Expatriate Forums in Saudi Arabia

Holiday Accomodation in SaudiArabia

andreina — Sat May 30, 2009 9:11 am

Author: andreina

Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 9:11 am

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Help me to search most popular sites.

kimaromano — Thu Jan 10, 2008 7:55 pm

Author: kimaromano

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 7:55 pm

Hi nto All
Can you help me to find
information,that is most popular about anything,but only legal and not adult.
Thanks for the info.

Can any one suggest me about Saudi Arabia

Daian11 — Wed Sep 19, 2007 1:11 pm

Author: Daian11

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 1:11 pm

Hello Friends,
I have planned to visit Saudi Arabia at the end of this year for 3 months.
I'll go there with my family .I need to clarify few points before starting my journey .I never been to that place . So I am very worried about my journey .
1)Can any one suggest me whether that place is suitable for visitors at the time of winter or not ?
2)Is that place safe for family outing?
3)I have come across a website named Asiarooms. Is that sufficient ? or I need to use any other guide ?
4)Wheather that time span is enough to explore Miami to its fullest extent?
6)How do I arrange my full trip from begening?

Please suggest me what to do in this situation .
Your sincere comment in this regard will be helpful.

Wedding or Honeymoon in Bali

Gede — Wed May 17, 2006 3:25 pm

Author: Gede

Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 3:25 pm

Anyone needs honeymoon trip to Bali or Anyone wants to hold wedding in Bali? I could help you on that matter.
From only US 1200 you will got western style or Balinese wedding arrangements and etc,etc,etc.....
Curious?, contact me at gwmaster72@yahoo.com

Latest current travel warning

agrosis — Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:42 am

Author: agrosis

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:42 am

Must read before you go

http://www.doublestand.com/index.htm

Saudi Arabia Embassies Overseas - Saudi Arabia Embassy List

Anonymous — Sun Feb 19, 2006 12:02 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 12:02 am

Saudi Arabia tourism wrote:

Saudi Arabian Embassies Overseas - Saudi Arabia Embassy List

AFGHANISTAN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Wazir Akbar Khan Mena
(behind Ministry of Interior)
Kabul
Tel: 25260, 25757
Fax: 930/59

ALGERIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
1. Dodo Mukhtur St., Algeria
Tel: 796789;796771

ARGENTINA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Alejandro M. de Augado 2881
1425 Buenos Aires
Tel: 802-4303-/3375/0760
Tlx: 18933 NJDIA AR

AUSTRALIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
12 Culgoa Circuit
O’Malley, Canebrra 2606
Tel: 286-2099/286-2755
Fax: 286-2155

AUSTRIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Formanekgass 3A-1190, Vienna
Tel: 362342/362321/362317
Fax: 362560

BARHAIN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Building No. 668
Route 4015, N. Jafeer
P.O.Box 1085, Manama
Tel: 727223
Fax: 729052

BANGLADESH
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
House No. 12
NE (N), Road No. 92, Dhaka
Tel: 600221/600222/600144
Fax: 883006

BELGIUM
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
45 Ave. Franklin Roosevelt
1050 Bruselles
Tel: 6492044/6495725
Fax: 6472492

BRAZIL
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Shis Ql 10
Conjunto 9 Casa 29 70471-900, Brazilia
Tel: 348-3525/3523/2201
Tlx: (61) 1656 EMAS BR

CAMEROON
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Batos Yaounde
P.O.Box 1602
Cameroon
Tel: 212675/213261
Fax:206689

CANADA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
99 Bank St., Ste. 901
Ottawa, Ont. K1P 6B9
Tel: (613)237-4100/4101/4102/4103
Fax: (613)237-0567

CHAD
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Teleksj St. A. Paul Anjamina
P.O.Box 1092
Tel:3815
Tlx:984

CHINA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
No. 1, Sanlitan Bet. Xiao Jie
Beijing 100600
Tel: 532-5325/4825/4834
Fax: 532-5324

DENMARK
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Lille Strandvej 278
2900 Hellerup, Copenhagen
Tel: (31)621200/621370
Fax: (31)626009

DJIBOUTI
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Erzon St.
P.O. Box 1921, Djibouti
Tel: 351645, 350790
Fax: 352284

EGYPT
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2 Ahmed Naseem St., Giza, Cairo
Tel: 349-0757/0797
Fax: 349-4590
Commercial Office: Tel:574-5953

ERITREA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Workers Street 20/22/24
P.O.Box 5599
Asmara
Tel: 121071/120851/120934
Fax: 121027

ETHIOPIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Jimma Rd.
Old Airport Zone
P.O.Box 1104
Addis Ababa
Tel: 710132/227/303
Fax: 711799

FRANCE
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
5 Avenue Hoche 75008
Paris
Tel: 4766-0206
Fax: 444-2576

GERMANY
Botschaft des Königreichs Saudi-Arabien
Kurfürstendamm 63,
10707 Berlin
phone +49-30-88 92 50.
Fax: +49-030-889 21 76

