SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia can be found in the Middle East. It is a fairly rich country due to the large oil reserves. It wields a lot of power from an economical perspective but despite the many Western and modern influences, the country continues to be very traditional. The country’s population usually follows a strict Islamic lifestyle. Entertainment and fun are enjoyed in a completely different way than we do. If you are prepared to adjust, you will find that the population is very welcoming. The country’s culture is interesting as are the different regions and their surrounding areas: from deserts to mountain landscapes.

Climate/working climate
Saudi Arabia is amongst the driest and hottest countries in the world. Temperature, rainfall and atmospheric humidity are different for each region. It is hot and humid in the summer months in the west and east with maximum temperatures that can get as high as 42° C. Winters are also fairly hot with an average temperature of 16° C. It is considerably cooler in the mountainous regions both during the summer and the winter. The interior has a dry continental climate with large temperature fluctuations. Maximum temperatures that rise above 50° C are not an exception in the summer while the winter is cool with temperatures around freezing point at night. The interior and the east coast are regularly plagued by sand storms.

Working in Saudi Arabia is completely different to working in the Netherlands
The busy, busy and fast, fast mindset does not apply in any way. The moment you want something does not necessarily mean that you will be able to achieve it. The basic thing is whether Allah also wills it. In addition, the working day is interrupted six times to pray. People will simply stop what they are doing and pull out their rugs to pray. Telephone calls will go unanswered and shops will be closed.

Facts and Figures
Capital city: Riyadh
Area: 2,000,000 km², 52 x the size of the Netherlands
Population: 24,200,000
Time zone: GMT/UTC +3
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SRIs)
Languages: Arabic and English

If you want to know more, visit:
www.saudiembassy.net