Essential Details for Participants:
- Climate: A desert climate evolves the whole land, characterized by extreme temperature differences between day and night with an exception of the Asir mountains, with a more humid and temperate climate.
- Religion: Islam originated in Saudi, more specifically in Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad began receiving divine revelations, this is why the country has such deep rooted and conservative interpretation of both Islam and Islamic law or Sharia.
- Language: Their official tongue is Arabic thus other dialects of the same spread around the whole country. Over 80% of the population understands English and another significant part is able to speak the same.
- Culture: As mentioned, Saudi is a traditional country with deep values on Islam, respecting their prayer times by keeping silence is adequate. Dressing modestly with loose-fitting, covering shoulders and knees is appropriate for both men and women to show appreciation for the host country´s tradition.
- Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST) UTC +3. Saudi Arabia´s time remains constant all year.
- Currency: The Saudi Riyal is the official currency of the country. 1 Euro is equivalent to 4.33 SAR. 1 Dollar is equivalent to 3.75 SAR.
- Business Hours: The working week goes from Sunday to Thursday with most stores being open on Saturdays and Fridays after Friday prayer. Government working differs and starts at 7 am to finish at 2 pm.
- Travel to Riyadh: The main airport on the city and on the country as well is the King Khalid International Airport (RUH) at only 35 km from the city itself. It is well connected with the main European cities and has direct flights with various locations around the globe. The major airlines that provide this service are Saudia, Qatar Airways, Emirates or Etihad among others.
- Public Transport: Riyadh metro is currently under development, some lines might not be available during certain dates. Local taxis are reliable. Uber and Careem are also operative in the city.
- Telecommunications: +966 is the prefix in Saudi Arabia. Acquiring a SIM card can be done through your local phone carrier or on site from the airport or permitted stores in Riyadh. Revoult offers an eSIM service through their app that lets you select the amount of GB (Prices range from 4 to 38 euros)
WIFI is easily accessible in hotels and public stances.
- Electricity: The plug type used in the whole nation is Type G. The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 60Hz therefore A, B and C Type of plugs can be found.
- Important numbers: Saudi Ambulance- 997, Police number in Riyadh- 911, Tourism Call Center- 930, Saudi Public Security- 989, Municipal Services- 940