GHANA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
No. 13 No. 1 Fetreke St.
Airport-Quarter, Accra
Tel: 774311/774829
Fax: 773-424

GREECE
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
71, Maratonodromou St.
P/ Psychico, Athens
Tel: 6718250;6911/6912/6913
Fax: 495-7968

GUINEA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Camayenne Quarter, Conakry
Tel: 442486
Tlx: 22446

HOLLAND
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Alexander St 99 19
The Hague 5214 JM, The Hague
Tel: (070)361-4391
Fax: (070)363-0348

INDIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
12, N.D.S.E. Part II
New Delhi 110049
Tel: 644-5054/5419
Fax: 644-7082

INDONESIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Imam Bonjol St Np. 3, Menteng Jakarta
Tel: 310-7883/5560
Fax: 390-4046

IRAN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saba St., No. 10
P.O.Box 3438, Tehran
Tel: 222-0081/2
Fax: 222-0083

ITALY
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
9 Via G B. Pergolesi
Rome
Tel: 440-9680/855-8161/8162
Fax: 855-8658

JAPAN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
1-53 Azabu Nagasaka-cho
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106
Tel: (03)589-5241/2/3/4
Fax: 589-5200

JORDAN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Jabal Amman 5th circle
P.O.Box 2133, Ammam
Tel: 814154/5141551/814156
Fax: 826154

KENYA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Muthaiga Rd.
P.O.Box 58297 Nairobi
Tel: 762781/2/3/4
Tlx: 22990 Saudia

KOREA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
1-112, Shinmoonro 2-ka
Chongro-ku, Seoul
P.O.Box 108
Tel: 739-0631/2/3/4/5
Fax: 732-3110

KUWAIT
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Lot No. 1, Building 9
P.O.Box 20498, Safat 13065
Tel: 242-0255/242-0250
Fax: 242-0654

LEBANON
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Al-Manara Bliss St., Ras Beirut
Tel: 804272;804273; 804274
Tlx: 923/20830

LIBYA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Qourtobah St., Zahra, Tripoli
Tel: 30486, 30485
Fax: 47180

MALAYSIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Jalan Pekeliline, Kuala Lumpur
Tel:457-9748; 9831
Fax: 4578751

MALI
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
P.O.Box 81, Bamako
Tel: 222528/223910
Fax: 226471

MAURITANIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
P.O.Box 498, Nouakejott
Tel: 52633/51669
Fax: 52928

MEXICO
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Paseo de la Reforma No. 607
Lomas de Chapultepec, C.P.
Mexico, D.F. 11000
Tel: 5400240/3099/3179
Fax: (525)5400567

MOROCCO
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
43 Place de L’unite africaine, Rabat
Tel: 730171/732794/734827
Fax: 768587

NIGER
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
P.O.Box 339, Niamey
Tel: 723370, 723215
Fax: 723410

NIGERIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
182 Awolowo Rd., Ikoyi
Tel: 2690306/0358
Fax: 2690101

OMAN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Sultan Qaboos St., Muscat
P.O.Box 4411, Ruwi 112
Tel: 601-744; 601-708
Fax: 603-540

PAKISTAN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
House no. 14, Hill Rd. F-6/3, Islamabad
Tel: 820150/6/7/8/9
Fax: 823580

PHILIPPINES
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
8th floor, Insular Life Bldg.
Ayala Ave., Makati, Metro Manila
Tel: 817-3371/3372/3373
Fax: 816-1477/810-4052

QATAR
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
3rd Circle Rd.- South
Al- Mountazah Garden, Al-Doha
Tel: 427144/427145
Tlx:957/4483 NAJDIA DH

RUSSIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
3rd Neopalimovsky Per 4
Moscow
Tel: 245-3970/2310/3491
Fax: 246-9471

SENEGAL
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
3rd Neopalimovsky Per 4
Moscow
Tel: 245-3970/2310/3491
Fax: 246-9471

SINGAPORE
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
No. 10 Nassim Rd., Singapore 1025
Tel: 734-5870/5876/5879
Fax: 738-5291/0624

SOMALIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Banader St.
P.O.Box 603, Mogadishu
Tel: 22625/22087
Tlx: 3618

SPAIN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Pasco de la Habana, 163 Madrid - 28036
Tel: 345-1250/4/8/62
Fax: 350-1604/250-7876

SUDAN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
6-10 New Extension St. 29
P.O.Box 852, Khartoum
Tel: 41938/45051
Tlx:970/24014 NAJDIAH SD

SWEDEN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
S-10041 Stockholm
Tel:896605/238800
Tlx: 723-8800

SWITZERLAND
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
12 Kramburg Strasse
Berne 3006
Tel: 441555/441556
Fax: 430634

SYRIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Al Jala’ St.
P.O.Box 3858
Abu Rummanah, Damascus
Tel: 334914/ 334915/718673
Tlx: 411906/411161

