Economy :
Agriculture and livestock raising have historically been the basic economic activities of Saudi Arabia, but since the development of the oil industry, the government has sought to diversify its industrial base and improve its basic economic structure, developing roads, airports, seaports, and the power industry. Through a sharp increase in oil prices beginning in 1973, Saudi Arabia began to amass a tremendous cash reserve. The government used its newfound wealth to transform its economy at a rate almost without precedent in modern history. A lack of trained and skilled labor was partially offset by millions of guest workers. By the mid-1980s, however, oil prices were in decline as a system of production quotas created by oil-exporting nations began to break down, and high prices encouraged exploration and development of oil reserves elsewhere. Saudi Arabia began to spend more than it took in, drawing down its cash reserves. By the mid-1990s continued declines in oil sales forced the Saudi government to reduce expenditures. Residents anticipated a reduction in government subsidies on telephone calls and public services, and consideration was given to privatization of some government assets.

The estimated annual budget in the mid-1990s included revenues of about $39 billion and expenditures of about $50 billion. Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2000 was $173.3 billion. The government was the largest employer in Saudi Arabia in the mid-1990s, engaging about 34 percent of the workforce. Industry employed 28 percent, including 5 percent in the oil industry, while 22 percent were in trade and other services, and 16 percent in agriculture or fishing.

Local time :
GMT +4 hours.

Language :
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken. German and French are spoken by hotel staff.
Arabic is spoken and understood in various forms by millions of people throughout the Middle East and beyond. It is one of the official languages of the United Nations. Classical Arabic, the language of the Muslim holy book, the Qur'an, is used only in writing and rarely in speech. A standardized modern Arabic is used for newspapers, for television and, with local variations, for conversation. Basic conversational Arabic is not difficult to learn.

Banks :
The unit of currency is the Saudi Riyal (SR) which is divided into 100 halalahs. Notes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 riyals. There are also one riyal coins. The riyal is quoted in US dollars but is based on Special Drawing Rights (SDR).
As the SDR/Dollar rate varies, so the official Riyal/Dollar rate is revalued at intervals to keep within a narrow band of $1=SR3.75. There is no restriction on converting the riyal or transferring money outside the country. Most foreign currencies can be converted against the Saudi riyal. Commercial banks exist throughout the country and in addition, money-changers deal in foreign currencies and often offer banking transactions.
Banking hours vary slightly from bank to bank but the typical hours are:
Saturday to Wednesday: 0800-1230 and 1700-1900. Thursday 0900-1230
Money-changers work longer hours.
Changing money is easy, as are currency transfers. Newspapers carry daily exchange rates for the major currencies against the Saudi riyal.

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.

Postal Service :
It is essential to use postal codes for all mail. Stamps are available at all post offices and other designated outlets.

Telegraph :
Telex and Fax: available at 24 hour telegraph service and telex facilities are available in the main Post Office and major hotels.

Internet :
Internet service is available in Cyber Cafes and major hotels.

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

Transport :
Air - Because of the long distances which separate the main towns of the country, air travel is often the most convenient and practical way to travel within the Kingdom. The national airline, Saudia, operates a comprehensive network of domestic flights. From Riyadh to Jeddah is a flight of just over an hour; from Riyadh to Dhahran on the east coast is a flight of just under an hour. There are about 24 domestic airports in the Kingdom and charter flights are available for transportation to some of the more remote desert sites.

Saudi Arabia has three international airports (pictured):

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah
King Fahad International Airport in Dhahran

Besides serving Saudia, these airports also serve a large number of international airlines. From all main airports there is limousine service to the traveller's destination. There is also a regular SAPTCO (Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company) bus service from the airports to various hotels and the centre of town.

Rail :
A train service with first-class air-conditioned carriages runs daily between Riyadh and Dammam on the east coast.

Bus : SAPTCO (Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company) operates bus services with most towns and between the larger cities. The buses are comfortable and the fares are reasonable, generally lower than in the US or Europe. Each bus has a special section for women and children.

Taxis : Transport within the cities is not difficult as frequent taxis operate at reasonable, government-regulated fares which are metered.

Car Rental - Cars can be rented in most towns in Saudi Arabia. Residents of the Kingdom should hold a valid Saudi driver's licence. Visitors should have either a current driver's licence from their home country or an International licence. Right-hand driving, as in the USA, is the rule.