Language
Arabic (English is widely spoken).
Time Zone
GMT +3hrs.
Visa
Only business visa holders are allowed into Saudi Arabia. Travellers are required to apply prior to visit.
Currency
Saudi riyal (SR) is the currency of Saudi Arabia.
VAT
The standard VAT rate is 5%.
Gratuity
Tipping is not required but welcome in recognition of good service, generally at 10-15%.
Business Hours:
Government
Sundays to Thursdays, 07:00 to 14:00 hours
Banks
Sundays to Thursdays, 07:30 to 15:00 hours
Post offices
Sundays to Thursdays, 07:00 to 14:00 hours (16:00 to 18:00 hours at alternating offices)
Restaurants
Daily, 11:00 to 15:00 hours and 18:00 to 01:00 hours
Private businesses
Sundays to Thursdays, 08:00 to 12:00 hours and 15:00 to 19:00 hours
Independent shops
Saturdays to Thursdays, 09:00 to 13:00 hours and 16:30 to 20:00 hours
Shopping malls, individual malls and shops within the malls may vary:
Saturdays to Thursdays, 08:00 to 00:00 hours and Fridays, 13:00 to 00:00 hours
Some may close between 13:00 and 16:30 hours
Souqs
Saturdays to Thursdays, 09:00 to 13:00 hours and 16:30 and 20:00 hours, and Fridays, 17:00-22:00 hours
All shops close during prayer times that last 20-30 minutes each:
In the day at approximately noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and early evening.
Health
Medical services of good quality are available.
Telephone
The country code for Saudi is 966.
Electricity
Voltage: 220V/50Hz UK plug.
Public Holidays
The national holidays are Day of Mourning for King Abdullah, Eid-al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) Saudi National Day, Eid-al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) and Muharram (Muslim New Year).
Below is a full list of the holidays in the year 2018:
Date |
Day of the Week |
Holiday name in 2018 |
Holiday type |
Mar 20 |
Tuesday |
March Equinox |
Season |
May 17 |
Thursday |
Ramadan begins |
Observance |
Jun 14 |
Thursday |
Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
National holiday |
Jun 15 |
Friday |
Eid al-Fitr |
National holiday |
Jun 16 |
Saturday |
Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
National holiday |
Jun 17 |
Sunday |
Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
National holiday |
Jun 21 |
Thursday |
June Solstice |
Season |
Aug 20 |
Monday |
Eid al-Adha Holiday |
National holiday |
Aug 21 |
Tuesday |
Eid al-Adha |
National holiday |
Aug 22 |
Wednesday |
Eid al-Adha Holiday |
National holiday |
Aug 23 |
Thursday |
Eid al-Adha Holiday |
National holiday |
Sep 12 |
Wednesday |
Muharram (Muslim New Year) |
Observance |
Sep 23 |
Sunday |
September Equinox |
Season |
Sep 23 |
Sunday |
Saudi National Day |
National holiday |
Nov 21 |
Wednesday |
Prophet's Birthday |
Observance |
Dec 21 |
Friday |
December Solstice |
Season |