TAIWAN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
11th floor, No. 550
Chung Halao East Road, Section 4
Taipei
Tel: 758-5850; 758-5715
Fax: 758-6004

THAILAND
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
10th Floor, Sathron Thany Building
90 N. Sathorn Rd.
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: 237-1938/39/40/41
Fax: 236-6441

TUNISIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
58 Boughaarta St.
P.O.Box 58, Tunisia
Tel: 781722/784075
Fax: 783903/783225

TURKEY
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Turan Emeksiz Sak Nob
G.O. P. O. 6700
Ankara
Tel: 468-5540/1-7
Fax: 427-4886/3688

UGANDA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
7 Kololo Hill Dr.
P.O.Box 7274, Kampala
Tel: 41983/41984/42028
Tlx: 973/09SS

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Nasla Alabd St., Abu Dhabi
Tel: 465700
Fax: 461819

UNITED KINGDOM
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
30 Charles St., W.I.
London
Tel: 917-3000
Fax: 917-3330

UNITED STATES
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington DC 20037
Tel: (202) 342-3800
Commercial Office: Tel: (202) 337-4088
Information Office: Tel: (202) 337-4134
Medical Office: Tel: (202) 342-7393
Visa Section: Tel: (202) 342-3800

VENEZUELA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Qta. Makkah, Calle Andres Pietri
Urb. Los Chorros Caracas 1071
Tel: 239-0290/6386/6013
Fax: 239-6494

YEMEN
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Quds ST.
Intersection of Haddah Road. and S. 5th Circle Rd.
P.O.Box 1184, Sana
Tel: 240429/240243/240863
Fax: 240427

ZAMBIA
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Plot 4796, Los Angeles Blvd., Lusaka
Tel: 227829/277830
Fax: 222334

ZAIRE
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Avenue des Batetela 1054
(Opposite Intercontinental), Kenshasa
Tel: 30782
Tlx: 21541

Source: The Saudi Arabian Info Resource

SAUDI ARABIA GOLF CLUBS : Golf Clubs in Saudi Arabia Guide

Anonymous — Fri Feb 10, 2006 1:39 pm

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 1:39 pm

SAUDI ARABIA GOLF CLUBS : Golf Clubs in Saudi Arabia Guide

The Arizona Golf Resort, Riyadh
Tel: Marty Cowal on 248 4444 ext 454
fax: 248 5486
e-mail: management@agr.com.sa
Website: http://www.agr.com.sa/

The Intercontinental Hotel
Maazar Street
11481, Riyadh
SAUDI ARABIA
Front Desk: 966-1-4655000
Fax: 966-1-4657833
Email: riyadh@icriyadh.com
Website:[url] http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hd/ruhha[/url]

Full grass 9 hole par 3 floodlit golf course - open from 06.00 until 22.00. Golf professional available for coaching.

Dirab Golf and Recreation Center

Saudi Arabia’s first and only 18-hole championship grass golf course,
Dirab Golf and Recreation Center, is located in the beautiful valley below the Tuwaiq Mountain Escarpment, about 30 to 40 minutes from Riyadh. It’s an adventure well worth undertaking even if your sole purpose is to be able to recall the experience with your golf buddies back home.

Since Dirab Golf and Recreation Centre is a private course, it’s necessary to make arrangements with the pro (Jim Christie, tel 966 1 4593686, fax 966 1 4583017).
Green fees are around 135SR

Source: Intercontinental Hotel website, Arizona Golf Resort, Global Traveler magazine

SAUDI ARABIA SCUBA DIVING : Scuba Diving in Saudi Guide

Anonymous — Tue Feb 07, 2006 4:21 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 4:21 am

SAUDI ARABIA SCUBA DIVING : Scuba Diving in Saudi Guide

Saudi Arabia is really one of diving's last frontiers - very few Westeners have ever managed to diver here, despite the best efforts of many. The appeal of diving almost untouched, barely explored reefs, far from the hustle and bustle of the western Red Sea's tourist resorts, is undeniable: unfortunately, the barriers that prevent you from doing so are almost insurmountable. The main immovable obstacle to foreing visitors wishing to visit the country's spectacluar reefs is the Saudi government, which actively discourages foreign tourism in the country.

A Climate description of Saudi Arabia
Sea temperatures range from lows of 20°C or less in the Gulf of Aqaba in winter to over 35°C off the south coast in summer. This is mirroed by surface air temperatures, which can range from 10°C or less in the coast in winter to a blistering 50°C in summer.

DIVES AVAILABLE:

Boiler Wreck Depth: 15m to 45m

Unanimous choice as the number one dive in Saudi Arabia. Not just because for the coal-fired ship that lays on its starboard side at 18 m, but because of the overall dive profile offered at this location. The dive boat drops the divers off in open water 50 m west of the wreck where they descend to the first shelf wall 45 m below. A short exploration of this wall reveals large sea fans one meter in diameter gently swaying in the current, black coral bushes host to crustaceans and small fish, and soft corals of pink and scarlet red. A light is required to see the vast array of colours at this depth and to see into the small cavern. On any given dive sharks, manta rays, and large carnivorous fish like bonito, blue fin jacks and kingfish may pass along the wall.

