At the turn of the last decade, much has changed in the way Saudis have viewed women. And while there are still religious and traditional gender identifications, it can be said that the Kingdom is becoming more open to modern ideas and approaches, especially when it comes to gender roles and social awareness.
And while it can be said that slow progress is better than no progress at all, the women themselves are also doing their part to challenge this long-standing system, and assert themselves in places where they have great talents and use for.
Credits: Yasmeen Al Maimani (@captain0jazz)/Instagram
Saudi Recognizes First Female Commercial Pilot
Such is the case of Yasmeen Al-Maimani, the Kingdom’s first-ever female commercial pilot, as she shared her delight and achievement through her postvia Instagram.
As per reports, Al-Maimani had already undergone over 300 hours of test flights in the USA, after she had successfully completed a programme in Jordan.
In 2013, Al-Maimani exchanged her American license for a Saudi one, but after this she reportedly had a hard time finding an airline that was willing to recruit a female pilot.
In an interview, she shared, “I knocked many doors for a job, but the refusal is still going on under the pretext that women’s jobs as female captain do not exist.”
Years later, Saudi women were allowed to participate in the aviation sector including departments in customer service, air traffic control, and transport.
And just last year, Saudi women were allowed to work as administrative officers. And finally this year, Al-Maimani has become the first female commercial pilot in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Despite criticisms that reforms and social values in the Kingdom are slow-moving, almost unchanging, people like Al-Maimani dig deep in their individual strengths and capacities to bring a change not only for themselves, but also for the women, who, for the longest time, were unrepresented – if not entirely invisible in society.
With a dream, people are slowly realizing that nothing is impossible to achieve. Though it may take long years of hard work and sacrifice to become a reality, a small ripple can inevitably cause bigger ones, and eventually waves to challenge the tides of what “has been” into what will be.
For the rest of the women in the Saudi Arabia, and even in the rest of the Middle East, Yasmeen Al-Maimani’s achievement is a story of following one’s dreams and challenging norms to create opportunities for other (Saudi) women to follow.
Every country has its own set of set of customs and traditions on top of international standards when it comes to traveling and importation of products and items. And the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, being a Muslim country, has got quite the list to take note of, as expected of a conservative Islamic state.
Generally speaking, anything that violates Islamic rules and traditions are not allowed in the country. Failure to recognize this may lead to unnecessary trouble with immigration and the Saudi police, and could even result to deportation or getting blacklisted in extreme cases.
Credits: Nicolas Raymond/Flickr
Things You Shouldn’t Bring When Travelling to Saudi Arabia
In this post, we will identify both the prohibited and restricted items in the Kingdom. As the terms suggest, “prohibited” items refer to those which are strictly not allowed to be brought into the country, whereas “restricted” items may be allowed – as long as they meet certain requirements and (legal) specifications:
What are the Prohibited Items in Saudi Arabia?
Alcoholic products: Beverages and other products that may contain liquor such as cooking wines, flavouring extracts, as well as other related products, all fall under this category. These are strictly not to be imported in the country.
Pork products: Food and manufactured items containing pork or any of its parts (i.e. meat, fat, blood, etc.) are also not allowed.
Pornographic materials: While these materials may be accepted in other countries, in Saudi Arabia they are considered “offensive” and in violation of Islamic principles.
Publications on Religion: Any other religion other than Islam is considered illegal in the country. Similarly, “politically-sensitive” materials are also considered as taboo in the Kingdom.
Narcotics: Any form of illegal substances is strictly prohibited in the country.
Games: Materials and paraphernalia used for gambling purposes are also not allowed in KSA.
Fireworks: Similarly, these explosive items used for celebration and merry-making are also prohibited in KSA.
Imitation/Fake/Counterfeit Products: The country observes high standards when it comes to products being brought into the Kingdom, and so be sure to only possess genuine or authentic products, especially when these merchandises are intended to be put on sale.
What are the Restricted Items in Saudi Arabia?
Cash amounting to or exceeding SAR 60,000: Any amount of cash (in local or foreign currency), which may come in the form of notes, checks, or bonds will have to be declared upon arrival in the Kingdom.
