All assignments in Saudi Arabia remain one-year, unaccompanied tours. The Missions continue to receive credible information suggesting that additional terrorist actions, directed against both official and unofficial U.S. targets, are in various stages of the planning cycle. A broad variety of preventive measures have already been taken to address this on-going threat and more are in course.

On 6 December 2004, a group of five armed terrorists staged a ground assault on the Consulate in Jeddah. Five of our employees were killed and many more injured as well as several Saudi security forces outside the facility. Later the same month, on 29 December, two vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) detonated in the city of Riyadh causing significant damage, but fortunately few casualties. Since it has become clear that the terrorists are targeting not only foreign interests, but the house of Saud as well, the government of Saudi Arabia has been leading an aggressive and increasingly successful counter assault on extremist elements in the country. The host government has acknowledged that this battle will not be concluded quickly and Post expects to maintain an elevated security posture throughout at least the opening chapters of this battle.

Embassy Riyadh is currently operating under a locally-defined threat condition of "Charlie Plus." Among other elements, this means that all travel in the greater city of Riyadh, both official and unofficial, must be made in motorpool armored vehicles with motorpool drivers. Movements are tracked and patterns, when identified, are signaled and proscribed. Personal travel throughout the Kingdom must be planned and, at host government request, a Diplomatic Note filed well prior to departure to provide for adequate security along the route. While the use of POVs outside the city is permitted, the logistics involved in personal trips of this nature is sufficiently complex as to discourage casual travel.

All residences are on the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), in relatively close proximity to the Embassy. A variety of Residential Security up-grades have been accomplished and more are expected to be finished by December 2005. Occasional cultural conflicts arise, even on the DQ, between Saudi police and security forces and westerners taking photographs (discouraged at best, when not actually prohibited) or wearing clothing considered improper in a Saudi context.

Employees are fully briefed on security upon arrival and periodically throughout their stay. The Embassy holds regular drills to test and re-enforce security preparedness, and volunteers are encouraged to participate in programs such as Floor Wardens, Internal Defenders, Medical First Responders, Chemical / Biological Response, etc. Cell phones are issued to all arriving personnel and having the phone with you, turned on and functioning when outside the Chancery is a Front Office requirement. Employees are cautioned to exercise good situational awareness and travel in "buddy" teams whenever moving about the city. All citizens are encouraged to maintain a low profile, vary their times and routes and to report any suspicious or unusual activity to the RSO immediately.

The Host Country

Area, Geography, and Climate Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:04 PM

Saudi Arabia lies in the area known as the Middle-East the meeting place of the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe. It occupies much of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about 830,000 square miles. The vast uninhabited Empty Quarter, al-Rub'al-Khali, is about the size of Texas and is the largest single body of sand in the world. The principal cultivated areas are in the Asir Highlands in the Southwestern Province and in the Hasa Eastern Province along the Arabian Gulf.

The country is divided administratively into 14 provinces, including the Hijaz, the Asir, the Nejd, Al-Hasa, and the Northern Province, each headed by a Governor or Emir. The topography varies from vast stretches of sand to rugged mountain ranges. From the Gulf of Aqaba south to Yemen lies a dry, narrow coastal plain bordering the Red Sea. East of the plain, a narrow chain of mountains rises to 9,000 feet. This entire region, traditionally called the Hijaz, is now known as the Western Region. The same mountain chain rises to 12,000 feet and becomes more rugged in the south near Yemen. This portion, known as the Asir, has more rainfall than any other part of the country. Its dense population, villages, terraced farms, and green forests are more reminiscent of Africa than the Desert Kingdom.

The Nejd, the heartland of Saudi Arabia, is the ancestral home of the Al-Saud, the Kingdom’s ruling family. This area contains the heaviest concentration of nomadic Bedouin, who still lead their flocks of sheep, goats, and camels across the land in search of pastures. But the Bedouin are modernizing, and water trucks are now common sights near their tent encampments.

The Eastern Province, Al-Hasa, although largely desert, contains most of the nation's oil fields. Besides oil, two large oases, Qatif and Hofuf, support substantial agricultural production. Most activity and population are centered around the market city of Al-Khobar; Dhahran, site of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (ARAMCO) complex; and the busy port of Dammam.

Riyadh’s climate has a greater difference between winter and summer temperatures than elsewhere in the Kingdom. Riyadh has practically no humidity, making summers especially dry and dusty. Dust, the single most disagreeable factor in Riyadh’s climate both for housekeeping and for allergy sufferers, is a year-round problem. Annual rainfall averages 2 to 4 inches, usually concentrated in a few torrential rainfalls in early spring. Winters produce moderate daytime temperatures from November through February. Evenings are sometimes cool enough to require residential heating.

Jeddah, the commercial center, has a tropical climate — mild in winter and hot and very humid in summer. Summer lasts 8 to 10 months, with temperatures moderating in November. Relief from the heat often comes at sunset when sea breezes arrive. Except on the few occasions when it rains, the sun shines daily. Winter is comparable to the spring and summer seasons of resorts on the Mediterranean Sea.

Dhahran’s climate, like that of Jeddah, is very humid, 60% – 90%, with summer lasting from April through October. The average maximum shade temperature in July and August is 110 °F, with "in sun" temperatures up to 150 °F. From December to April, it is cooler and pleasant, with indoor heating required at times, especially in the areas north of Dhahran.

Rainfall in both Jeddah and Dhahran is sparse, about 3–4 inches a year concentrated in a few heavy showers during fall and spring. Because of the high humidity, care should be taken in both Jeddah and Dhahran to store items in air-conditioned areas to prevent mildew.

Throughout Saudi Arabia, winds blow sand and dust into cars and homes, marring finishes and damaging unprotected equipment. Occasional full fledged dust/sandstorms last 1– 4 days and can aggravate respiratory problems.

Insect pests are not much of a problem, although flies can be bothersome during the cooler months, particularly in the desert. Mosquitoes are abundant at certain times of the year. Roaches, ants, and termites do invade the home, but insecticides control them well. Snakes are seldom seen but, along with scorpions, do exist and have been found on the compounds.

Population Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:05 PM

Saudi Arabia's September 2004 census found a total population of 22.67 million, while the UN estimates the population at 24.6 million and the 2005 CIA World Factbook 26.4 million. The 2004 Saudi census found that there were 16.53 million Saudis (72.9%) and 6.14 million foreigners (27.1%). The total labor force was estimated at 6.62 million, with 4.3 million being Saudi. Population growth, including resident foreigners, averaged 2.45% between 1992 (when the last census was performed) and 2004. Saudi Arabia has a very young population. Some 37.3% of its population is in the 0-14 years of age group, which compares to 20.8% for the US, 17.9% for the UK, and 14.3% for Spain. While the UN estimates this figure will drop from 37.3% to 19.9% by 2050, Saudi Arabia faces at least two decades of sharply increasing demand for jobs before this decline will affect new entrants to the labor force. The World Factbook 2005 estimates that the median age of Saudis is now only 21.3 years of age, and that some 247,000 Saudi males now reach the age where they should enter the labor force each year. If women and men were fully employed, the total number of potential job entrants would each 500,000 a year. Saudis are ethnic Arabs, but there has been some intermingling with Turkish, Iranian, Indonesian, Indian, and African peoples, due mostly to pilgrims who immigrated and settled in the Hijaz along the coast of the Red Sea.

Many Arabs from nearby countries are employed in the Kingdom, as well as significant numbers of expatriate workers from North America, South Asia, Europe, and the Far East.

Arabic is, by royal decree, the official language of business. In the spoken language, there are several regional variations in dialect. Knowledge of Arabic is helpful but not essential, since in urban areas and among middle and upper class Saudis, English is widely used, and most shopkeepers speak and understand English. English is acknowledged as a second language and is taught in secondary schools. Despite the Government’s emphasis on English, many older people and policemen or taxi drivers do not speak or understand it. Contingent upon the availability of post funding, Arabic instruction is available for Mission employees and adult dependents.

Islam is the official religion, and the Government considers it a sacred duty to safeguard the two greatest shrines of Islam, the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The Great Mosque of Mecca, with the cubed, black-draped Kaaba at its open-air center, is the major focal point of Islam. It is the Kaaba toward which all Muslims pray. Travel by non-Muslims into the cities of Mecca and Medina is prohibited.

Two Islamic religious observances during the year change the pace of daily life dramatically. Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar year, is the period when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking from sunrise to sunset. Non-Muslims are also required to refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public. At sunset each day, fasting ends as Muslim families gather to feast and to exchange greetings. Following Ramadan is Eid Al-Fitr, a time of feasting, gift giving, and visits to homes of family members.

The second religious observance is the Hajj, the pilgrimage to the holy cities prescribed as a religious duty for Muslims. Every Muslim who can bear the expense is required to make the Hajj once during his or her lifetime. Each year, as the holy days of Hajj approach, several million Muslims from many nations arrive in Jeddah by land, sea, and air en route Mecca and the Plain of Arafat, where the religious rites take place. They are joined by Saudis and resident expatriate Muslims in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, making the Hajj the largest gathering of humanity at one time in the world. The last days of Hajj celebrate the feast of the sacrifice, Eid al-Adha.

Although many aspects of life in Saudi Arabia are becoming Westernized, traditional customs can make living in the Kingdom difficult. Flexibility and patience are necessary in dealing with everyday affairs, as observance of local customs is usually of greater importance than one's diplomatic status.

Many social events are only for men, and among the more conservative Saudi men, female family members are never mentioned in conversation. Although a number of Saudi women are educated in the West, and many are enterprising businesswomen or professionals, most of their social functions are for ladies only. Only occasionally will a Saudi woman attend a mixed function. However, it is useful to keep in mind that with over 70 diplomatic Missions and many thousands of expatriates and Americans resident in the Kingdom, opportunities for socializing in a more Western setting are numerous.

Saudi women appear veiled in public, wearing the "abaya" the traditional black cloak that covers the wearer from head to foot. Americans in Saudi Arabia should respect local traditions and customs and take care not to offend sensitivities. Women should wear long dresses, well below the knee and with long sleeves, and avoid trousers. Embassy women are not expected to wear abayas when out on official business. Women on temporary duty, and visitors when on official business are also not expected to wear one. The guidance issued by the Saudi Embassy in Washington, D.C., states that non-Muslim women are not required to wear an abaya but should dress conservatively (loose fitting dresses that cover well below the knee with long sleeves and a high neckline) when in public; that is also the position of the American Embassy. However, some Western women, particularly those living in the Riyadh area and in the more conservative central region, wear an abaya when in public places and carry a head scarf in order to avoid harassment by the religious police known as the Mutawwa'in. However, even with the abaya and scarf, harassment still occurs. The Embassy will support a woman in whatever personal choice she makes on the issue of wearing or not wearing an abaya or headscarf.

The Mutawwa’in (members of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice), literally translated as "volunteers" and sometimes referred to as "religious police" comprise a special agency of the Saudi Government, with specific powers to enforce religious stricture. Whatever may be written or whatever even a Mutawwa'in leader may say, individual Mutawwa'in attempt to enforce their own versions of modesty.

Under Saudi customs, it is prohibited for unmarried persons of the opposite sex to be together in public unless they are family members. Public displays of affection, holding hands, and kissing are also prohibited. Some Mutawwa'in try to enforce the rule that men and women who are beyond childhood years may not mingle in public, unless they are family or close relatives. Mutawwa’in may ask to see proof that a couple is married or related. Women who are not accompanied by a close male relative sometimes are not served at certain restaurants, particularly fast food outlets. In addition, many restaurants do not have a "family section" in which women are permitted to eat. Due to these restrictions, dating in the traditional sense can be problematic for single employees.

Local custom prohibits photographing Arab women, and the Saudi Government requests that you not photograph poor areas or beggars. Excessive use of a camera may attract unfavorable attention, so take photographs discreetly. Photography of Saudi airports, ports, and industrial or military facilities is not permitted.

Except for American business representatives and official visitors, few Americans visit Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Government very seldom issues tourist visas. Tourism to Saudi Arabia is just in its infancy. Business visit visas are difficult to obtain. Hajj visas (good for 30 days) are issued only to Muslims.

Public Institutions Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:07 PM

The original area of Saudi Arabia ruled by the Al-Saud was the Nejd, the central and more tribal part of Saudi Arabia. During the first 30 years of the 20th century, the regions of the Hijaz, the Asir, and the oil-rich Eastern Province (Al-Hasa) was brought under Saudi rule. In September 1932, the Kingdom was founded and acquired its present name, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Today, Saudi Arabia is a traditional Islamic monarchy ruled by a King chosen from the direct descendants of Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. Following the death of King Fahd in August 2005, Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud ascended to the throne and became King.

The Council of Ministers performs executive and legislative functions, examines proposed legislation, and makes recommendations to the King. It is composed of heads of ministries, separate agencies, and other advisers appointed by the King, who is also Prime Minister. Once a recommendation is made and a course of action is decided upon, the King issues a royal decree, turning the decision into law. Royal decrees do not always become law, but are used as a legal tool.

A Consultative Assembly, the Majlis al-Shura, consists of 120 appointed representatives of major regions, families, and business and social groupings. The Assembly reviews proposed legislation and consults with the government prior to making non-binding recommendations. There are local advisory bodies in some of the provinces and elections to positions in Chambers of Commerce and some professional associations. In 2005, non-military male Saudi citizens participated in the country's first nationwide municipal elections, whereby citizens contested for 4-year terms to half of the seats on 178 local councils.

Saudi Arabia’s legal system, the Sharia, is the body of Islamic jurisprudence derived from the Koran and from traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. It governs both civil and criminal law. Interpretations of the law are made by the Ulema; men learned in traditional jurisprudence. In cases not covered by the Sharia, civil officials make administrative decisions. Local commercial councils issue decisions based on customary commercial law or practice. The Board of Grievances, which has some of the functions of a national appeals court, hears civil and commercial cases. Every Saudi citizen has the right to have grievances heard by the King.

