Saudi Arabia, with a land area of 756,981 sq mi (1,960,582 sq km) occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula, with the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba to the west, and the Arabian (Persian) Gulf to the east. Neighboring countries are Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, Yemen, and Bahrain, connected to the Saudi mainland by a causeway.

In general, expatriates live comfortably in terms of basic needs. Modern supermarkets and specialized stores provide most necessities. In Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah are shopping malls that cater to every need. 

Shopping
Due to the international composition of the population in most of the towns and cities, shops offer a wide selection of merchandise to fill just about every taste and need. Although there is little import tax on many items, prices tend to be rather expensive for certain categories of goods because of high transportation costs. However, some items including electrical products and subsidized foodstuffs such as bread, flour, rice and sugar may cost considerably less than in the home country.

Shops open generally from 9:00 AM to midday and again from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. All shops close during prayer times, which are regulated by sunrise and sunset and vary each day.  All places of business will close five times a day for prayer.  The prayer times change daily and are published in the local newspaper.  During Ramadan, the shops are closed (grocery stores are open) during the day, open later during the day and close at 2:00 AM.

In addition to the modern supermarkets which stock all the familiar brands, there are also many small corner shops called "bakalla" where essential items can be purchased at almost any time of the day.  While prices in the smaller shops tend to be cheaper, choices can be limited.

Visiting the souks, or traditional markets, to bargain for goods is a popular pastime. Souks tend to specialize and congregate by category of product such as gold, silver, rugs, clothes, spices, hardware and footwear. This is very evident in Dammam. Gold is sold by weight and cost is generally dictated by the quoted market price. Specialized cosmetics and perfumes, video and music cassettes are widely available and at a very reasonable price. 

For some shops, bargaining or asking for discounts is advisable.  Haggling is acceptable and oftentimes expected.  Going around several stores is also a good practice.  For bulk or volume purchases, shoppers can split the items among friends.

Unlike in western stores, returns and exchanges are not allowed. Few stores have dressing rooms for women to try on clothes.  Returns on clothes are allowed if a buyer asks permission beforehand to return them if they do not fit.

Dining Out
All Western, Oriental and Far Eastern tastes are catered for.  There are many good fine dining restaurants, and many hotels have good dining outlets.  A number of international fast-food restaurants have branches.  For those interested in ethnic fare for the various nationalities, there many Indian, Thai, Lebanese, Filipino and other restaurants catering to all tastes.   Most food establishments also offer delivery services.

Money and Banking
The monetary unit of Saudi Arabia is Saudi Riyal (SR, or SAR), which is linked to the U.S. dollar. The riyal is freely convertible into other currencies and there are no restrictions on the amount of money that may be remitted to, or from, the country.

One may purchase travelers' cheques and certified cheques from any of the banks in all major world currencies. While credit cards are accepted in many shops and restaurants, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa being the more popular ones, Saudi is very much a cash-based society.  Few employees would use a chequebook though many operate bank accounts.  Banks generally offer 24-hour ATM services.

As banking, taxation and investment are personal and private matters and not a concern of the company, each employee is advised to take professional advice and make their personal arrangements prior to departure to Saudi Arabia.

It is also useful to be aware that while many of the exchange companies offer good exchange rates by comparison to the banks, their cheques are only cheques and are not certified or guaranteed as are bank drafts and on occasions there have been difficulties with these cheques.

Employees who have been entitled to housing allowances have a choice of securing their own flats or to share a flat with others.  Housing allowances are generally 25% of the employee's basic monthly salary.

There are two types of flats: those for bachelors and those for families.   Bachelor flats may range from SR8,000 to SR12,000 a year while adequate family flats may go up to around SR14,000 to SR16,000 a year.  Bigger flats for those who require them may go as high as SR20,000 to SR24,000 a year.

Most flats are generally bare with kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures already installed.  A tenant can generally make improvements within the flat depending on the arrangement with the realtor.  Some may choose to live in furnished apartments which already feature modern furniture and amenities.  Some employees may also qualify to live in Zamil Village, which is an enclosed compound.

Flats are leased on three-, six-, or twelve-month periods.  An employee must present

• Iqama
• Employment certificate with Company seal issued by Personnel
• Proof of family status (for those leasing family accommodations)

And then pay the advance on the lease for the period specified in the agreement with the realtor.  Similar arrangements have also to be made as regards payment of water and electricity, as well as installation of telephone, satellite TV, and broadband internet services.

Expatriate employees may advance up to six months of their housing allowances during the first year of service and may advance the amount for the entire year on subsequent contracts.  This amount, however, shall be deducted from the employee should he terminate his employment with the Company before the end of the specified period.

In furnishing one's flat, an employee may seek the assistance of other employees who have used or excess furniture and household appliances and equipment.  In order to avoid excessive spending, an employee can also go to the "haraj" or flea market in Khobar or Dammam and get bargains on furniture, appliances, and other household sundries.  Bulk purchases on household items are also available in many major stores.