Medications: Any form of personal medication must be presented in its original packaging, bearing the notes and prescription from your doctor. A representative from the Ministry of Health may also have to handle and inspect the medicine.
Electronic Gadgets: These include phones, modems, radio, transmitters, etc. Even if you have brought any of these devices for personal use, they may be checked for any potential “offensive” material (see Prohibited items above).
Pets: Traveling with pet animals in the Kingdom will require a health certificate and vaccination records approved by a Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate. Furthermore, upon arrival in the country, your pet would need to be inspected by a quarantine expert first. Similarly, importing birds into the Kingdom would require a permit from the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development.
Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives, and All Types of Blades: As these materials easily fall under the category of dangerous and bodily harm-inflicting products, these will need permission from and be proven necessary by the Ministry of Interior to be brought into the country.
It’s important that you understand the restrictions that come with travelling into the country with certain items (intentionally or otherwise), so as not to find yourself in a situation compromising your personal safety as well as the public’s.
Travelling to new places for the first time will require some level of adjustment in the case of the visitor, as we very well know that no two countries are the same no matter how close they are in the region, or similar they are in their form of government, society, or lineage.
It is for this reason that we need to be informed and sensitive enough to do what the locals expect us to, when sharing the experience of being or living in the same country as unique individuals. And when visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is considered as one of the most culturally diverse and socially conservative countries in the Gulf Region, there are certain things that we need to take note of.
Basic Things to Note for First-Time Travellers in Saudi Arabia
And while the purpose of travelling is to get a more in-depth learning experience of other cultures, knowing some of the basics beforehand will oftentimes keep you out of trouble and help you enjoy your trip in a country such as Saudi Arabia, especially when it’s only your first visit to the Kingdom:
Society
Islam is Saudi’s official religion, and the curriculum in the Kingdom is focused on the study of their religion, as no other religion or form of faith is tolerated or to be practiced inside the Kingdom.
Unlike other countries in the region, Saudi Arabia does not have a constitution; the state is instead governed according to Sharia (Islamic Law).
Saudi’s form of government is a monarchy, with the King serving as both the Head of State and Government. The current king is King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who is also called the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Saudi Arabia is split into 13 administrative regions, and these are further divided into 118 governorates.
In Saudi Arabia, punishments for serious crimes include amputation, beheading, hanging, and stoning.
Abdul Aziz ibn Saud named his captured territories Saudi Arabia after unifying them in 1932.
Customs and Traditions
Men wear white cotton robes called a thob with a colorful kerchief called a ghutra as their headgear.
Women wear a black robe known as an abaya while their heads are covered by a black veil.
Traditionally, men were the only ones allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. Women were not allowed to drive until 2013 or even travel abroad without a male relative’s or spouse’s approval.
Aside from a black veil, women traditionally wear a mask, known as a burka or batula, to cover their faces in public. Meanwhile, Saudi men wear an Igal, or two intertwined black cords that form a ring, on their heads.
Any type or form of alcoholic product is strictly forbidden inside the kingdom.
Men and women cannot be seen together in public that even in elevators, men and women should not be seen together or else they face interrogations from the Mutaweens, the Islamic Religious Police. Only in hospitals can men mingle with women in public.
Men take pride in having thick beards and moustaches, as these represent their devotion to their faith and to show that they are pious and religious. In Saudi society, the longer and thicker the beard, the more pious a man is.
The most common food in the Kingdom is kabsa, a rice dish mixed with raisins, nuts, and spices.
Pork is strictly forbidden in the Kingdom; no one can sell or eat pork.
Living in Saudi
Diesel is much cheaper than water; the price of a litre of diesel is more or less half the price of a litre of water.
Even though taxis have meters to measure the fare for the trip, it is quite common to bargain the price for a certain distance with the driver.
Commercial establishments and public places stop activity during times when “salah” is practiced. Salah is Arabic for prayer.
In Saudi Arabia, there is no income tax deducted from salary coming from jobs in the Kingdom.
