- Destinations
- Middle East
- Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia receives hundreds of thousands of
visitors each year, but few enter as tourists. This conservative
country connecting Africa and mainland Asia contains the spiritual
centre of the Islamic world, Mecca, and the sacred city of Medina,
so most of the visitors are pilgrims, permitted on special
religious visas.
Others come to this oil-rich nation on sponsored business trips,
generally finding little time or facility for leisure and pleasure.
Saudi Arabia is intent on keeping its traditions, culture and
religious heritage away from prying western eyes. Its cities,
however, are not backwaters but modern, bustling commercial
centres, like the Royal capital, Riyadh, offering excellent hotels
and some breathtaking sights such as the Al Faisaliah golden
geodesic dome, one of the tallest buildings in the region.
Amongst it all, the magic of Arabia shines through in the souks
(markets) where vendors tout everything from carpets to camel milk.
Rules and regulations make sightseeing difficult for foreigners
except on a few approved and expensive tours, but sites like the
ruins of 15th-century Dir'aiyah (the nation's first capital) and
trips to the world's largest camel market make for interesting
excursions. The preserved ancient city of Jeddah is also listed as
a 'tourist site', as is that city's seafront corniche, a popular
spot with the air of a British seaside resort that draws the
country's own domestic holidaymakers.
Occupying most of the Arabian Peninsula, and bordered by no
fewer than eight Middle-Eastern states, Saudi Arabia manages its
highly-controlled religious society alongside the onslaught of its
progressive oil-boom industry. The kingdom's strategic position
both geographically and culturally at the centre of the Arab world
has made it an unsafe place for westerners, and those who do visit
are advised to plan thoroughly and be fully informed.
Information & Facts
Business
If you are looking to do business in Saudi Arabia, prepare
yourself for a unique experience. The Saudi corporate world is
perhaps the most foreign of any of the Gulf nations - and in all
likelihood, you are going to have to remain flexible and to learn
new skills, in order to make a real success of your time in the
country.
It is vitally important to understand that Saudi society is
underpinned by fervent belief in the tenets of Islam. Unlike in
western countries, where someone might be devoutly Christian in
their personal lives, but happy to separate these convictions from
their professional lives - in Saudi Arabia, it is important for
expats to understand that the presence of Islam is constant and
all-pervasive. It might perhaps be difficult for irreligious expats
to conceive of, but they need to understand that, as far as your
Saudi business associates are concerned, nothing in life will
transpire, that hasn't been divinely ordained. Many frustrated
expatriates have written this off as 'fatalism' - or perhaps, even
passivity - but it is, really, just another world-view, and as a
guest of the country, you should do your best to understand and
respect it, at all times.
The business culture of Saudi Arabia is prototypically Arabic,
in that a great emphasis is placed on personal relationships
between business associates - Saudi businessmen will always prefer
to do business with people they are familiar with, or people who
they feel they can trust. You will have to remain patient during
your first meetings with your new Saudi business partners - a
significant chunk of time will be devoted to 'getting to know each
other', before any 'actual business' is conducted. The management
style that predominates in Saudi Arabia is paternalistic and
strictly hierarchical - decisions are made at the top level, and
clear, direct instructions are then filtered down. To expect
anything more egalitarian, would fly in the face of the established
culture and traditions of the country.
There is no specific etiquette regarding the exchanging of
business cards in Saudi Arabia - but if you use them, make sure
your details are printed in Arabic on the reverse side of your
card.
Business etiquette in Saudi Arabia reflects the intimate
relationship between spiritual, personal and professional life
mentioned above. Maintaining eye contact is extremely important in
Saudi Arabia - you will be judged on your sincerity by your ability
to hold someone's gaze. In Saudi Arabia, business meetings will
most likely be lengthy, and subject to numerous interruptions and
personal digressions. While this might be frustrating to those who
are used to keeping 'on the clock', and tackling an 'agenda' at
meetings, don't become frustrated - rather, endeavour to fit in and
excercise as much patience as possible. You will be judged on your
conduct in meetings, so treat them as necessary parts of the
relationship-building process. Business negotiations in Saudi
Arabia can become heated, however raised voices are considered a
sign of passion, considered a valuable trait in the business
world.
Despite the heat, business dress in Saudi Arabia is strictly
smart, formal and conservative - especially for women, who must
take extreme care not to wear anything too revealing. It is, in
fact, one of the responsibilities of the Saudi Matawain (religious
police) to enforce modest dress - and suffice it to say, expats do
not want to fall foul of this organisation. The official language
of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, though English is widely spoken and
widely understood in the business world. Hours of business are
generally from 8am to 12pm, and then 3pm to 6pm, from Saturday to
Thursday. Friday is a day of rest.
Despite the complex maze of social rules, doing business in
Saudi Arabia is considered relatively easy in regulatory terms, and
the country is ranked 11th out of 183 countries on the World Bank's
Ease of Doing Business scale.
Climate
Saudi Arabia has a typical desert climate of blistering hot days
and cool nights, and is one of the driest countries in the world.
Summers can be extremely hot with temperatures rising to 130ºF
(55ºC) in some areas. The higher inland areas are cooler. Coastal
cities are humid and hot year round. Sandstorms blow anywhere in
the country, some lasting for days.
Communications
Saudi Arabia has a good telephone network. The country code is
+966 and the outgoing international code 00, followed by the
relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes
are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Riyadh. Mobile telephone service
providers operate GSM 900 networks, and there are Internet
facilities in most cities.
