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This pesentation is brought to you by: GM Recruiting
INTRODUCING YOU TO
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
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HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT? It is recommended you use ‘mouse buttons’ to follow given links on each page. However, you can also scroll between pages using scroll bars.
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Self-Help Guide for New Hires of Saudi Arabia
INTRODUCING YOU TO
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
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Table of Contents Something about Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Little Facts and Figures
Agriculture and Water
Economy and Global Trade
School and Education
Health and Social Services
Government Ministries
Picture Gallery – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Family Parks & Nature
Desert Lands outside Cities
Infrastructures & Roads
Riyadh City Pictures
Jeddah City Pictures
Other Cities Pictures
Frequently Asked Questions About living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Your Social Life & Sporting Activities
About Culture, Limitations & Restrictions
General Thoughts & Raising Questions
All About Money & Finance
Shopping Experience in Saudi Arabia Overview of Shopping Malls
Commodity Pricing – Fresh Vegetable Items
Commodity Pricing – Chicken, Meat & Sea Food
Commodity Pricing – Electronic Items
Commodity Pricing – Other Basic Items
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Something About Saudi Arabia
Agriculture & Water
Govt. Ministries
Little Facts & Figures
Economy & Global Trade
School & Education
Health & Social
Services
Note: Please click on your desired interest
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The largest country in the Arabian Peninsula and absolute TAX FREE Economy.
Saudi Arabia’s population is 27 million.
Estimated 8.4 million foreign residents (2010).
Forests, Grasslands, Mountain ranges and Deserts.
Climate varies from region to region.
Temperatures can reach over 110 degrees Fahrenheit / 44 Celsius in the desert.
Winter temperatures in the north and central parts of the country can drop below freeze point.
Capital City is Riyadh.
“Little Facts” about Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Large areas of desert have been turned into agricultural fields.
Saudi Arabia’s agricultural development over the last three decades has been astonishing.
These efforts collectively have helped transform vast tracts of the desert into fertile farmland.
“Agriculture & Water” in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Today, Saudi Arabia exports wheat, dates, dairy products, eggs, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables and flowers to markets around the world.
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“Economy & Global Trade” - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In December 2005, Saudi Arabia joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), a significant development that gives Saudi products greater access to global markets, creates jobs and encourages foreign investment. Today, industrial products make up more than 90 percent of the Kingdom’s non-oil exports.
Saudi Arabia’s free market economy has undergone remarkable changes in a relatively short period of time.
Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of oil.
Exporting petrochemicals, plastics, metal goods, construction materials and electrical appliances to some 90 countries.
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“School & Education” - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
There are number of foreign schools in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that attracts children of expats living in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Some British Schools, American Education Systems and Local Schools from Asia, Far East and other parts of the world are the center of attraction for expatriates.
Saudi Arabia’s education system has gone through an astonishing transformation.
Today, Saudi Arabia’s education system includes 24 public and 8 private universities, some 25,000 schools; and a large number of colleges and other institutions. The system is open to all citizens, and provides students with free education, books and health services.
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Academic System for Expatriate / Foreign Students in
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Click Here to Begin! Note: In case if you wish to contact these schools for a conversation, it is recommended to call during morning hours between 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Local Time. You may compare time zones at http://time.is/
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This list covers only few schools to give you a fair idea about academic system for expatriates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All the details, Fee structure mentioned under links are obtained from resources related to the mentioned school.
Please select your desired school.
#01 American International School #09 Future Window International School
#02 British International School #10 Manarat Al Riyadh International School
#03 Middle East International School #11 Pakistan International School
#04 Sri Lankan International School #12 King Abdul Aziz International School
#05 International Indian School #13 Bangladesh International School
#06 Kingdom School *Int’l Section+ #14 Ghana International School
#07 International Philippine School #15 Japanese International School
#08 Taqwa International School - Documentation Required
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As a school committed to excellence and educating and inspiring students to be responsible, productive and ethical world citizens with the skills and passion to think creatively, reason critically, communicate effectively and learn continuously.
Phone: 966-1- 4914270 Fax: 966-1-4917101 Website: http://www.aisr.org/ Email: [email protected]
American International School, Riyadh
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Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
The British International School located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is a co-educational school, catering for English-speaking children aged 3 to 18. Based on the National Curriculum of England and leading to examinations at GCSE and Advanced Level.