While there are no direct taxes imposed in the Kingdom, a 5% value-added tax (VAT) has already been put into effect since 2018, making Saudi Arabia together with the UAE as the first GCC countries to impose VAT in the region.
Foreigners must carry their work permit at all times to avoid question and interrogation by police if caught without one.
In Saudi Arabia, the work week starts on Saturday and ends on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Thursdays and Fridays are considered the official weekend.
The way of writing is from right to left as opposed to the Western way of writing, which is from left to right.
“Sadik” is the Arabic word for friend; however, it is used casually that everyone calls each other Sadik, even if they’ve just met or simply to greet each other in public.
Most importantly, religion is a taboo topic. Religion is extremely sacred in Saudi Arabia.
And there we have it, even if we’ve only covered the basics, you’ll find these things extremely helpful in certain situations at work, or even during a visit or a vacation in the Kingdom.
As opposed to what some people think of the Middle East, the region is made up of different unique countries with their own cultural identities and distinct traditions.
If you’re planning to visit the region, or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular, there are some considerations or things that you need to keep in mind so that you can enjoy what the Kingdom has to offer to the fullest. This short guide will help you gain some insight on what you can expect about life in Saudi Arabia.
5 Reasons to Visit Saudi Arabia
As the Kingdom has now begun to open to visitors, as reflected by the government’s decision to issue tourist visas, there’re plenty of good reasons why foreign nationals should go visit the Kingdom at least once in their lives, but in this post, we’ll only share our top 5:
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
It’s a Spiritual Haven for Muslims.
Part of the travel experience is to get a closer look at the worldviews and traditions of the people in the place that you’re visiting, and Saudi Arabia is no exemption to the rule. Mecca and Medina are Islam’s holiest cities, cherished by over 1 billion Muslims around the globe.
Mecca is home to the Kaaba, the cubical building that was first built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael, while Medina has the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims believe is the final messenger of God in a long chain of messengers including Moses and Jesus.
Despite these two cities being off-limits to non-Muslims, they are a must-see for believers of the faith. The spirituality, history, and the sense of unity you get from this visit can be overwhelmingly emotional if not empowering.
This is even more emphasized during Hajj, when as many as 3 million Muslims gather for a deeply personal – yet collective – experience, a journey in which all become equal before Allah.
Credits: ActiveSteve/Flickr
It Offers a Rare Glimpse of Pre-Islamic Arabia
Saudi has astonishing pre-Islamic sites, including three recent discoveries that changed how we understand history: Al-Magar in the south, estimated to be around 9,000 years old; an 85,000 year-old human footprint; and the mind-boggling Phironic inscription of Ramses III found in the north.
Alternatively, you can also explore an array of pre-Islamic rock art in Hail province covering 10,000 years of history, or see the astonishing 111 monumental tombs of Mada’in Saleh, an all-time favourite for travellers. The sheer size of the tombs and the level of craft work is enough to create inspiration from the Kingdom’s immensely rich culture and history.
Credits: Wajahat Mahmood/Flickr
There’s Much Diversity to Enjoy
Let’s take a look at the figures: around one-third of the population in the Kingdom is composed of a multitude of nationalities from around the globe, as local citizens are diverse, coming from very different backgrounds, as well. This can be observed as you travel across the Kingdom.
Saudi also has a diverse history: from sites related to local rulers, such as the Barzan area in Hail, Shubra palace in Taif, and the very popular Masmak Fort in Riyadh, to sites related to Islam’s grand empires, including a dam from the Umayyad Empire, the Abbasid Darb Zubayada, and the Ottoman castle of Tabuk.
Credits: prilfish/Flickr
Scuba-Diving is a Specialty in the Kingdom
Looking onto the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia offers an endless array of beaches, many of which are still hidden and untouched. Local guides now offer boat trips from cities such as Jeddah, Yanbu and Al-lith, with a number of sites having shipwrecks, some even dating to ancient times.
Unbeknownst to many, the Red Sea offers top diving experiences, warm temperatures and great visibility. Out in the sea, you can encounter sharks, barracudas, rays, turtles, morays and a plethora of colourful reef-dwelling fish. Dolphins can also be commonly spotted while sailing.
