D R . S U L A I M A N A L H A B I B

M E D I C A L G RO U P A L - QA S S I M C H A P T E R

INTRODUCTION TO AL-QASSIM REGION

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AN INTRODUCTION TO SAUDI ARABIA The kingdom is the world's 14th largest nation and occupies about 80 percent of the Arabian Peninsula. The estimate of The Kingdom’s area is about 2,217,949 km² (856,356 miles²). Saudi Arabia's geography is varied. From the western coastal region (Tihamah), the land rises from sea level to a peninsula-long mountain range (Jabal al-Hejaz) beyond which lies the plateau of Nejd in the center. The southwestern 'Asir region has mountains as high as 3,000 m (9,840 feet) and is known for having the greenest and freshest climate in all of the country, one that attracts many Saudis to resorts such as Abha in the summer months. The east is primarily rocky or sandy lowland continuing to the shores of the Persian Gulf. The geographically hostile Rub' al Khali ("Empty Quarter") desert along the country's imprecisely defined southern borders contains almost no life. Saudi Arabia's population as of July 2006 is estimated to be about 27,019,731, including about 5,576,076 resident foreigners. The birth rate is 29.56 births per 1,000 people. The death rate is only 2.62 deaths per 1,000 people.

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Al Qassim Region Al-Qassim Region lies approximately at the center of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered in the north and northwest by the Ha’il Region, on the east and south of Riyadh Region and in the west by the Madina Region. The Region is well known for its prevailing Islamic culture and traditions. There are 17 hospitals in Al-Qassim Region with about 2000 beds:

• Al-Habib Medical Group Hospital (160 Beds) • King Fahd Specialist Hospital(574 beds) • King Saud Hospital (360 beds) • Buraidah Central Hospital (200 beds) • Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital (158 beds) • Bukariah General Hospital(200 beds) • Al-Rass General hospital(200)

Ten more hospitals are located in different areas (30-80 beds). Furthermore, there are nearly 140 primary care centers distributed all over the Region. The main cities of Qassim Region are Buraidah, Unayza, Al-Ras and Al-Badaye. Buraidah The city of Buraidah is located in the Al-Qassim region, which is famous for its agriculture resources. Situated in central Saudi Arabia, The Al Qassim region is bordered on the north by the Hayel region, on the east by Al-Zulfi, on the south by the Al-Washam region and on the west by the Al-Madinah Al Munawarrah region. It has a total area of 80,000 square kilometers and a population of 1.5 million.

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All HMG hospital staff lives in Buraidah. The history of Al-Qassim region dates back to the 9th century of Al-Hijrah (1000 AC). Due to its important location at the junction of major trade routes, the region witnessed a wide range of historical events. Al-Qassim comprises more than 250 towns and villages affiliated to 13 main towns, all of which are linked to the Al Qassim region's capital, Buraidah. Buraidah used to be a small town that lived mainly on farming and some primitive kinds of trading. It was surrounded by a high mud wall, which used to be closed everyday at sundown until sunrise. Buraidah now is one of the Al Qassim regions most important cites. It is the headquarters of the Governor, the Local Council, branches of governmental departments, The world largest camel market is located in Buraidah. King Khaled Urban Center is one of Buraidah’s most important landmarks. It contains exhibits, museums and a special area for popular festivals. The Prince Abdullah Sports Complex is also one of Buraidah’s features. 160,000 square kilometers in area, it contains playgrounds and a soccer stadium with a capacity of 20,000 spectators.

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Buraidah's public park covers an area of 49,000 square kilometers. It has a swimming-pool, fountains, artificial water falls, children's playgrounds and rest places for visitors. Buraidah’s three-story water tower is one of the city's tourist and aesthetic landmarks. The top floor contains a 1,000 square-meter reception hall with a balcony overlooking the city from all directions. The tower is surrounded by a 45,000 square-meter green area. In Buraidah's industrial city, one can find the largest pharmaceutical factory in the Middle East along with other factories that produce air conditioners, water heaters, clothes, appliances, food products, plastic products, Cement, etc. Near Buraidah and in the middle of the desert there are several fish farms producing more than 1,000 tons of fish annually. Every morning, thousands of farmers as well as agricultural companies bring their products to Buraidah's vast farmers' market where they are bought, packed and exported. That is why Buraidah is called the vegetable basket of Saudi Arabia.

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Al-Qassim Hospital For all newcomers joining Al- Qassim hospital, the Administration is pleased to send a representative to receive you and your family at the airport. He will take you to the accommodation which is arranged by HMG. The representative will then arrange to pick you on the second day and take you to the hospital where you will complete the paper work, acquaint yourself and meet other staff. Upon arrival, please report to the Hospital Personnel Office to fill in the papers and sign the contract. It is advisable to keep your papers, certificates, some photographs as well as your passport handy as you might need them at several places. After this, you will take the medical checkup papers which you have to fill in the health unit, located in the same Hospital building. After finishing the medical examination please proceed to your department to meet your colleagues there, and get acquainted with things. When the medical checkup report is ready you take it to the Jawazat office (Alien Registration Office) where they will do all the paperwork of issuing you the ‘Iqama’ (residency permit).