Customs
Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is
strictly enforced. No alcohol, pork products or religious books and
artefacts not related to Islam are permitted in the country. There
are no bars in Saudi Arabia, and alcohol is served nowhere to
anyone of any religious persuasion. Dress should be conservative at
all times, and women should take particular care not to offend.
Visitors are advised to familiarise themselves with behaviour and
dress codes before entering the country. Homosexual behaviour and
adultery are illegal and can carry the death penalty. Photography
of local people, government buildings, military installations and
palaces is not allowed, and women are not permitted to drive.
Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the
month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight
hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.
The right hand should be used for everything, including eating and
the giving and receiving of things, as the left is considered
unclean. It is illegal to hold two passports, and second passports
will be confiscated if discovered by immigration authorities.
Duty Free
Travellers to Saudi Arabia do not have to pay duty on 600
cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g tobacco; or perfume or cultured
pearls for personal use. Duty is payable on cameras and other
electronic goods, and refunds on these are available if the
articles are re-exported within 90 days. Strictly prohibited are
food products and carbonated water, animals and birds and palm
trees or derivatives thereof. Other prohibited items include
alcohol, firearms, drugs, pork products and natural pearls.
Electricity
125 volts, 50Hz, but 215 volts, 60Hz in some (more
remote) areas.
Getting Around
Getting around in Saudi Arabia is relatively simple due to
long-distance buses that link most of the country. The buses are
modern and comfortable, but sometimes inconvenient as many stations
are well outside the city centres. There is a train that runs
between Riyadh, Al-Hofuf and Dammam.
Taxis are available, and the only practical means of
transportation within cities. Fairs are usually metered, but you
may need to haggle outside of Riyadh. Renting a car in Saudi Arabia
is easy, and the roads are good and petrol is cheap. However, Saudi
drivers are considered some of the worst in the world, so driving
in Saudi Arabia is not for the faint of heart.
Health
Anyone arriving in Saudi Arabia from a country infected with
yellow fever requires a vaccination certificate for entry. People
travelling to perform Hajj and Umrah are required to be inoculated
against meningitis before travel and must present a vaccination
certificate on arrival; a meningococcal vaccine is recommended for
all travellers. Respiratory infections are common among pilgrims
during the Hajj season; Influenza vaccine is recommended for all
pilgrims during the Hajj. Not compulsory, but definitely advisable,
is vaccination against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid fever. There
is a malaria risk in the south and parts of the western region of
the country and visitors should take advice on anti-malarial
precautions at least four weeks before leaving; an outbreak of
cerebral malaria has occurred in Jizan. Rift Valley Fever has also
occurred, mainly in the Jizan area. Dengue fever has been reported.
An outbreak of bird flu was confirmed in April 2007; however the
risk is low for travellers, but contact with domestic, caged and
wild birds should be avoided and poultry and egg dishes well
cooked. Food poisoning is a risk outside the good hotels. Visitors
should only drink bottled water. The standard of medical care and
facilities in Saudi Arabia is high, but treatment is expensive,
therefore health insurance is strongly advised for all
travellers.
Language
Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia, but
English is widely understood.
Money
The Saudi currency is the Riyal (SAR), divided into 100 halala.
Foreign currency can be changed at banks and exchange bureaux.
Banking hours are generally Saturday to Wednesday from 8am to 12pm
and 4pm to 8pm. All major credit cards are accepted at shops,
hotels and restaurants in Saudi Arabia. Travellers cheques are also
accepted and ATMs are widely available. There are no taxes in Saudi
Arabia, so shopping is good value.
Passport Visa
All visitors require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and visas are
only granted to those with sponsorship in the country. Tourist
visas are granted only to selected groups on a limited basis.
Everyone who enters the Kingdom should have a valid passport with
at least six months validity in addition to the appropriate visa
and a return ticket, with all necessary documents. Women entering
the Kingdom alone must be met by a sponsor or male relative and
have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. Entry
may be refused to any visitor arriving in an intoxicated state, men
wearing shorts, women in tight clothing or with legs and arms
exposed, and to couples displaying affection in public. There are
special requirements for pilgrims undertaking the Hajj or visiting
holy sites. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports
containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting
Saudi Arabia as entry may be refused.
Safety
Travel safety in Saudi Arabia is a concern. The US and British
authorities believe terrorists may be planning further attacks
against Westerners and in places associated with Westerners in
Saudi Arabia following recent incidents in which foreign nationals
were killed. Aviation interests remain a possible terrorist target.
Attacks in the past have included kidnappings, targeted shootings
and bombings of shopping areas, government offices and car bombs.
Visitors who choose to risk entering the country should ensure they
have individual security arrangements, remain vigilant, keep a low
profile and avoid public gatherings. Visitors should be
particularly alert in public places frequented by foreigners such
as shopping malls, restaurants and hotels and in the desert outside
Riyadh. Pilgrims are increasingly being targeted by pickpockets in
Mecca and Medina and are advised to take care of personal
possessions. In recent years pilgrims have died due to overcrowding
and stampedes at events during Haj. Religious police patrols
rigorously enforce codes of behaviour and dress prescribed by
Islamic law and visitors should respect these.
Time
Tipping
Service charge is usually included in bills at hotels. Elsewhere
a tip of 10% can be offered for services rendered. Taxi drivers can
be given 10% of the fare.