Saudi Arabia is both the birthplace
and the centre of Islam. In 2014, the holy month of Ramadan will start around June 28 and end 30 days later
VISAS GCC nationals can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa, but all other visitors, whether travelling on business or leisure, require one in advance. All foreign nationals who enter the kingdom need to have a passport with at least six months’ validity, along with appropriate documentation. Visas can be obtained from visa departments in Saudi Arabia’s embassies and consulates located in most major cities around the world.
CURRENCY The Saudi riyal (SAR) is the currency of Saudi Arabia. Its exchange rate is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of US$1 = SAR3.75. Bank notes, marked in both English and Arabic, are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 riyals. Internationally recognised credit cards are also accepted by most establishments.
BUSINESS HOURS Sunday to Thursday is now the working week, having shifted from Saturday to Wednesday in 2013. Government offices are open from 7.30am to 2.30pm while the working hours for banks are from 9am to 4pm.
LANGUAGE Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in the hospitality industry.
ELECTRICITY The electricity system is based on 220 volts with sockets suitable for three-pin and two-pin plugs as the norm. However, it is a good idea to bring an adapter with you just in case.
PHOTOGRAPHY Visitors should seek permission from locals to take their pictures, but avoid taking photographs of Saudi women, children and government buildings.
TIPS TOP
BEST TIME TO VISIT With average daily
temperatures around the 30°C mark, the October
to May period is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia. While the summers can get very hot, the heat is rarely felt, however, due to the widespread and efficient use of air-conditioning in all
vehicles, malls, conference venues, exhibition centres and hotels. People visiting the kingdom for leisure, business and other
non-religious purposes should avoid the month of Ramadan and the time of the Hajj.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Saudi Arabia has three official public holidays: Eid Al Fitr, which comes after the end of Ramadan; Eid Al Adha around 70 days later; and the kingdom’s unification day on
September 23, which is celebrated as the Saudi National Day. While the private sector usually
remains closed for three and five days, respectively, over the two Eid holidays, government offices and departments usually enjoy a more prolonged break. Te National Day holiday is a single day. Te dates
for the Eid holidays depend on the lunar calendar and are subject to the sighting of the moon. Te tentative date for the beginning of the Eid Al Fitr holidays in 2014 is July 27, while Eid Al Adha is expected to begin on October 4.
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LOCAL TIME UTC +3 hours.
RELIGION Islam.
HAJJ AND UMRAH The Hajj, the traditional annual Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah, takes place in 2014 in the month of October. It is a duty of every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it to take part in the Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Most Hajj pilgrims also visit other holy sites, notably Madinah, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) once lived and taught after he left Makkah. The Hajj must be completed during the Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijjah. A pilgrimage to Makkah at any other time is known as Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) and is a recommended part of Islam, though not compulsory.
RAMADAN Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and falls from late June to late July during 2014 (exact dates depend on the lunar cycle). All through this holy month
Muslims fast during the daylight hours and non-Muslims should also refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public from sunrise until sunset. All restaurants are closed during the daytime, but hotels may provide segregated places to eat.
TIPPING Tipping is generally not expected though it is appreciated. Taxi fares are often rounded up – and occasionally even down – and restaurants are obliged by Saudi law not to include a service charge on the bill. If you tip, 10 percent is considered appropriate.
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