Phone: 966-1-248-2387 or 248-0386 or 248-1521 Fax: 966-1-248-0351 Website: http://www.britishschoolriyadh.com Email: [email protected]
British International School, Riyadh
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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The mission at MEIS is to offer quality education focusing on all-round development in a conducive environment to expatriates residing in Riyadh.
Phone: 966-1- 4161201 Fax: 966-1- 4627563 Website: http://www.newmeis.com Email: [email protected]
Middle East International School, Riyadh
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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The aim of Seri Lankan International School is to provide a broad and balanced environment which enables children to learn and grow academically, physically, socially and emotionally.
Phone: 966-1-4786664 Fax: 966-1-2920119 Website: http://www.slisr.org Email: [email protected]
Sri Lankan International School, Riyadh
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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The School is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (C.B.S.E), New Delhi, India and is licensed under the Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Phone: 966-1-4912239, 966-1-2318092 Fax: 966-1- 2391882 Website: http://www.iisriyadh.com Email: [email protected]
International Indian School, Riyadh
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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The mission at Kingdom School is to contribute to the preparation of a pioneering generation that is capable of acting & interacting with other cultures, effective in the local community, and capable of competing in the world community.
Phone: 966-1- 2755555 Fax: 966-1-2754444 Website: http://www.kingdomschools.edu.sa Email: [email protected]
Kingdom School, Riyadh *Int’l Section+
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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IPSR believes that the ultimate goal of education is towards self-realization of the optimum development of the student's potential especially in the pursuit of academic excellence.
Phone: 966-1- 4545608, 966-1-2693612 Fax: 966-1- 4545156 Website: http://www.ipsr.net/ Email: [email protected]
International Philippine School, Riyadh
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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The mission of Taqwa International School is to serve the humanity with excellence in knowledge and character in obedience to the Creator. To impart knowledge that builds a God-fearing personality is one of it’s objectives.
Phone: 966-1-2330907 Fax: 966-1-2392491 Website: http://www.taqwaschool.org Email: [email protected]
Taqwa International School, Riyadh
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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Future Window International School, Riyadh
With over 38 nationalities, providing an ideal setting in which our students can learn and grow into the responsible citizens who will lead the communities in their countries in the twenty-first century. Staff and the school community are committed to ensuring the success of FWIS.
Phone: 966-1- 2063324, 966-1- 2063371 Fax: 966-1- 2063367 Website: http://fwis.edu.sa/ Email: [email protected]
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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Manarat Al Riyadh International School, Riyadh
Manarat Al Riyadh International School is an English-medium Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education accredited private institution that serves a multi-national student population representing about 40 countries, which brings cultural richness to school.
Phone: 966-1- 4540444 Fax: 966-1- 4564983 Website: http://www.maarif.com.sa Email: [email protected]
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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Pakistan International School, Riyadh
Pakistan International School provides good quality, modern education, including a strong component of culture, inculcation of values, awareness of environment, adventure activities and physical education.
Phone: 966-1-4414428, 966-1- 4417979, Fax: 966-1- 4417272 Website: http://www.pisesriyadh.com/ Email: [email protected]/
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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King Abdul Aziz International School, Riyadh
Multinational co-educational, independent, English-medium day school serving both the local and expatriate communities for students from the age of 3 to 18.
Website: http://www.kais-associate-sabis.net/ Email: [email protected]
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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Bangladesh International School, Riyadh
The Bangladesh International School, English Section, Riyadh (BISES, Riyadh) is a private school located in Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is a British Curriculum based school. The school was established for students of the Bangladeshi community of Riyadh in the year 1990.
Phone: 966-1- 4036303, 966-1- 4648183 Fax: 966-1- 4642449
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given phone / fax numbers for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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Ghana International School, Riyadh
It’s a co-education unit. English is taught by native speakers.
Phone: 966-1- 2268360 Fax: 966-1- 2265018
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given phone / fax numbers for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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Japanese International School, Riyadh
The Japanese International School is located at Eastern Ring Road, Exit 15. Details can be obtained through sending enquiry email to the given email address.