Saudi Arabia is divided into 14 administrative districts. The Governors, or Emirs, of these subdivisions report to the Minister of the Interior and often directly to the King. Lesser Emirs, who function at a district or city level, report to the Interior Ministry or Provincial Governor. Some communities have municipal councils whose members are both elected and appointed by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.

Arts, Science, and Education Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:07 PM

The Saudi Government manages a fine arts program through an institution called the Presidency of Youth Welfare. The presidency supports the development of visual arts such as painting and photography in the Kingdom, and sponsors many art exhibitions each year in the Kingdom's major three cities as well as in regional centers such as Abha. Members of the Embassy community who are active in the visual arts would be able to find a warm reception in Saudi Arabia. Among Saudi women, in particular, there is a lively market for art classes. Jeddah has several independent art galleries as well, in addition to Government-sponsored galleries. Because of cultural concerns and censorship, the art world in Saudi Arabia is somewhat quiet, dignified, and seasonal, but it is certainly possible for artists to practice their profession here.

The Saudis are very supportive of scientific research and advancement through such institutions as the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the Saudi University system, as well as the many hospitals in the Kingdom, including the flagship King Faisal Hospital and Research Center. Many Saudis hold Ph.D’s in the sciences from American institutions of higher education and welcome interaction with scientists from the U.S.

In addition, Saudi Arabia is active in the field of environmental preservation through the Marine Biology Faculty at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah as well as through the Wild Life Commission for wildlife which is establishing parks and reintroducing native fauna to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is spectacularly scenic for the adventurous traveler, and cultural environmental tourism is a new but growing industry in the Kingdom.

Commerce and Industry Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:08 PM

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains the U.S.' largest trading partner in the Arab World. Thousands of Americans derive their livelihood from making the U.S. goods exported to Saudi Arabia and 30,000 more reside and work in the Kingdom, employed by Saudi companies and by hundreds of joint-venture companies. As of June 1998, U.S. direct investment in both industrial and non-industrial joint ventures had increased more than 14% reaching $8 billion in more than 267 ventures. These figures include significant expansions underway at major U.S. joint-venture petrochemical plants. In 1999, Saudi Arabia was America’s 24th largest trading partner, with two-way trade totaling about $16.8 billion. U.S. merchandise exports to Saudi Arabia in 1999 stood at $7.9 billion, while Saudi exports to the U.S. totaled $8.9 billion. The drop in U.S. exports to Saudi Arabia reflected a slowdown in the Saudi Arabian economy caused by the decline of international petroleum prices to as low as $10 per barrel in the first quarter of 1999.

The U.S. is also the leading supplier of defense services and equipment to the Kingdom. Estimates place U.S. defense exports to Saudi Arabia at more than $2 billion in 1999.

Oil remains the lifeblood of Saudi Arabia, which possesses over one-fourth of the world’s proven crude oil reserves. Crude oil prices fluctuated widely during 1999, jumping from a low of $10 per barrel in February–March to over $30 per barrel by the end of the year. Recovery of the Asian economies contributed significantly to the crude oil price run-up, signaling renewed Asian demand for Saudi crude and especially petrochemical product exports.

The Saudi Arabian leadership has embarked on a wide ranging restructuring of the entire Saudi economy. Annual population growth rates of over 3% coupled with depressed levels of foreign investment, have led the Government to place strong new emphasis on private sector expansion. The Government clearly recognizes that the public sector cannot keep expanding to absorb all the new entrants to the job market over the coming decade. Diversification and privatization have become the watchwords of the Saudi leadership. A wide range of economic and policy reforms are underway, seeking to diversify the economy, expand the technology base, increase exports, and create jobs for Saudi citizens.

The Saudi Arabian General Investment Agency (SAGIA), under the Chairmanship of Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki, has been formed to facilitate liberalized investment policies and legal reforms. Additional reforms are being prepared in the areas of taxation, land ownership, commercial agencies, and tourism.

The most important market reform initiatives are in the areas of information technology and basic infrastructure. During the past 2 years, the Saudi Arabian telecommunications sector has been reorganized. The State monopoly in telecommunications was corporatized into a commercial entity named the Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC). STC embarked on a crash expansion program, and is preparing itself for the entry of a strategic investor/partner, which was expected to be negotiated by the end of 2001. A telecommunications law is being prepared, in anticipation of an opening of the telecommunications sector to competition. A similar program is being followed in the power generation sector, where the four regional Saudi Consolidated Electricity Companies (SCECO), as well as six smaller parastatal electricity producers, have been merged into one corporate entity called the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). New electricity laws are being prepared, as well as appropriate regulatory bodies. It is estimated that Saudi Arabia needs to add between 1,000 and 2,000 MW of power each year for the next decade, which could add up to a total investment of more than $10 billion. Privatization of the national air carrier, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is also being debated, and expert advisers are in the process of being selected. Other key sectors of potential private investment are water desalinization, municipal wastewater treatment facilities, aviation (charter airlines, airport management), and mining.

The telecommunications sector has been the fastest growing element of the Saudi economy. In little more than a year since the Internet was legalized, well over 100,000 accounts were opened with more than 25 locally licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Demand for a range of telecommunications services has outstripped STC ability to meet that volume, ensuring telecommunications services will continue expanding rapidly in coming years. The full range of IT services are either unavailable or in the development stages, including ISDN lines, video conferencing wireless Internet access, V-SAT, and highspeed broadband data services.

Saudi Arabia has been negotiating for entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). Accession will require the Saudi Arabian Government to initiate a series of substantial reform measures, including tariff reduction, opening up to financial services (banking, insurance), allowing competition in telecommunications and other key sectors, and improved protection of intellectual property rights. Progress has been made in reaching these milestones, and Saudi entry to the WTO is anticipated in the near future. WTO entry is expected to give a big boost to the Government's broad-based economic reform efforts. These in turn will facilitate the levels of private (Saudi and foreign) investment essential to Saudi Arabia achieving the economic growth needed to ensure adequate infrastructure services and large-scale job creation.

The American Business Group of Riyadh (ABGR) is an important multiplier for doing business with the U.S. business community. Branches also exist in Dhahran and Jeddah, and more information regarding this entity can be obtained from the senior commercial officer at post. Additional information on Commerce and Industry in Saudi Arabia can be accessed though the Department of Commerce's Country Commercial Guide for Saudi Arabia at www.usatrade.gov.

Transportation

Automobiles Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:09 PM

Diplomatic personnel may import a car duty free. Saudi law prohibits women from driving cars, but they may own and import automobiles. The Ambassador, DCM, and Consuls General are assigned vehicles. Vehicles should be scheduled to arrive within 2 months of one's arrival at post.

Male employees/dependents may use Government-owned vehicles on an as-available, fee-paid basis for up to 60 days after arrival at post and up to 30 days before final departure. Charges will be assessed for home-to-office transportation and for other nonofficial usage not within these grace periods. The Embassy and Consulates General provide transportation without charge to female employees and dependent wives and children. Official use, however, always takes priority, and there may be times when vehicles are not immediately available. In order to facilitate women’s movement around town, the Embassy in Riyadh has regularly scheduled runs to the PX/Commissary, local grocery stores, and main souks. School transportation is provided for Embassy and Consulate General Jeddah children. Dhahran children are able to walk to school.

Hazardous driving conditions and the necessity of air-conditioning make larger six- or eight- cylinder engines more practical than smaller ones. For camping and offroad driving, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Nonplastic seat covers, factory installed air-conditioning, heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers, six-ply tires or steelbelted radials, and an extra-capacity radiator are useful extras. Cars with darkly tinted glass are not allowed in Saudi Arabia, however light tinting of the rear glass and back side glass is allowed.

Make sure that your vehicle is in good running condition including the suspension and steering. Main highways are built to U.S. specifications, but many city streets are in poor condition and are frequently undergoing renovation or repair. Because of the sandy conditions and proximity to saltwater in Jeddah and Dhahran, you may wish to have the undersides of their vehicles treated with anticorrosive materials before being shipped.

Smaller cars such as Nissans, Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, and U.S. cars are sold in Saudi Arabia at reasonable prices. Used cars are bought and sold at fair prices. Service facilities exist at all posts for Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler products and for most Japanese and many European makes.

Gasoline prices are reasonable at about 90 cents a gallon. Unleaded gas is now available in the Kingdom so it is not necessary to remove catalytic converters before arriving at post. Diesel fuel is also available. Cars can be sold locally upon departure from post. Non-Saudis cannot import or register pickup trucks in the Kingdom.

A Saudi drivers license and registration of each vehicle in the Kingdom is required. The Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs waives the following fees for diplomats: car registration and renewal fees, drivers license and renewal fees, and transfer of ownership of vehicles purchased by diplomats.

The General Services Office (GSO) will assist in obtaining vehicle documents and drivers licenses for American staff. This process takes about 1 month. A valid American or international drivers license is acceptable in the interim. As photo requirements for licenses and other identification papers are quite specific (nonglossy and non-Polaroid), photographs for your Saudi paperwork should be done at post immediately after your arrival. The Saudi Government has no auto insurance requirements, but the Embassy and Consulates General require that each car owner obtain third-party-liability insurance, which can be purchased locally at reasonable prices.

Local Transportation Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:09 PM

The national bus company, Saudi Arabian Transport Company (SAPITCO) operates service within major cities but is not used by Mission personnel. Buses have separate compartments for women, and the bus stops are segregated by gender.

Taxis, also called limousines, are expensive and not always reliable. Taxidrivers may speak limited English.

Regional Transportation Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:10 PM

Major airline carriers servicing the Kingdom are Saudia (the national airline), TWA, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, and most other European and Middle Eastern airlines. Direct flights are available from most major European cities. Saudia flies between New York and Riyadh via Jeddah five times a week during the summer season and two times a week during the winter season. TWA has flights three times a week between New York City and Riyadh through Cairo. Only Saudia is permitted to make domestic flights. Numerous airlines service Bahrain, a 1-hour drive from Dhahran.

The Fly America Act applies, and employees are required to arrange their personal schedules to permit travel by American carriers when available or to code share from the nearest interchange point. Flying on days that a U.S. carrier does not fly is authorized only if there is a compelling reason such as urgent official business or medical reasons.

Saudi Arabia has more than 5,000 miles of paved roads, with modern highways linking major cities. Riyadh is a 10-hour drive from Jeddah and a 4-hour drive from Dhahran. Scattered service stations en route provide gasoline and repair service. These are not, however, the Western equivalent of rest stops.

A railroad operates between Dammam, on the Arabian Gulf, and Riyadh. The trip averages 4-5 hours with two stops en route. There are two trains daily on weekdays and one train daily on weekends. Private, air-conditioned compartments are available for groups of up to five people.

Communications

Telephones and Telecommunications Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:10 PM

Telephones are provided by the Mission and located in all staff housing, but occupants are responsible for paying telephone bills. Saudi Postal, Telephone, and Telegraph (PTT) allow for 200 minutes of free local calls bi-monthly. Additional minutes are billed at 5 halalahs.

Many personnel find it helpful to have an answering machine for screening the numerous nuisance and wrong number calls.

General phone directories are available in Arabic but are not widely distributed. Telephone service between Riyadh, Taif, Dhahran, Jeddah, and other major cities in Saudi Arabia is good. Direct long-distance international dialing is available. The cost to dial the U.S. via Saudi PTT is about $2.20 per minute. Connections vary in quality. The Embassy has facilities over tie lines for making 1-800 calls and using credit cards or calling cards to make calls to the U.S.

The Embassy phone number is 966-1-488-3800. The phone number for the Consulate General Jeddah is 966-2-667-0080, and for the Consulate General Dhahran, 966-3-330-3200.

In Riyadh, fax numbers at the Embassy are 966-1-488-7360 (Mail Room), 966-1-488-7765 (MGT/HR), 966-1-488-7939 (GSO), 966-488-7867 (RSO), 966-1-488-3278 (ECON), 966-1-488-3237 (FCS), 966-1-488-7275 (CONS), and 966-1-488-3989 (PAO). In Dhahran, the central fax number is 966-3-330-8332, and in Jeddah, 966-2-669-3074.

Internet Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:30 AM

Internet service is available throughout the Kingdom from several Internet Service Providers. However, when using a local service many sites have been blocked for political or cultural reasons. OpenNetPlus Internet access is available for use at the Embassy.

Mail and Pouch Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:45 AM

APO privileges are extended to direct-hire U.S. Government personnel assigned to Saudi Arabia. Saudi customs officials randomly inspect packages sent through the APO (in the presence of APO personnel) so prohibited items such as pork products, alcoholic beverages, large quantities of religious articles, or any material that may be deemed pornographic by Saudi authorities should not be sent. Saudi customs may review videotapes and confiscate them if they are deemed unacceptable.

APO addresses are:

Riyadh: Full Name American Embassy Unit 61307 APO AE 09803-1307

Dhahran: Full Name American Consulate General Unit 66803 APO AE 09858-6803

Jeddah: Full Name American Consulate General Unit 62112 APO AE 09811-2112

You can use international mail, but service is slower, especially during the Hajj period, and mail is subject to censorship.

Addresses for international mail are:

Riyadh: Full Name American Embassy P.O. Box 94309 Riyadh 11693, Saudi Arabia

Dhahran: Full Name American Consulate General P.O. Box 81 Dhahran International Airport 31932 Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: Full Name American Consulate General P.O. Box 149 Jeddah 21411, Saudi Arabia

You may use the Department’s pouch facilities to mail prescription medicines, eyeglasses, and other health items. Use of Department of State pouch facilities for shipment of videotapes is also authorized. Tapes should be wrapped with no more than 10 tapes to a package and clearly marked as containing videotapes. Packages sent by pouch cannot be insured.

