Country Information Saudi Arabia

The flora and fauna of Saudi Arabia are extraordinary - in many ways. It is self-evident that a desert state does not have a particularly pronounced flora. However, the locals are not deterred by the almost year-round dry heat, which leads to a distinctive charm. In addition to low-growing shrubs and grasses, the plant world of Saudi Arabia is particularly evident in the oases. In addition to naturally growing date palms, the cultivation by the locals ensures that the oases are full of fruit trees and vegetables. However, forests are only found in the mountains.

The climate has also contributed to an extraordinary fauna. Given the conditions, different species have adapted to life in the desert. Snakes, lizards, and scorpions in particular inhabit the desert. Since camels can go up to ten days without water and like high temperatures, they also feel comfortable in the country's inhospitable nature. The same applies to some species of monkeys, which appreciate the cool climate in the mountains and are native there.

Due to its location and geographical features, the climate of Saudi Arabia is often very challenging for many travelers. During the summer months, temperatures here often rise above 40 degrees. This is also a reason why the locals avoid the midday heat and during the hours between 10:00 and 15:00, few people are seen on the streets. The ideal time to travel is from October to April. During this period, temperatures average between 25 and 35 degrees, making it much more pleasant. Cool winds from the mountains are also not uncommon.

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy on the Arabian Peninsula, with King Salman ibn Abd al-Aziz Al Saud at the helm since January 23, 2015. His position is not due to inheritance but rather to his father, King Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud, and his mother, who was one of his father's favorite women. Today, besides the Arab state, only Eswatini, Qatar, Oman, Brunei, and the Vatican City remain absolute monarchies worldwide. As the country sees itself as a state of God based on the Muslim faith, there is no separation of powers.

Although the land area is seven times the size of Germany, the population of Saudi Arabia is only about 35 million. A large part of the population - approximately 90 percent - has Arab descent. The remaining ten percent of the desert state's inhabitants are of African and Asian descent.

As part of the Arab League, the country has always been striving to promote cultural, political, social, and economic exchange among all members. As the world's second-largest oil producer, Saudi Arabia is also one of the oldest members of OPEC. Therefore, it is not surprising that oil production is a significant part of the economy.

The Saudi Riyal is the national currency of Saudi Arabia. It is based on a similar principle to the Euro and consists of banknotes ranging from one to 500 Riyal and coins ranging from one to 50 Halala, which is comparable to the Cent. According to the current exchange rate, one Riyal is worth approximately 0.26 EUR.

If you wish to visit the country yourself, dealing with the local currency is easy. The smooth handling of payments, money transfers, and currency exchange is based on an excellent financial system that offers you numerous options.

First of all, it is standard practice for all banks in the country to exchange money. These banks are usually open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on all six days of the week except for Friday. However, aside from banks, you have various options. In shopping centers, you can conveniently pay by credit card or even online services like Apple Pay. Additionally, ATMs are available everywhere.

Exercise caution when dealing with exchange offices. Although they operate in a reputable manner and are closely monitored, the exchange rates here are often significantly higher. Therefore, it is advisable to exchange money during the regular opening hours primarily at the country's banks.

Men's clothing in Saudi Arabia can be diverse. Whether the traditional Thobe or jeans and a t-shirt - basically, there are only certain guidelines to follow. Otherwise, you are free to choose your clothing. Women were required to wear clothing that covers the entire body just a few years ago. The traditional Abaya once shaped women's clothing. However, the laws have been relaxed to the extent that clothing should generally be chosen to cover elbows and ankles. This applies to both women and men. As a guest in this country, it is polite to at least adhere to this.

Driving in Saudi Arabia is often a delicate matter. Many drivers do not take laws seriously and ignore guidelines. Therefore, always make sure you are wearing your seatbelt and following traffic laws. Also, inspect your vehicle carefully - if you are using a rental car - before using it. Make sure the vehicle is actually roadworthy and does not have any major defects.

If you want to explore the country by car or motorcycle, caution is also advised. While the roads are well-built and modern, the surrounding desert always poses risks. Drifting sands often impair visibility and negatively affect tire traction on the asphalt. It is also important to adhere to speed limits and drive cautiously. In case of an accident, it may take time for help to arrive due to the distances between cities.

The only official language of the country is Arabic. Since the language is not easy to learn and speak, many travelers are afraid of communication. However, this is not necessary, as the English language is now widely spoken in Saudi Arabia.

If you still want to show yourself as polite guests, you can learn some basic terms before your trip to the kingdom that will help you communicate. The residents of Saudi Arabia are always pleased when initially addressed in Arabic and also forgive small mistakes. We have summarized some of the most important words and expressions for you:

• Salam Alaikum - Hello
• Min Fadlak - Please
• Schukran - Thank you
• Aiwa - Yes
• La - No
• Tetkalam Engleezy? - Do you speak English?
• Eysh Esmk? - What is your name?
• Ismii... - My name is...
• Kaif halak? - How are you?
• Be kam? - How much does it cost?
• Momken alfatorah law samaht? - Can I please have the bill?