Phone: 966-1- 2412591 Email: [email protected]
Fee Structure / Schedule of Payment
Enquiry can be raised on given email address for details related to Fee and Admission Criteria.
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Documentation Required
This depends on the school you have selected for the admission of your child. Most commonly following documents are required by schools but not limited to:
A copy of father’s passport and ID/Iqama.
A copy of mother’s passport and ID/Iqama.
A copy of student’s passport And ID/Iqama.
A letter from the parent’s employer/sponsor.
A copy of the “Birth Certificate”.
A copy of the “Vaccination Record”.
Recent Photographs.
All Original Academic Documents.
Students are required to provide the original report cards for the last two years, certified by the Ministry of
foreign Affairs of the country of origin and Saudi Embassy or consulate of that country.
Important Note: Most of the international schools ask for attested documents. You must ensure these documents are attested by the issuing authorities, relevant ministries of country of origin, Saudi Embassy or consulate of that country in addition/according to the school’s policy of admission.
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“Health & Social Services” - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saudi hospitals have also been pioneers in other types of organ transplants. One breakthrough record is the first uterus transplant in the world was performed in Jeddah in 2001.
The establishment of a modern health care and social services system has been one of Saudi Arabia’s most stunning successes.
The Saudi health care network provides free care to the general public and some of the most sophisticated specialized care available anywhere in the world.
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“Government Ministries” - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Petroleum and Minerals
Municipal and Rural Affairs
Commerce and Industry
Transport
Labor
Civil Service
Interior
Higher Education
Pilgrimage
Culture and Information
Communications & IT
Defense and Aviation
Water and Electricity
Islamic Affairs
Finance
Economy and Planning
Social Affairs
Foreign Affairs
Education
Health
Agriculture
Justice
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Picture Gallery Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Picture Gallery – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh City Jeddah City Other Cities Parks & Nature Desert Lands Infrastructures
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Riyadh City
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Jeddah City
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Al-Khobar, Damamm, Jubail and Burraidah Al Qassim City
Al Khobar City Jubail Industrial City
Damamm City Burraidah Al Qassim City
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Family Parks & Nature
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Desert Lands outside Cities
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Roads / Infrastructure in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Shopping Experience in Saudi Arabia
Chicken, Meat and Sea Food
Items
Vegetable Items
Malls in Saudi Arabia
Electronic Items
Other Basic
Commodity
Fresh Fruit Items
Note: Please click on your desired interest
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Prices are as of July 31, 2011. Variation can be observed based on quality of products and selection of stores. Some product prices are based on off-season product rates.
MALLS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Undoubtedly one can find world-class state of art built shopping centers around the Kingdom. It will not be easy for visitor to select between beauty, and architecture of these modern shopping centers.
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Overview of Shopping Malls Back to Contents
FRESH VEGETABLE ITEMS
Cucumber – From USD 01 / Per KGPotatoes – From USD 0.85 / Per KG Onion Red – From USD 0.25 / Per KG
Egg Plant – From USD 0.45 / Per KG Lemon – From USD 1.50 – Per KG Cabbage – From USD 0.70 / Per KG
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FRESH FRUIT ITEMS
Red Apples – From USD 1.20 / Per KG Bananas – From USD 0.65 / Per KG Naval Oranges – From USD 0.65 / KG
Grapes – From USD 01.30 /KG Pineapples – From USD 01.20 /KG Kiwi – From USD 01.50 /KG
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CHICKEN, MEAT & SEAFOOD
Ground Beef – From USD 05 / Per KG Beef Cubes – From USD 05 / Per KG Chicken 1000G - From USD 03 / Per KG
Ch/Beef Franks – From USD 01 Sardine Fish – From USD 01 /KG Egyptian Tilapia – From USD 2.5 /KG
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OTHER BASIC COMMODITIES
Rice – From USD 01 / Per KG Macaroni – From USD 01 / Per KG Whole Milk – From USD 01 / Ltr.