It seems as if you just arrived when the computer warns that the nitrogen intake is getting critical and it is time to ascend to shallower depths. The shelf gradually slopes towards the wreck and a normal swimming rate matches the required ascent rate perfectly. Divers arrive at the screw of the wreck with plenty of bottom time to see the resident moray eel and other aquatic life around the ship. Like other shallow wrecks in the area the surge of the waves above have taken their toll on the hull. Little is left intact except for a small section of the stern and the two boilers for which it is named. As she ship most probably has been down for over 100 years the amount of coral attached to it dismembered hull is as abundant as it is varied.

On this mega-dive the ascent carries on forward to the bow that is lying in less than 3 m of water. By circumventing the bow, the diver will swim into a crevice in the reef and find himself in a tunnel leading through the coral to and open pool that is 15 feet deep. There are a series of caves that penetrate the shallows of the reef in four directions, each offering bizarre coral formations and a laser show of light through the small openings from above. The current and surge can be strong so care must be taken not to damage the reef or injure the diver. As the depth is only 3-6 m divers may spend as much time as their air allows before being jettisoned through the short but dark cave leading to the canyon south of the wreck and the dive boat moored above. It is easy to see why this is the most popular dive offered in Jeddah.

Ala's Reef Depth: 14 to 30 m

This site is actually a torpedo shaped sea mound that is 200 Metres long and about 20 Metres wide at its widest point in the middle. Located between the Old Kings Palace and the South Elisa Shoal Marker in the middle of the inter-coastal shipping lane, the mound rises out of the 365 m bottom to a depth of 14 m at the surface. The north and south end taper in and down to the depths below with current varying in speed generally from the north, although no current, or currents from the south, are not uncommon.

Invariably tourist guests ask where there is the best possibility to see sharks and large schools of fish, Ala's Reef is the ticket and often it is dived twice in the 21 dive package offered. Seldom are divers disappointed, the visibility is usually above the average of 30 m and the fish come out to play, especially with a strong northern current. A favourite dive scenario is to descend to 27 m on the southern tip and just wait for the fish to do their thing. There are always large schools of Black Triggerfish and baitfish like Sardines. These attract Yellowfin, Bluefin and Dusky Jacks, also Trevally, Queen fish, Mackerels, several verities of Tuna, and Red Snapper. These are open water pelagics that prey upon the reef in a great show of their speed and angling skill. Nigel, Lunartail and giant Greasy Grouper slowly patrol the bottom, edges and coral outcroppings of the reef, and occasionally in a flurry attack some unsuspecting prey. Parrot, Surgeons, and Unicornfish abound.

While the fish mentioned represents a rainbow of colours and a diversity of swimming and hunting skills, it is the larger fish like Humphead or Napoleon Parrotfish, Barracudas, Eagle Rays and Sharks that bring divers to this location. Ala's reef is one of the few places to see Hammerhead Sharks with their eyes protruding from the extensions of their heads looking nervously at you when they cruise by. The much feared man-eaters like Oceanic Whitetips and Tiger Sharks, are commonly seen plying the deeper waters along the shelf. Smaller Whitetip Reef Sharks are usually seen every dive on the top of the reef and occasionally Manta Rays. It is best to dive here early morning before the seas get up and during the full moon cycle so the currents are really moving.

Redmah Wall Depth: 12m

The undisputed best soft coral wall known to date in all of the waters off Saudi Arabia is unquestionably the 150 m section of the Redmah Wall. That is a bold claim but the site is open to inspection for anyone that may care to dispute it. Located on the northern end of the marker at Redmah Reef this wall never fails to deliver. Usually this dive is made after a visit to the outer reefs therefore the seas are usually rough, so it is best for the boat to drop divers off and let them drift along the wall towards the marker. After circumnavigating the coral heads at the front of the reef, the diver is confronted with a deep channel and vertical wall that parallels the reef. There are small channels to explore, that penetrate a few metres into the reef, and like most reefs it is best to drift along at 9-12 m to see the most reef fish and have the best colour. There is hardly a square meter to be found that doesn't have soft corals of some description and because there is a deep channel several species of sharks, and pelagic fish have surprised the unexpecting diver.

