About Saudi Arabia

The country has existed in its current borders since 1932. The capital and largest city of the country is Riyadh, and the second largest is the port city of Jeddah. Riyadh, especially Masmak Castle, the seat of King Abdulaziz ibn Saud – the legendary Ibn Saud – was also the starting point of the historic unification process – “From here was the Beginning”.

Language

Arabic is the official and general lingua franca in Saudi Arabia. English functions as an informal second language in many areas and is spoken by a portion of society. The most important street signs are now bilingual in Arabic and English.

Culture

Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and traditions have been shaped by its position as a historic trading center and birthplace of Islam.

Climate and Seasons

Spring in mid-March to mid-June can be very fresh, especially in the north. Nighttime temperatures can drop below 15 degrees there. The central and southern regions benefit from warmer average temperatures, which can hover around 20 degrees at night. During the day, values everywhere exceed the 25° C mark. Rainfall is highest in spring, especially in the central region and in the southwest over the Asir Mountains. So remember to bring enough warm clothes, such as light sweaters, scarves, raincoat.

In the summer from mid-June to mid-September, with the exception of the comparatively mild highlands in the southwest, temperatures reach around 45 degrees Celsius in most of the country. Early mornings and long evenings are more temperate, inviting strolling or dining al fresco.
Important: Don’t forget sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and a hat to protect your face. Remember that some of the hotels and malls are considerably chilled down, so even in the height of summer, it is advisable to have some warmer clothes with you.

Autumn from Mid-September to Mid-December provides smooth weather and cool breezes in both Saudi Arabia’s northern regions and the southwestern highlands. While daytime temperatures remain warm and can reach the 30s in early fall.
For clothing, the same applies as for spring and summer.

Winter, which lasts from about mid-December to mid-March, offers mild daytime and cool nighttime temperatures. In the mountains of the southwest, however, it can be consistently very cool, if not cold. There and in the far north, snowfall can even occur. A warm jacket, or coat is strongly recommended.

Currency and currency exchange

Currency exchange and transactions are easy in Saudi Arabia. The national currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal (ر.س SAR). All banks in the Kingdom offer currency exchange, mostly through ATMs. Exchange offices are located at airports, some shopping malls and various other places in the country. Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard are accepted everywhere in the Kingdom. ATMs are also widely available.

Ethical Rules of Etiquette

Please remember that Saudi society is shaped by centuries-old social and cultural rules and realities. Such processes persist and do not suddenly dissolve into nothingness, even with the opening of the country to general tourism. Even as a tourist, you will benefit from the friendliness of the population if you follow their rules of conduct and do not substitute your own, which may differ. The dress code depends on the individual institutions, but in principle it is very conservative and reserved. Especially in houses of worship, you must dress modestly when visiting. Etiquette should be observed in general. Profanity, loud behavior, and crossing other people’s boundaries are considered disrespectful.

Religion is of utmost importance to the Saudi people. Some businesses close briefly during prayer times to allow time for worship. During the holy month of Ramadan, the rhythm of the country changes to a gentle, spiritual rhythm.
The sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol and drugs is illegal in Saudi Arabia.
The following is a brief summary of some important data in tabular form: