Airport
Jeddah International Airport is 35 km from the city. No bus transportation.

Visas
There is no such thing as a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia. The only way to enter the country is with a visitor's, transit or (if you're Muslim) hajj or umrah visa. To get a visitor's visa you will have to be sponsored by a Saudi individual or company. Your other option is a 24 or 48-hour transit visa - to get one you have to prove that you had no choice other than to stop-over in Saudi Arabia en route to your final destination.

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Currency
The Saudi Arabian currency is the Riyal, which is divided into 100 halalas. Notes are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500. There is a coin system but it is rarely used except of telephones. One US Dollar is approximately worth 3.75 Saudi Riyals.

Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted in banks, main hotels, larger shops, restaurants and airlines.

Tipping
Optional where service charges are included in the bill, at other places, 5 % to 10 %

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Useful Numbers
Fire 998
Ambulance 997
Police 999
Road Accidents 993
Tel. Maintenance 904
Tel. Directory/Info 905
Speaking Clock 961/963
Telex Maintenance 930
Drug Traffic Control 995

Electricity
110V, 50Hz though you will find 220V outlets,

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Health Risks
No particular risks, but you should consider vaccinations for hepatitisA

Time Zone
GMT/UTC plus 3 hours

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Business Hours
The working week is Saturday to Wednesday, although some offices and businesses also operate on Thursday morning.
Government Offices: open from 7.30 am to 2.30 p.m.
Banks: open 8.00 a.m. to 12 noon and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Private Businesses: open 8.00 a.m. to 12 noon and 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
All businesses close for the five prayers during the day.

Holidays
2008
23 Sep Saudi National Day.
2 Oct Eid al-Fitr/ Djoulde Soumae (Ramadan ends).
9 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

2009
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr/ Djoulde Soumae (Ramadan ends).
23 Sep Saudi National Day.
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

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Climate
Jeddah's climate is generally humid reaching 98% sometimes. Average temperatures are 23o C in January and 32o C in July.

Clothing
The religion and customs of Saudi Arabia dictate conservative dress for both men and women. Foreigners are given some leeway in the matter of dress, but they are expected to follow local customs, particularly in public places. As a general rule, foreign men should wear long trousers and shirts that cover the upper torso. Foreign women should wear loose fitting skirts with hemlines well below the knee. Sleeves should be at least elbow length and the neckline modest. The best fashion guideline is "conceal rather than reveal". Teenagers are also required to dress modestly in public places. Jeans should not be tight fitting and low necks and tank tops are not recommended. Shorts and bathing suits should not be worn in public.
Non-Muslim women living in Saudi Arabia often wear the abayah as a sign of respect for local customs.

GDP Growth Rate
-9%

Inflation
0%

Imports
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles

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Exports
petroleum and petroleum products

Trading Partners
US, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, UK, South Korea, Singapore, India

Industries
The Petrochemical Industry is well-developed, as well as the
Textile & Leather, Basic Nonmetal, Foodstuff and Wood Industries.

Teledensity
9.62%

Government
Form of Government: Monarchy
Head of Government: King

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Geography
In 1947, Jeddah occupied an area of 1 km2, but following its civic and architectural development, this area has increased to 560 km2 and its Red Sea paved coastline stretches 80 km from north to south.
geographical position:
21.30N, 39.10E

Population
Saudi Arabia: 27.6 million
Jeddah: 1,800,000

Ethnic Groups
Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Languages
Arabic is the main language in the country and is the language used in all official departments. English is the second language and can be seen on street signs and advertisements. Most of the younger and many of the older generations speak English moderately well so communication is not a problem.

Literacy
78.8%

Religion
Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia and culture revolves almost entirely around it - two of Islam's holiest sites are in the country, and it is considered the birthplace of the religion. A monotheistic religion, Islam's holy book is the Qur'an, and Friday is its Sabbath day. Every day, five times a day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques that dot the country. Islam derives from the same monotheistic roots as Judaism and Christianity, and Muslims generally regard Christians and Jews with respect - in Islam, Jesus is regarded as one of the Prophets of Allah, and Jews and Christians are considered fellow 'people of the Book'. Mohammed was the last Prophet, and it was to him that Allah dictated the Qur'an. The Qur'an is Saudi Arabia's constitution, and Shari'ah (Islamic law) is the foundation of its legal system. The only non-religious festival is the Jinadriyah National Festival of folklore and culture, held every February.