This dive is a photographer's nightmare, as you really don't know what to shoot next. There are Nudibranchs of every description and colour, Starfish, spotted Hawkfish, Gobies, Feather and Basket Stars all of which are either attached to or semi-hidden in the coral ready to pose. The wall offers sun silhouettes; back lit soft corals and unlimited choices of wide angle, close-up or microphotography. A little deeper there is a forest of whip coral covering 30 or more square metres of the hard coral bed. The dive is not over once you have passed this soft coral mass, for the landscape changes back in forth, from walls with small tunnels burrowing to the surface and coral outcroppings, to short shelves with scattered coral heads and huge Tabletop Corals all delicately coloured in blossoms of Soft Corals and clusters of Sea Anemones with yellow Clownfish fussing about in their tentacles. It is not uncommon to see three or four Blue Spotted Rays on these sand shelves or as many Moray Eels lurking holes and under the coral ready to strike. Upon surfacing the dive boat picks the divers up along the wall so it is understood why this dive is so popular.

MAIN DIVING OPERATORS IN SAUDI ARABIA:

Desert Sea Divers

P.O. Box 50817
Jeddah, 21533
Saudi Arabia
Tel: (+ 966 2) 656 1807
Fax: (+ 966 2) 656 1288
info@desertseadivers.ws

Dream Divers

Mr. Eric Mason (Executive Manager)
Tel: Diving office (02) 234-0473
Tel: Dive Shop 234-0417 Ext. 145, 146
Fax: (02) 234-0417 Ext. 144
erikmason_fwd@yahoo.com

Blue Reef Divers

P.O. Box 122015
Al-Hamra District
Jeddah, 21332
Saudi Arabia
Tel: +9662 6613931
Fax:+9662 6613935
Riyadh - Tel/Fax: +9661 4644134
Jubail - Tel/Fax: +9663 3615178
Yanbu - Tel/Fax: +9664 3968174

Saudi Divers

Sameria Commercial Center
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia
Tel: 966-2-6607616
aealireza@yahoo.com

Al Khorayef Sea & Sun

Thalatheen Street
Suliemaniyah
Riyadh
Tel: +9661 4034376
Fax: +9661 4034376
khorayef@icc.net.sa

Source: Scuba travel

SAUDI ARABIA TOURISM : Saudi Travel & Tourism Guide

Anonymous — Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:44 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:44 am

SAUDI ARABIA TOURISM & TRAVEL GUIDE

In Riyadh

Although Riyadh has officially been the capital of Saudi Arabia since 1932, it played second fiddle to Jeddah until the 1970s. Built with oil boom money, Riyadh is now a high-tech oasis of glass, steel and concrete, home to huge hotels, even larger hospitals and one of the biggest airports in the world. The centre of Riyadh is called Al-Bathaa and is the oldest part of the city. Al Bathaa is home to the bus station, GPO and most other things a traveller needs. Most of Riyadh's places to stay are near the bus station, as are the coffee shops and shwarma stands.

The Riyadh Museum, to the west of Al-Bathaa, has all the usual stuff covering the history and archaeology of the kingdom from the Stone Age to early Islam. There's an interesting display on Islamic architecture and a separate Ethnographic Hall, with clothes, musical instruments, weapons and jewellery. Signs are in English and Arabic.
tel: +966 1 402-0303
openings: Open Saturday to Wednesday from 8am to 2pm. Admission is free.

Once the citadel in the heart of Old Riyadh, the Masmak Fortress was built around 1865 and extensively renovated in the 1980s. Inside the mud fortress there's a nicely reconstructed traditional diwan (sitting room) with an open courtyard and a working well. The fortress is now a museum devoted to Abdul Aziz and his unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Other museums in Riyadh include the King Saud University Museum, which has a display of finds from archaeological digs, and Murabba Palace(openings: Saturday to Wednesday from 8am to 2pm.), with exhibits of traditional clothing and crafts.

King Saud University Museum:
tel: +966 1 467-8135.
openings: Saturday to Wednesday in the mornings. To visit it, an appointment must first be made through the university's public relations office

The Al-Thumairi Gate, in the centre of town, is an impressive restoration of one of the 9 gates which used to lead into the city before the wall was torn down in 1950. The flash, new, modern Al-Thumairi Gate is just across the road. About 30km (20mi) out of town is one of the largest camel markets in the Middle East. It's open every day and is a fascinating place to wander around (despite the smell).

Riyadh's most interesting attraction, the ruins of Dir'aiyah, lie 30km (20mi) north of the city centre. This was the kingdom's first capital and is now the country's most popular archaeological site. Dir'aiyah was founded in 1446, reached the height of its powers at the end of the 18th century, and was razed in 1818. The reconstructed ruins include palaces, mosques and the city wall.

In Jeddah

Hyperbolically known as the Paris of Arabia, Jeddah is one of the few cities in the region to have built around, rather than over, its history. Although it's definitely a modern metropolis, Jeddah (which is mid-way down the country's Red Sea coast) is also the most interesting and friendly of Saudi Arabia's big cities. Jeddah is centred on Al-Balad, the strip of buildings along its coast road and the old city directly behind them.