Address pouch mail exactly as follows, with no other information added:

Riyadh: Full Name 6300 Riyadh PL Dulles, VA 20189-6300

Dhahran: Full Name 6310 Dhahran PL Dulles, VA 20189-6310

Jeddah: Full Name 6320 Jeddah PL Dulles, VA 20189-6320

For official items eligible for pouching, use the Department's standard pouch address:

Full Name or Section Department of State xxxx (city) PL Washington, DC 20521-xxxx

Mail and packages sent to the standard pouch address will be irradiated. This can cause damage.

Packaging-Wrapping. Proper packaging/wrapping will help to ensure packages arrive unbroken and on time. Excelsior, polystyrene, and styrofoam chips make good cushioning material, and you should use them when mailing breakable items. Wrap or seal your package well to prevent the wrapper from being torn loose. Use paper tape (not masking tape), and make sure all flaps are completely sealed.

Weight-Size Restrictions. APO Priority/ Space Available Mail (SAM) parcels may not exceed 70 pounds in weight and 100 inches in length and girth combined.

Mailing Options. APO priority mail moves by air all the way to its destination and is the most expeditious means of shipment; PAL moves by air to the major mail terminal closest to final destination; SAM moves by air to destination on a space available basis.

U.S. Postal Service Express Mail is currently not available. When using DHL or Federal Express to receive mail from the U.S. you must use the international addresses and not the APO addresses.

Customs Requirements. All parcels, including envelopes containing merchandise, must have a customs form attached identifying the contents and dollar value. The sender must sign the declaration.

Insurance. You may insure packages up to $500 each and insure registered packages up to $25,000. Pack contents to avoid breakage. As a general rule, if a package rattles, you may not insure it.

Radio and TV Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:31 AM

In Riyadh and Jeddah, the English service of the Saudi Radio system broadcasts news, music, features, and talk shows 6 hours daily. The Saudi Radio Service in Dhahran does not broadcast in English, but Saudi ARAMCO has four FM stereo stations featuring country, easy listening, classical, and pop music, and Associated Press news summaries. Neighboring Bahrain has English service on FM, offering 14 hours daily of music, news, and features.

Short-wave reception is not always good, but VOA and Armed Forces Network (AFN) provide music, news, sports commentary, and features. VOA broadcasts 11 hours daily in English to the Middle East. BBC reception is good 18 hours a day.

Saudi TV operates two channels in Arabic, with occasional English programs on Channel 2. Both broadcast on the European standard, ME/SECAM. The English-language channel shows many American and British programs and a variety of children’s programs and cartoons. All programs are censored, and few current TV programs or movies are shown because of the Kingdom's strict moral codes.

AFN is available in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran and offers a variety of American sitcoms, sporting events, movies, and news.

In Riyadh the U.S. Employees Recreation Association (USERA) offers AFN, CNN, and 2 Saudi channels. They have 3 AFN FM stations as well. Orbit and Showtime satellite cable service is also available for additional monthly fees. Programs are broadcast in several different system formats, PAL, SECAM, and NTSC 3.58, limiting the utility of American standard TVs. Therefore, multisystem TVs are required to take full advantage of the program selection. These TVs can be purchased at the military PX or at local electronic shops at reasonable prices. USERA also maintains an up-to-date video and DVD library for members.

Dhahran has access to AFN, CNN, and local television programming. USERA currently pays the bill for the Orbit cable television subscription, to which all Consulate General families have access. There are other cable companies around, allowing for more viewing options, should families wish to individually purchase additional subscriptions.

The U.A.E. and Qatar also have English channels that can be received in Dhahran much of the year. You can use a roof antenna to pick up telecasts from Kuwait and Oman. The Dhahran Consulate General compound receives a total of 10 cable channels. The recreation association maintains a video library.

Newspapers, Magazines, and Technical Journals Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:31 AM

International editions of magazines such as Time, Newsweek, and The Economist reach newsstands only a few days late. The International Herald Tribune, the London Times, USA Today, and three locally published English newspapers (the Riyadh Daily, Arab News, and the Saudi Gazette) are available in Riyadh. Foreign publications are always censored. Individual newspaper and magazine subscriptions coming via APO can arrive 1 to 2 months late. The Stars & Stripes is available a few days after publication at the PX.

Health and Medicine

Medical Facilities Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:46 AM

Private facilities in London and the U.S. are used for medical evacuations when medical care and treatment are not available locally. Post Regional Medical Officer (RMO) strongly recommends that all pregnant patients deliver in the U.S.

Good dental care is available in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran, although it is more expensive than in the U.S.

Pharmacies carry a wide selection of drugs. The drugs are generally European brands or American drugs listed by their European names and may be of a different dosage than that used in the U.S. If you are on a regularly prescribed medication (contraceptives, anti-hypertensives, cardiac drugs, medication for migraine headaches, etc.), or have a favorite brand, bring an adequate supply and make arrangements to have additional supplies sent to you via pouch or APO. The Health Unit maintains a small supply of drugs for emergency use but does not maintain a full pharmacy.

Saudi Arabia has strict penalties for violators of its narcotics laws. Prescription drugs in small quantities, clearly labeled, should cause no difficulties. Problems arise when they are in large quantities, are unlabeled, or lack documentation, such as a copy of the prescription, or when they are deemed illicit by Saudi authorities. Many drugs sold in nearby countries without a prescription are considered illegal here. Individuals are arrested for possession of these drugs.

The RMO is based in Riyadh. The Embassy maintains a Health Unit staffed by the RMO, a full-time registered nurse, two contract registered nurses, and a personal services contract (PSC) receptionist. The RMO makes routine visits to Dhahran, Jeddah, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.

The Consulate General Dhahran has a small Health Unit on the compound. It is staffed by two part-time registered nurses, for a total of 4 hours daily, 5 days per week. Saudi hospitals will accept critical emergencies, but do not provide Embassy staff with routine care. The Consulate General nurses are available for emergencies after hours and will facilitate care in the local medical facilities.

The Consulate General Jeddah has a Health Unit staffed by one part-time nurse. The Health Unit provides immunizations and routine care, and it provides referrals to several private facilities. You can reach the nurse through the Marine Guard for assistance outside working hours. Emergencies are best handled by going directly to the emergency rooms at either the Erfan or the Saudi-German Hospital.

Community Health Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:32 AM

Schistosomiasis is ever present and all personnel should avoid swimming in freshwater lakes. Brucellosis is endemic; all dairy products consumed should be pasteurized. Although the city water in Riyadh is usually potable, most personnel use the water supply from the Embassy. You need not soak fruits and vegetables, but thoroughly clean all produce. In the major cities, the restaurants patronized by Westerners are safe. Bottled water is readily available. Domestic servants and food handlers are, for the most part, expatriates from South and Southeast Asian countries. They should have periodic health examinations and maintain good personal hygiene. A health orientation is given on arrival at post.

Preventive Measures Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:32 AM

Meningococcal AC vaccine is recommended for travelers from the U.S. Typhoid, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, and DPT immunizations should be up to date. The incidence of Hepatitis A is low, and gamma globulin is no longer given regularly. However, Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended and available in the Health Unit for those who do not have antibodies. Malaria is only found in the southwestern section of the country and regular prophylaxis is not required.

Employment for Spouses and Dependents Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:32 AM

Finding work in the Kingdom is possible but requires perseverance and flexibility. With few exceptions, women are not allowed in offices, making opportunities very limited. Even for male spouses, job opportunities may not be in one’s chosen profession. There is no bilateral work agreement legally allowing diplomatic spouses to work, and Saudi firms may insist you surrender your passport. Teaching, school administration, and hospital positions, both medical and nonmedical, are sometimes possible.

Part-time, intermittent, temporary (PIT) and PSC positions are available at the Embassy and the Consulates General, with spouses and dependents having priority for all vacancies. Spouses should update their information in the Family Liaison Office Skills Bank and bring an up-to-date resume. Write to the Community Liaison Office (CLO) coordinator at post for details on current dependent employment. When funding is available, part-time, summer employment is provided for teenage dependents.

Self-employment in a variety of fields (teaching computer, English, or craft classes; catering; jewelrymaking; operating clothing boutiques; or offering professional services from the home such as family counseling, physical therapy, etc.) is one answer for spouses.

Informal employment opportunities with private Saudi or foreign companies are widespread but often take time to develop and rely on word-of-mouth communication. It is fair to say that most dependents in Riyadh who wish to work find some form of employment, although not always in their chosen field.

The Professional Women’s Network, run by volunteers and operating from American Community Services (ACS), assists women with employment referrals and job hunting in Riyadh. The Network has monthly meetings.

In the Dhahran area, employment for dependents outside the Consulate General is difficult, especially for women, due to Saudi labor laws. There are limited possibilities for those qualified as teachers at the Dhahran Academy and for secretaries or nurses. Currently, the Consulate General has several part-time positions that American family members can fill. Contact the CLO coordinator at post for additional information.

American Embassy - Riyadh

Post City Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:12 PM

Riyadh, the capital city, with a population of more than 3 million and an annual growth rate of 8%, is near the geographic center of Saudi Arabia. It is about 770 miles east of Jeddah and 280 miles west of Dhahran. Riyadh is connected to both cities by good highways and frequently scheduled Saudia Airlines flights. An express train runs from Riyadh to Dammam (Dhahran) daily.

Riyadh has definite seasons, with a wide range of temperatures and low humidity. From May through October, temperatures can reach 120° F to 130° F. From November through April, temperatures are mild and pleasant during the day, with night temperatures sometimes falling as low as 30° F to 40 ° F in January and February. Some winter clothing is essential. Rainfall is minimal, but when it does occur, it is usually a downpour, and city streets are quickly flooded.

About 13,000 Americans have registered with the Consular Office in Riyadh. Those not with the U.S. Government are with private business concerns or on contract with the Saudi Government. They are scattered throughout the city and its environs in single villas or compounds.

Security Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:13 PM

All assignments in Saudi Arabia remain one-year, unaccompanied tours. The Missions continue to receive credible information suggesting that additional terrorist actions, directed against both official and unofficial U.S. targets, are in various stages of the planning cycle. A broad variety of preventive measures have already been taken to address this on-going threat and more are in course.

On 6 December 2004, a group of five armed terrorists staged a ground assault on the Consulate in Jeddah. Five of our employees were killed and many more injured as well as several Saudi security forces outside the facility. Later the same month, on 29 December, two vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) detonated in the city of Riyadh causing significant damage, but fortunately few casualties. Since it has become clear that the terrorists are targeting not only foreign interests, but the house of Saud as well, the government of Saudi Arabia has been leading an aggressive and increasingly successful counter assault on extremist elements in the country. The host government has acknowledged that this battle will not be concluded quickly and Post expects to maintain an elevated security posture throughout at least the opening chapters of this battle.

Embassy Riyadh is currently operating under a locally-defined threat condition of "Charlie Plus." Among other elements, this means that all travel in the greater city of Riyadh, both official and unofficial, must be made in motorpool armored vehicles with motorpool drivers. Movements are tracked and patterns, when identified, are signaled and proscribed. Personal travel throughout the Kingdom must be planned and, at host government request, a Diplomatic Note filed well prior to departure to provide for adequate security along the route. While the use of POVs outside the city is permitted, the logistics involved in personal trips of this nature is sufficiently complex as to discourage casual travel.

All residences are on the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), in relatively close proximity to the Embassy. A variety of Residential Security up-grades have been accomplished and more are expected to be finished by December 2005. Occasional cultural conflicts arise, even on the DQ, between Saudi police and security forces and westerners taking photographs (discouraged at best, when not actually prohibited) or wearing clothing considered improper in a Saudi context.

Employees are fully briefed on Security upon arrival and periodically throughout their stay. The Embassy holds regular drills to test and re-enforce security preparedness, and volunteers are encouraged to participate in programs such as Floor Wardens, Internal Defenders, Medical First Responders, Chemical / Biological Response, etc. Cell phones are issued to all arriving personnel and having the phone with you, turned on and functioning when outside the Chancery is a Front Office requirement. Employees are cautioned to exercise good situational awareness and travel in "buddy" teams whenever moving about the city. All citizens are encouraged to maintain a low profile, vary their times and routes and to report any suspicious or unusual activity to the RSO immediately.

The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:13 PM

The American Mission began as a legation in Jeddah in 1942 and achieved Embassy status in 1949. The Embassy moved from Jeddah to Riyadh in October 1984, replacing the Riyadh Liaison Office, which served as a branch office linking the Embassy in Jeddah and the Saudi’s growing diplomatic community. Included on the country team are principal Embassy officers, the Defense Attaché, the Public Affairs Officer, the Commercial Attaché, the Agricultural Trade Attaché, the FBI Legal Attaché, the Director of Department of Homeland Security, and commanding Officers of the U.S. Military Training Mission (USMTM) and Office of Program Management for the Saudi Arabian National Guard (OPM/SANG).

Post is now a one year, two R&R, unaccompanied tour.

Set in the award-winning landscaped Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) southwest of downtown Riyadh, the Chancery complex is a striking example of imaginative and successful modern architecture. The Chancery, dedicated in 1986 by then Vice President George Bush, provides space for all agencies, the Marine House, and recreational facilities.

However, the DQ is not a diplomatic compound with special privileges. It is simply a Riyadh neighborhood. Homes and apartments for up to a few thousand Saudi and nondiplomatic families are currently occupied on the DQ.

The Annex is located in a wadi (a dry creek bed) about a 15-minute drive from the DQ. It provides space for the GSO warehouses, American Community Service (ACS), a softball field, two tennis courts and a pool for the FSNs.

Office hours at the Embassy are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday through Wednesday. The Embassy observes all American holidays and the two Saudi national holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Upon your arrival in Riyadh, you will be met at the airport by an Embassy expediter and your sponsor. If for some reason you are not met, please call the Embassy at 488-3800 and ask for the Management Officer (x4387), or, if after hours, the Marine Security Guard (x4111).

Post offers an orientation program for new arrivals each fall discussing a wide range of subjects, including schools, servants, transportation, social activities, employment, and language training.

