U.S. Department of State 
Background Notes:  Saudi Arabia, March 1995 
Bureau of Public Affairs 
 
 
March 1995 
Official Name:  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
 
PROFILE 
 
Geography 
 
Area:  1,960,582 sq. km. (1,176,349 mi.), about one-fourth the size of 
the continental United States.   
Cities:  Capital--Riyadh (pop. 2.5 million).  Other cities--Jeddah (1.6 
million), Makkah, (1.5 million), Dammam/Khobar/Dhahran, (1 million).   
Terrain:  Primarily desert with rugged mountains in the southwest.   
Climate:  Arid, with great extremes of temperature in the interior; 
humidity and temperature are both high along the coast. 
 
People 
 
Nationality:  Noun--Saudi(s).  Adjective--Saudi Arabian or Saudi.   
Population (1992 est.):  16.9 million  
(12.3 million Saudis, 4.6 million foreign nationals).   
Annual growth rate:  3.8%.   
Ethnic groups:  Arab (90% of native pop.), Afro-Asian (10% of native 
pop.).   
Religion:  Muslim.   
Language:  Arabic (official).   
Education:  Literacy--male 73%, female 48%.   
Health:  Infant mortality rate--38/1,000.  Life expectancy--male 65 
years, female 68 years.   
Work force:  5 million (60%-75% foreign workers).  Government--34%.  
Industry--28%.  Service and commerce--22%.  Agriculture--16%.  
 
Government 
 
Type:  Monarchy with Council of Ministers and Consultative Council.   
Unification:  September 23, 1932.   
Constitution:  None. 
Branches:  Executive--king (chief of state and head of government).  
Legislative--none; a Consultative Council with advisory powers was 
formed September 1993.  Judicial--Islamic Courts of First Instance and 
Appeals. 
Administrative divisions:  13 provinces. 
Political parties:  None.  
Flag:  Green and white, bears the Muslim creed in Arabic script:  "There 
is no God but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God."  Under the script 
is a horizontal white sword. 
 
Economy 
 
GDP (1992):  $121 billion.   
Annual growth rate (1992):  5% overall; non-oil share 5%.   
Per capita GDP:  $7,200.   
Natural resources:  Hydrocarbons, gold, uranium, bauxite, coal, iron, 
phosphate, tungsten, zinc, silver, copper. 
Agriculture (est. 9% of GDP):  Products--dates, grains, livestock, 
vegetables.  Cultivated land--1%. 
Industry (est. oil, 38% of GDP; non-oil, 62%):  petroleum, 
petrochemicals, cement, fertilizer, light industry. 
Trade (1992):  Exports--$47 billion:  $43 billion, petroleum and 
petroleum products; $4 billion, non-oil exports.  Imports--$30 billion:  
manufactured goods, transportation equipment, construction materials, 
processed food products.  Major trading partners--U.S., Japan, Western 
Europe. 
Official exchange rate:  3.75 Saudi riyals (SR)=U.S. $1. 
 
PEOPLE 
 
Saudi Arabia's 1992 population is estimated to be about 16.9 million, 
including about 4.6 million resident foreigners.  Until the 1960s, most 
of the population was nomadic or semi-nomadic; due to rapid economic and 
urban growth, more than 95% of the population now is settled.  Some 
cities and oases have densities of more than 1,000 people per square 
kilometer (2,600 per sq. mile). 
 
Saudi Arabia is known as the birthplace of Islam, which in the century 
following Muhammad's death in 632 spread to much of the Mediterranean 
world.  Islam obliges all Muslims to make the Hajj, or pilgrimage to 
Makkah, at least once during their lifetime if they are able to do so.  
The cultural environment in Saudi Arabia is highly conservative; the 
country adheres to a strict interpretation of Islamic religious law 
(Shari'a).  Cultural presentations must conform to narrowly defined 
standards of ethics.  Men and women are not permitted to attend public 
events together and are segregated in the work place.   
 
Most Saudis are ethnically Arab.  Some are of mixed ethnic origin and 
are descended from Turks, Iranians, Indonesians, Indians, and Africans, 
most of whom immigrated as pilgrims and reside in the Hijaz region along 
the Red Sea coast.  Many Arabs from nearby countries are employed in the 
kingdom.  There also are significant numbers of expatriate workers from 
North America, South Asia, Europe, and East Asia. 
 
