Country Profiles Business in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia enjoys flourishing free economic coordinated enterprises, as well as encouraging motivated investors in the undeniably rapid development of Saudi Arabia. Approximately $ 1 trillion has been invested in the advancement of its social and economic structure within a relevant span of time. It has transformed remarkably from an importing nation to a solid industrial base. The Kingdom continues its dynamic development in economic power in the Arab world boasting the largest financial sectors within the region and aiming at accessing the world competitiveness top-10 countries by 2010 (10x10 program) by improving the indicators of the telecommunications and IT sector as stated by SAGIA. To read more, go to www.sagia.gov.sa Essential tips about Saudi Arabia The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country with religion touching every aspect of its life. While Saudi Arabia is maintaining its cultural and religious heritage, it is catching up rapidly and notably with the modern life, seen through its buildings, standard of living and the kind of business it operates. Family pride, personal honor, and one-on-one relationships come before hard-nosed practicalities of business. Therefore, when you are in Saudi Arabia, you will feel the welcoming and the generosity Arabs, especially Saudis, have always been known by.

• Time- GMT +3
• Working Days and Working Hours
  
  

  Saturday to Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
  Thursday	08:00 - 13:00
  Friday is a weekend

• Prayer Time
  
  There are 5 prayers a day in Saudi Arabia, in which the ones during working hours are performed while a break of half an hour for prayer.
  Note that prayer hours may partially change according to season.
• Official Holidays
  
  

  Eid Al-Fitr	1 st of Shawwal/1428 Hijri	( Oct. 13 th, 2007)
  Eid Al-Adha	10 th of Dhu Al-Hijjah/1428 Hijri	( Dec. 20 th, 2007)
  National Day	11 th of Ramadan/1428 Hijri	( Sep. 23 rd, 2007)

• Currency
  
  

  1 SAR	=	0.26	US Dollars
  	=	0.205	Euro
  	=	0.135	GB Pounds
  	=	32.18	JP Yen

  
  For money converter, click on the link below:
  www.saudia-online.com/currency.htm
• Climate
  
  Central areas, like Riyadh, have a desert dry climate, very hot in summer, and very cold at night with minimal rainfalls.
   
  Eastern and Western areas like Jeddah and Dammam, by the sea, have high temperatures and humidity in summer, and moderate ones in winter. Rainfalls are more than Riyadh but still not much.
• Banks
  
  For more information about banks and finance, click on the link below:
  Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) www.sama.gov.sa
• Entertainment
  
  • Shopping
    
    Cultural and modern shopping for antiques and traditional Saudi souvenirs is a new experience through so many different souqs (market) in every city in the Kingdom.
     
    Riyadh, for instance, has some well-known souqs attracting both locals and expatriates. If you are interested in shopping, you will, with no trouble, find a vast number of shopping malls, where you will come across all well-known brands, along with the outlets spread on the sides of every main street. But for convenience, especially in Saudi’s hot weather, shopping malls are always preferred. In addition, you can find departmental stores almost everywhere and open 24/7.
     
    Market hours in Saudi Arabia are usually applied as follows:
    09:00 - 12:00
    16:00 - 22:00
     
    Keep in mind that shops will close for half an hour at every prayer time and you will be asked to come back after prayer.
  • Food
    
    With the large variety of cuisines in KSA, you will not have serious cravings for your favourite food for it will always be met, plus the experience of the traditional Saudi food where you can enjoy your meals, in pure traditional ambience.
  • Restaurants
    
    Starting from fast-food chains to the most elite and up-scaled restaurants, you will enjoy domestic, oriental and international food.
    • Alcohol and drugs are totally banned in Saudi Arabia, with legal penalties to follow.
  • Historic and religious Travel
    
    Saudi Arabia is rich of many historic places, either in city or off-road, where you can live history and enjoy the desert in chorus.
     
    As for religious places, Muslims come from all over the world to see and visit the Two Holy Cities (Makkah Al-Mokaramah and Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah) as part of their pilgrimage or throughout the year.
  • Hotels and Car Rental
    
    For all ranges and all prices, please check our corporate rate which we can offer you through your membership with us.
  • Medical
    
    Medical industry is greatly advanced in Saudi Arabia; you will find hospitals and clinics almost in every place in the Kingdom.
  • Drugs and Pharmacies
    
    KSA has local and imported medicines. Some drugs require prescription, and others are bought over the counter.
     
    Pharmacies work all day and some others offer a 24-hour service.
     
    To know more about Saudi Arabia, give it a click on www.mofa.gov.sa