Housing

Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:46 AM

Most newly arriving personnel move directly into their permanent quarters. Because of an extreme shortage of available housing, some permanent staff may be required to stay in temporary quarters for up to two months. If temporary lodging is necessary, new arrivals usually stay in temporary duty apartments near the Embassy or in one of the other housing units. New arrivals can also be placed in a hotel.

Permanent Housing Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:36 AM

All U.S. Embassy personnel assigned to Riyadh will live in U.S. Government-owned or -leased townhouses. All Embassy housing is located in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ). U.S. Government-owned townhouses are located in various "clusters," all within walking distance of the Embassy. The leased townhouses are also in the DQ, but most are located about a mile from the Embassy. Driving time from leased townhouses to the Embassy is less than 5 minutes.

Most Embassy townhouses have three or four bedrooms. There are a few townhouses with five bedrooms and one with two bedrooms. A limited number of detached servant quarters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. New arrivals may submit written requests for servant quarters to the GSO upon arrival at post. Senior officer housing is designed for representational purposes, and these units have quarters for domestic servants.

Newly assigned personnel should contact the General Services Officer or the Community Liaison Officer for information regarding housing and any special needs or requirements.

Furnishings Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:14 PM

All homes have central air conditioning and heating and are furnished with appliances, including a stove, refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, humidifier, dishwasher, microwave, vacuum cleaner, and water cooler, in addition to adequate furniture, draperies, and carpeting.

Because of the change of tour to one year, your quarters will be equipped with a Hospitality Kit for your use until your departure or until you request that it be removed. The kit includes pots and pans, dishes, glasses, flatware, cooking utensils, small appliances, a vacuum cleaner, microwave, a television and DVD/VCR player, a limited amout of linens, blankets, bedspreads, pillows, and some cleaning equipment.

Airfreight coming from the U.S. takes at least 4 weeks to reach Riyadh and customs clearance can delay delivery several additional weeks, especially during Ramadan or Haij. Surface freight from the U.S. normally takes 2-3 months. Shipments should be scheduled to arrive after you, as they cannot be cleared until you obtain your diplomatic identity card.

Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:37 AM

Electrical power in all homes is 110v, 60-cycle AC. Outages are infrequent, but fluctuations often occur. All homes have two telephones, but you may wish to bring additional phones. Bring only those personal and household items that make you feel at home, as storage space in most homes is very limited.

Food Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:37 AM

A good-sized commissary stocked with basic items and staples is operated by USMTM at Eskan Village located 30 to 45 minutes from the DQ. Sales are in U.S. dollars, and coupons are accepted. However, personnel depend on the local market for the majority of foodstuffs and day-to-day requirements. Virtually, all food items may be found in Saudi Arabia, except pork and alcoholic products.

Several large supermarkets and a variety of specialty shops carry a full range of American and European food items as well as fresh produce and fish, frozen items, good meats, and fresh milk. There is a large open-air fruit and vegetable market where fresh produce, eggs, and chicken are reasonably priced.

Clothing

Men Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:47 AM

During the 5-month hot season, most men wear lightweight suits with short-sleeved shirts to work. Sport jackets are popular for casual wear and evening social occasions. Formal wear is sometimes needed, but a dark suit is usually acceptable. Wool and heavier suits and jackets are worn in winter, and a lightweight jacket may be necessary for early morning and evening hours. Bring a modest supply of wool clothing for the cooler winter months and for any travel out of the Kingdom to colder climates.

Men should dress conservatively when in public. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, or offensive T-shirts should not be worn downtown or outside the DQ or Western compounds.

Men’s clothing is available locally but is expensive. Tailors will make suits for under $200, not including fabric, which is available locally at fairly reasonable prices. The PX is small and has a limited selection of clothing.

A good variety of shoes are available locally, but not always in larger sizes. If your feet are difficult to fit, you should bring plenty of shoes with you.

Women Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:39 AM

Clothing made of natural fibers (cotton, linen, silk, and lightweight wool in winter) are the most comfortable regardless of the time of year. Layered clothing is practical, especially in winter, when morning temperatures are cool but rise rapidly during the day. Bring sandals, sunhats, and headscarves.

Women when in public should wear long dresses below the knee, sleeves below the elbow, a modest neckline, and no trousers. Wearing tight or revealing clothing is unacceptable in public and risks unpleasant confrontation with the Saudi religious police, the Mutawwa’in. The guidance issued by the Saudi Embassy in Washington D.C., states that non-Muslim women are not required to wear an abaya, a black cloak that covers the wearer from head to foot. Although the Embassy neither encourages nor discourages use of the abaya by American women, many Western women, particularly in Riyadh, choose to wear an abaya and carry a headscarf in order to avoid harassment by the religious police. However, even with the abaya and scarf, harassment still occurs. Embassy women at official functions or on official calls do not wear abayas.

The dress for most functions is rather casual, but several times a year the Embassy does have formal functions where elegant dresses are appropriate. Other American organizations or private individuals also sometimes host events for which such attire is appropriate. If you will be attending frequent functions that include Saudi guests, be aware that Saudi women dress elegantly.

There are many women’s clothing stores in Riyadh, ranging from the bargain variety to designer shops. Prices are high, and there are no facilities for trying on items. Clothes can be returned, but only for an exchange, not a refund.

There are many dressmakers, but unless work is done in private home, fittings are not permitted. If work is being done in a shop, you must take your measurements with you or an item to be duplicated. Dress patterns are not available locally, but most dressmakers can duplicate an existing item or copy a photograph or drawing quite easily. A wide range of fabrics is available in all price ranges.

Children Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:39 AM

Children’s clothing is available but expensive. Inexpensive clothing from the Far East can be found, but it is often of poor quality and sized to fit only smaller children. Most families order clothing from mail-order catalogs available from CLO.

The dress code for the Saudi Arabian International School of Riyadh (SAISR) Elementary School requires girls to wear blouses or dresses with sleeves. Boys should wear shirts with sleeves and appropriate pants. Through grade 3, boys and girls may wear loose-fitting short pants to school, provided the pants extend at least to the knee. In junior high, girls should wear blouses or dresses with sleeves or loose-fitting pants and tops. Boys should wear shirts with sleeves and long pants. Boys and girls may only wear sweatpants or shorts for physical education classes.

Supplies and Services

Supplies Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:48 AM

Riyadh has a wealth of shops and shopping malls. Almost everything is available, from tropical fish and tanks to designer clothing. A full selection of American and European cosmetics, perfumes, and toiletries are available, but they are more expensive than in the U.S. If you take long-term medication, bring about a 3-month supply to last until you locate a local source. Most prescription medicines are in stock at local pharmacies. If bringing medication with you, have a copy of your prescription available for Saudi customs inspectors.

You can find children’s birthday party supplies and toys locally, but they may be two to three times the U.S. price. Many parents find it worthwhile to include a few toys in their household effects (HHE) to use as birthday presents. Lunchboxes, schoolbags, and picnic and camping supplies are available locally at prices often double that in the U.S.

Bring Christmas decorations with you, including an artificial tree. If you have children and are arriving in the late summer or fall, you may consider packing your holiday items in your airfreight. Although some Christmas decorations can be found in local stores, they may be quite expensive and available only sporadically. If sending holiday decorations to post via APO, the customs form should not contain any reference to Christmas, Easter, or Hanukkah.

There are two large American hardware stores in Riyadh that are generally well stocked. Prices are slightly higher than in the U.S.

Most craft items and sewing notions are available. Yarns, mostly synthetic, are carried in notions stores.

Computer supplies are available at high prices and are not usually the latest models. A good selection of computer paper is lacking, but basics can be purchased from local stores.

Basic Services Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:14 PM

Adequate laundry and drycleaning services are available. There is a drycleaning service available in the DQ and through one of the major hotels.

Barbershops and hairstylists for men are located throughout Riyadh. Prices compare with those in the U.S. Public beauty shops for women are not permitted in the Kingdom, but many Western compounds have beauticians who operate from their homes. The Embassy has a small salon run by the U.S. Embassy Recreation Association (USERA) where the services of a barber for men and services of a beautician for women are available once a week.

Basic shoe repair is available and adequate.

Most commercial film labs will confiscate or destroy photographs that may be deemed pornographic or may offend Saudi sensitivities. One lab available through USERA will develop all photographs taken by the Embassy staff. Film turned in to USERA is returned in 24 hours. Most Embassy personnel use this service. Black-and-white film developing is available in Riyadh, but the quality is not good.

Domestic Help Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:41 AM

Good, trained domestic employees are not difficult to locate, and it is often possible to retain your predecessor’s servants. Most workers are from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, or Eritrea. Wages for full-time help range from $300 to $600 a month plus food and lodging or food allowance. Many people share the services of one domestic and pay about $5 (SR 20) per hour. Employers supply medical care and often some clothing and uniforms. Domestic employees do not work on Fridays and have Saudi holidays off. Bonuses, totaling a month’s salary, are expected for full-time domestic employees and are paid in two installments, half at Ramadan and half at Haj for Muslim servants, or for Christians, half at Christmas and half at Easter.

There are limited servants quarters available in the Embassy housing, and these are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. Counselor level housing has live-in servants quarters. Because no high school is located in Riyadh, teenage babysitters are scarce.

Religious Activities Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:42 AM

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, and only Islam is allowed to be practiced. However, discreet arrangements exist to meet the needs of other religions. In September 2004, Saudi Arabia was added to the list of Countries of Particular Concern.

Education

Dependent Education

At Post Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:15 PM The American International School of Riyadh (AISR) for kindergarten through grade 11 has an enrollment of 1,800 students representing more than 50 nations. AISR is licensed by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, but it has no affiliation with the Embassy. It is governed by a seven-member school board elected by the parents. The curriculum is American, and instruction is in English. Ninety percent of the teachers and administrators are Americans or Canadians. The school term is from late August until the middle of June, with a 3-week Christmas vacation and about a 10-day spring break, not necessarily at Easter. The posteducational allowance covers the registration fee and tuition. The school is located about 20 minutes from the DQ, and the Embassy provides door to door transportation for school children.

The school has three libraries with a total of 40,000 volumes, science labs, five fully equipped computer laboratories, and a large, covered sports area. AISR offers, art, band, music, typing, study skills, mechanical drawing, computer sciences, English as a Second Language (ESL), French, and Arabic. Sports include boys' and girls' basketball, volleyball, softball, and soccer.

Learning Strategies classes supplement the regular curriculum for students who need additional help with organizational skills in grades 2-5. Afterschool study labs are also offered to students in grades 3-5 who require minimal levels of remediation. A variety of afterschool enrichment activities are offered in grades 1-9 and often include drama, cooking, space camp, and yearbook.

The number of students per class varies between 13 and 20, depending on enrollment, and all students are tested to determine classroom placement prior to beginning classes.

The school does not offer a comprehensive special education program. Programs for students with special needs are severely limited in terms of facilities, material, staffing, and community services for referrals. Students who have physical, emotional, or learning problems that cannot be appropriately remedied given the school's limitations will not be allowed to attend AISR. The school reserves the right to discontinue a student's enrollment if problems beyond the scope of the school program are discovered after initial acceptance.

The school year extends from late August through the end of June. Tuition is within the posteducational allowance, but there is generally a waiting list. Small French and German schools also operate in Riyadh. Additional information on all these schools is available from CLO.

The American Embassy has a Children’s Center, which offers full-time programs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., part-time programs from 8 a.m. to noon, and morning and afternoon drop-in-service 5 days per week. The programs are for 1-to-5 year-olds, and the center is located in the DQ near the Embassy. Other local day care services are very limited and not conveniently located.

Away From Post Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:49 AM Education for Western-schooled children in grades 10 to 12 is now available at several schools in Riyadh. Most children attend high school at AISR or go to the U.S. The Bahrain International School (BISA), which includes grades kindergarten through grade 12, accepts boarding students and is an alternative for high school aged children. BISA is leased and staffed by the Department of Defense and is 1 hour from Riyadh by air and 4 hours by car. An educational allowance is provided for students attending high school away from post. Leysin and other reputable boarding schools are still an option.

The University of Maryland and City College of Chicago, based at Eskan Village, a military compound about 30 minutes from the DQ, offer accredited classes.

Recreation and Social Life

Sports Last Updated: 9/27/2005 6:19 AM

Tennis, swimming, biking, occasional softball or basketball games, Hash House Harriers walking/running events are the most popular outdoor sports in Riyadh. There are two tennis courts at the Chancery and two at the Annex. There are several Embassy LES staff who give lessons after business hours and weekends.

The Embassy has a heated pool on the Chancery grounds and one next to the DCM’s home. A bicycle is useful both for recreation and as a quick means of transportation in the DQ. A limited selection of bicycles at high prices is available locally; therefore, it is recommended that you bring a bike to post.

The Marine House has an exercise facility with weights, stationary bikes, a treadmill, and weight machines. Post also has the USERA Rec Center, which has two stationary bikes, three treadmills, and two step machines, weight machines and weights that are smaller than those at the Marine gym. Both facilities are open to Embassy American Staff.

Several 18-hole golf courses are located on the outskirts of the city, and the Intercontinental Hotel has a course in town. Fairways are shaped from sand, and golfers carry an astro-turf tee mat. The greens are oiled sand.

Most public spectator sports are open to men only. The horseracing season is from October through April, and the camel races take place in March and early April.

Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 9/27/2005 6:14 AM

Camping and day trips in the desert are popular during the cooler weather, from November through March. You can buy tents and camping equipment locally, order them from catalogs, or rent them from USERA.

Among the more popular sites within an hour’s drive from Riyadh are Diriyah, Al-Kharj, and the camel trails. Diriyah is the ruined capital of the Al-Saud State, established in 1726 and destroyed in 1818 by a punitive expedition of troops sent by the Ottoman Empire. Diriyah is currently being restored by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Antiquities.