For your journey to the Kingdom, you should equip yourself with necessary equipment regarding the power supply. The reason for this is the fact that electricity in Saudi Arabia is based on different types of sockets and voltages. There are socket types A, B, C, and G, with voltages of 110 or 220 volts.

Due to this diversity, it is advisable that you purchase both a travel plug adapter and a voltage converter before starting your journey. This way, you can always be sure that you can actually power your devices. Also, pay attention to the frequency, which may vary and could damage your devices if handled improperly.

An important aspect of the country information on Saudi Arabia is telecommunications. Nowadays, hardly anything works without a smartphone and you probably want to talk to your loved ones back home and use the internet, so there are a few things to consider.

Saudi Arabia's SIM cards are identical to ours and available in different versions. You can buy them locally in specific stores in the cities or even at the airport. However, it is even better to purchase the SIM cards online before your trip and have them sent home. This way, you can access telephony and internet right after landing.

When choosing a SIM card, caution is advised to avoid unnecessary back and forth. There are some service providers that allow you to simply transfer your German mobile number and use it in Saudi Arabia. This way, you don't have to distribute your new number first, but can make calls or use WhatsApp as usual.

If you want to buy your SIM card on-site, Saudi Telecom cards are recommended. The company offers the best network on-site and is generally very stable. Furthermore, it is important to keep an eye on prices and the services included. There are SIM cards that offer a flat rate for a period of two weeks. These cost around 50 EUR and give you access to 2G and 4G networks. With such a flat rate, you can easily make calls and also surf the internet or send data to friends and family when needed.

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia is generally excellent. In case of illness, it is advisable to go to a hospital if it is a serious condition. Although all doctors in the country receive good training, make sure to go to the hospital where you will find English-speaking staff, which significantly simplifies communication. Generally, all clinics in the country are well-equipped. For minor illnesses, you can rely on the excellent network of pharmacies in the country. They are well-stocked and offer a variety of over-the-counter medications.

For travelers planning to visit the kingdom, the Foreign Office provides some advice on immunization. It is recommended to ensure the usual vaccinations for foreign travel. In addition to polio and tetanus, vaccinations against diphtheria and hepatitis A are particularly important.

Travel insurance for your stay in the country is advisable for various reasons. You should definitely have international health insurance. This will cover any costs in case of a medical emergency and ensure that you can be transferred back to Germany in case of a serious situation. Health insurance is also advisable because the hot climate often affects Western tourists' circulation and may require medical treatment.

Equally important is general international insurance that protects you from damages. Since the streets of Saudi Arabia can be very rough and not all road users adhere to the legal regulations, there are relatively more car accidents there. If you are involved in such an accident, high costs can arise. As in other Arab countries, in such a case, departure can be refused if the debt is not settled. With international insurance that covers potential damages, you can avoid this risk.

In today's Saudi Arabia, Islamic Sharia law is still present, although it is no longer strictly enforced as in previous years. For your own safety, you should adapt to the circumstances and not violate the laws of Sharia. This especially includes the consumption of alcohol and drugs.

Also, displaying affection in public is frowned upon. Therefore, refrain from exchanging obvious affection. Additionally, the strictly Muslim state is still not very tolerant when it comes to homosexuality. Homosexual couples should not reveal themselves as such in public and respect the customs of the country. Furthermore, you should avoid displaying Christian symbols.

Although the country is considered rich due to its oil reserves, there are also poorer parts of the population. Therefore, pickpocketing occasionally occurs in larger crowds. Avoid large gatherings, such as those found after Friday prayers.

Saudi Arabia's infrastructure can undoubtedly be described as good due to its strong economy. Both the road and rail networks are well developed and lead in all directions of the country. The only exception may be remote areas. The good infrastructure makes Saudi Arabia a country that is particularly suitable for individual round trips. This way, you determine your holiday yourself and can see exactly what you want from the kingdom.

There are sights to discover almost everywhere in the country. If you want to explore the most famous sights of the kingdom, you will be spoilt for choice. Whether it's the Prophet's Mosque, the sensational old town of al-Balad, the Red Sea Mall, or the King Fahd Fountain - Saudi Arabia is certainly not lacking in sights. However, since the country is quite large, you should plan exactly which things you definitely want to see from the country before a round trip.

Saudi Arabian cuisine is undoubtedly a great experience. It is even considered one of the most traditional in the world and has a very long history. The Saudis are very proud of their local cuisine, and the recipes have hardly changed over the centuries.

Saudi Arabian dishes are almost always heavily spiced and can be very spicy. Cardamom, cloves, tamarind, as well as cinnamon and saffron are typical spices that are often combined. The residents of the kingdom almost exclusively prefer dog or lamb as meat options. While pork is prohibited by law, beef is also rarely served due to high breeding costs. Along the coast, there are also some fish dishes that you should definitely try.

If you want to taste the culinary diversity of the country, try Mezzeh. This appetizer consists of up to 40 different, but small dishes and is a true delight for every palate.