HISTORY 
 
Except for a few major cities and oases, the harsh climate historically 
prevented much settlement of the Arabian Peninsula.  People of various 
cultures have lived there over a span of more than 5,000 years.  The 
Dilmun culture, along the Gulf coast, was contemporaneous with the 
Sumerians and ancient Egyptians, and most of the empires of the ancient 
world traded with the states of the peninsula.   
 
The Saudi state began in central Arabia in about 1750.  A local ruler, 
Muhammad bin Saud, joined forces with an Islamic reformer, Muhammad Abd 
Al-Wahhab, to create a new political entity.  Over the next 150 years, 
the fortunes of the Saud family rose and fell several times as Saudi 
rulers contended with Egypt, the Ottoman Turks, and other Arabian 
families for control on the peninsula.  The modern Saudi state was 
founded by the late King Abd Al-Aziz Al-Saud (known internationally as 
Ibn Saud).  In 1902, Abd Al-Aziz recaptured Riyadh, the Al-Saud 
dynasty's ancestral capital, from the rival Al-Rashid family.  
Continuing his conquests, Abd Al-Aziz subdued Al-Hasa, the rest of Nejd, 
and the Hijaz between 1913 and 1926.  In 1932, these regions were 
unified as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
 
Boundaries with Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait were established by a series of 
treaties negotiated in the 1920s, with two "neutral zones"--one with 
Iraq and the other with Kuwait--created.  The Saudi-Kuwaiti neutral zone 
was administratively partitioned in 1971, with each state continuing to 
share the petroleum resources of the former zone equally.  Tentative 
agreement on the partition of the Saudi-Iraqi neutral zone was reached 
in 1981, and partition was finalized by 1983.  The country's southern 
boundary with Yemen was partially defined by the 1934 Treaty of Taif, 
which ended a brief border war between the two states.  It remains 
undefined in many areas.  The border between Saudi Arabia and the United 
Arab Emirates was agreed upon in 1974.  Boundary differences with Qatar 
remained unresolved. 
 
King Abd Al-Aziz died in 1953 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Saud, 
who reigned for 11 years.  In 1964, Saud abdicated in favor of his half-
brother, Faisal, who had served as Foreign Minister.  Because of fiscal 
difficulties, King Saud had been persuaded in 1958 to delegate direct 
conduct of Saudi Government affairs to Faisal as Prime Minister; Saud 
briefly regained control of the government in 1960-62.  In October 1962, 
Faisal outlined a broad reform program, stressing economic development.  
Proclaimed King in 1964 by senior royal family members and religious 
leaders, Faisal also continued to serve as Prime Minister.  This 
practice has been followed by subsequent kings. 
 
The mid-1960s saw external pressures generated by Saudi-Egyptian 
differences over Yemen.  When civil war broke out in 1962 between Yemeni 
royalists and republicans, Egyptian forces entered Yemen to support the 
new republican government, while Saudi Arabia backed the royalists.  
Tensions subsided only after 1967, when Egypt withdrew its troops from 
Yemen. 
 
Saudi forces did not participate in the Six-Day (Arab-Israeli) war of 
June 1967, but the government later provided annual subsidies to Egypt, 
Jordan, and Syria to support their economies.  During the 1973 Arab-
Israeli war, Saudi Arabia participated in the Arab oil boycott of the 
United States and Netherlands.  A member of the Organization of 
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Saudi Arabia had joined other 
member countries in moderate oil price increases beginning in 1971.  
After the 1973 war, the price of oil rose substantially, dramatically 
increasing Saudi wealth and political influence. 
 
In 1975, King Faisal was assassinated by a nephew, who was executed 
after an extensive investigation concluded that he acted alone.  Faisal 
was succeeded by his half-brother Khalid as King and Prime Minister; 
their half-brother Prince Fahd was named Crown Prince and First Deputy 
Prime Minister.  King Khalid empowered Crown Prince Fahd to oversee many 
aspects of the government's international and domestic affairs.  
Economic development continued rapidly under King Khalid, and the 
kingdom assumed a more influential role in regional politics and 
international economic and financial matters. 
 
In June 1982, King Khalid died, and Fahd became King and Prime Minister 
in a smooth transition.  Another half-brother, Prince Abdullah, 
Commander of the Saudi National Guard, was named Crown Prince and First 
Deputy Prime Minister.  King Fahd's brother, Prince Sultan, the Minister 
of Defense and Aviation, became Second Deputy Prime Minister. 
 
