The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the Irish man who was shot dead in Saudi Arabia yesterday was Anthony Christopher Higgins.
Mr Higgins, 59, was a native of Galway City and is survived by his wife Joan and their two grown up children.
He grew up in Mervue and is a brother of the well known writer, Rita Ann Higgins, successful businessman, Joe Higgins, and Mairtín Higgins, Manager of Mervue United soccer team.
Former Mayor of Galway Terry O'Flaherty, who knew the 59-year-old, said news of his death had come as an enormous shock to the community in Mervue where he grew up.
Mr Higgins was working for a Saudi-owned construction company called Rocky for Trade and Construction in the capital, Riyadh.
He was in his office yesterday afternoon in the Al Rodah residential area of eastern Riyadh at about 4pm Irish time when one or more armed men burst into his office. It is understood Mr Higgins was shot in the chest and the head.
So far there is no indication who was responsible for his murder or why he was killed, but the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish embassy in Riyadh are working with the Saudi authorities to find out what happened.
This is the latest in a series of attacks against foreigners living in Saudi Arabia. Just over two months ago an Irish cameraman working for the BBC was also shot dead in Riyadh.
An estimated 1,400 Irish nationals live in Saudi Arabia.
Advice issued by Foreign Affairs Dept
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Irish citizens against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia.
The department has also reminded Irish citizens in Saudi Arabia of the importance of maintaining the highest levels of personal security, and has advised them to keep a low profile and to limit travel within the kingdom to essential journeys only.
Irish citizens are also advised to be especially vigilant in places popular with foreign nationals such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. They have also been urged to ensure the safety of their vehicles at all times.
Citizens who have not registered with the Irish Embassy in Riyadh are advised to do so immediately.