With a mega project on the Red Sea coast already in the pipeline, Saudi Arabia is looking to give competitors a serious run for their money.
Tip: While you’re out frolicking in the beaches, it’s also a great idea to go bird watching as the both the Red Sea and the Gulf coasts are home to some exquisite avian species located in the region.
Credits: marviikad/Flickr
There’s Much Greenery than Meets the Eye.
It’s a well-known fact that Saudi Arabia is a famous Kingdom in the desert, but there’s more to it than meets the eye, including a variety of landscapes and environments where there’re actually plenty of greeneries! If you’re cynical about it, be sure to check out the mountains in in the west and south where you’ll discover amazing locations for lovers of nature, history, heritage and photography.
Commune with nature when you visit mountain cities such as Taif, Baha and Tabuk (where it snows!) – a stark contrast with the common images of the Saudi desert.
However, if you’re all about the most stunning sceneries Saudi nature has to offer, then it would be great for you to visit the city of Abha in the south, with its breathtaking over-the-clouds views in Saudi’s highest peak, Jabal Sawda. Furthermore, Abha has been chosen as the capital of Arab tourism in 2017, and offers a number of parks, historic sites and festivals, which makes it a trip not to be missed!
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as ancient and enchanting as it may sound, has been known for many things – most of which have something to do with the Kingdom’s unique culture and traditions. Other than being the holy destination for hajj, an obligation among Muslims at least once in their lifetime, the Kingdom is also known for its beautiful architecture as seen in their masjids (mosques) and ancient palaces, where the people of the Kingdom’s high society used to dwell.
Most of what remained of these buildings though have either been converted into museums or preserved as places for national heritage. In this post, we will take a look at one of the Kingdom’s preserved heritage sites, the King Abdul Aziz Palace in the province of Makkah.
Credits: Saudi Tourism Authority
King Abdul Aziz Palace: A Feat of Great Design & Rich History
Perhaps one of the oldest and most significant locations in terms of history and architectural value throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the King Abdul Aziz Palace in Al-Muwayh in Makkah province, which was built in as early as 1357 — a structure of stone in an ancient Islamic architectural style amid the ruins of mud houses.
The palace had been the residence of the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdul Aziz. According to historical records, King Abdul Aziz used to rest in it during his trips between Riyadh and Makkah on his way to Hajj, Umrah or summer vacation.
Furthermore, according to the King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), the palace occupied an area of 14,850 square meters and played a significant role in turning the arid desert into a modern city with decent living standards that it is today.
Al-Muwayh, a name derived from the Arabic word “Ma’a” which means water, is 180 kilometres east of Taif. As per records, King Abdul Aziz rested in this village several times during his quest to unite the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Whenever King Abdul Aziz arrived in Al-Muwayh, he was received by its governor, judge and the governorate’s officials. In addition to meeting them and urging them to look into the citizens’ issues, the king would also meet the locals, discuss their concerns, and explore their needs, most of which had been hosted in the palace.
Darha pointed out that the palace was designed in different forms to serve as a stronghold and defensive fort in the area, requiring a structure with outstanding architectural specifications, surrounded on all sides by walls built of black stone 4.5 meters high and 90 centimetres thick. The complex houses the royal palace, which is a rectangular building located on the western side of the citadel. The palace has two entrances, the first of which is the main entrance from the south. It contains several building blocks with 19 benches to the left after entering through the main north gate, the official “Al-Mokhtasar” assembly hall, a dining room, a bedroom and a toilet.
The complex also has a guest palace, which is a rectangular building adjacent to the royal palace to the east and is composed of a range of rooms overlooking the open courtyard with a 3.4-meter-wide main entrance from the north.
Additionally, the palace has several towers; two coffee-making rooms; toilets; lodgings for guests, guards, and servants; a gas station outside the southern side of the citadel; lodging for the gas station’s workers; and the residential palace, which is a rectangular building located at the centre of the citadel on the southern side.