Under King Fahd, the Saudi economy adjusted to sharply lower oil 
revenues resulting from declining global oil prices.  Saudi Arabia 
supported neutral shipping in the Gulf during periods of the Iran-Iraq 
war and aided Iraq's war-strained economy.  King Fahd played a major 
part in bringing about the August 1988 cease-fire and in organizing and 
strengthening the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a group of six Arabian 
Gulf states dedicated to fostering regional economic cooperation and 
peaceful development.   
 
In 1990-91, King Fahd played a key role before and during the Gulf war.  
It was his early, formal request to President Bush for military 
assistance on August 6, 1990, that allowed U.S. troops to deploy in time 
to avert possible moves by Iraq's Saddam Hussein into Saudi Arabia.  
King Fahd's action also consolidated the coalition of forces against 
Iraq and helped define the tone of the operation as a multilateral 
effort to reestablish the sovereignty and territorial integrity of 
Kuwait.  Acting as a rallying point and personal spokesman for the 
coalition, King Fahd helped bring together his nation's GCC allies, 
Western allies, and Arab allies, as well as non-aligned nations from 
Africa and the emerging democracies of Eastern Europe.  He used his 
influence as Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to persuade other Arab 
and Islamic nations to join the coalition. 
 
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS 
 
The central institution of Saudi Arabian Government is the monarchy.  No 
formal constitution exists; there are no political parties or national 
elections.  The authority of the monarchy is based on Islamic law 
(Shari'a).  The king's powers are limited because he must observe the 
Shari'a and other Saudi traditions.  He also must retain a consensus of 
the Saudi royal family, religious leaders (ulema), and other important 
elements in Saudi society.  The leading members of the royal family 
choose the king from among themselves with the subsequent approval of 
the ulema. 
 
Saudi kings gradually have developed a central government.  Since 1953, 
the Council of Ministers, appointed by and responsible to the king, has 
advised on the formulation of general policy and directed the activities 
of the growing bureaucracy.  This council consists of a prime minister, 
the first and second deputy prime ministers, 20 ministers (of whom the 
minister of defense is also the second deputy prime minister), two 
ministers of state, and a small number of advisers and heads of major 
autonomous organizations. 
 
Legislation is by resolution of the Council of Ministers, ratified by 
royal decree, and must be compatible with the Shari'a.  Justice is 
administered according to the Shari'a by a system of religious courts 
whose judges are appointed by the king on the recommendation of the 
Supreme Judicial Council, composed of 12 senior jurists.  The 
independence of the judiciary is protected by law.  The king acts as the 
highest court of appeal and has the power to pardon.  Access to high 
officials (usually at a majlis, or public audience) and the right to 
petition them directly are well-established traditions. 
 
The kingdom is divided into 13 provinces governed by princes or close 
relatives of the royal family.  All governors are appointed by the king. 
 
In March 1992, King Fahd issued several decrees outlining the basic 
statutes of government and codifying for the first time procedures 
concerning the royal succession.  The King's political reform program 
also provided for the establishment of a national Consultative Council, 
with appointed members having advisory powers to review and give advice 
on issues of public interest.  It also outlined a framework for councils 
at the provincial or emirate level. 
 
In September 1993, King Fahd issued additional reform decrees, 
appointing the members of the national Consultative Council and spelling 
out procedures for the new council's operations.  He announced reforms 
regarding the Council of Ministers, including term limitations of four 
years and regulations to prohibit conflict of interest for ministers and 
other high-level officials.  The members of 13 provincial councils and 
the councils' operating regulations also were announced in September 
1993. 
 
Principal Government Officials 
 
King, Prime Minister, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques--King Fahd bin 
Abd Al-Aziz Al-Saud  
Minister of Foreign Affairs--Prince Saud Al Faysal bin Abd Al-Aziz Al-
Saud 
Ambassador to the U.S.--Prince Bandar bin Sultan 
 
The Saudi Arabia embassy is at 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, 
DC 20037; tel. 202-342-3800. 
 
ECONOMY 
 
Oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia by American geologists in the 1930s, 
although large-scale production did not begin until after World War II.  
Oil wealth has made possible rapid economic development, which began in 
earnest in the 1960s and accelerated spectacularly in the 1970s, 
transforming the kingdom. 
 
