Signs of discontent continued . Terrorist activity increased dramatically in 2003 , with the Riyadh compound bombings and other attacks , which prompted the government to take much more stringent action against terrorism . Suicide bombers killed 35 people at housing compounds for Westerners in Riyadh hours before U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell flew in for planned visit in May 2003 . More than 300 Saudi intellectuals – women as well as men – signed a petition in September 2003 , calling for far-reaching political reforms . A month later , police had to break up an unprecedented rally in the centre of Riyadh calling for political reform . More than 270 people were arrested . In November , a suicide attack by suspected al-Qaeda militants on a residential compound in Riyadh left 17 dead and scores injured . The King responded by granting the Consultative Council the ability it to propose legislation
Riyadh compound bombings
Riyadh compound bombings
Modern history of Saudi Arabia