It is advisable to take note of the electrical and safety specifications of the flat and the building.  Voltage in the Kingdom can be either 110 or 220.  Before purchasing and using any appliances, users should check and match voltages accordingly.   A surge protector for computers and other electronic equipment is highly recommended. 

Ensuring Privacy and Quality Home Life

It is prudent to be mindful of regulations in one's home while in Saudi Arabia.  In order to preserve harmony, one should be sensitive to the needs of the people in the vicinity.  If an employee has family living with him, he should also take care to remind his family members of some of the regulations within Saudi Arabia as well as within his particular apartment building.  This becomes even more important when one is sharing an apartment with other people, whether bachelors or families.

Many people have remarked about the safety they feel for their children. There is a "protected" atmosphere with regard to temptations and complexities of western life.

Searches of homes are considered illegal in Saudi Arabia if the authorities cannot present written authorization or good reason for such.  Any citizen or expatriate may resist unlawful search and refuse entry to police or religious authorities.

Schools

Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, arrangements for schooling of the children should be made.   There are various international schools operating under the respective Ministries of Education of their countries.  Employees should check with their local government authorities on accredited schools under their educational system before leaving.  Embassies of their home countries within Saudi Arabia should also be able to provide assistance.

There are various recreational activities such as sports, theater groups, and community organizations within and outside the housing compounds.  In the coastal areas, fishing and other water sports are popular. Each community develops clubs and activities based on common interests. There are no performing arts theaters, cinemas, or night clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Public Transportation

Employees living in camp are provided bus services daily.  From Rakkah Camp, there is also a service for shopping in Khobar on Monday and Thursday evenings.  Taxis are available and the flag-down rate is SR5.00, but in general one can bargain with the driver, depending on the distance, for a minimum of SR10.00.  On the main highways, for example from Dammam to Khobar and vice-versa, one can share taxis with other passengers and pay a minimum of SR2.00 on fare.  Passengers are enjoined to be aware of their fellow passengers and take all precautions for their safety.

Public buses are generally available but do not provide an immediate means of going around than taxis.  For those who drive their own cars, there is a separate section for this.

Train services to and from major urban centers in the Kingdom are available, as are airline flights.  For example, a one-way train ticket to Riyadh on air-conditioned coach is about SR40.

When traveling around the Kingdom, it is advisable to inform one's colleagues particularly if travel is prolonged and not work-related.  While a letter of authority is no longer required as it was previously, it is best to travel prepared - including taking note of the addresses, landmarks, and contact details of the people one is going to meet.  Emergency numbers of the Company GRO (government relations officer) as well as one's immediate supervisor should be with the traveler.

Driving in Saudi Arabia

All drivers should always have their driving licenses and the estimara (vehicle registration that must be renewed every three years) of the vehicle.

It is Company policy and a general safety habit for all drivers and passengers to use their seatbelts while traveling.  Drivers must advise their passengers to use the vehicle seatbelts.

Traffic regulations mandate drivers not to exceed 120 KPH.

Employees whose job duties require them to drive company vehicles go through the following process:

• Department must notify the Personnel department stating that the employee requires to drive a company vehicle. The Safety Supervisor then conducts a driving skills assessment.
• If the employee passes the internal driving test, the Government Relations Unit then prepares the documentation. Documentary requirements are as follows:
• Valid driving license issued in another country, if any.
• Translation of non-Arabic driving license.
• Photos
• Copy of Iqama and Passport.
• Results of an eye-test and blood-grouping test from a traffic-department-accredited clinic.
• The employee then has to take and pass a driving test administered by the Traffic Department.

 Employees driving their personal vehicle go through a similar process. However, they will initially have to submit a written request endorsed by the Department Manager regarding their intention to apply for a Saudi Driving license.

Paramedics and similar services are not available in the Kingdom to the private sector.  However, the Company, on its own and with arrangements with medical service providers, maintains emergency ambulances and transportation as needed by employees for medical emergencies.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, each employee should get in touch with Administration or Personnel Unit-in-Charge, as well as his immediate supervisor.  The most available and safest form of transport should be used to get to the closest medical facility.

When involved in an industrial accident, an employee must report to Administration immediately so that the same report could be filed with the government authorities for any treatment covered by GOSI.

Employees should inform the doctor about any allergies to medicines for himself or members of his family when going for treatment.

Immunizations

The following immunizations should be current for the employee and his dependents before departing or upon arrival in the Kingdom:

• Hepatitis B             
• Measles                
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Poliomyelitis          
• Mumps         
• Tetanus-Diphtheria

Some physicians may recommend additional vaccinations at certain times of the year, depending on living and working conditions or what countries to be visited.   These are not covered by medical benefits unless the employee travels on Company business. 

• Hepatitis A             
• Typhoid Fever
• Yellow Fever