Cooking Oil – From USD 1.5 / Ltr. All Purpose Flour – From USD 01 / KG. Water - 600ML by 24PC - From USD 03
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ELECTRONIC ITEMS
BB Curve 8520 - From USD 170 Samsung Galaxy ACE – From USD 300 Laptops – From USD 300
Nikon CoolPix L120 – From USD 325 iPhone4 - 16 GB – From USD 650 iPod Touch - 32 GB - From USD 340
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Frequently Asked Questions
Culture, Limitations, Restrictions
Money &
Finance
General Thoughts
Living in Kingdom
Social Life & Sports
Note: Please click on your desired interest
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Frequently Asked Question
About “Living in the Kingdom”
Is it ok to come to Saudi Arabia if I don’t know Arabic Language?
Who makes up the expatriate community?
Where will I live?
What Religions are practiced in Saudi Arabia?
What are some of the major Cities in Kingdom?
Do Camels walk on street inside the City?
Can I drive a car in Saudi Arabia?
Can I bring a Pet in Saudi Arabia?
Will I be safe in Saudi Arabia?
Should I register with my country's embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia?
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Frequently Asked Question
“Social Life and Sports”
What is the Social Life Like?
What is the food like?
What type of Sports are Available?
Can I leave the Kingdom on vacation whenever I want?
Are there trips to Deserts and will I see Camels?
Where can I go in my Off Days?
Is English-Language reading material available?
Are there any types of books or DVDs that are illegal in Saudi Arabia?
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Frequently Asked Question
“Culture, Limitations, Restrictions”
How should I dress when I am in Saudi Arabia?
Should I really cover my face and just show my eyes?
Is that true that I am not allowed to speak with opposite gender?
Other than dress, is there anything else I should be aware of?
As a woman, can I leave the housing complex by myself?
Is drinking alcohol legal in Saudi Arabia?
Is smoking cigarettes legal in Saudi Arabia?
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Frequently Asked Question
“General Thoughts” I have tattoos/facial piercings/body piercings. Is this a problem?
What is available in the stores?
How is the healthcare system in KSA organized?
What is the voltage in Saudi Arabia?
Will I be able to phone home as soon as I get to Saudi Arabia?
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Frequently Asked Question
“Money & Finance” What is the currency in Saudi Arabia?
What does "tax-free income" mean?
How easy is it to open a bank account?
Can I use my ATM card?
Can I use credit cards in Saudi Arabia?
How can I send money home?
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Q: Is it ok to come to Saudi Arabia if I can’t speak Arabic?
It is absolutely ok. Both Arabic & English are considered as official languages in most of the offices. One can find English speaking people almost everywhere including cab/taxi drivers, shopping malls, government relations, restaurants, gyms etc.
English is the language of operation in most hospitals and translators are available to communicate with patients who do not speak English.
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Q: Who makes up the expatriate community?
The expatriate community in Saudi Arabia is made up of citizens from around the world: Arab Countries, Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, German, Irish, Egyptians, Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Malaysians, South Africans, etc. In total, the expat population in Saudi Arabia is approximately 8.4 million individuals.
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Q: Where will I live?
N
Most expatriate staff live in hospital housing or in a private housing complex (commonly called a “compound”). A compound is an area of private property that is similar to a gated community. The sizes of compounds vary. and go as you please. Some will have only the residential facilities, while others will have pools, fitness facilities, tennis courts, salons, and grocery stores. Like a gated community, you’re free to come.
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Q: What is the Social Life Like?
Like anywhere else, the social life in Saudi Arabia is what you make of it. There are organized trips to historical sites, sports competitions, and other recreational activities. Dinner parties, desert parties, and beach parties are common. It must be noted, however, that unmarried couples may not travel or dine together off-compound without being in the company of a married couple (there are many married couples in Saudi Arabia).
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Q: What type of Sports are Available?
There are endless opportunities to get and stay fit. There are organized athletic events, such as tennis, running, rugby, and soccer. Fitness clubs are widely available.
There are grass and sand golf courses, such as at the Intercontinental Hotel (where both men and women play).
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Q: What Religions are practiced in Saudi Arabia?
Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia. Prayer call occurs five times per day and during this period, shops and restaurants close for 20 minutes to allow workers to pray. Many expatriates living in Riyadh are from Muslim countries. The legal system is based on Sharia law.
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Q: How should I dress when I am in Saudi Arabia?
For men, all clothing worn in public areas (e.g., outside the hospital grounds and housing complexes) should be conservative. This means no sleeveless shirts, no shorts, etc.
