Graham,
Is the laptop in Saudi Arabia your personal laptop or is it a military computer? If it is a military computer you should be able to work with the small computer section where they can assist you. If this is your personal computer then contact the Microsoft Activation Center. If you are military maybe you can seek permission to use DSN lines to make the call. Hopefully this has provided you with some assistance.
Telephone Activation Centers:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326851
Take care,
Stephen :-)
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