Credits: Saudi Tourism Authority
The residential palace has six rooms, four of which are bedrooms and one is a living room, in addition to a kitchen, a storage room, and a toilet. The palace also has lodging for workers, while the towers and attached buildings accommodate the palace’s staff and their families. In some cases, these were used to accommodate non-official guests. Sheep sheds and warehouses for feed and firewood are located in the eastern part of the residential palace’s courtyard.
During the recent Eid celebrations, a great number of visitors trooped to the palace, where many enjoyed guided tours of the 80-year-old palace, which is currently being restored to preserve its ancient Islamic architectural style.
Part of what expats need to understand about moving into the Middle East is that much of the traditions and customs observed in countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are heavily defined by its laws based on their religion, Islam – from the food and work practices, to public decency, which deals with dressing up and behaviour in public, among others.
In this article, we will discuss the things which expats need to be reminded of in terms of dressing up, especially in public. Do note, however, that some places tend to be stricter than others when it comes to enforcing these rules. Nevertheless, it pays to know what are allowed and what are not, regardless of where you may be in the country.
What You Need to Know About the Dress Code in Saudi Arabia
Of course, there are separate restrictions for men and women, as with everything else here in Saudi Arabia. So we will take a look at the items allowed for men versus those that are not, as we will do the same for the women.
Men are allowed to wear the following in public:
Decent and smart clothing that does not reveal the shoulders and legs.
Office attire typically includes suits and ties (despite the heat!)
Men are NOT allowed to wear these in public:
Shorts and sleeveless tops, and those with obscene language or messages
Skinny jeans
Jewellery other than your wedding ring (if married) and a wrist watch
Wearing traditional Saudi outfit is not advisable as this may seem bizarre or even offensive behaviour to local Saudis.
Now for the women…
Women are allowed to wear the following in public:
Decent and smart clothing that covers the wrists, ankles, and chest
An abaya – a long cloak (usually black) that is put on top of your “regular” clothes; or
A hijab – which is similar to a headscarf for covering
Women are NOT allowed to wear these in public:
Tight and ill-fitting (body-hugging) clothing
See-through or very light fabric
Heavy make-up; remember… simplicity is the best.
Over the years, there have been many reforms regarding women’s rights and functions in society. Among these include allowing women to drive, to join the army, and assume roles that were traditionally designated only to men. Even the Saudi Crown Prince remarked that abayas “are not necessary” for women. Nevertheless, we want to be as respectful and decent as we can be in society, and to avoid offending others, especially the traditional Saudis.
In summary, the general rule when it comes to dressing up in public (as logic would tell us) is to be as smart and modest as you can when in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or anywhere in the Middle East, for that matter.
Also, note that the correct observance of dress code is monitored by the Matawain (religious police) who are responsible for the enforcement of modest dress code in accordance with Islamic law in the Kingdom.
It’s a known fact that many foreign nationals have been targeting to work in the Middle East for a long time now, mainly for the lucrative jobs available in countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among others.
However, while work standards and job opportunities are indeed appealing to foreign nationals, GCC nations almost always do not offer long-term residency to foreigners. However, with a few exemptions, that will soon change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at least.
Certain Expats Can Soon Avail Citizenship in Saudi Arabia
In a monumental decision, Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council approved a draft law known as the “Distinguished Iqama” (residency permit), which provides for qualified foreigners a number of privileges and benefits similar to what citizens enjoy, as shared in a report by the Saudi Gazette.
Under the new law, holders of the Distinguished Iqama will be eligible to have a family status and will be offered the following privileges, which include (but are not limited to):
obtaining visit visa for family members and relatives,
recruiting domestic workers,
owning properties such as real estate, businesses, and
having their own means of transport and other advantages.
The 41st ordinary session of the Council, chaired by its President Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh, announced the decision as part of the government’s efforts to attract affluent individuals by offering privileges and such special treatment, as do citizens in the Kingdom.
As the newly minted law is still in the process of being finalized by establishing its implementing rules and regulations (IRRs) to be reviewed and approved by the council thereafter, one of the apparent requirements for expats who wish to avail this residency permit is to pay a special fee as determined by the Executive Regulatory body from the ‘Center of Distinguished Iqama,’ a new center that will be established for the new law.