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VIEW OF AL-QASSIM HOSPITAL Al Qassim Hospital consists of a basement, a ground floor and six typical floors. It contains 160 beds and 102 clinics. Also, including an auditorium with 300 persons capacity for medical workshops, conferences and Continuous Medical Education Activities. Enriched with a group of highly qualified consultant physicians and equipped with the latest healthcare technology, the Hospital will provide great attentive healthcare services for the people of the Qassim Area in Buraidah city.

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LEISURE FACILITIES There is a gym in the vicinity of Hospital which can be utilized with a very minimum membership fee.

Jogging and Cycling Machines HMG is also planning to have its own Gym facility in the city very soon. Aside from that there are some resorts around towns which offer recreational facilities for families and children. Big malls, hypermarkets, farms and safari are also alternatives

Center Point.

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For your entire Computer, books, arts and office needs.

AL OTHAIM MALL. It is 5 mins. walk from HMG hospital.

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Geant, Hyper Mart.

Coffee Shop

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Qassim Lake. A perfect picnic and relaxation spot.

thers e.g:

estaurant

nt

ANDA S

LECTRONICS MALL)

npick Hotel Qassim

O1. Tarafiah R2. Onaiza Restaurant 3. Al Nakheel Restaura5. CARREFOUR 6. GEANT 7. HYPER P8. MEDINA AL RAA9. CITY PLAZA 10. CITY MAX 11. MANGO 12. EXTRA (E13. Mc Donalds 14. KFC 15. Moeve

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FAQ's

) Where is Al-Qassim?

l-Qassim is one of the 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia and lies in the

) How does one get to Qassim?

assim can be reached by air from all major airports of Saudi Arabia, like Riyadh

) What are the important towns of the region?

uraidah is the capital city of Qassim region and has a population of about 4

) What is the climate of the region?

entioned above in Facts and Figures.

) What is the mode of public transportation?

he principal means of transport is private cars. However, some private taxis are

) How far is Qassim Hospital from the main towns?

assim Hospital is located in the heart of city. From accommodation the journey

) Is there a medical cover for the Hospital staff?

mergency and other hospital services are provided free of charge to

) What are the leisure facilities available?

1 Aheart of the country, almost equidistant from the Persian Gulf in the east to the Red Sea in the west. There is no city by the same name. 2 Qand Jeddah. Qassim airport is about 25 Kms from the Capital city Buraidah and ----- kms from sister city of Unazah. Alternatively, one can reach here by road from Riyadh by way of Riyadh-Madina Motorway in about three hours. 3 Bhundred thousand (2004 census). Other important towns are Unayzah, Al-Ras, Midhnab, Bukairiya and Badayaa etc. which lie within proximity of about 100 Kms of each other. 4 M 5 Tavailable in all major towns in addition to Rent-a-cars. e.g. Hanco Rent a Car… Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) plies some buses betweenmajor towns. Additionally, some private operators arrange coach tours for Haj and Umrah for interested persons. 6 Qtypically takes 5-10 minutes by car. 7 Eemployees. 8

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Already mentioned in Leisure facility.

) How are the telecommunication facilities?

he Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC) runs a state of art network by

phone from one of two network providers, Either Al Jawal

0) What is the procedure for acquiring the resident permit?

oreigners working in Saudi Arabia have to acquire a work permit or ‘Iqama’

1) How does one find accommodation for residence?

pon arrival in Saudi Arabia, HMG will provide standard company

case following are the information for hotels and furnished flats.

. Salman Hotel 3266666-3231554 6

851212 2

2) How are the banking facilities in Saudi Arabia?

audi Arabia has representation of almost all major international banks which

ank of Saudi Arabia in the

9 Tway of landlines, internet facilities including DSL as well as advanced facilities for mobile phone users. You can get a mobileor Mobily, they are available in the airport, malls and supermarkets. 1 Fwhich is issued by the Ministry of Interior. Qassim Hospital has Liaison Office which facilitates this procedure after procuring necessary papers like medical examination report etc. Those entitled to family status may enroll dependents on the same Iqama. 1 Uaccommodation. In 12. Dubaikhee hotel 3814490-3813563. Qassim Hotel 3251300 4. Hayat Furnished Flats 35. Ayeeree Furnished Flats 3234526, Musafir Furnished Flats 3241950 7. Manzil Furnished Flats 3692022 8. Safra Furnished Flats 3817515 1 Sprovide modern banking facilities, and most of the facilities are also available online. Islamic banking is also offered by most banks. There is a branch of a most popular and ubiquitous bHospital, which you can use as your salary account as well.

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13) I have children, what about their schooling?

here are a lot of public as well as private schools. Your children can join the Tpublic schools free of charge. You can get more information from the following website, www.qassimedu.gov.sa . Some communities have their own schools as well, which have their own

akistan International School ian Section)

4) How can I know more about the hospital and the group?

lease visit our website at www.drsulaimanalhabib.com for more details.

curriculum and may follow the system of their own country. E.g. PSaudi International School (IndExcellence School Etc… 1 P

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