Preface Last Updated: 10/26/2005 3:03 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 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.
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