The Al-Kharj agricultural area, about 1 hour from Riyadh, is green with date palm groves and farms. A castle built by Abdul Aziz dominates the town itself. The camel trails are located along the escarpment southeast of Riyadh. Climbing the trails to the top of the escarpment is worth the beautiful view of the surrounding hills, sand dunes, and riverbeds.

Hunting for fossils and desert diamonds (quartz crystals formed by fusion of sand particles by lightning) is another weekend pastime. These activities require the use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Persons interested in desert recreation should consult the book Desert Treks from Riyadh, available locally. The book charts out day and weekend trips and more extensive excursions for the adventurous.

For short breaks, Embassy personnel go to the neighboring Gulf States and visit Dubai, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain.

Entertainment Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:16 PM

Theater is limited to the expatriate community, though Saudi universities do perform some theater performances in Arabic. In general, theater is not encouraged in the Kingdom. There is no public cinema and the Saudi music scene is quite limited.

Various expatriate groups sponsor concert series during the cultural year. The Saudi Government subsidizes, to some extent, musical and dance traditions that fit within the heritage of Saudi Arabia such as the sword dance, but performances are very limited and are by invitation. The Janadria Festival in January features an array of folkloric events open to the public. Some Saudi cities such as Jeddah and Abha now have summer festivals, including contemporary Arab musical performances as well as occasional shows such as "Bolshoi On Ice" and the circus.

Social Activities Last Updated: 9/26/2005 10:41 AM

USERA, located at the Embassy, provides a wide range of resources including a VHS/DVD library, a small giftshop with Saudi Arabian and Embassy mementos and gift items, and the Tea Oasis. USERA has table linens, flatware, and glasses, ice chests, tables, chairs, etc., available on loan for members. USERA organizes social functions at Uncle Sam’s with Community Nights being held occasionally. Uncle Sam's is located on the Embassy compound and is open evenings and weekends.

There are no cinemas in the Kingdom. However, AAFES furnishes a variety of first- run VHS movies which are available in the RSO office on a one-two day rental at no charge.

In the Embassy, USERA operates a cafeteria, open for breakfast and lunch on workdays, and also offers catering services.

The American Women of Riyadh (AWR) is open to all American women in Riyadh and meets monthly, featuring a guest speaker.

Various ethnic restaurants (Lebanese, Saudi, Thai, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Philippine,) abound in Riyadh, as many American fast-food restaurants: Hardee’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, TCBY, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, and Baskin Robbins. The major hotels also have restaurant facilities. However, only those establishments with a family section will allow women, and many have restrictions on women unescorted by a male family member.

There are many parks in the DQ which are well maintained. A wadi walking trail is available on the perimeter of the DQ.

Official Functions

Nature of Functions Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:46 AM

Saudi Arabia’s importance to the U.S. is reflected in the official social life in Riyadh. Many high-level U.S. Government and business leaders visit throughout the year. Official entertaining by Saudi Government leaders is restricted to men, but official functions sponsored by the Ambassador, DCM, or Embassy officers usually include wives and are in the form of informal dinners and receptions. Barbecues, dinner parties, and buffets are the most popular means of entertaining informally.

Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:47 AM

Officers will need calling/business cards in Saudi Arabia. These cards do not have to be engraved. Cards should be printed in the Kingdom, where an Arabic translation of English can be printed on the reverse side. The cost is about the same as in the U.S.

Consulate General - Dhahran

Post City Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:51 AM

Dhahran is situated on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, about 280 miles from Riyadh and about 1,000 miles from Jeddah. To the east in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf lies the independent island state of Bahrain, accessible by a 15-mile causeway.

The term “Dhahran” is an Arabic word meaning “two hills.” It originally referred to a geological formation that was sighted from Bahrain in 1932 by American geologists that looked promising for oil exploration. At this formation, the first producing oil well, number 7, was drilled in 1938. The site is today part of the Base Camp for Saudi ARAMCO, now one of the world's largest oil companies.

Dhahran is not actually a town but rather a geographic location that includes a scattered collection of self-contained compounds in the center of the Al-Khobar/Dammam metropolitan area. These include the American Consulate General, the King Abdul Aziz Royal Saudi Air Force Base, the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and regional offices of the Ministry of Petroleum and of PETROMIN, the Saudi Government’s petroleum distribution system.

Today, Dhahran has about 50,000 people, most of them Saudi ARAMCO employees and their dependents living on the Base Camp or in the growing Doha Camp residential neighborhood. The Saudi ARAMCO Base Camp resembles, in many respects, a prosperous suburban community in the western U.S.

The Consulate General adjoins Al-Khobar, a thriving commercial center, and is about 11 miles from Dammam, the capital of the Eastern Province. Dammam has a population of about 150,000; Al-Khobar has a population of about 80,000. The two form a continuous metropolitan area. An estimated 1.6 million people reside in the Eastern Province, which is, in area, the largest of Saudi Arabia’s 14 political subdivisions.

The resident American population of the Eastern Province was about 13,000 in February 2001. More than half work for Saudi ARAMCO or for petrochemical joint ventures in Jubail, 75 miles north of Dhahran. Construction firms employ other Americans as contractors to the Saudi Defense Forces, the province’s two universities, and various joint partnerships between Saudi and American companies. Most Americans live either on company compounds or on commercially operated housing compounds designed for foreigners. Others reside in individual homes scattered throughout the tri-city Dammam/Al-Khobar/Dhahran area, at Jubail, or in Saudi ARAMCO camps at Ras Tanura and Abqaiq.

Security Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:19 PM

All assignments in Saudi Arabia remain one-year, unaccompanied tours. The Missions continue to receive credible information suggesting that additional terrorist actions, directed against both official and unofficial U.S. targets, are in various stages of the planning cycle. A broad variety of preventive measures have already been taken to address this on-going threat and more are in course.

On 6 December 2004, a group of five armed terrorists staged a ground assault on the Consulate in Jeddah. Five of our employees were killed and many more injured as well as several Saudi security forces outside the facility. Later the same month, on 29 December, two vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) detonated in the city of Riyadh causing significant damage, but fortunately few casualties. Since it has become clear that the terrorists are targeting not only foreign interests, but the house of Saud as well, the government of Saudi Arabia has been leading an aggressive and increasingly successful counter assault on extremist elements in the country. The host government has acknowledged that this battle will not be concluded quickly and Post expects to maintain an elevated security posture throughout at least the opening chapters of this battle.

Embassy Riyadh is currently operating under a locally-defined threat condition of "Charlie Plus." Among other elements, this means that all travel in the greater city of Riyadh, both official and unofficial, must be made in motorpool armored vehicles with motorpool drivers. Movements are tracked and patterns, when identified, are signaled and proscribed. Personal travel throughout the Kingdom must be planned and, at host government request, a Diplomatic Note filed well prior to departure to provide for adequate security along the route. While the use of POVs outside the city is permitted, the logistics involved in personal trips of this nature is sufficiently complex as to discourage casual travel.

All residences are on the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), in relatively close proximity to the Embassy. A variety of Residential Security up-grades have been accomplished and more are expected to be finished by December 2005. Occasional cultural conflicts arise, even on the DQ, between Saudi police and security forces and westerners taking photographs (discouraged at best, when not actually prohibited) or wearing clothing considered improper in a Saudi context.

Employees are fully briefed on Security upon arrival and periodically throughout their stay. The Embassy holds regular drills to test and re-enforce security preparedness, and volunteers are encouraged to participate in programs such as Floor Wardens, Internal Defenders, Medical First Responders, Chemical / Biological Response, etc. Cell phones are issued to all arriving personnel and having the phone with you, turned on and functioning when outside the Chancery is a Front Office requirement. Employees are cautioned to exercise good situational awareness and travel in "buddy" teams whenever moving about the city. All citizens are encouraged to maintain a low profile, vary their times and routes and to report any suspicious or unusual activity to the RSO immediately.

The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:20 PM

The Consulate General has six sections: Executive, Economic/Political, Consular (for American citizen services only), Administrative, Regional Security Office, and the Foreign Commercial Service (FCS). Office hours are from 8 am to noon and from 1 pm to 5 pm, Saturday through Wednesday. The Consulate General does not provide visa services.

Post is now a one year, two R&R, unaccompanied tour.

Established in 1944, the Consulate General is the only officially recognized consular establishment in the Eastern Province. It is located on a self-contained, 69-acre compound next door to the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and is located about midway between the Saudi ARAMCO Base Camp and the King Abdul Aziz Royal Saudi Air Force Base. The compound is currently shared with the central office of International Schools Group and its Dhahran Academy campus.

Most U.S. Government employees live on the compound. A few may be required to live on a local western compound. The post provides some of its own central services, including tapwater and sewage disposal. Water from the compound’s well is highly saline, so bottled drinking water is supplied to each house, once a week. A major upgrade project will eventually connect compound buildings to a new reverse-osmosis plant.

New arrivals will be met at the airport if the post is advised in advance. If you are not met, telephone the Consulate General at 330-3200. The Consulate General is about 40 minutes by car from Dammam's King Fahd International Airport. Taxis are available at the airport if necessary. The post recommends that you use only Hanco taxis. The fare, which is negotiable, is generally SR 80 from the airport to the Consulate General. Establish the fare in advance and have exact change. Although less convenient, new arrivals can also be met at Bahrain’s International Airport, if necessary.

Narcotics laws are strictly enforced; travelers carrying pills or medicines should have copies of their prescriptions with them.

If you plan to bring pets to post, contact the General Services Section in advance for current information on this lengthy and somewhat complicated process. No quarantine exists for cats and dogs entering Saudi Arabia. (See Customs, Duties, and Passage: Pets.)

Currently, the requirements for bringing pets into the Eastern Province (Dhahran) are less restrictive than elsewhere in the Kingdom. All that is needed in the Eastern Province at the present time is a valid health certificate completed by a veterinarian within 30 days prior to departure. As stated above, please contact the general services officer at post well in advance of your departure to let him know you are traveling with a pet.

Housing

Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:51 AM

Post policy, whenever feasible, is to place newcomers directly into their permanent housing. If this is not possible, the post may house a new arrival in its temporary duty house or transient quarters until permanent housing is available.

Permanent Housing Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:52 AM

The principal officer’s stone home has a large living room, enclosed sun room, dining room, study, three bedrooms, two and a half baths, kitchen, utility room, three servants quarters on the ground floor; a sitting room, bedroom and bath, enclosed porch, and an open roof terrace occupy the second floor. Behind the house is a large, tree-shaded patio suitable for outdoor entertaining in good weather. A one-car garage is attached. The homes of the section chiefs are built of locally quarried stone and have two or three bedrooms, two or two and a half baths, a large combination living/dining room, den, sun porch, kitchen, servants quarters, and utility room. All are one story and have an outdoor patio in back.

Other houses are either of stone or of prefab Crawford construction, with two or three bedrooms, combination living/dining room, one to three baths, and kitchen.

All housing is an easy walk from the Consulate General office building.

Furnishings Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:51 AM

All quarters have central air-conditioning and heating and/or window air-conditioners. They are equipped with either a gas or electric stove, microwave oven, refrigerator, washer, dryer, and dishwasher. All quarters are fully furnished. For new arrivals, the homes will be equipped with a Welcome Kit, which includes pots and pans, dishes, linens, ironing board, iron, and vacuum cleaner.

Newly assigned personnel should include in their airfreight a minimum supply of linens, kitchenware, and other items (e.g., toys for children), which they may need during the first few months at post. Some of these items can be purchased locally, but selection is limited, and prices may be substantially higher than in the U.S.

HHE generally take 2 months to arrive if shipped from the U.S. Address questions concerning shipments to the General Services Section. Items shipped via APO priority mail generally arrive in 1 to 2 weeks. Non-priority shipments take somewhat longer, but normally arrive in 2 to 4 weeks. Whatever the method of shipment, pack items well. Smaller parcels receive rough handling, and breakage has occurred due to poor packing. Saudi Arabian customs officials routinely inspect items arriving in Dhahran via APO and will confiscate any prohibited items they find.

Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:52 AM

Electricity is 120v, 60-cycle, AC and is supplied by a local commercial power company. Housing uses the American-style, two-pronged plug. All 110v, 60-cycle appliances can be operated; 220v, 50/60-cycle appliances require stepup transformers, which the Consulate General does not supply. Each house has a telephone tied to the Saudi telephone system.

Food Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:52 AM

A wide variety of foods are available locally, including fresh fish, lamb, beef, chicken, eggs, and dairy products. Some vegetables are grown in the area. Most foodstuffs are imported, however, and food costs are somewhat higher than in Washington, D.C. Several large U.S.-style supermarkets are located in Al-Khobar, and you can find American brands. European brands are also widely available. A down-range shopping system to provide American products from the military commissary in Riyadh is currently in operation. Personnel also have access to the U.S. Navy commissary in Bahrain.

Clothing Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:52 AM

Merchants in both Al-Khobar and Dammam stock clothing from the U.S., Europe, and Asian countries. You can find shirts, lightweight suits, sweaters, and ties for men. Women can purchase stockings; lingerie; bathing suits; novelty, sports, and lounging clothes; blouses; and dresses. However, clothing supplies for men and women are not constant or available in all sizes. Prices can be high, and there are no facilities for women to try on clothes before purchasing. Most post personnel use U.S. mail-order catalogs for their clothing purchases. However, there is a large Western-style mall in town where shopping is reasonable.

Men Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:53 AM

Lightweight clothing is suitable most of the year. Sportswear and business suits are acceptable at all times. In general, cotton or other natural fabrics are the most practical. Topcoats and overcoats are not required in Dhahran.

Standard summer wear for social occasions is a short-sleeved dress shirt, tie, and slacks with a blazer or a summerweight suit. From November to April, mediumweight suits are generally worn. If you plan to visit cooler climates during annual leave or R&R, bring clothing suitable for those areas. Cool, lightweight walking shoes with rubber soles are necessary in Saudi Arabia; leather soles wear out quickly in the sand.

Formal attire (dinner jacket) is rarely required; you can wear dark business suits for most formal occasions. The principal officer may wish to bring formal attire, but it is not necessary for others.

