The roundabout opposite King Faisal Palace in Riyadh’s Nasseriyah district is decorated with Saudi, US and French flags to greet the visiting leaders. (AN photo by Khaled Khamees)

RIYADH, 13 January 2008 — The streets of the capital have been decked with flowers and Saudi, US and French flags welcoming French President Nicolas Sarkozy and US President George W. Bush, who will be arriving in the capital today and tomorrow respectively on state visits.

The decorations have been put up by the Riyadh Municipality to give the city a festive look as a mark of welcome to the visiting state leaders.

Security has also been tightened on the road from the Royal Conference Palace to the Diplomatic Quarter with the two main entrances to the palace heavily guarded by National Guard officers. The Special Task Force and Royal Guards are also patrolling the area.

The Old Airport Road, the Khurais Road have also been decorated in a marked fashion with flags.

Entry of vehicles to the Diplomatic Quarter was as usual yesterday. Security officers at checkpoints allowed passage to people visiting missions in the enclave. Business at the US Embassy in the coming days will be as usual.

An official working for a foreign mission in the Diplomatic Quarter told Arab News that entry to the Diplomatic Quarter was normal, adding that security is likely to be stepped up in the next three days.

According to sources from the Riyadh Traffic Department, roads that will be used for the presidential motorcade will be temporarily closed for the convoy of vehicles to pass. Diversions will also be in place in case of motorists wanting to reach places urgently.