that have been injured. My wife's best friend is looking after a 3 year old. His parents are both in hospital from Injuries. We have not been able to find out how other friends are doing !..
James,Saudi Arabia

My sister lives in Riyadh, several miles away from the compound. She told me that she heard the explosion. It was very loud and she felt the floor shaking and that's far away. We pray for the injured people to recover and for the children to forget this horrible thing.
Abd Allah,Saudi Arabia

Let the authorities investigate first before blaming any party involved Roslan, Malaysia

I fully condemn this murderous act. However let the authorities investigate first before blaming any party involved.
Roslan, Malaysia

What happened last night is really very depressing especially in this holy month of Ramadan but it seems these people who made these explosions are completely out of their mind and I'll never say that they have anything to do with Islam.
Badar Al Omar,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

My parents have lived in Saudi Arabia for 27 years. One word to sum things up at the moment would be "worried". Although they live in Jeddah, on the west coast, it's the usual passage for people entering Mecca. It would appear that no where is safe!
Christopher Baker, England

In response to Zamrudda Khan's e-mail what do you mean by America? If you mean the USA remember that this is a country that tolerates a rich diversity of culture and faiths including Islam (unlike some countries in the Middle East - try taking a Bible into Saudi Arabia). Will the thousands of American Muslims therefore have to 'pay the price' as well?
John O'Hara,United Kingdom

I spend a lot of time working in Riyadh, and even with the latest attack I would still say that Riyadh is a safer place to live and work than say London or New York (both places I have worked). Apart from the stupid driving, Riyadh has a very low crime rate and for the most part people are safe to walk the streets at night. I also live in a villa, that is away from the compounds, which lowers the risk further. I am supposed to be returning to Riyadh later this month, but I now expect over-reaction from the UK authorities and airlines to make that more difficult for me. It is this, not the destruction, that lets the terrorists win... The over reaction that will follow these events, such as the enhanced security, (which only causes grief to the normal person), the travel restrictions by the FCO and airlines and the concern by ex-pat workers, because of the reporting of such events WILL hit the Saudi economy and therefore achieve the terrorists goals. We need to stand up to this and remember - the IRA did not stop us working in London. Andy
Andy Smith,UK

If this is the work of al-Qaeda I expect they will be hesitant to lay claim to such a disastrous attack, which has blown up in their face, it goes to show you how badly organised they have become, their network must be under pressure being constantly in hiding from western intelligence, no longer free to run around the globe causing havoc. This has turned out to be al-Qaeda's biggest PR disaster to date, what al-Qaeda actually stands for other than terrorising innocents comes into serious question here for its Muslim followers, attacking their own people on holy soil seems a strange way of fighting a cause in my opinion.
Chris,England

That is really a heinous attack. It is absolutely against humanism. People can not support such type of barbarian attack.
Md. Miraz H. Khan,Bangladesh