For women, they are required to wear an abaya (a dark, lightweight cloak that drapes over your clothing) and a scarf that covers the hair when they are in public areas.
Non-Muslim expatriate women are not required to veil. Abayas (and scarves) can be purchased at low prices throughout Saudi Arabia.
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Sample ‘Abaya’ Designs
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Q: Should I really cover my face and just show my eyes?
No, not as a rule.
Some more conservative towns may require women to cover their face. In most of the cities, it depends on your own choice.
At work, staff are required to wear uniform. While shopping, females have to wear an Abaya and cover their hair.
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Q: Is that true that I am not allowed to speak with opposite gender?
Note: You can talk to whomsoever you like to talk considering the cultural guidelines.
No, there are no such restrictions.
At work, of course you will have to talk to a lot of people around you. While on off duty/shopping or traveling within the Kingdom, it is recommended to talk to people only when required.
Socializing with the opposite genders without having (documented) relations is prohibited.
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Q: Can I leave the Kingdom on vacation whenever I want?
While you are waiting to receive your residency permit (i.e., Iqama), which now usually takes couple of weeks (but can take months), you may not leave the country.
Also, the first three months of employment is a probationary period, during which you will not be able to take any accrued leave days. After you obtain a residency permit, you will be able to leave and re-enter the country for a short trip that doesn't use leave days, e.g., for a weekend trip to the UAE / Bahrain etc.
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Q: Where can I go in my Off Days?
Geographically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the center of the world. You may choose to go wherever you want to go in your off days.
Many people choose to go for a short trip clubbing one or two days with their weekend. One can find many groups and travel agents who offer short trips within Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar etc.
Many people choose to drive by car to most of the above mentioned places for a short holiday.
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Q: What are some of the major Cities in Kingdom?
Riyadh - the capital of the Kingdom. Abha – a tourist mountain resort city in southwest near the Yemeni border. Dhahran - home of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest petroleum company. Jeddah - a large metropolitan city on the Red Sea. Jubail - the largest industrial city in the kingdom. Mecca - the holiest city of Islam Medina - the site of the Prophet's (P.B.U.H) Mosque. Najran - a Yemeni-influenced city with a remarkable fortress. Taif - the moderate size mountain town and popular resort area
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Q: Are there trips to Deserts and will I see Camels?
There are many people who organize and schedule group trips to the desert. You can join one of them or decide to organize your own trip.
Camels can be found along the road in the desert and Camel Markets.
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Q: Do Camels walk on street inside the City?
No, you will not find unattended camels inside the city.
You may see some of them traveling in huge cars but you will not find camels walking in urban areas.
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Q: Is English-Language reading material available?
There are daily English papers: Arab News, Saudi Gazette, and Riyadh Daily. There are several English-language bookstores, of which the stock can vary. There are many book-sharing clubs among expats. Books can also be ordered online from websites such as Amazon.com.
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Q: Are there any types of books or DVDs that are illegal in Saudi Arabia?
Do not bring books which are critical of Saudi Arabia or which are politically controversial into the country.
Pornography is strictly prohibited. If your books have covers or pictures that may be offensive, remove them. DVDs may be checked at customs.
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Q: Can I drive a car in Saudi Arabia?
Note: Those who wish to apply for driving license or buy a car can take courtesy help from the transportation department of HMG.
Women are not permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia. There are free shuttle buses provided by the employer to and from residential areas to common shopping destinations throughout the city. Taxis are readily available.
Men, on the other hand, can apply for a driver’s license when in Saudi Arabia and can even purchase a car.
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Q: Can I bring a Pet?
Note: A number of Pet Stores with a great range of Birds, Pets and other animals are available in Saudi Arabia – in case if you wish to adopt one here.
People on single-status contracts who are in shared accommodation cannot bring any pets. People on married-contracts who are not in shared housing may be able to bring one pet, depending on the rules of the housing complex, but the couple would be responsible for all expenses and arrangements for its transportation to Saudi Arabia and any damages the pet may cause.
Dogs, regardless of their breed, may only enter Saudi Arabia if their paperwork describes them as watch dogs, hunting dogs, or seeing-eye dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for deaf persons.