Saudi oil reserves are the largest in the world, and Saudi Arabia is the 
world's leading oil producer and exporter.  Oil accounts for more than 
90% of the country's exports and nearly 75% of government revenues.  
Proven reserves are estimated at more than 260 billion barrels--about 
one-quarter of world oil reserves. 
 
More than 95% of all Saudi oil is produced on behalf of the Saudi 
Government by the parastatal giant, Saudi ARAMCO.  In June 1993, Saudi 
ARAMCO absorbed the state marketing and refining company (SAMAREC), 
becoming the world's largest fully integrated oil company.  Operating in 
the former neutral zone, the Japanese-owned Arabian Oil Company (AOC) 
and the Saudi subsidiary of Texaco, Saudi Arabian Texaco, provide the 
rest of Saudi crude oil production.  Most Saudi oil exports move by 
tanker from terminals at Ras Tanura and Ju'Aymah.  The remaining oil 
exports are transported via the east-west pipeline across the kingdom to 
the Red Sea port of Yanbu. 
 
Due to a sharp rise in petroleum revenues in 1974 following the 1973 
Arab-Israeli war, Saudi Arabia became one of the fastest-growing nations 
in the world.  It enjoyed a substantial surplus in its overall trade 
with other countries; imports increased rapidly; and ample government 
revenues were available for development, defense, and aid to other Arab 
and Islamic countries. 
 
But higher oil prices led to development of more oil fields around the 
world and reduced global consumption.  The result, beginning in the mid-
1980s, was a worldwide oil glut, which introduced an element of planning 
uncertainty for the first time in a decade.  Saudi oil production, which 
had increased to almost 10 million barrels per day (b/d) during 1980-81, 
dropped to about 2 million b/d in 1985.  Budgetary deficits developed, 
and the government drew down its foreign assets.  Responding to 
financial pressures, Saudi Arabia gave up its role as the "swing 
producer" within OPEC in the summer of 1985 and accepted a production 
quota.  Since then, Saudi oil policy has been guided by a desire to 
maintain market and quota shares. 
 
Through five-year development plans, the government has sought to 
allocate its petroleum income to transform its relatively undeveloped, 
oil-based economy into that of a modern industrial state while 
maintaining the kingdom's traditional Islamic values and customs.  
Although economic planners have not achieved all their goals, the 
economy has progressed rapidly, and the standard of living of most 
Saudis has improved significantly.  Dependence on petroleum revenue 
continues, but industry and agriculture now account for a larger share 
of economic activity.  A shortage of skilled Saudi workers at all levels 
remains the principal obstacle to economic diversification and 
development; about 3.5 mil-lion non-Saudis are employed in the economy. 
 
Saudi Arabia's first two development plans, covering the 1970s, 
emphasized infrastructure.  The results were impressive:  The total 
length of paved highways tripled; power generation increased by a 
multiple of 28; and the capacity of the seaports grew tenfold.  For the 
third plan (1980-85), the emphasis changed.  Spending on infrastructure 
declined, but it rose markedly on education, health, and social 
services.  The share for diversifying and expanding productive sectors 
of the economy (primarily industry) did not rise as planned; but the two 
industrial cities of Jubail and Yanbu--built around the use of the 
country's oil and gas to produce steel, petrochemicals, fertilizer, and 
refined oil products--were largely completed. 
 
In the fourth plan (1985-90), the country's basic infrastructure was 
viewed as largely complete, but education and training remained areas of 
concern.  Private enterprise was encouraged, and foreign investment in 
the form of joint ventures with Saudi public and private companies was 
welcomed.  The private sector became more important, rising to 70% of 
non-oil GDP by 1987.  While still concentrated in trade and commerce, 
private investment increased in industry, agriculture, banking, and 
construction companies.  These private investments were supported by 
generous government financing and incentive programs.  The objective was 
for the private sector to have 70%-80% ownership in most joint venture 
enterprises. 
 
The fifth plan (1990-95) emphasizes consolidation of the country's 
defenses; improved and more efficient government social services; 
regional development; and, most importantly, creating greater private-
sector employment opportunities for Saudis by reducing the number of 
foreign workers. 
 
The sixth five-year plan will focus on lowering the cost of government 
services without cutting them and will seek to expand educational 
training programs.  The plan calls for reducing the kingdom's dependence 
on the petroleum sector by diversifying economic activity, particularly 
in the private sector, with special emphasis on industry and 
agriculture. 
 
