What to Expect in the First 30 Days in Saudi Arabia
Posted by: AdminMH
May 09, 2019
Respect for Religion
Islamic religious value are greatly respected in Saudi Arabia. Showing any disrespect towards religious beliefs or practices is considered deeply offensive and very likely to result in a heavy fine and/or imprisonment. Other religious are respected and can be followed by the expatriate community.
Women, if out in public, are required to wear at least an abaya over her normal clothes. Men don’t have as many restrictions or as strict dress code to adhere to. Expatriate men don’t need to wear the traditional dress that Saudi men wear. But, same as with the women, the rule to stick to is to be modestly dressed at all times. When out in public, men need to ensure that their legs and shoulders are covered.
Muslims are to pray five times a day – at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day and also on news on TV. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.
During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Non-Muslims are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.
Every evening during Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the breaking of their fast with an evening meal called Iftar.
Saudi Price Guide
|
Accommodation (monthly rent in good area)
|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
SAR 1,319.76 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
SAR 975.21 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
SAR 2,354.69 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
SAR 1,776.42 |
|
Groceries
|
| Milk (1 liter) |
SAR 4.58 |
| Loaf of fresh white bread |
SAR 2.38 |
| Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), (1kg) |
SAR 18.52 |
| Eggs (dozen) |
SAR 7.69 |
| Cigarettes |
SAR 24 |
|
Utilities
|
| Mobile call rate |
SAR 0.46 per minute |
| Internet with TV and landline |
SAR 235.98 per month |
| Electricity and water per person |
SAR 252.49 per month |
|
Eating Out
|
| Three-course dinner in mid-range restaurant |
SAR 80 |
| McMeal at McDonalds |
SAR 22 |
| Cappuccino (regular) |
SAR 10.51 |
| Beer |
SAR 4.32 |
|
Transportation
|
| Taxi rate |
SAR 10 |
| Bus fare |
SAR 3 |
| Petrol per liter |
SAR 1.41 |
Follow essential rules of the road and Paying Fines
Fines not less than (SAR 500) and not more than (SAR 900) in the following:
- Driving a vehicle without driving license
- Driving a vehicle without back plate (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation)
- Driving on the opposite direction
- Moving fast, recklessly between vehicles on public roads
- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 klm/h
- Overtaking vehicles in curves and uphill(s)
- Uncovering, untying transported loads
- Non-stopping completely at the stop signal
- Not stopping at the signal driving priority ahead if there are vehicles moving on a priority road
- Allowing no priority to vehicles moving on the right side when they reach the intersection where there are equal movement priorities, when there are no priority signals
- Allowing no priority of movement for vehicles on the main road if there no priority signals
- Violating traffic police hand signals while organizing traffic and not giving his hand signals priority to traffic lights
- Allowing no priority of movement for vehicles in a roundabout by the vehicles outside it in the absence of lights signals or traffic policeman who organizes traffic
- Endangering lives by driving a vehicle without breaks or necessary equipment (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation)
- Not using necessary lights at night or while driving in bad weather conditions
- Driving vehicle inside tunnels without lights
Source:
Gulf Law | http://www.gulflaw.info/index.php