Jeddah has some great museums, including the Municipality Museum. Located in a 200-year-old restored traditional house built from Red Sea coral, the museum has interesting photos of the development of Jeddah, along with rooms done up in traditional style. The Museum of Abdel Raouf Hasan Khalil houses 10,000 items crammed into 4 mock-Arab, Disney-style buildings. The museum is a spectacularly badly organised mish-mash of kitsch exhibits, but there are a few real gems among the flotsam. The Jeddah Museum, the regional museum of archaeology and ethnography, covers the same turf as the Riyadh Museum.

Jeddah has one of the best souks (markets) in the kingdom, the spectacular Souk Al-Alawi, which winds its way through the old city. Although some sections of it have been paved over, and others fitted with bizarre green and white columns, it's still a great place to spend hours strolling and browsing. Jeddah's 3 reconstructed old city gates are also worth a look, as are the several good examples of traditional Jeddah architecture found around the North City Gate.

In Mecca & Taif

Most visitors to Saudi Arabia come solely to visit Mecca, just inland from Jeddah. Mecca is Islam's holiest city, and all devout Muslims - wherever they live in the world - are supposed to make the pilgrimage (or hajj) here once in their life. This is where Mohammed was born in the 6th century AD, where he began preaching and where he returned for his final pilgrimage. Mecca and the holy sites in its immediate vicinity are off limits to non-Muslims. Apart from the obvious ideological arguments against breaking this rule, there are checkpoints along the roads to the city to stop non-Muslims from coming too close.

The centre of Mecca is the Grand Mosque and the sacred Zamzam well inside it. The Kaaba, which all Muslims face when they pray, is in the mosque's central courtyard. According to tradition, the Kaaba was originally built by Adam, and later rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael, as a replica of God's house in heaven.

In the mountains above Mecca, the summer capital of Taif is open to all. People come here for the weather (much cooler than Jeddah in the summer months), the scenery and the town's relaxed atmosphere. Taif's central mosque is a good example of simple, refined Islamic architecture. Shubra Palace is a beautifully restored traditional house which doubles as the city's museum. It was originally built around the turn of the century, and has been used as a residence by a number of Saudi kings. For a real taste of old Taif, the Tailor's Souk is a sandstone alleyway of ancient shops tucked between the town's modern buildings.

In Najran

Almost on the Yemeni border, in the south-west of the country, Najran is one of the most fascinating and least visited places in the kingdom. Set in a sprawling oasis, this area has been inhabited for about 4000 years, and was once a major stop on the frankincense route. Rumour has it that it's now a major stop on the Saudi-Yemen smuggling route. Yemen's cultural influence is stronger here than anywhere else in the country - you can see it in the architecture, and in the outgoing demeanour of the Najrani people. Najran has one big main road, and the bus station, hotels, post offices and places to eat are all along it or close by.

The Al-Aan Palace is one of the most remarkable pieces of architecture in the Wadi Najran. The main tower is 5 storeys high and dominates the oasis from the summit of a rocky outcrop. You can't go into the building because people live there, but there's an excellent view from the carpark over the oasis. Najran's fort has only been around since 1942 and was decommissioned in 1967 when relations with Yemen improved. Built as a self-sustaining complex, it has around 60 rooms, including livestock pens and its own mosque.

Najran has one of the kingdom's newest and best museums, with displays on the formation of wadis and deserts, archaeological finds from the area, local crafts and tools, and photos of the area taken by Harry St John Philby, the famous diplomat, explorer and spy.

Source: Yahoo!Travel Guide

SAUDI ARABIA TRAVEL TIPS (travelling to Saudi essentials)

Anonymous — Sat Feb 04, 2006 4:40 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 4:40 am

SAUDI ARABIA TRAVEL TIPS : travelling to Saudi-Arabia essentials

Customs & Duties

Bringing in any item into Saudi Arabia containing alcohol or pork is strictly forbidden. Customs officers also pay especial attention to any books, magazines or photographs that you are carrying. Videotapes are especially targeted and are screened by censors. Anything pornographic, which could include holiday photographs of your family at the beach (!!!), or politically sensitive, can be confiscated.

Electricity

Both 110 and 220 V AC, 60 cycles AC are available and 380 volts is used for industrial purposes.

Post & Communications

The queues at the Saudi post offices are very long, especially at the end of the month when foreign workers send their salaries home to their families. There are no post restante facilities.

Saudi Arabia has an excellent telecommunication system. Almost every town has a telephone center through which international calls can be made. Card phones are a common sight, though the cards are not easily available. The country code for calls to Saudi Arabia is 966, plus the area code for the individual city. Fax, telex and telegraph can be sent from the business centers of most large hotels and from some of the large copy shops.

Weights and measures

The metric system is followed in Saudi Arabia.

Tipping

Tips are not the custom in Saudi Arabian restaurants but it would be a good gesture of your appreciation if you do, because whatever service charge is added to your bill goes to the management and not the waiters. As the latter are paid very poorly you should tip them if you are satisfied.

Regarding bargaining, you can up to a point. In the Bedouin markets you can bargain, but elsewhere it means asking for a discount, which you may get depending on the season.