Other basic requirements include sufficient financial resources, certificate of no criminal record, health certificate, and a valid passport.
Interested and eligible individuals may apply for either two types of Iqamas: an Iqama good for an unlimited period, or an Iqama valid for one year, which can be renewed annually.
While the initial form of residency to be offered to foreigners apparently favours the rich, the basic explanation for this decision is to ensure that these individuals will be able to strongly contribute to the Kingdom’s growth and economy, and not to become a liability to its current system.
If you’re setting your sights on working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are a few things that you need to get acquainted with. Of course, there’s the culture and customs in the country, and then there’s work.
If you want to become great at your job and if you intend to make it as smooth-sailing for as long as you can, be sure to get to know about your rights as an employee and make sure that you understand the terms and provisions stated in your employment contract. This should provide you all the basic things that you need to achieve in your job, as well as the benefits that come along with it.
Get to Know About the Employment Contract in Saudi Arabia
By understanding you employment contract, you are one step closer to ensuring your success (and protection) at work.
Basically, your employment contract serves as a written agreement between you and your employer, so it’s important that you understand most parts (if not all) of it. Your contract will serve as your guide, indicating your job description, working hours, salary, and benefits, among others. The contract also details the terms and conditions you agree on prior to entering, ending, or renewing the work contract.
Here are the basic things that you need to note in your employment contract:
Entering a Contract
The contract must have several duplicates, one copy each for both the employer and the employee.
The contract must specify the name of the employer, workplace, name of employee, nationality, salary and benefits, date of employment, and duration of contract (if fixed).
Employment contract for non-Saudis should be based on a definite term. If the contract does not indicate the term, then the work permit shall serve as the legal basis for the duration of the contract.
Ending/Terminating the Employment Contract
Both the employer and employee agree to terminate the contract.
The term by which the contract is considered valid has already lapsed/expired (unless brought up for renewal).
The employee reaches the age of retirement (60 years for men and 55 years for women).
Force majeure or circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract.
The company has been shut down for good.
The party deciding to terminate the contract should still base their action on the notice period. Otherwise, they can be held liable to paying an amount equal to the worker’s salary for the remaining duration of the notice.
The employer will not be required to give an advance notice or settle indemnity if the employee:
Assaults the employer, manager, or any of his superiors.
Fails to perform essential obligations or follow legitimate orders despite written warnings.
Has committed grave misconduct or any actions with dishonesty or lack of integrity.
Has intentionally caused material loss to the company/employer.
Has committed forgery or falsification of official and legal documents.
Fails to report to work without valid reason for more than 15 consecutive days or more than 30 days in a year, despite written warnings.
Discloses work-related confidential information.
On the other hand, the employee may leave their job without notice if the employer:
Fails to fulfill his obligations based on the contract.
Resorts to fraud at the time the contract was being established.
Requires the employee to perform a task or a role without their consent that is entirely different from the nature of the work agreed upon.
Assaults or commits an indecent act on the employee.
Treats employees with cruelty, injustice, or insult.
Fails to enforce measures to address serious work hazards despite knowing about them.
Causes the employee to appear as the one who terminated the contract.
Understanding the Probation Period
The contract must clearly state how long an employee is placed on probation at work.
This period should not go beyond 90 days, although this may reach up to 180 days, as specified in a written agreement between both parties.
The employee cannot be placed under probation more than once under the same employer.
The employer or employee may terminate the contract during this period, unless the contract specifies otherwise.
If the work contract is terminated during this period, neither the employer nor the employee will be held liable to any payment or compensation.
The above details are just some of the things that you need to know regarding your employment contract in Saudi Arabia. If there are still other concerns that you would like to raise or clarify, it would be best to bring it up with your prospective agency or employer. Good luck!
Disclaimer: The details provided in this article are for information-sharing purposes only and should not be considered as the legal basis for any employment-related concerns. To know more about the employment contract under the Saudi Labour Law, you may visit the official website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for specific details.
For many years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been one of the most preferred work destinations of OFWs and expats alike.
