(Last updated: 27 March 2012)
Visiting
Business hours
Offices are open between 8.00am–2.00pm, Saturday to Wednesday. Some companies may reopen for several hours in the evening and or Thursday mornings.
Banks are open between 8.00am–noon, Saturday to Thursday, however, these hours are subject to prayer times.
Retailers close after noon prayer and reopen around 4.00pm–9.00pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Ministries are usually open between 8.30am–2.00pm, Saturday to Wednesday.
All public institutions close for prayer for about half an hour, five times per day. Prayer times change as they are determined by the position of the sun, but the following times gives some indication: dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and about one-and-a-half hours after sunset.
Public holidays
2013
August 7 – Eid Al-Fitr
August 8 – Eid Al-Fitr
August 11 – Eid Al-Fitr
September 23 – Saudi National Day
October 15 – Eid Al Adha
October 16 – Eid Al Adha
October 17 – Eid Al Adha
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. Generally, if a holiday falls on a Friday, a day is given in lieu.
Climate
Saudi Arabia is a desert country with very high temperatures (up to 50°C) during the summer months (late June to mid- September). Coastal areas have a high humidity level, whereas Riyadh in the centre of the country is very dry. For the remainder of the year, the climate is temperate with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C, although in Riyadh they can drop to just above freezing point at night during winter.
For weather details in Saudi Arabia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The currency is the Saudi Arabian Riyal.
Time zones and time differences
Saudi Arabia is seven hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Riyadh, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Saudi Arabia's country code is 966.
For calls to Saudi Arabia from Australia dial: 0011 + 966 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Saudi Arabia to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Saudi Arabia’s power supply is 110 volts, 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires – although it is common to find 220 volt outlets as well. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.