Expatriates in Saudi Arabia are increasingly becoming uneasy with the escalation in attacks on Westerners in the kingdom the latest instance being the beheading of American Paul Johnson, reportedly by the Al Qaeda.

While many are weighing the alternatives and some have begun moving to Dubai and Bahrain, reports from Dubai indicate.

Bahrain, linked to Saudi Arabia by a causeway, is a convenient option as Saudi passport holders can reside there and commute to Saudi Arabia for work. Dubai is another alternative for moving out non-essential staff.

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The real estate scenario in both Dubai and Bahrain has seen a boom in recent months, which observers attribute to the movement of business and people from the kingdom.

Westerners in Jeddah were badly shaken by Johnson's death and many quickly made arrangements to leave.

George, an American from Houston now living in Saudi Arabia, was quoted by the Arab News daily as saying that he had now made up his mind to quit Saudi Arabia. "Paul's killing has shown that no one is safe here. Any moment we could be killed or abducted," he added.

Rene, an American housewife living in an upmarket housing compound, is determined to go home on the first available flight. "Life is not safe for us. They will spare no one, not even children and women," she said.

"Westerners are simply not safe," said an American who identified himself as Milton. Many generally agreed that by making the lives of expats in Saudi Arabia risky, Al Qaeda has won this round of the war. There is effectively an exodus of people from the Kingdom.

Many were concerned at the prospect of splitting up their families and some by the apparent difficulties in sending their families to home countries.

"All my Western colleagues I have spoken to during the last few days and tonight are greatly shocked," said Eric Martin, an executive. "The killing is a clear indication that any American or Westerner can be ruthlessly slaughtered. We can't visit a clinic or supermarket in such a security situation, which has failed to protect us," he added.

Meanwhile, the beheading has shocked Saudis with many saying the barbaric killing would cost the extremists what support they still enjoyed. But there was also palpable fear not merely among expatriates but also among Saudis who feel they could be targeted next, the daily said.

Fatma, who declined to give her last name, spoke for many when she said the terrorists attacked 'somebody who had been here for years. It is un-Islamic. He was here under our protection', she said, referring to a pledge of security Muslims extend to all who enter their lands.

Many Saudis said the terrorists were bent on harming Islam and the kingdom. "We are ashamed that fellow Muslims have done such an inhuman and repulsive act," said Abdul Rahman Al-Shahari, a journalist.

Whatever little sympathy these misguided people enjoyed earlier has waned away after the series of attack in the kingdom. "This will create hatred for them," said Ibrahim Al-Sulaiman, a Saudi student at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran.

But Muhammad Abdul Hamid wants the government and the kingdom's religious leaders must do more to counter extremism.

"Statements of condemnation are not enough. They must speak to these people in prison and start a dialogue. The prisoners are the ones who are influencing young people," he said.

Others speculated about the operational support for the terrorists.

One Saudi woman, who asked not to be identified, said, "There's a conspiracy. They have guns and weapons. Somebody must have an interest in furthering their political aims. These were essentially the interests of the US and Israel."