Women Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:53 AM

Women should wear non-revealing, loose-fitting clothes in public places. Long caftans are available locally and are comfortable in the hot climate. Natural fiber fabrics are most practical. Bring plenty of sandals, headscarves, and sunhats.

Entertaining at home is usually casual, although there are occasional formal dances and dinner parties. Many Saudi women dress elegantly for home entertaining, wearing expensive Paris creations. Very few days, even in winter, are cool enough to wear wool fabrics comfortably all day. Heavy, dark cottons or lightweight knits are most suitable for daytime wear. It turns much cooler in the evening, and woolen dresses, cotton knits, and silks are appropriate. A winter coat is not essential, but an in-between-season coat is useful, as are sweaters and cardigans. Again, bring along a limited amount of winter clothing if needed for leave or R&R purposes.

Saudi Arabian religious and social customs prescribe that Muslim women cover themselves completely in public. Western women, therefore, should dress conservatively when shopping in downtown Al-Khobar or Dammam and suburban markets. At a minimum, dresses should have a high neckline and sleeves that cover the elbow, and should be well below the knee. Many Western women wear long-sleeved, floor-length cotton shirtwaist dresses while shopping. Alternatively, slacks with a long overshirt can be worn. Tight-fitting slacks and dresses, miniskirts and shorts should not be worn in public places. To do so risks attracting unpleasant public attention and even arrest or reprimand by the Saudi religious police.

On the compound and for social occasions within the Western community, women wear normal Western clothing.

Children Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:54 AM

School-aged children dress very much like their U.S. counterparts. Adolescent girls should wear conservative clothing similar to their mothers’ when going downtown to Al-Khobar or Dammam. Light to medium-heavy wool clothing for outdoor wear is needed when winter winds turn chilly and temperatures sometimes drop to near freezing at night. During the cool months, children will need a mediumweight jacket or Windbreaker. There are an abundance of children’s clothing and shoe stores that stock items in various sizes. Prices vary from reasonable to expensive.

Supplies and Services

Supplies Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:54 AM

Standard toiletries, cosmetics, cigarettes, and tobacco are sold in Al-Khobar. You can also buy detergents, packaged water softeners, household cleaning equipment, and supplies locally.

Fabrics for both men’s and women’s clothing are readily found in Al-Khobar and Dammam. Tailors in these cities and in Bahrain can make both men’s and women’s clothing. They are adept at copying garments, although you may have to wait 2 to 4 weeks.

Basic Services Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:54 AM

Shoe repair is fair to good for men’s shoes and reasonably priced but poor for women’s shoes. Two commercial laundries provide adequate services, as do local drycleaners.

Barbershops are located in Al-Khobar and at Saudi ARAMCO. Beauty shops are available in Al-Khobar, at Saudi ARAMCO, and on some Western compounds where women work out of their homes.

Domestic Help Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:54 AM

The principal officer has a staff of three domestic employees funded from official residence expenses. Although most other post personnel cannot find affordable full-time help, some hire a domestic worker for a few hours each week. These employees usually work for about $4 an hour, but the demand for their services is great. Because few Western teenagers live permanently in Dhahran, babysitters are scarce. Families requiring live-in help should consider looking outside Saudi Arabia to sponsor a domestic employee’s entry into the Kingdom.

Cooks command about $400 a month, and nannies usually receive $250. Most domestic workers are men from Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or the Philippines. Saudi Arabians do not work as domestics. Employers who sponsor domestic help are responsible for their vacations, medical care, work clothing, holiday gratuities, and return transportation to place of origin.

Religious Activities Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:54 AM

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, and only Islam is allowed to be practiced. However, discreet arrangements exist to meet the needs of other religions.

Education

Dependent Education

At Post Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:55 AM Located on the Consulate General compound, the Dhahran Academy, managed by the International Schools Group, is an American school recognized by the Department of State's Office of Overseas Schools from kindergarten through grade 9. High school (grades 10 through 12) was completed for the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year. However, the high school is not yet deemed adequate by the Office of Overseas Schools. Present enrollment figures total 620 children of 34 nationalities, of whom 58% are American. There is also a small British school on the Dhahran Academy compound. Most of the teaching staff are recruited from the U.S. Two smaller private schools offer English-language prekindergarten classes.

Away From Post Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:55 AM Because the Dhahran Academy High School has not yet been deemed adequate, high school-aged children may attend boarding schools outside of Saudi Arabia. Numerous high school institutions are located in Europe, including those operated by the Defense Department’s Division of Overseas Defense Dependents Schools (DODDS). DODDS also operates a high school in Bahrain that has a boarding facility. The Office of Overseas Schools (OS) can provide assistance in enrolling students in schools in Europe. Away-from-post educational allowances are sufficient to permit parents to place children in boarding schools in the U.S. In recent history, one high school student commuted daily (an hour each way) to the DODDS school in Bahrain. This was before the high school in Dhahran was fully established. International Schools Group has applied to Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools for accreditation of the new high school. Middle States has accredited grades 10 and 11. They are currently evaluating grade 12. International Schools Group expects an answer will be forthcoming.

Recreation and Social Life

Sports Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:55 AM

Swimming, boating, and picnicking are possible at beaches on Half Moon Bay, within an hour’s drive of the Consulate General. Fishing and snorkeling are generally good. Enthusiasts should bring skin diving, water skiing, and fishing gear. Tennis rackets, bowling shoes, golf clubs (preferably old ones, as the sand will take its toll), and beach equipment are helpful. Camping in the desert is popular, so bring sleeping bags and other camping gear.

A swimming pool and courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball are located on the Consulate General compound. Tennis courts are open by invitation at Saudi ARAMCO. The King Fahd University also has tennis courts, but for men only. Consulate General personnel can also use Saudi ARAMCO’s golf course, which has oiled-sand fairways and browns. Saudi ARAMCO is in the process of transforming it into a full grass course. Saudi ARAMCO has facilities for racquetball and squash and a bowling alley.

Some local hotels also have tennis or sports facilities open to the public for a fee, but men and women must use them at different times. Those seeking participation in team sports will find basketball and softball leagues. Saudi ARAMCO sponsors a world-class Little League softball team.

Usual sports attire is worn on the courts. Women should remember to dress modestly on the way to or from sports facilities or other compounds. Men are also discouraged from wearing shorts or bathing suits when not in a sports facility.

For children, Boy, Girl, and Cub Scouts and Brownie troops are organized by the Dhahran Academy and by Saudi ARAMCO.

Special interest clubs exist at Saudi ARAMCO; many of them are open to Consulate General personnel. These include art, cooking, computer, natural history, and photography clubs. Photographers need to be alert to local sensitivities about what can be photographed. Seek guidance before setting out with your camera. Film can be purchased in Al-Khobar. Most personnel find U.S. processing using film mailer envelopes most convenient. Local processing is available, but photos could be confiscated if subject matter is deemed inappropriate.

Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:55 AM

Dhahran is situated in the middle of a modern, high-speed highway network that permits easy travel to Riyadh and other major towns in the Eastern Province. Hofuf, an ancient Arab town in one of the world's largest oases, is only 2 hours away. There is a traditional mud-walled fort, a typical Arab market, a colorful Thursday camel market, and some unique caves. Qatif, another oasis about 20 miles from the Consulate General, has a bustling Thursday morning outdoor market and a 16th-century Portuguese fort that is now a bath house.

In contrast, the new Jubail Industrial City, some 70 miles north of Dhahran, is a magnificent example of modern industrial planning. It contains 15 primary petrochemical industries, planned residential communities, and a large industrial port. Both the Royal Commission in Jubail and Saudi ARAMCO in Dhahran have modern, well-designed exhibition centers open to the public.

The Dhahran area also has two large amusement parks with rides and games for children. Bahrain, linked to Saudi Arabia by the 15-mile King Fahd Causeway, is about 1 hour by car from the Consulate General. Bahrain, with its nightclubs, museums, and beaches, offers a pleasant change of pace from Dhahran.

Entertainment Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:56 AM

There are no public theaters, concert halls, or movie theaters in Dhahran. Saudi ARAMCO shows movies, and amateur dramatic groups present an occasional stage play or musical. A local group sponsors several performances each year by professional classical musicians brought from Europe.

Bars and nightclubs are not allowed in Saudi Arabia. Several local hotels and restaurants serve excellent Middle Eastern, oriental, and continental cuisine. Several American-style fast-food eating places are located in Al-Khobar.

Hotels and restaurants that have family rooms allow men and women to eat together. If the restaurant has no family room, only men may patronize it. The dining hall/snackbar at Saudi ARAMCO is an American-style restaurant. The Consulate General, through a concessionaire, operates a snackbar on the compound that is open for breakfast and lunch on workdays.

Shopping in Al-Khobar is a frequent diversion. Gold and silver jewelry in the traditional Bedouin styles, Oriental carpets, and Middle Eastern or South Asian brass curios are popular buys. Two well-stocked toy stores are located in Al-Khobar. Several bookstores exist, but English-language selections are limited. Excellent stereo components, audio tape players, TV’s, VCR’s, radios, and personal computer components and software are available. Audio and video tapes can be purchased locally, but are censored to remove material regarded as objectionable.

Occupants of Consulate General housing can access AFRTS channels that broadcast general interest U.S. programs, and other cable channels, such as CNN, The Movie Channel, America Plus, BBC News, and French television through a compound cable system. Except for AFRTS, which uses the American (NTSC) standards, all other stations require the Pal/SECAM systems. Some local channels are also provided through cable. Some families choose to install personal dishes and subscribe to additional television services. Purchasing a multisystem TV is recommended.

Saudi ARAMCO also operates two FM radio stations that play a variety of music. These FM stations are even numbered, which means that to be able to tune them in, your radio tuner must be able to stop at an even number. Most radios sold in the U.S. market are set to tune in only odd-numbered stations. There are three AFRTS radio stations broadcasting out of Bahrain, which can be received in compound homes.

The internet was legalized in Saudi Arabia in the latter part of the 1990’s, and the first Internet service providers opened shop in the Kingdom in February 1998. Subscriptions continue to be expensive, and connections are slow, compared to U.S. standards. The Saudi Government censors sites that it considers inappropriate.

Social Activities Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:56 AM

Your social life in Dhahran can be as active as you wish to make it. Besides the large American community, some 10,000 British, several hundred Canadians, and smaller communities of French and Germans live in the Dhahran area. Moreover, many Saudis and other Middle Easterners speak English, are comfortable with Americans, and will often invite Consulate General personnel and their families to their homes.

Saudi hospitality is generous and expansive. The American Women of the Eastern Province is a women’s organization which holds monthly meetings September through May. By joining the American Business Association, newcomers are able to meet their American counterparts. The association holds regular evening dinner meetings.

Official Functions

Nature of Functions Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:56 AM

In the absence of a consular corps, ceremonial occasions requiring the presence of Consulate General officers are few. Dinners and receptions, however, are often held in honor of distinguished visitors (Saudi and foreign) or for trade missions and visiting Navy ships of the U.S. and other friendly countries. Dress for these events is usually a dark business suit.

Official Saudi entertaining is restricted to men. On the two principal Saudi religious holidays, the consul general and male officers call on the Emir, senior police and military commanders, and prominent merchants.

Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 8/29/2005 11:56 AM

Business cards are widely exchanged among Saudis and Westerners. Printing is available locally in English and Arabic.

Consulate General - Jeddah

Post City Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:53 AM

The American Mission to Saudi Arabia began as a legation in Jeddah in 1942. Full diplomatic relations commenced in 1949 and the U.S. Mission, located in a traditional house in the old city center, became an Embassy. The Embassy moved in 1952 to the current Consulate General location, which at the time was an isolated, beachfront property far to the north of the city limits. Along with all other foreign missions, it was transferred to Riyadh in 1984. The former Embassy compound in Jeddah is now a Consulate General in the heart of one of the Middle East’s most dynamic cities.

Known locally as "The Bride of the Red Sea," Jeddah lies at about the same latitude as Honolulu and Hong Kong, and it shares their hot, humid climate. Tradition has it that the city derives its name (meaning grandmother, in Arabic) from the legend that the biblical Eve was buried here. It has, since nearly the inception of Islam, been the main point of entry for foreign pilgrims intending to perform the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. Caliph Othman personally selected it as the ideal locale over rivals to the north and south. Jeddah’s advantage was that it already was an established port with a history of facilitating the pre-Islamic pilgrimage and spice trades in the Hejaz, the western region of what is now Saudi Arabia.

The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 consolidated Jeddah's position as a major center of trade. Following the success of the Arab Revolt fomented by T.E. Lawrence against the Ottoman Turks during the First World War, the city became the commercial capital of the short-lived Kingdom of the Hejaz, which was annexed by Saudi King Abd al-Aziz in 1925. Throughout its history, Jeddah has played host to explorers and adventurers such as Carsten Niebuhr, Charles Huber, and Johann Lewis Burckhardt.

From a traditional town of one square kilometer and 10,000 souls in 1948, Jeddah has mushroomed into a modern metropolis of more than 1,000 square kilometers and 2.25 million inhabitants. The city walls were demolished in the late1940’s as oil wealth fueled rapid growth, but a substantial portion of the historic old city has been preserved. Nearly half of the population are foreign workers and their families, who supply the labor for the city's retail-, service-, and manufacturing-based economy. Many of these workers are non-Arabs from East and Southwest Asia. The Hajj, which brings more than 1.5 million foreigners into the Kingdom annually, mostly through Jeddah, remains an important source of revenue for the city.

Jeddah is a mix of modern art, early architecture and shopping malls, where you can find many upscale designer shops. Whether you have a taste for T.G.I. Fridays, Appleby’s, Chilis, McDonalds, Burger King, Dunkin Doughnuts, or Starbucks, most western restaurants and fast food options are available. You can sample “old Jeddah” with the many spice, chocolate and nut shops, fabric, jewelry and, of course, gold shops. There are entire markets that sell only gold jewelry, rugs or custom built furniture. The Red Sea is another gem; or you can travel to Taif and the Asir mountains for some cool air. Winter months in Jeddah are very comfortable and greatly anticipated. If you are a land-lover, try the camel races or hikes in the desert. There is something for everyone.

