Working in Saudi Arabia

Geography

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen. The size of Saudi Arabia is currently unknown because most of the country's boundaries with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and the Republic of Yemen are undefined. Riyadh is the official capital.

Saudi Arabia is geographically divided into five major regions and has thirteen Administrative regions. The thirteen administrative regions are Al-Baha, Al-Jouf, Asir, Eastern, Hail, Jizan, Madinah, Makkah, Najran, Northern Border, Qasim, Riyadh, Tabouk. Each administrative region has a Minister who reports to the Minister of the Interior.

The five Geographic regions are the Central Region, Western Region, Southern Region, Eastern Region, and Rub al-Khali (the empty quarter). Each of these differs in both geography and climate.

The Central Region is the most densely populated region and includes the capital Riyadh as well as other important towns. It is an immense eroded plateau with dry rivers and large valleys as well as marshes thought to be the remains of ancient inland seas, although most of the region is arid there are some oasis. In the summer it is hot and dry, with temperatures known to exceed 45 degrees. During the winter the climate is cool and pleasant with more moderate temperatures that can fall to 5 degrees. During the winter rain and sandstorms are fairly common. There are large farming areas in this region, particularly wheat. This region is also the most traditional and generally the most religiously conservative.

The Western region is situated along the Red Sea, it has costal plain and also a mountain chain running South to North. The western region contains the holiest cities of Islam Makkah (Mecca) & Madinah that are visited by millions of Muslims every year. Jeddah is a busy seaport and the most cosmopolitan city of the western region and the port has been the landing area for people travelling to Makkah since early Islamic times. The coastal area is very humid and summer temperatures rise to above 40 degrees. In winter the temperatures in Jeddah is an average of 23 degrees.

The Southern region (South Western corner) has mountains, rainy weather and supports natural vegetation due to its fertile conditions. There is a large amount of agriculture in this area and it is the only part of the country to have a forest. The cooler climate here is popular among tourists as is the spectacular mountain scenery. In winter snow and ice can appear in the higher elevations

The Eastern region is where oil was first discovered in Saudi Arabia and borders the Arabian Gulf. Now the countries main industrial area, the Eastern region contains the headquarters of Saudi oil and the world’s largest petroleum port. This region also contains one of the largest oasis in the world and is one of the largest producer of dates.

The Rub al-Khal (the empty quarter) is a massive expanse of shifting sands and is one of the world’s largest sand deserts. This is one of the driest places on earth and receives virtually no rain; 10 years may pass with no rain in this area.

Climate

Extreme heat is characteristic of most of Saudi Arabia. However, the climate varies from one province to another. The nationwide average temperature is 18°C (64°F). It is one of the few places in the world where summer temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) have been recorded.

Culture and Religion

Saudi Arabian culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam. Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, are located in the country. Muslims are called to prayer five times a day from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country.

The official language is Arabic, however English is widely used as well as Hindi, Urdi and other languages. Street signs are generally written in both Arabic and English and most Schools teach both.

During the Islamic month of Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking in Public is forbidden between Sunrise to Sunset (the time of fasting).

Alcohol is only served in hotel restaurants and bars; some clubs (such as golf clubs) also are permitted to serve alcohol. Also throughout most of the UAE you can buy Alcohol and consume it in your private premises.

Muslims believe that through Mohammed, the last of the prophet’s of God (or Allah in Arabic), God’s message was perfected. Having received revelations from the Angel Gabriel containing the words of Allah, these were recorded in the Koran in a series of verses.

Muslims have five duties called the Five Pillars of Islam:

Shahada – the acceptance of faith
Salah – praying five times a day
Zakat – almsgiving or charity
Sawm – fasting during the month of Ramadam
Haj – the pilgrimage to Mecca

Visitors should do their utmost to respect the feelings and beliefs of Muslims. All prayer calls should be respected and you should not walk over the prayer mats or in front of people who are praying.

Dress code

The principles of hijab (the Islamic principle of modesty) is what the Saudi Arabian dress code follows. Saudi women must wear a long cloak (abaya) and veil (niqab) when they leave the house to protect their modesty. The law does not apply to foreigners to such a high degree, but women should wear loose, flowing covering garments and men should dress and act modestly to respect the culture and religion in Saudi Arabia.

Currency, tax and banks

The Saudi riyal (SR) is divided into 100 halalas.
Coins come in 5, 10, 25 and 50 halala and SR1 denominations.
Notes are in SR1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 denominations.
$1 = SR3.7505 and currently £1 = SR6.0724.

There is no tax payable on salaries for foreign employees in Saudi Arabia, and self-employed foreigners are only taxed on overseas-earned income.

There are a number of banks in the major cities of Saudi Arabia, banking hours are generally Saturday to Wednesday 0800 – 12.30 then 1700 – 1900 and Thursdays they do not open for the afternoon.

ATM’s are available throughout Saudi and cash is generally preferred in shops, especially in souks.

There is no restriction on transferring money outside the country.

The working week

Friday is the holiest day for Muslims; therefore, the ‘weekend’ begins on a Thursday. Thursday-Friday or Friday-Saturday 'weekend' are common in all Muslim countries.

The working week is Saturday to Thursday. Friday is the Islamic day of rest, similar to Sunday in the Christian countries.

Government offices are open 0730 – 1430 these are also closed on a Thursday.

Shops and private businesses are generally open 0930 to 1400 then 1700 – 2200; some businesses only open for half a day on Thursday.

There are two public holidays every year, Eid Al Fitr (a month after Ramadan, see above) and Eid Al Adha during the month of Hajj (the month of pilgrimage). The ministry of labour publicise the holidays close to the start of the holiday. The Saudi National Day is the only holiday observed according to the Western calendar and is on the 23rd September.

Past times (shopping, food, sports)

Shopping

There are many shopping centres and numerous supermarkets to visit in Saudi. There is a wide range of clothing, shoes, jewellery, cosmetics and electronical goods available for expatriates. You will also be surprised at the number of well known UK High Street stores around and also designer stores available. It is an idea to take note of prayer times as malls will close for these periods of time but will re-open after.

Food & Drink

According to Islamic dietary laws the eating of pork and the drinking of alcohol is forbidden, and this law is enforced strictly throughout Saudi Arabia.

Food products similar to those in western countries can be found in many supermarkets. There are also a wide range of restaurants in the cities and you will always find a McDonalds, Pizza Hut and a number of others around.

Sports

There are many recreational resources available on the hospital complex. There is also the chance to go scuba diving or horse back riding. Jeddah caters well for water sports.

PULSE Clients In Saudi Arabia

• Kind Abdul Aziz Medical City (Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Ahsa, Damman)
• Prince Sultan Cardiac Centre (Riyadh)
• Security Forces Hospital (Riyadh)
• Al Mouwasat Hospital (Dammam)

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