English Language Media

The Arab News, Saudi Gazette and Riyadh Daily are the country’s English language newspapers. Major foreign newspapers and magazines are widely available in the main cities of Saudi Arabia. Periodicals arrive after two or three days after the censors have had a good and searching look at them. The Saudi Arabian 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 Arabian Television has two channels: one solely in Arabic and the other in English with a news bulletin in French. Television transmissions reach every corner of the Kingdom and are often received in neighbouring countries as well.

The channel 2 of the Saudi Arabian TV broadcasts exclusively in English, except for a broadcast in French at 8 pm. The English news is broadcast at 9 pm every night. The programmes are a mixture of old and heavily edited (censored) US shows, and locally made documentaries and talk shows. In the Eastern Province in the Channel 3 or the Aramico station, the programmes are only two years old as compared to the programmes on Channel 2 that are ten years old!! In Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran you can get the USA’s Armed Forces radio and Television Service (AFRTS) broadcasts on FM.

International Travel:

Note
There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. It is suspected that terrorists are planning further attacks, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia. All necessary steps to protect safety and to guarantee strict security arrangements should be undertaken. It should also be remembered that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.

Approximate flight times
From London to Jeddah is five hours 50 minutes, to Riyadh is six hours 25 minutes, and to Dhahran is six hours 45 minutes. From Los Angeles to Jeddah is 18 hours 45 minutes and to Riyadh is 21 hours 15 minutes. From New York to Jeddah is 13 hours and to Riyadh is 16 hours. From Singapore to Jeddah is eight hours 25 minutes.

International airports
Riyadh (RUH) (King Khaled International) airport, 35km (22 miles) north of the city.
Dhahran (DHA) (Al Khobar) airport, 13km (8 miles) southeast of Dhahran (travel time – 15 minutes).
Jeddah (JED) (King Abdul Aziz) airport, 18km (11 miles) north of the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Facilities at all the above airports include bus and taxi services, banks/bureaux de change, duty free shopping, car rental, restaurants and tourist information points. From Jeddah airport, bus and taxi services are available for Mecca, Medina and Taif.
Dammam (DMM) (King Fahd International) airport, 30km (19) miles northwest of Dammam (travel time – 45 minutes).

Departure tax
SR50. Children, Hajj and Ummra pilgrims and passengers accompanying human remains are exempt.

Sea
The main international passenger ports are Dammam (Gulf), and Jeddah and Yanbu (Red Sea).

Road
The principal international routes from Jordan are Amman to Dammam, Medina and Jeddah. There are also roads to Yemen (from Jeddah), Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. A causeway links Al Khobar with Bahrain. There are regular international buses between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

The following items may be imported into Saudi Arabia without incurring customs duty:
600 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; a reasonable amount of perfume; a reasonable amount of cultured pearls for personal use.

Note
Duty is levied on cameras and typewriters, but if these articles are re-exported within 90 days, the customs charges may be refunded. It is advisable not to put film into cameras.

Saudi Arabia Money

Currency: Saudi Arabian Riyal (SR) = 100 halala; 5 halala = 20 qurush. Notes are in denominations of SR500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 25, 10, and 5 halala, and 10, 5, 2 and 1 qurush.

Currency exchange: Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at commercial banks and money-changers, which stay open longer.

Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Widely accepted although they can be hard to change. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Saudi Riyal, Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling and to carry the purchase receipt.

Currency restrictions: Free import and export of both local and foreign currency. Import of Israeli currency is prohibited.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Riyal against Sterling and the US Dollar:
Date May '04 Aug '04 Nov '04 Feb '05
£1.00= 6.69 6.90 7.10 7.08
$1.00= 3.75 3.75 3.75 3.75

Banking hours: Sat-Wed 0830-1200 and 1700-1900; Thurs 0830-1200. Money-changers stay open longer.

General Etiquette & Protocol Guidelines

Meeting Etiquette

• Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek.
• Women generally hug and kiss close friends.
• Men and women would not greet each other in public I from outside the family.
• When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gifts are not the norm as in many other countries.

• If you are invited to a Saudi's house bring something small as a thank you.
• Flowers do not make good gifts from a man, although a woman could give them to her hostess.
• Never give alcohol unless you are positive they partake.
• Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

• Saudis socialize primarily in restaurants and international hotels when entertaining expatriates whom they do not know well. After some time you will be invited to the home.
• Entertainment will generally be same-sex only. If both sexes are included, they will be in separate rooms.

If you are invited to a Saudi's house:

• You would usually remove your shoes.
• Dress conservatively.
• Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated but not crucial.
• Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
• Accept the offer of Arabian coffee and dates even if you do not normally drink coffee.
• If you are invited for a meal, understand that there will be a great deal of socializing and small talk before the meal is served.