FOREIGN RELATIONS 
 
Saudi foreign policy objectives are to maintain its security and its 
paramount position on the Arabian Peninsula, defend general Arab 
interests, promote solidarity among Islamic governments, and maintain 
cooperative relations with other oil-producing and major oil-consuming 
countries.  Saudi Arabia joined in the Islamic world's condemnation of 
the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.  Saudi trade and diplomatic 
relations with the countries of Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, 
and the People's Republic of China are growing at a cautious rate. 
 
Saudi Arabia signed the UN Charter in 1945.  The country plays a 
prominent and constructive role in the International Monetary Fund, the 
World Bank, and Arab and Islamic financial and development assistance 
institutions.  It is one of the largest aid donors in the world and 
gives aid to numerous Arab, African, and Asian countries.  Jeddah is the 
headquarters of the Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic 
Conference and its subsidiary organization, the Islamic Development 
Bank, founded in 1969. 
 
Membership in the 13-member OPEC and in the technically and economically 
oriented Arab producer group--the Organization of Arab Petroleum 
Exporting Countries--facilitates coordination of Saudi oil policies with 
other oil-exporting governments.  As the world's leading exporter of 
petroleum, Saudi Arabia has a special interest in preserving a stable 
and long-term market for its vast oil resources by allying itself with 
healthy Western economies which can protect the value of Saudi financial 
assets.  It generally has acted to stabilize the world oil market and 
tried to moderate sharp price movements. 
 
The Saudis frequently help mediate regional crises and actively support 
the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.  A charter member of the 
Arab League, Saudi Arabia supports the Arab position that Israel must 
withdraw from the territories which it occupied in June 1967, including 
East Jerusalem.  Saudi Arabia supports a peaceful resolution of the 
Arab-Israeli conflict but rejected the Camp David accords, claiming that 
they would be unable to achieve a comprehensive political solution that 
would ensure Palestinian rights and adequately address the status of 
Jerusalem.  Although Saudi Arabia broke diplomatic relations with and 
suspended aid to Egypt in the wake of Camp David, the two countries 
renewed formal ties in 1987. 
 
In 1990-91, King Fahd and Saudi Arabia played an important role in the 
Gulf war, developing new allies and improving existing relationships 
between Saudi Arabia and some other countries.  However, there also were 
diplomatic and financial costs.  Relations between Saudi Arabia and 
Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya deteriorated.  Each country had remained 
silent following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait but called for an end to 
violence once the deployment of coalition troops began.  Relations 
between these countries and Saudi Arabia are slowly returning to pre-war 
status. 
 
Saudi Arabia's relations with those countries which expressed support 
for Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait--Yemen, Jordan, and Sudan--were 
severely strained during and immediately after the war.  For example, 
several hundred thousand Yemenis were expelled from Saudi Arabia after 
the Government of Yemen announced its position, thus exacerbating an 
existing border dispute.  Saudi-Yemeni relations, especially in the wake 
of the 1994 Yemen civil war, remain fragile and of significant concern 
to the Saudi Government.  The Palestine Liberation Organization's 
support for Saddam cost it financial aid as well as good relations with 
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.  Recently, though, there have been 
the beginnings of a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and the 
Palestinians, with the Saudi Government providing assistance for 
Palestinian Authority start-up costs. 
 
During and after the Gulf war, the Government of Saudi Arabia provided 
water, food, shelter, and fuel for coalition forces in the region.  
There also were monetary payments to some coalition partners.  Saudi 
Arabia's combined costs in payments, forgone revenues, and donated 
supplies were $55 billion.  More than $15 billion went toward 
reimbursing the United States alone. 
 
U.S.- SAUDI ARABIAN RELATIONS 
 
Saudi Arabia's unique role in the Arab and Islamic worlds and its 
strategic location make its friendship important to the United States.  
Diplomatic relations were established in 1933; the U.S. embassy opened 
in Jeddah in 1944 and moved to Riyadh in 1984. 
 
The United States and Saudi Arabia share a common concern about regional 
security, oil exports and imports, and sustainable development.  Close 
consultations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have developed on 
international, economic, and development issues such as the Middle East 
peace process and shared interests in the Gulf.  The continued 
availability of reliable sources of oil, particularly from Saudi Arabia, 
remains important to the prosperity of the United States as well as to 
Europe and Japan.  Saudi Arabia is the leading source of imported oil 
for the United States, providing more than 20% of total U.S. crude 
imports and 10% of U.S. consumption. 
 
