Location: Middle East
Local Time: GMT+3
Capital City: Riyadh
Population: 27.13 million
Area: 1,960,582357,021 square km, 756,985 square miles.
Language(s): Arabic (all correspondence with Government Departments must be in Arabic), English
Dialling Code: 966
Emergency: Police: 999
TV Standard: PAL/SECAM
Driving: Driving is on the right. National licence accompanied by officially sanctioned Arabic translation required. International Driving Permit with translation recommended. Women are not allowed to drive
Electricity: 125/215V AC 50/60Hz
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR 1 = 100 Halalas)
Notes: SAR: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500
Coins: Halalas: 5, 10, 25, 50. Qurush: 1, 2, 5, 10
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0830-1200 & 1700-1900 Sat-Wed, 0830-1200 Thur
Office: 0900-1300 & 1630-2000 Sat-Thur (during Ramadan 2000-0100), 0730-1430 Sat-Wed (Government offices)
Shops: 0900-1300 & 1630-2000 Sat-Thur (during Ramadan 2000-0100)
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region. During Hajj, all Government establishments and some businesses will be closed for 10-14 days.
Business/Social Hints: Personal introductions are a great advantage. If the visiting executive is a woman this must be clearly stated in initial correspondence. Women should dress conservatively. A headscarf is essential. Business is usually conducted in Arabic. Many senior business executives speak English. Business cards to have Arabic translation on reverse side. Islamic conventions apply. At meetings it is polite to drink coffee or tea, when offered. It is the convention to use the right and not the left hand when shaking hands and passing or receiving anything. Almost everything stops five times a day, for prayers. When sitting cross-legged on sofas or cushions, soles of the feet must not be shown. Visits during Ramadan should be avoided. Smoking is generally accepted but restrictions may apply in public buildings and especially during Ramadan. Alcohol is strictly forbidden by law. On social occasions be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. There are many restrictions on photography
Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants & for taxis