Housing is located on the Consulate compound and five other housing compounds and most residences are within 15 to 25 minutes of the Consulate or the schools.

Medical care at local hospitals is good. You will be able to find western educated doctors available and pharmacies able to meet most of your needs. The Post Health Unit is staffed with 2 part-time nurses. A Consulate nurse is available on call for after duty emergencies. The Regional Medical Officer (RMO) makes quarterly visits from Riyadh.

The Consulate currently employs 3 full-time and 2 part-time EFMs in a variety of jobs. Positions for EFMs include: CLO, RSO Secretary, Management Assistant, Nurse, Mail Supervisor, bus monitors, and General Manager for the employee association. These are positions of responsibility and visibility that allow family members to play an integral part in the area of administrative and community support.

The good news: current allowances include 25% Danger pay, 25% Differential, 20% COLA, 15% Service Need Differential (for three year tours), and 5% Sunday pay depending on tenure.

Some 10,000 Americans live in the Jeddah consular district, which encompasses the whole of western Saudi Arabia from Yemen to Jordan. Many work for large firms such as Raytheon and Boeing, but a considerable number are employed by smaller international and Saudi companies. Most live in Western-style company or private housing compounds.

Security Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:21 PM

All assignments in Saudi Arabia remain one-year, unaccompanied tours. The Missions continue to receive credible information suggesting that additional terrorist actions, directed against both official and unofficial U.S. targets, are in various stages of the planning cycle. A broad variety of preventive measures have already been taken to address this on-going threat and more are in course.

On 6 December 2004, a group of five armed terrorists staged a ground assault on the Consulate in Jeddah. Five of our employees were killed and many more injured as well as several Saudi security forces outside the facility. Later the same month, on 29 December, two vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) detonated in the city of Riyadh causing significant damage, but fortunately few casualties. Since it has become clear that the terrorists are targeting not only foreign interests, but the house of Saud as well, the government of Saudi Arabia has been leading an aggressive and increasingly successful counter assault on extremist elements in the country. The host government has acknowledged that this battle will not be concluded quickly and Post expects to maintain an elevated security posture throughout at least the opening chapters of this battle.

Embassy Riyadh is currently operating under a locally-defined threat condition of "Charlie Plus." Among other elements, this means that all travel in the greater city of Riyadh, both official and unofficial, must be made in motorpool armored vehicles with motorpool drivers. Movements are tracked and patterns, when identified, are signaled and proscribed. Personal travel throughout the Kingdom must be planned and, at host government request, a Diplomatic Note filed well prior to departure to provide for adequate security along the route. While the use of POVs outside the city is permitted, the logistics involved in personal trips of this nature is sufficiently complex as to discourage casual travel.

All residences are on the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), in relatively close proximity to the Embassy. A variety of Residential Security up-grades have been accomplished and more are expected to be finished by December 2005. Occasional cultural conflicts arise, even on the DQ, between Saudi police and security forces and westerners taking photographs (discouraged at best, when not actually prohibited) or wearing clothing considered improper in a Saudi context.

Employees are fully briefed on Security upon arrival and periodically throughout their stay. The Embassy holds regular drills to test and re-enforce security preparedness, and volunteers are encouraged to participate in programs such as Floor Wardens, Internal Defenders, Medical First Responders, Chemical / Biological Response, etc. Cell phones are issued to all arriving personnel and having the phone with you, turned on and functioning when outside the Chancery is a Front Office requirement. Employees are cautioned to exercise good situational awareness and travel in "buddy" teams whenever moving about the city. All citizens are encouraged to maintain a low profile, vary their times and routes and to report any suspicious or unusual activity to the RSO immediately.

The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:44 AM

The post has the following Sections: Executive, Economic/Political, Consular, Management, Public Diplomacy, and FCS. Office hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday through Wednesday. A Marine Security Guard is on duty 24 hours daily.

Other U.S. Government representatives in Jeddah are United States Military Training Mission (USMTM) and Office of the Program Manager/Saudi Arabian National Guard (OPM/SANG) military advisers.

Post is now a one year, two R&R, unaccompanied tour.

The Consulate General compound, covering 29 acres, about 4 miles from the center of town in the Al-Hamra District, once overlooked the Red Sea. When originally built, it stood outside town in the desert. Today, landfills have pushed the seashore west, and new houses, office buildings, and shopping centers surround the compound. The compound contains homes for the Consul General and some post personnel, as well as the Consulate General building, Marine House, Health Unit, GSO maintenance facilities, snack bar (also known as the “Sheikh and Bake”), swimming pool, two tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, gym, and a children's playground.

New arrivals are met at the airport by their sponsor and an expediter. If you are not met, telephone the Consulate General at 6670080 for assistance. If you must take a taxi, "American Consulate" is usually understood in English but translates phonetically into "al consuleeya-amrikiya" in Arabic. The white taxis (labeled "limousine") are preferred for reliability. The usual fare from the airport to the Consulate General is SR 40, or about $11.

Housing

Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:45 AM

The Consulate General staff will generally place newcomers directly into their permanent housing. If this is not possible, arrangements will be made for temporary lodging in another vacant residence or in a hotel. Many excellent hotels are located nearby, including the Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza, and Sofitel. The Hyatt and Marriott are located about 1 mile from the compound.

Permanent Housing Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:45 AM

All personnel assigned to Jeddah live in government-owned or -leased quarters. On-compound housing includes the Consul General’s home, the Ambassador’s villa, the Marine House, and five small houses. Twenty-six off-compound houses are within a 20-minute drive from the Consulate General.

The Consul General’s home is a one-story, concrete block house with six bedrooms, a family living room, six-and-a-half baths, three reception rooms, dining room, kitchen, work pantry, laundry room, storage room, and four domestic employees’ quarters with adjoining bath. Other on-compound Crawford houses have three or four bedrooms, two baths, and a laundry/storage room and some have small dens.

Off-compound housing units are typically detached or semidetached townhouses located in large Western-style compounds with recreation facilities including swimming pools, tennis courts, exercise rooms, etc. These usually have a living room, dining room, den and/or family room, kitchen, three bedrooms, two or three baths, and domestic quarters.

Newly assigned personnel should write to the Consulate General’s General Services Office (GSO) for information regarding housing.

Furnishings Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:46 AM

Each house is provided with furniture adequate for the needs of an average family. The Consulate General provides tables, chairs, lamps, sofas, china closets, desks, carpeting, draperies, beds, wardrobes, and other miscellaneous items. Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and vacuum cleaners are also provided. All houses have electric ranges. You should plan to augment the furniture with a few of your own personal items, remembering, however, that space is limited.

Hospitality Kits containing dishes, silverware, kitchenware, and linens are provided. Because of the change of status to one year tour, the hospitality kit will be avaiable for the entire tour, if required. Storage space is at a premium, so bring only necessities. You should time your airfreight and HHE to arrive after you, as items cannot be cleared in advance.

Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:47 AM

Electric power is 125v, 60-cycle, AC, supplied throughout Jeddah by the city power company, and 110v appliances operate satisfactorily. Some off-compound houses also have a limited number of 220v outlets. Power outages and frequency fluctuations occur infrequently.

All housing has hot and cold running water and modern bathrooms with tubs and/or showers. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking, but the Consulate General maintains a supply of potable water on the compound that can be carried home. Some people buy bottled water for drinking.

Both large and small household appliances are sold locally, and repair service is adequate. You can buy all types of electronic equipment and cameras locally at reasonable prices. All homes have telephones. Telephone bills are the responsibility of the occupant.

Food Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:53 AM

Modern, well-stocked supermarkets carry a complete assortment of Western and other imported goods as well as local products. Because of the national diversity of the labor force, you will find an unusually wide variety of food items. Fruit and vegetables, both locally produced and imported, are plentiful. Fresh milk and other dairy products are available.

Fresh fish and shrimp are widely available. Beef, lamb, veal, chicken, and turkey are plentiful and of good quality. Bread is excellent and inexpensive. Other items are more costly than in the U.S. Post COLA is 20%. Pork is not available locally.

Employees may order some foodstuffs, including frozen items, through military channels which are delivered a week after the order is placed.

The U.S. military maintains a small PX with a limited supply of some food items, packaged and canned, but does not stock fresh food. Employees may order some foodstuffs, including frozen items, through military channels which are delivered a week after the order is placed.

Clothing

Men Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:48 AM

Men should dress modestly in public at all times. They should not wear clothing revealing bare arms (tank tops) or legs (shorts), nor should they wear visible gold jewelry or religious symbols. It is possible to wear summer clothes year round. Evenings in January and February may require a sweater. Office attire ranges from suits to open shirts.

Black-tie functions occur occasionally, but dark business suits are acceptable. Short-sleeved sport shirts and slacks are appropriate for casual wear. Tevas or similar footwear is recommended for Red Sea swimming as protection against the sharp coral. Suits and dress clothes in general are best purchased in the U.S., but sports clothes, shoes and ties are available locally at reasonable prices.

Note: Western-style sportswear, including shorts and swimwear, may be worn at Western residential compounds and private beach areas. However, one should always have more conservative style clothing with them should they need to stop when traveling to or from such areas.

Women Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:48 AM

Women should wear clothing with sleeves at least to the elbow, reasonably high necklines, and skirts well below the knee. If pants are worn, a loose-fitting top should cover the hips. Professional, conservative, loose-fitting business attire is appropriate, although suits are not generally worn due to the climate. Hosiery is a matter of personal preference but is not generally worn to work. Bear in mind that offices and homes are well cooled, although outside is warm and humid.

Social functions on the compound are occasions for less conservative dress, if so desired. Evening occasions are generally informal dinner parties. A few dressy affairs require cocktail dresses. On the beaches of the Red Sea, women can wear beach attire only when well outside of the city or on private beaches.

Some boutiques feature European clothing, but choices are limited, prices are high, and there are no facilities for trying on articles. Fabric is plentiful but is mainly polyester in bright colors and bold prints. Cottons are harder to find. Bring a good supply of clothing and plan to replace from U.S. catalogs or on trips out of the Kingdom.

Supplies and Services Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:50 AM

Dry cleaning is reasonable and dependable. Leather shoe heels wear out quickly on the concrete surfaces of the compounds and shoe repair is not of satisfactory quality. Film developing is good and reasonable. Tailors in the city do a reasonable job of copying existing garments.

There is an adequate selection of beauty and barbershops in the city that provide acceptable service at slightly higher than U.S. prices.

The post has APO mail service. Saudi customs officials randomly inspect packages sent though APO (in the presence of APO personnel) looking for drugs, alcohol, firearms, religious items, and items they consider pornography. All videotapes are reviewed by Saudi customs and erased or confiscated if they are deemed unacceptable. You can send videotapes through the Department of State pouch (10 tapes per package). Medications, even vitamin pills, that are sent in by regular APO mail may be held and examined before being released to the recipient.

Supplies Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:54 AM

Most personal and household needs can be found here. A full selection of perfumes, cosmetics, medicines, and toiletries is available. Many prescription medicines are stocked, but bring a 3-month supply of any prescribed medicine in case it is not sold here. Mail subsequent prescription orders through the Department of State pouch or registered APO.

Christmas trees (live and artificial) are not available. Send an artificial tree and Christmas decorations in HHE. Greeting cards and stationery are available locally and in the PX in limited supply.

Some notions and needlework supplies such as DMC embroidery floss are available locally.

Basic Services Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:54 AM

Drycleaning is reasonable and dependable. Leather shoe heels wear out quickly on the cement surfaces of the compounds and shoe repair is not of satisfactory quality. Film developing is good and reasonable.

Tailors in the city do a reasonable job of copying existing garments.

There is an adequate selection of beauty and barbershops in the city that provide acceptable service at slightly higher than U.S. prices. In addition, the employee association maintains a beauty/barbershop on the compound that is staffed 2 half days per week.

The post has APO mail service. Saudi customs officials randomly inspect packages sent though APO (in the presence of APO personnel) looking for drugs, alcohol, firearms, religious items, and items they consider pornography. All videotapes are reviewed by Saudi customs and erased or confiscated if they are deemed unacceptable. Send videotapes registered or through the Department of State pouch (10 tapes per package). Medications, even vitamin pills, that are sent in by regular APO mail may be held and examined before being released to the recipient.

Domestic Help Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:54 AM

Household domestic workers are third-country nationals. Full-time domestics’ wages are roughly $100 a week, with food and transportation extra. Uniforms, medical care, and one round-trip ticket every 2 years to the employee's home country are your responsibility. Domestic employees may not work on Friday, the Muslim holy day, and take time off during Ramadan and Hajj. Employers pay no taxes or social security. Limited, part-time cleaning help is available at a cost of $3–4 per hour.

Religious Activities Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:52 AM

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, and only Islam is allowed to be practiced. However, discreet arrangements exist to meet the needs of other religions.

Education

Dependent Education

Away From Post Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:52 AM Currently, no Consulate General children attend school away from post. Newly assigned personnel contemplating an away from post school for a dependent should consult the latest Standardized Regulations to determine the appropriate away-from-post-education allowance.

Recreation and Social Life

Sports Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:53 AM

The Consulate General has a volleyball/basketball court, a large children's playground, tennis courts, and a swimming pool for U.S. Government personnel, their dependents, and guests. Dressing rooms, bathrooms and showers are within the pool complex. A spacious concrete area surrounds the pool and is equipped with tables and chairs. In addition, similar facilities are located at the various residential compounds where the majority of Consulate General personnel are housed.

Organized sports leagues for both adults and children include volleyball, softball, two running clubs, tennis, squash, basketball, Little League baseball, bowling, cricket, and rugby. Except for these leagues and occasional soccer matches (open to men only), no regular spectator sports exist in Jeddah.

