Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia:
A general View Location :
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located in the Arabian Peninsula in south west
Asia. Its boundaries are as follows: Kuwait on the northeast, Iraq and Jordan
on the north and the north west; on the east, the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain, Qatar,
and the United Arab Emirates; on the south the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic
of Yemen; and the west, the Red Sea.
Occupying about 80% of the Arabian Peninsula, the Kingdom's area is 2,250,000
square Kilometers. Its western coast stretches for 1,800 kilometers, and its
eastern coast for 500 kilometers. The Kingdom's terrain ranges from high mountainous
areas in the south western region to wide valleys in Najd. The Kingdom comprises
the largest desert in the world, covering an area of 600,000 square kilometers.
The plain of the Western Coasts varies in width from 15 to 40 kilometers;
it gives way to a mountainous range, stretching from Yemen to Jordan with
peaks as high as 6000 feet. In the south and south-east of the country stretches
the Rub al-khali (the empty quarter), a vast and hostile area of shifting
sands. The Najd plateau, covering the northeast area, is made up of shallow
valleys and ridge formations, and is mostly covered by sand. To the north
is Nafud, a region without rain which can hardly sustain any form of life.
Economy :
Saudi Arabia's GDP in 1999 was estimated at 521 billions Saudi Riyals ($139).
The oil constituted 36% of GDP.Actual economic growth in 1999 was about 3%
. The Kingdom's export volume is about 227 billion Saudi Riyals where as its
import volume is 108 billion Saudi Riyals.
"Ahlan Wasahlan" :
This Arabic phrase, meaning "Welcome", epitomizes an important aspect of Saudi
social life, namely, hospitality and generosity.
Visa:
Entry to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requires one to have a visa. Visas should
be obtained in advance through specific applications to embassies of the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources will be happy
to assist. It will send the names of the official delegates and those who
wish to attend to the respective Saudi embassies. Please contact the Ministry
of Petroleum and Mineral Resources for more information and any special requests.
Language
:
The official language in the Kingdom is Arabic. Those with training
in Arabic will find it easier to move around and will have a chance to practice
their Arabic. However, most merchants and business people do understand English.
The Forum's Languages will be the United Nation's official languages.
National Day :
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its national day on the first of Libra
(September 23) each year to commemorate the unification and foundation of
the Kingdom by His Majesty, the late King Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud
who declared the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1351H (1932).
The flag of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rectangular; its width equals two
thirds of its length. Its color is green, and right in the middle, in Thuluth
calligraphy, it bears the statement of faith: "There is no God but Allah and
Muhammad is His Messenger." Directly below this statement stretches a white
Arabian Sword with its hilt close to the flagstaff. In deference to the statement
of faith printed on the flag, the flag of the Kingdom can never be lowered
or touch the ground or water. The Emblem of the Kingdom consists of two arched
and crossed Arabian swords with a palm tree towering between them. The two
swords denote power, fortification, and sacrifice, whereas the palm tree symbolizes
vitality, growth, and abundance.
Official
Holidays :
Friday is the weekly day of rest, but government offices also close
on Thursdays. There are also two public holidays every year: The Eid al-Fitter
(about three days long) after the fasting month of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha
(during Hajj)-about ten days.
Working Hours :
Official working hours generally start at 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The working
hours of the private sector are divided into morning and evening periods.
The morning period starts about 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The evening one starts
from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Currency :
The Saudi Riyal is the basic monetary unit; each Saudi Riyal consists of 100
Halala. The paper currency disseminations are one Riyal, 5Riyals, 10Riyals,
20Riyals, 50Riyals, 100Riyals, 200Riyals, and 500Riyals. The coins have five
units : 5Halalas, 10Halalas, 25Halalas, 50Halalas, and 100Halalas. Currently,
the US dollar equals SR 3.75.
Banking :
There are ten commercial banks licenced to operate in the kingdom. These banks
have over 1300 branches throughout the kingdom. They are regulated and supervised
by The Saudi Monetary Agency. Modern Technologies are used in all these branches.
Credit Cards of all kinds are accepted in banks and businesses.
Transportation :
Taxi transportation within the cities is common. Fares are reasonable and
government regulated. Trains can be used between Riyadh and Dammam on the
eastern coast. These have well-equipped, air conditioned first class coaches.
Most international car rental agencies are available in the major cities of
the Kingdom. For official participants in the Forum, the Ministry of Petroleum
and Mineral Resources will provide two cars: one for the head of the delegation
and the other for the members.
Telecommunication :
Modern communication facilities (including phone, mobile telephone, telex,
fox, internet and courier services) are available. The telex network is linked
to over 150 countries.
Medical Facilities :
A medical center, fully equipped and staffed, will be located at the Riyadh
Inter-Continental Hotel throughout the period of the Forum. All participants
(official and non-official) are eligible free of charge for the center's medical
care.
Climate and Clothing :
During summer, the climate of the Kingdom is hot and dry, but tends to be
temperate over the southern high areas. At the coasts, the climate is both
hot and humid. During winter, the temperature drops below zero in the middle,
east, north and south of the Country. The weather of Riyadh in November is
moderate, yet it can be deceptively cold. The recorded tempreture for the
month of November averages about 19c (66.5f).
Carrier
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is the official carrier of the Forum; for
reservations and confirmation contact Saudia local offices or arrange with
your agent. Please call:
Tel : +(966)1 477-4444 +(966)1 488-5555
Web Site : www.saudiairlines.com
Contact
Details
For more information, please contact Dr. Ibrahim Al-Muhanna, Ministry
of petroleum & Mineral Resources,
P.O. Box: 247,Riyadh: 11191,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Phone : +(966)14787777 /
+(966)14781661 Ext. 6008
–5788 – 6042
Fax : +(966)14780270 /+(966)14783596
E-mail : info@energyforum.gov.sa
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