ABOUT SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. The capital city is Riyadh, which is also the largest city and a major business hub.

Other significant cities include Jeddah, a major port on the Red Sea known for its commercial centres and cultural festivals; Mecca, the holiest city in Islam; and Medina, another city of great religious importance. The country experiences a desert climate characterised by extreme heat during the day, cooler nights, and minimal rainfall. 

Coastal areas, particularly along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, experience high humidity, especially in summer. Arabic is the official language, with English widely understood and used, particularly in the business and tourism sectors. Islam is the official religion, and Saudi Arabia is known for its strict adherence to Islamic laws, with significant importance placed on religious customs and practices. 

The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Major attractions include the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, accessible only to Muslims for pilgrimage; Riyadh, with its Kingdom Centre, National Museum, and historical sites like Diriyah; and Jeddah, known for the King Fahd Fountain, the historic Al-Balad district, and the Red Sea coastline. Al-Ula is renowned for its ancient rock formations and historical sites such as Madain Saleh, while Asir National Park offers mountains, forests, and traditional villages. The "Edge of the World," a dramatic escarpment near Riyadh, provides stunning views.

Quick facts
Capital: Riyadh 
Official languages: Arabic
Main religion: Islam 
Government: Unitary Islamic Absolute Monarchy 
Area: 2,149,690 km2 (830,000 sq mi) 
Population: 32 000 000

Entry into Saudi Arabia

When planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, here are the general entry requirements to be aware of:

Visa Requirements:

• Tourist Visa: Available for citizens of many countries through an online application (eVisa) or upon arrival. Valid for up to 90 days. 
• Business Visa: For business travellers, requiring an invitation from a Saudi company.
• Work Visa: For those employed by a Saudi company, necessitating a work permit and sponsorship.
• Hajj and Umrah Visa: For pilgrims visiting for religious purposes, typically issued for specific pilgrimage periods.
• Family Visit Visa: For visiting relatives residing in Saudi Arabia.

Application Process:

• eVisa: Apply online through the Saudi eVisa portal by filling out the application form, providing necessary documents (passport copy, photograph), and paying the visa fee. See this website for the application.
• Embassy/Consulate: For visas not available online, apply through the Saudi embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Travel Advice & Safety

Here are some travel advice and safety tips to consider when visiting Saudi Arabia:

Stay Informed

• Regularly check travel advisories from your home country’s government regarding travel to Saudi Arabia.
• Stay updated on local news for any developments that might affect your travel plans.

Respect Local Laws and Customs

• Saudi Arabia has strict laws based on Islamic principles. Familiarise yourself with these laws to avoid inadvertently breaking them.
• Public behaviour, dress codes, and social interactions are subject to local customs and regulations.

Travel Documents:

• Keep your passport, visa, and other important travel documents safe and easily accessible.
• Make copies of your travel documents in case the originals are lost or stolen.

Health Precautions

• Ensure you have adequate health insurance that covers travel abroad.
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially in desert regions.

Emergency Contacts

• Know the emergency contact numbers in Saudi Arabia (e.g., 999 for police, 997 for medical emergencies).
• Have the contact information of your country’s embassy or consulate.

Dress Code

• Dress modestly in public places. Women should wear an abaya (a long, loose-fitting cloak) and may be required to cover their heads.
• Men should avoid wearing shorts in public.

Public Behaviour

• Public displays of affection are frowned upon and can lead to legal consequences.
• Avoid loud or aggressive behaviour, and be respectful in your interactions.

Religious Practices

• During prayer times, many businesses close, and you should respect this practice.
• Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Currency

The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal, abbreviated as SAR, and symbolised as ر.س or SR. The riyal is divided into 100 halalas. Commonly used coins include denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 halalas, as well as 1 and 2 riyal coins. Banknotes are available in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 riyals, with newer banknotes featuring enhanced security measures to prevent counterfeiting. 

The Saudi Riyal is generally pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of approximately 3.75 SAR to 1 USD, while exchange rates with other currencies fluctuate based on market conditions. Currency can be exchanged at banks, official exchange offices, and some hotels. It's advisable to use official exchange services to ensure fair rates and avoid counterfeit money. 

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, and most major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large retail stores. However, it's recommended to carry some cash, especially when travelling to more remote areas where card facilities might be limited.

Electricity

In Saudi Arabia, the G-type plug is used, which is characterised by three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle. The country operates with a supply voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 60 Hz.

Mobile services

In Saudi Arabia, the main operators of mobile services are:

Etisalat
Etisalat, one of the leading telecommunications operators in the Saudi Arabia, offers comprehensive mobile services including voice, data and multimedia services through its state-of-the-art network. It is known for its high-speed internet services and a wide range of packages to suit different user needs.

Saudi Telecom Company (STC)
The largest telecommunications provider in the country, offering a wide range of mobile, internet, and digital services.

Mobily (Etihad Etisalat)
A prominent telecom operator providing mobile and internet services, known for its extensive network coverage and data packages.

Zain Saudi Arabia
is Another major player in the Saudi telecom market, offering competitive mobile and internet services.

Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia
A newer entrant, providing mobile services with a focus on flexible plans and customer-centric offerings.

Lebara Mobile Saudi Arabia
A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) offering affordable prepaid mobile plans, particularly popular among expatriates.

However, if you're not local and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo (more details here).

Important telephone numbers

There are several important phone numbers in Saudi Arabia that residents and visitors should know for emergencies and basic services. Here are some of the most important ones:

• General Emergency: 112
• Police Assistance: 999/911
• Fire emergency response: 998
• Ambulance: 997
• Traffic Police: 993
• Natural Disasters: 966
• Highway Patrol: 996
• Border Guard: 994

Interesting facts about Saudi Arabia

There are several interesting facts about Saudi Arabia, here are some of them:

Birthplace of Islam
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and is home to the religion's two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Muslims worldwide face Mecca during prayer, and the city hosts millions of pilgrims annually during the Hajj.

Largest Country in the Middle East
With an area of approximately 2.15 million square kilometres, Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and the 13th largest in the world.

Oil Reserves
Saudi Arabia possesses some of the world's largest proven oil reserves and is a leading oil exporter. The discovery of oil in 1938 significantly transformed the country's economy.

Desert Landscape
The Rub' al Khali, or the Empty Quarter, is the largest continuous sand desert in the world, covering much of southern Saudi Arabia.

No Permanent Rivers
Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries without any permanent rivers. The country relies on underground aquifers and desalination plants for its water supply.

Cultural Heritage
The country boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic Diriyah, the rock art of the Hail Region, and the Al-Ahsa Oasis.

Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a major transformation under its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on oil, and develop sectors like tourism, entertainment, and technology.

Women's Rights
Recent years have seen significant changes in women's rights, including the lifting of the driving ban for women in 2018 and increasing opportunities in the workforce and public life.

Language
The official language is Arabic, and the legal system is based on Islamic law (Sharia).

Weekends
The weekend in Saudi Arabia is Friday and Saturday, with Friday being the holy day for Muslims.

Rich Cuisine
Saudi cuisine features dishes like Kabsa, a spiced rice dish with meat, and Mutabbaq, a stuffed pastry. Dates and coffee are traditional symbols of hospitality.

Cultural Norms
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, and there are specific dress codes, particularly for women, who traditionally wear an abaya in public.

Economic Hub
Riyadh, the capital, is a major financial hub, while Jeddah, the gateway to Mecca, is known for its Red Sea coastline and historic districts.

Futuristic Projects
Saudi Arabia is investing in futuristic projects like NEOM, a planned $500 billion megacity that aims to incorporate smart city technologies and serve as a hub for innovation and trade.