Useful Infomation
RADIO AND TELEVISION
The Saudi Ministry of Information supervises radio and television services and broadcasts. In addition to the main Arabic transmissions, there are radio broadcasts in many different languages. Saudi Television has four channels: one broadcasts solely in Arabic; the second is in English. The third is for sports and the fourth, Alekhabariah, for news. Television transmissions reach the entire Kingdom, and are sometimes even received in neighbouring countries.
OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS
Friday is the weekly day of rest, but government offices are also closed on Thursdays. There are also two public holidays every year: the Eid al-Fitr, which is over a week long, and Eid al-Adha, which is ten days.
WORKING HOURS
Government working hours are generally from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Private business concerns are generally open from 9:30 a.m. around 2:00 p.m., with an evening session from 17:00 p.m. until 20:00 p.m.
HOSPITALS
There are many general and specialized hospitals in the Kingdom, as well as clinics, infirmaries and private clinics offering their services to the public.
CURRENCY
The Saudi Arabian monetary unit is the Riyal, which is divided into 100 halalahs.
Notes are in 1,5,10, 20, 50,100, 200 and 500 Riyal denominations. The Riyal is quoted in US Dollars but is based on Special Drawing Rights (SDR). As the SDR/Dollar rate varies, so the official Riyal/Dollar rate is revalued at intervals to keep within a narrow band with US$ 1 = SR 3.75.
BANKING
There are eleven licensed commercial banks operating in the Kingdom. These are regulated and supervised by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA). The banks have a large branch network spread throughout the Kingdom. Development of banking services was further enhanced with the establishment of the Saudi Payments Network (SPAN) with the participation of all banks in the Kingdom. SPAN is connected to 1,800 automatic teller machines (ATM’s) and more than 15,890 Points of Sales (POS) installed at commercial stores and shopping centers with the objective of payment for purchases from such centers through ATM cards. At present, visitors to Saudi Arabia may use their credit cards such as Visa and Master card to withdraw money directly through SPAN via its on- line ATMs. They may also use these cards at POSs for payment for their purchases.
Beside these, SAMA has provided further international services (inside the country), eg., Visa’s Plus Electron and Cirrus Maestro to meet the requirements of travelers and visitors both at international airports and in local markets.
STC SERVICES
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The latest Telecommunication Systems are available. In the field of Telephone Communication direct dialling can be made without operator assistance to more than 245 Countries worldwide.
Services available are:
High-speed 3G coverage
DSL Broadband
Toll-free call (9200)
IPVPN for the Customers Corporate Sector
Phonogram Service:
For direct Telex messages at anytime to anywhere around the world.You can contact the phonogram service center by dialling 969 for Arabic messages and 968 for English messages.
(800) FREE CALL
A service made available to large companies enabling callers to dial toll- free.
HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS BANNED FROM CARRY-ON BAGGAGE
In conformity with the safety regulations and instructions issued by both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, some hazardous items such as liquids, aerosols and gel products, are not allowed in carry-on baggage accompanied by international flight passengers travelling to, from or via Saudi airports. Other banned items comprise all liquids packed in plastic, glass, or metal containers of a more than 10 mm capacity. Any container having liquid or gas substances such as water, drinks, juices, perfumes, and different oils are not allowed in carry-on baggage or passenger cabins. Gel products, cosmetics and personal hygiene items such as lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and shampoos are banned as well. Pressure aerosol Containers such as air fresheners and general hygiene sprays are other items that fall under this ban. However, these items would not be totally rejected, but passengers would have to carry them in checked baggage only.
The Saudi Ministry of Information supervises radio and television services and broadcasts. In addition to the main Arabic transmissions, there are radio broadcasts in many different languages. Saudi Television has four channels: one broadcasts solely in Arabic; the second is in English. The third is for sports and the fourth, Alekhabariah, for news. Television transmissions reach the entire Kingdom, and are sometimes even received in neighbouring countries.
OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS
Friday is the weekly day of rest, but government offices are also closed on Thursdays. There are also two public holidays every year: the Eid al-Fitr, which is over a week long, and Eid al-Adha, which is ten days.
WORKING HOURS
Government working hours are generally from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Private business concerns are generally open from 9:30 a.m. around 2:00 p.m., with an evening session from 17:00 p.m. until 20:00 p.m.
HOSPITALS
There are many general and specialized hospitals in the Kingdom, as well as clinics, infirmaries and private clinics offering their services to the public.
CURRENCY
The Saudi Arabian monetary unit is the Riyal, which is divided into 100 halalahs.
Notes are in 1,5,10, 20, 50,100, 200 and 500 Riyal denominations. The Riyal is quoted in US Dollars but is based on Special Drawing Rights (SDR). As the SDR/Dollar rate varies, so the official Riyal/Dollar rate is revalued at intervals to keep within a narrow band with US$ 1 = SR 3.75.
BANKING
There are eleven licensed commercial banks operating in the Kingdom. These are regulated and supervised by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA). The banks have a large branch network spread throughout the Kingdom. Development of banking services was further enhanced with the establishment of the Saudi Payments Network (SPAN) with the participation of all banks in the Kingdom. SPAN is connected to 1,800 automatic teller machines (ATM’s) and more than 15,890 Points of Sales (POS) installed at commercial stores and shopping centers with the objective of payment for purchases from such centers through ATM cards. At present, visitors to Saudi Arabia may use their credit cards such as Visa and Master card to withdraw money directly through SPAN via its on- line ATMs. They may also use these cards at POSs for payment for their purchases.
Beside these, SAMA has provided further international services (inside the country), eg., Visa’s Plus Electron and Cirrus Maestro to meet the requirements of travelers and visitors both at international airports and in local markets.
STC SERVICES
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The latest Telecommunication Systems are available. In the field of Telephone Communication direct dialling can be made without operator assistance to more than 245 Countries worldwide.
Services available are:
High-speed 3G coverage
DSL Broadband
Toll-free call (9200)
IPVPN for the Customers Corporate Sector
Phonogram Service:
For direct Telex messages at anytime to anywhere around the world.You can contact the phonogram service center by dialling 969 for Arabic messages and 968 for English messages.
(800) FREE CALL
A service made available to large companies enabling callers to dial toll- free.
HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS BANNED FROM CARRY-ON BAGGAGE
In conformity with the safety regulations and instructions issued by both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, some hazardous items such as liquids, aerosols and gel products, are not allowed in carry-on baggage accompanied by international flight passengers travelling to, from or via Saudi airports. Other banned items comprise all liquids packed in plastic, glass, or metal containers of a more than 10 mm capacity. Any container having liquid or gas substances such as water, drinks, juices, perfumes, and different oils are not allowed in carry-on baggage or passenger cabins. Gel products, cosmetics and personal hygiene items such as lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and shampoos are banned as well. Pressure aerosol Containers such as air fresheners and general hygiene sprays are other items that fall under this ban. However, these items would not be totally rejected, but passengers would have to carry them in checked baggage only.
Mobile Phone Services ................... |
902 |
Telephone and Pager Services ....... |
907 |
| Directory .................................... | 905 |
| Telephone Maintenance ................ | 904 |
| Cable Routing .............................. | 906 |
| Speaking Clock ............................. | 1222 |
| Mobily Services ............................ | 0560101100 |
| Saudi Post Service ........................ | 920005700 |