The employee association maintains membership at a club which offers a 9-hole, par 3, golf course as well as horseback riding and lessons, which are available for use by employees and their dependents.

Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:54 AM

The area around Jeddah offers many points of interest — the Red Sea with its beautiful coral reefs, the lonely desert vistas, nearby oases, and the foothills.

Taif, in the mountains, is only a 2-hour drive from Jeddah. Located 6,000 feet above sea level, its cooler climate offers welcome relief in summer. The King and his ministers maintain summer homes and offices there to escape the searing heat of Jeddah and Riyadh. An excellent paved road winds its way up the escarpment and provides a panorama of surrounding mountains. A weekend at the Sheraton or Intercontinental Hotel in Taif provides a pleasant change.

Coastal waters around Jeddah provide exceptional deep-sea fishing. Shark, amberjack, barracuda, tuna, grouper, red snapper, sea bass, and an occasional sailfish are caught in nearby waters. If you are interested in deep-sea fishing, bring a good rod and reel. The reel should be at least the equivalent of a Penn Senator 6/0. You can rent boats in Jeddah Harbor, but the cost is high. Some residents enjoy sailing and boating and own windsurfing or light sailing vessels. Jeddah has two sailing clubs.

A protected inlet known as the The Creek (Abhor Creek), about 30 minutes north of the city, is a popular spot for boating, swimming, snorkeling, diving, shell collecting, and picnicking.

Underwater scenes of the Red Sea are among the most beautiful in the world, making snorkeling and skindiving popular. An extraordinary variety of fish, in a stunning background of coral formations, provides a glimpse of an entirely different world. Snorkeling requires only booties, fins, snorkel, and mask. An excellent supply is available locally at prices slightly higher than in the U.S.

Scuba diving is also popular with post employees. You can dive in the Red Sea 9 months of the year without a wet suit. Compressed air is readily available at a reasonable cost. Tanks, wet suits, regulators, and buoyancy compensators are available locally. If you are a certified diver, have your equipment serviced before you ship it to post. If you are interested in scuba diving but not certified, instructors give lessons regularly at various locations around Jeddah. Rental diving equipment is also available, and a diving club is located in Jeddah.

The employee association currently leases a beach house at the Intercontinental Hotel Beach Resort. The facility includes a restaurant, large swimming pool and private beach suitable for snorkeling. The house may be used for day trips or overnight visits.

Overnight desert camping trips, especially in winter, are popular. The desert provides a pleasant contrast to the bustling city and has a beauty of its own. Wadi Fatima and Wadi Khulays, oases not too far from Jeddah on the road to Mecca, offer scenic spots in the cooler months. Farther away, Waba Crater, an explosion crater 1.8 miles across and 1,000 feet deep, is a unique destination for overnight camping.

If you enjoy gardening, bring flower and vegetable seeds that withstand a hot climate. Houseplants are available, although they are somewhat expensive.

Entertainment Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:55 AM

Western forms of public entertainment do not exist in Jeddah. Since there are no cinemas, theaters, or operas, the Western community produces its own. It has two theater groups — a light opera group and a concert committee that features visiting artists and a choral society.

Dining out is a favorite pastime. The hotels have wonderful buffets at reasonable cost, and international restaurants abound in Jeddah.

Shopping in Jeddah souks (markets) for handicrafts, old and new, is another favorite pastime. Oriental rungs, gold jewelry, and Bedouin silver are the most popular purchases.

Personnel most often travel to Europe, Kenya, Cyprus, Egypt, or Jordan for a change of scenery. Some airlines offer diplomatic discounts on international flights, and many attractive package deals are also available.

Social Activities Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:56 AM

Social activity in Jeddah revolves around the home, since no public entertainment or clubs exist. Buffet and sit-down dinners are typical forms of entertainment. For official functions, guests may include both Saudis and members of the foreign community.

The employee association sponsors frequent get-togethers as well as occasional large dinner dances at the Consulate General pool area. Smaller family cookouts and children’s parties are also held on special occasions.

The American Ladies of Jeddah, a community-wide American women’s club meets monthly and sponsors recreational, social, and welfare projects. The group publishes a monthly newsletter. Additionally, the International Women’s Group, a large organization open to all nationalities, meets monthly.

Square dancing, Scottish dancing, and bridge are popular with the international community.

The Saudi Arabian Natural History Society meets monthly and features a speaker and a slide show on some aspect of Saudi Arabian natural history.

For those who enjoy volunteer work, opportunities in women’s welfare societies exist in Jeddah and in a small center for handicapped children.

Official Functions

Nature of Functions Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:56 AM

Official entertaining by Saudi Government officials and diplomats of other Arab nations is restricted to men. Nevertheless, some official and semiofficial social life is open to spouses. Informal dinners and receptions are the most common functions.

Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 8/29/2005 12:57 AM

Business cards printed in English and Arabic are necessary. Local printing is satisfactory and reasonable.

Notes For Travelers

Getting to the Post Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:21 PM

Personnel usually arrive in Saudi Arabia by plane at one of the three international airports King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, or Dhahran International Airport in Dhahran. All three of the airports are serviced by numerous airlines in addition to the State-owned airline Saudia.

Address airfreight shipments to Riyadh: American Ambassador American Embassy Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ATTN: GSO, Tel: 488-3800, ext. 1512/1500 For: (insert employee's full name)

Address surface shipments to Riyadh: American Ambassador c/o American Embassy Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ATTN: GSO, Tel: 488-3800, ext. 1512/1500 For: (insert employee’s full name)

Address airfreight shipments to Dhahran: American Consul General Owner's Initials American Consulate General Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Contact No. 891-3200

Address surface shipments to Dhahran: American Consul General Employees Initials American Consulate General Dammam Seaport Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Contact No. 891-3200

Address surface and airfreight shipments to Jeddah: American Consul General Owner's Initials American Consulate General Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Contact No. 667-0080

Airfreight should be banded for shipment to Jeddah, Dhahran, and Riyadh. Send bills of lading for surface shipments to the employee’s post of assignment Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dhahran. Shipping documents, e.g., bills of lading, packing lists, etc., must show the weight of shipment and number of packages/cases/boxes. Do not schedule shipments to arrive before your entry into Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabian customs does not release shipments as duty-free shipments when shipments are misconsigned. The same is true when shipping papers contain a name of a commercial agent as a "notify party." Freight forwarders must neither enter the names of their destination agents in the shipping papers nor misconsign the shipments.

Recent experience indicates that airfreight transit time is 2 to 3 weeks from the U.S. HHE and auto shipments from the U.S. take 6 to 8 weeks from date of the vessel’s departure. Customs clearance for airfreight, HHE, and autos can take up to 4 weeks.

Customs, Duties, and Passage

Customs and Duties Last Updated: 8/29/2005 1:00 PM

Personnel with diplomatic titles enjoy duty-free entry privileges during their entire assignment. Nondiplomatic personnel are allowed 6 months’ duty-free entry of effects and may import an auto duty free. Non-diplomatic personnel are also subject to having their personal effects shipments opened and inspected.

Send bills of lading for HHE and personal effects to the Embassy or the appropriate Consulate General.

Importation of pork products, alcoholic beverages, pornographic material, and religious material (in quantity) is strictly prohibited. A valid diplomatic visa and current immunization certificate are required for entry into Saudi Arabia.

Passage Last Updated: 8/29/2005 1:00 PM

A valid diplomatic visa and current immunization certificate are required for entry into Saudi Arabia.

Pets Last Updated: 9/2/2005 10:57 AM

A valid diplomatic visa and current immunization certificate are required for entry into Saudi Arabia. Bringing pets into Saudi Arabia requires careful advance planning to ensure that the required documentation is in order. There is no quarantine period. Without this documentation, post will not be able to clear your pet through customs in Saudi Arabia.

Be sure to follow these steps:

No more than 30 and not less than 10 days before entering the Kingdom, have your veterinarian complete an official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) health certificate form that states that the animal is in good health and that rabies, distemper, and other such inoculations have been administered. Many veterinarians in the Washington, D.C., area have the required form in stock. Be sure to check in advance with veterinarians in other parts of the country.

Send or carry the completed health certificate to the USDA office on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, MD, or to a state capital (in the D.C. area, Richmond or Annapolis) for certification by the USDA veterinarian. If you use the mail, you can expect this step to take at least a week.

Take the USDA certified health certificate to the State Department’s Authentication Office A/OPR/GSM/AUTH. You may have to leave the document overnight for authentication.

Take the authenticated document to the Royal Saudi Embassy for attestation. This final step takes 24 hours. Be sure to check in advance that the Saudi Embassy will not be closed for an extended religious holiday, e.g., the Eid or Hajj, at the time you need your paperwork done.

Send a copy of the certified health certificate to: General Services Office (GSO) American Embassy, Unit 61307 APO NY 09803-1307 Fax: 966-1-488-7939

or

American Consulate General Unit 66803 APO AE 09858-6803

or

American Consulate General Unit 62112 APO AE 09811-2112

As appropriate, the original health certificate must accompany the animal. Post must obtain approval for the pet’s entry from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Therefore, post must be notified of the following information via cable at least 2 weeks before the animal’s arrival: breed, sex, color, and weight of the animal.

If the pet is sent by airfreight, consign the shipment as follows: Employee's Name, American Embassy (or Consulate General) (Riyadh, Dhahran, or Jeddah, as appropriate), Saudi Arabia, Contact No. 488-3800 (Riyadh), 891-3200 (Dhahran), or 667-0080 (Jeddah).

If a dog is sent by airfreight, the description of the shipment in the airway bill must state that is a guard dog. You should send a cable to the Embassy Riyadh, or Consulates General, as appropriate, attention GSO, as soon as all transportation arrangements are made. The cable must include the airline and flight number and airway bill number assigned to the shipment.

Jeddah, Dhahran, and Riyadh have qualified veterinarians who can provide examinations, immunizations, and most surgical procedures.

Firearms and Ammunition Last Updated: 8/29/2005 1:03 PM

Importation of firearms, ammunition, and crossbows is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Currency, Banking, and Weights and Measures Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:23 PM

The Saudi Arabian monetary unit is the riyal (SR), which is divided into100 halalahs. Notes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500. Coins are in 5, 10, 25, and 50 halalah denominations, but they are being phased out. The riyal is quoted in dollars but based on Special Drawing Rights (SDR). As the SDR/ dollar rate varies, the official riyal/dollar rate is revalued at intervals to keep within a narrow range around $1 = SR 3.75.

The riyal is readily convertible and is one of the world’s most stable currencies. Most foreign currencies can be converted against it.

Commercial banks are located in all the major cities. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran have many banks that were formerly foreign owned but have been converted into joint stock companies with majority ownership by Saudi interests; e.g., Citibank has a minority interest in the Saudi American Bank.

Saudi Arabia is still a cash-oriented society, although acceptance of checks and major credit cards is growing. Most foreign service employees, however, prefer direct deposit and maintain checking accounts with their U.S. banks.

The metric system is the official standard of measurement, although Saudi Arabia still uses older Arab weights and measures. Saudis use the Muslim lunar calendar, which is about 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in most other countries. Consequently, exact dates of official local holidays change each year.

Recommended Reading Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:23 PM

These titles are provided as a general indication of the material published on this country. The Department of State does not endorse unofficial publications.

Note: Saudi Arabia prohibits importation of some of these books.

Alireza, Marianne. At the Drop of a Veil. Houghton Mifflin Co.: Boston, 1971.

American University. Area Handbook for Saudi Arabia. 1984.

Arabian American Oil Company. ARAMCO and Its World. Library of Congress: 1980.

Armstrong, H.C. Lord of Arabia. Khayats: Beirut, 1966.

Bligh, Alexander. From Prince to King: The Royal Succession in the House of Al Saud in the 20th Century. New York University Press: New York, 1984.

Carter, J.R.L. Leading Merchant Families of Saudi Arabia. State Mutual: New York, 1980.

Degaury, Gerald. Faisal, King of Saudi Arabia. Barker London, 1966.

Field, Michael. The Merchants: Leading Big Business Families of Saudi Arabia and the Guy. Woodstock: New York, 1986.

Gaith, Abdul Hakim. The Marching Caravan: The Story of Modern Saudi Arabia. Jeddah, 1967.

Gray, Seymour. Beyond the Veil. Harper & Row: New York, 1983.

Holden, David and Richard Johns. The House of Saud. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston: New York, 1981.

Iacey, Robert. The Kingdom: The House of Saud. Saudi Arabia in the 1980s. Harcourt Brace Javanovich: NewYork, 1981.

Lamb, David. The Arabs: Journey Beyond the Mirage. Houghton Mifflin Co.: New York, 1987.

Long, David. The United States and Saudi Arabia: Ambivalent Allies. Westview Press: Boulder and London, 1985.

Mackey, Sandra. The Saudis. Houghton Mifflin Co.: New York, 1987.

Quandt, William. Saudi Arabia In the 1980s: Foreign Policy, Security and Oil. Brookings Institute: New York, 1981.

Theroux Peter, Sand Storm.

Vincent, Betty A. and F.W. Classey. Wild Flowers of Central Saudi Arabia. London, 1977.

Wahba, Shaikh Hafiz. Arabian Days. Barker: London, 1964.

Wmder, R. Bayley. Saudi Arabia in the 19th Century. St. Martin's Press: NewYork, 1964.

Local Holidays Last Updated: 8/29/2005 1:10 PM

In addition to the 12 American holidays observed worldwide, the Embassy and Consulates General observe two Saudi Arabian holidays — Eid al-Fitr, the breaking of the fast of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, the celebration at the end of the pilgrimage or Haj season. Both are religious observances, and their dates vary according to the lunar calendar.

Although the Saudi Government recesses for about 2 weeks for each holiday, the Embassy and Consulates General recess for about 5 days. Services such as taxis, hotels, and restaurants remain open so that the traveler to Saudi Arabia is not inconvenienced at these times.