Useful Information  

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, with a news bulletin in French. 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.

RADIO AND TELEVISION

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 230 Countries worldwide. Services available are:
Cardphone Service
Pager Service
GSM Service
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. Companies utilising the service are charged at 20% discounted rates.

AL WASEET SERVICE

A public network designed for data transmission and direct access to databases worldwide

International Trunk ...................	900
Free Call ......................................	800
Mobile Phone Services..................	902
Telephone and Pager Services .....	907
Directory ......................................	905
Telephone Maintenance ..............	904
Telex Maintenance ......................	930
Phonogram Arabic, English ..........	969
Cable Routing ...............................	906
Speaking Clock Arabic ..................	920001000
Speaking Clock English ................	920001100
Mobily Services ............................	0560101100

TRANSPORT IN THE KINGDOM

Air
Considering the long distances which separate the main towns of the Kingdom, air travel can often prove to be the most convenient and practical means within the borders. Saudi Arabian Airlines, the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, operates to a vast network of domestic and international destinations. A fleet of various types of aircraft is also available for charter flights.

International Airports
Saudi Arabia has three international airports:
King Abdul Aziz Int’l. Airport in Jeddah
King Khaled Int’l. Airport in Riyadh
King Fahd Int’l. Airport in Dammam
Saudi Arabian Airlines and a large number of international airlines operate from these airports. A taxicab service, a limousine service, and buses are available for transfers between the airports and the city centre or hotels, etc.

Buses
A new and efficient bus service has been introduced by the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) to operate within and between all the major towns in Saudi Arabia in addition to international trips to some of the neighboring countries.

Rail
Six trains service with first-class air-conditioned carriages runs daily between Riyadh and Dammam on the Gulf coast.

Taxis
Taxi transport within the cities is common. Tariffs are reasonable and government regulated.

Car Rental
Self-drive car rental is available in most cities in Saudi Arabia.

Roads
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys a comprehensive road network linking its cities and widespread areas. It is considered one of the finest and most modern networks in the world.

EMERGENCY PHONE NOs.IN SAUDI ARABIA
Fire ........................................ 998
Ambulance ............................. 997
Police ...................................... 999
Road Accidents ......................... 993
Road Safety .............................. 996
Drug Traffic Control .................. 995
Coastal Station .......................... 994