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Q: I have tattoos/facial piercings/body piercings. Is this a problem?
No. However, it’s best to keep tattoos covered. Piercings in non-traditional locations (e.g., the eyebrow, lips) may be frowned upon.
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Q: Other than dress, is there anything else I should be aware of?
Definitely do not take pictures of any government buildings, or Saudi adults or children.
During Ramadan (the annual month of fasting), don’t eat or drink in public places during daylight hours.
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Q: What is available in the stores?
Most things that are available in North America are available in Saudi Arabia, with the exception of items that are prohibited, such as alcohol, pornography, and pork products.
High-end designer clothing and sportswear is easy to find. The Kingdom also has many good tailors who can make items for you.
Electronics stores abound, selling the latest in computer, audio, and video equipment. Jewelry shopping in the gold markets is so popular with expatriates that most leave Saudi Arabia with a sizable gold collection.
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Q: What is the food like?
Saudi Arabia allows expatriates to go on a culinary world tour. In addition to sampling authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, there is Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Mexican, Turkish, and Indian etc. For a taste of ‘home’, the standard American chains such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Dunkin' Donuts, and Dairy Queen are available.
Many of the foods in the supermarket will be familiar to you, from ketchup to skim milk. Although produce is readily available at supermarkets, fruit and vegetable markets provide excellent fresh produce.
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Q: Will I be safe in Saudi Arabia?
Generally, People say they feel safe.
Security controls are very strong through out the Kingdom. Major places / cities are covered by 24/7 Camera Eyes.
One can find local police almost everywhere. Other than the official police car with security logo, a great number of security officers are on rounds (24/7) in civil cars.
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Q: As a woman, can I leave the housing complex by myself?
Of course! There is no requirement for women to travel in groups.
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Q: Should I register with my country's embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia?
When traveling abroad one should always register with one’s embassy or consulate. Riyadh is home to all of the government ministries and foreign embassies. You can also register in advance of traveling abroad.
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Q: How is the healthcare system in KSA organized?
The healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is roughly similar to international standards. Military hospitals treat members of the armed forces and their families. University teaching hospitals treat the general public. Ministry of Health hospital and tertiary-care referral hospitals treat the general public. Private hospitals treat either specific populations or are strictly for-profit.
Saudi Arabia is also actively involved in medical research.
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Q: What is the currency in Saudi Arabia?
The currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal, commonly referred to as the “SR”. The SR is pegged to the US dollar, and the US exchange rate is fixed at US$1 = SR3.75.
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Q: What does "tax-free income" mean?
There is no income tax deducted in Saudi Arabia, and there is no sales tax.
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Q: How easy is it to open a bank account?
The employer will help you open a bank account soon after you arrive. Money in this account, however, does not earn interest, so if you wish you can transfer your money to an account outside Saudi Arabia. Islamic law prohibits earning interest on money.
Islamic banking, however, provides another method for making your money work for you without violating Islamic law.
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Q: Can I use credit cards in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is generally a cash society, but credit cards are accepted in most major department stores, major hotels and restaurants.
Generally, outdoor markets do not accept credit cards.
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Q: Can I use my ATM card?
Yes. You can get an ATM card for your local Saudi account.
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Q: How can I send money home?
It is very easy to send money back to your home country or wherever you want to send. A wide range of money transferring services are available through banks, agents and international money transferring franchises around the Kingdom.
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Q: What is the voltage in Saudi Arabia?
The voltage can be either 110 or 220 volts depending on your accommodation.
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Q: Is drinking alcohol legal in Saudi Arabia?
Alcohol and products containing alcohol are strictly prohibited by law. (This includes liqueur chocolates!) Bringing them into the country, and/or purchasing or drinking alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
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Q: Is smoking cigarettes legal in Saudi Arabia?
Smoking is legal in Saudi Arabia, but women cannot smoke in public.
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Q: Will I be able to phone home as soon as I get to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. International phone cards can easily be purchased at most shopping malls. Phone cards purchased outside the Kingdom do not always work in the Kingdom.
A SIM Card for cell phones can be easily obtained and used for international calls and text messages.
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that’s the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Corporate Human Resource Department
Training & Organization Development Division