However, with changes as to the tax schemes in the country as well as the government’s position on the shift of labour employment to locals known as “Saudization”, foreign nationals are starting to look for other places such as Bahrain or the UAE to find work opportunities. But those who are given the chance to work in the Kingdom should understand Saudi Arabia’s labour laws as well as observances of public holidays as this would determine their use of leaves, which is also sanctioned by the law.
List of 2019 Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia
And while there aren’t as many holidays in KSA as compared to other Muslim countries in the region, it’s still just as important to know like elsewhere in the world.
Of note, Saudi Arabia also follows moon patterns or lunar sightings in determining the dates of public holidays. And while there can be speculations as to when holidays would normally fall in a year, government authorities will have to release official dates for uniformity and compliance across the Kingdom.
For 2019, public holidays/observances are expected to fall within these dates:
Beginning of Ramadan – May 6th (Monday)*
Eid Al Fitr – June 5th (holiday until the 8th, Saturday)*
Eid Al Adha – August 12th (Monday)*
Islamic New Year – September 1st (Sunday)*
National Day – September 23rd (Monday)
Birthday of the Prophet Mohammad – November 10th (Sunday)*
Note: Dates with asterisks (*) are still subject to change, based on the actual sightings of the moon.
For some of the above-listed holidays, the number of days without work depends on whether you work in the public or private sector. For safe measure, always watch out for official announcements, and plan your vacation leaves ahead of time with some leeway for adjustments depending on when the holiday would actually fall every year.
With the limited number of public holidays and observances in the Kingdom, it’s all the more important to plan your travels and trips (back home). Otherwise, you can always take comfort in the fact that working on a holiday also has its perks. And these are things that every employee must know wherever they may be in the world, so as not to be taken advantage of or discriminated against.
As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been among the top destinations for work among expats for quite some time now, going to this country for whatever purpose you may have should not be a very difficult thing to do, especially since the country has invested in its basic services including public transportation, which aims to give the citizens as well as expats an easier time to adjust to life in the country.
And just like most modern nations, KSA has invested in infrastructure, in the same way that the government has accommodated more businesses to be established in the country, and with all these advancements — the other sectors of society must also keep in step with the progress.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Getting Around the KSA via Public Transportation
It’s just great to note that the country has a well-developed transportation network, which makes it easy for everyone to travel from one place to another. It’s also quite impressive to note that KSA has invested much of its riches on public infrastructures such as roads and bridges. This only makes travelling within the country an experience worth having.
And while eligible people can take private vehicles to get around the city, those who opt to take public transport are provided with safe, comfortable, and affordable travel options:
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
By Air
Arriving in the Kingdom’s capital, Riyadh, you would find the King Khalid International Airport. However, if we are talking about the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia, then it would have to be the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah. This airport is connected to most major international airlines as well as to other airports within the country and the region. Furthermore, the airport in the capital also accommodates domestic flights provided by the country’s flag carrier, Saudia Airlines.
Credits: saptco.com.sa
Buses
You would find that the majority of buses plying the city are under the operation of the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO). The company offers transport services within Dammam, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Riyadh.
The standard bus fare per passenger is SAR 2. You can simply place your fare inside the fare box as you board the bus, or purchase tickets beforehand at the bus station or any transport ticket outlets.
Of note, SAPTCO also provides inter-city transport services, which connect major cities and available international routes, as well. On the other hand, you will also find other independent bus operators servicing other areas and destinations within the country.
Credits: saptco.com.sa
Trains
At present, a metro rail transport service is still under construction. SAPTCO is working with RATP Dev, a leading international metro rail and public transport service provider. The partnership aims to establish metro and heavy rail networks all over the country.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Taxis
And if you’re really in a big hurry, you can always hail a taxi anywhere to get you practically around the city. Most of the taxis in the Kingdom are white in colour and are metered with a base fare starting at SAR 5.
As the government is still working on a couple of major transportation projects as of the moment, it’s safe to say that as for the public transportation in the Kingdom: the best is yet come. Meanwhile, be sure to check out your other travel options for a more convenient and efficient experience (and stay) while in the country.
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