Table manners:

• If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee..
• Eat only with the right hand as the left is considered unclean.
• Try a bit of everything that is served.
• Meals are generally served family-style.
• Honoured guests are often offered the most prized pieces such as a sheep's head so be prepared!
• There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Saudi hospitality and generosity is to shower guests with abundance.
• There is little conversation during meals so that diners may relish the food.

Business Etiquette Basics

Relationships & Communication

• You will need a Saudi sponsor (wakeel) to enter the country. The sponsor acts as an intermediary and arranges appointments with appropriate individuals.
• Saudis do not require as much personal space as most western cultures. As such, they will stand close to you while conversing and you may feel as if your personal space has been violated.
• Saudis prefer to work with people they know and trust and will spend a great deal of time on the getting-to-know-you part of relationship building.
• You must be patient.
• Since Saudis will most likely judge you on appearances, dress and present yourself well.

Business Meeting Etiquette

• Appointments are necessary and should be made several weeks to one month in advance if at all possible.
• When meeting with government officials, a firm date will not be settled upon until you are physically in the country.
• Try to schedule meetings in the morning.
• You should arrive at meetings on time, although it is an accepted custom to keep foreigners waiting.
• It is not uncommon to have a meeting cancelled once you arrive.
• Meetings are generally not private until after a relationship of trust has been developed. This means you may expect frequent interruptions. Others may wander into the room and start a different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to bring the topic back to the original discussion until the new person leaves.
• Business meetings start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc. Never inquire about a Saudi's wife.

Dress Etiquette

• All Saudi wear long white thobes. You would be expected to wear a suit.
• Dress well if you want to make a good impression.
• Business women should make certain that their collarbones and knees are covered and that their clothes are not form-fitting.

Source: South Travels, iexplore, journey mart, Kwintessential

SAUDI ARABIA HOTELS : Hotels in Saudi Arabia Guide

Anonymous — Fri Jan 27, 2006 4:26 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 4:26 am

SAUDI ARABIA HOTELS : Hotels in Saudi Arabia Guide

Five Star Hotels

Hotel Al Faisaliah
Address:
P.O. Box 4148, King Fahad Road,
Olaya, Riyadh 11491, Saudi Arabia
Phone: 966.1.273.2000
Fax: 966.1.273.2001
Website: http://www.alfaisaliahhotel.com/

LOCATION
The hotel is situated next to the office tower landmark. Ideally located at the heart of Riyadh's most prestigious commercial and residential area. In addition to the convenience of having so many facilities within the centre, the location is convenient to the diplomatic quarter and government offices.

Hotel Sheraton Riyadh & Towers
Address:
Po.box 90807
Riyadh
11623 - Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966-1-454-3300
Fax: 966-1-454-1889

LOCATION
The hotel is strategically located in the heart of the city centre and the modern business district, only 2 km from the Exhibition Center, 3 km from the diplomatic quarter and 30 km from King Khalid International Airport.

Hotel Radisson SAS Riyadh
Address:
Al Mubarakiah Plaza,
King Abdulaziz Street,
P.O.Box 18006,
Riyadh 11415, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel.: +966 (1) 479 1234
Fax : +966 (1) 477 5373
Website: http://riyadh.radissonsas.com/

LOCATION
The hotel is located in the centre of the city just a short walk from the government offices and the business district.

Hotel Golden Tulip Riyadh Palace
Address:
Po Box 2691
Riyadh 11461
Saudi Arabia
Tel:(966 1) 40 544 44
Fax:(966 1) 4053725
Website:[url] http://www.goldentulip.com[/url]

LOCATION
This property is located close to King Abdul Aziz Street, next to the Minister of Agriculture and in the heart of the business and ministry district.

Hotel Marriott Riyadh
Address:
P.o.box 16294
Riyadh 11464
Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966-1-477-9300
Fax: 966-1-477-9300

LOCATION
The hotel enjoys the city's finest location and is surrounded by key ministries, banks and commercial offices. Situated just off the Dammam Highway on Al Maather Street, the hotel is at easy reach from King Khalid International Airport and is within 5 minutes from the downtown bazaar area.

Four Star Hotels

Hotel Novotel Al Mutlaq
Address:
King Abdul Aziz Street
Riyadh 11481
Saudi Arabia
Tel.: +966 - 1 - 4760000

LOCATION
The hotel is located in the heart of Riyadh city. Only 25 minutes away from the International Airport and a 15 minutes drive from the exhibition center and diplomatic quarter.

Hotel Holiday Inn Minhal Riyadh
Address:
Old Airport Road,King Abdulaziz Street
Riyadh 11484
Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966-1-478-2500
Fax: 966-1-477-2819

LOCATION
In the centre of the business city, on old airport road. 42 km from King Khalid International Airport. Downtown is only 5 km away and other shopping is nearby.

Hotel Al Khozama
Address:
Olaya District Ksa
Riyadh 11491
Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966-1-478-2500
Fax: 966-1-477-2819

LOCATION
The hotel is located in the centre of Riyadh within a commercial and residential area and at a distance of 40 km from the Airport.

Source: Destinia.com