Since 1933, the Saudi Arabian Government has relied on the U.S. 
Government and private organizations for technical expertise and 
assistance in developing its human and mineral resources.  The two 
countries established a Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation in June 
1974.  Under com-mission auspices, cooperation between the two countries 
has grown in technical training and education, agriculture, science and 
technology, transportation, government administration, 
industrialization, and solar energy research. 
 
In addition to economic ties, a long-standing security relationship 
continues to be important in U.S.-Saudi relations.  A U.S. military 
training mission established at Dhahran in 1953 provides training and 
support in the use of weapons and other security-related services to the 
Saudi armed forces.  Recently, the United States has sold Saudi Arabia 
military aircraft (F-15s, AWACS, F-16s, and UH-60 Blackhawks), air 
defense weaponry (Patriot and Hawk missiles), armored vehicles (M1A2 
Abrams and M-2 Bradleys), and other equipment.  The compatibility of 
equipment has helped U.S. operations in the Gulf.  The U.S. Corps of 
Engineers has had a long-term role in military and civilian construction 
activities in the kingdom. 
 
The Gulf war demonstrated U.S.-Saudi relations, with instances of direct 
cooperation during the conflict in the areas of cultural accommodation, 
command structure, and combat.  For example, the United States respected 
Saudi Arabia's Islamic culture by issuing general orders prohibiting the 
consumption of alcohol and setting guidelines for off-duty behavior and 
attire.  Saudi Arabia accommodated U.S. culture and its military 
procedures by allowing  U.S. servicewomen to serve in their varied roles 
throughout the kingdom--a large step for a patriarchal society. 
 
Human Rights 
 
Despite close cooperation on security issues, the United States remains 
concerned about human rights conditions in Saudi Arabia.  Principal 
human rights problems include abuse of prisoners and incommunicado 
detention; prohibitions or severe restrictions on the freedoms of speech 
and press, peaceful assembly and association, and religion; denial of 
the right of citizens to change their government; systematic 
discrimination against women and ethnic and religious minorities; and 
suppression of workers' rights.   
 
Principal U.S. Officials 
 
Ambassador--Raymond E. Mabus 
Deputy Chief of Mission--C. David Welch 
Counselor for Consular Affairs--Gretchen G. Welch 
Counselor for Economic Affairs--Frank S. Parker 
Counselor for Political Affairs--Kenneth R. McKune 
Counselor for Political-Military Affairs--Richard A. Smith, Jr. 
Counselor for Public Affairs--C. Edward Bernier 
Consul General, Dhahran--David Winn 
Consul General, Jeddah--Charles L. Daris 
 
The U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia is located in the Diplomatic Quarter of 
Riyadh (tel. 966-1-488-3800).  The consulate general in Jeddah is 
located on Palestine Road, Ruwais, Jeddah (tel. 966-2-667-0080); and the 
consulate general in Dhahran is located between ARAMCO Headquarters and 
the Dhahran International Airport (tel. 966-3-891- 3200).  The embassy 
and consulates are open for business Saturday through Wednesday, in 
accordance with the official workweek of Saudi Arabia. 
 
Travel Notes 
 
Customs:  Saudi Arabia forbids the importation, sale, or use of alcohol 
or illicit drugs.  The government has and will continue to apply the 
death penalty to anyone convicted of possession of drugs with intent to 
distribute.  In this conservative Muslim society, visitors must not 
import into Saudi Arabia any non-Muslim religious materials, pork 
products, or any material that may be construed as pornographic by Saudi 
censors.  Cholera shots are required for entry for travelers arriving 
from areas where cholera is epidemic.  All visa applicants must have a 
letter of invitation from an employer or Saudi sponsor. 
 
Climate and clothing:  Lightweight clothing is essential for the hot 
(38øC-54øC) climate.  However, during the winter months in the interior 
regions (such as in Riyadh), the weather can be quite cool, so warmer 
clothing is recommended.  Riyadh is dry, while Jeddah and Dhahran are 
humid most of the year.  Western men and women should dress very 
conservatively.  For women, skirts should be mid-calf length, sleeves 
elbow length, and necklines very modest; pants and pantsuits may attract 
unwanted attention. 
 
Health:  First-class hotels are available in all the major cities.  Eat 
and drink cautiously outside major hotels and restaurants.  Hospital and 
emergency care and services in major cities approach U.S. standards. 
 
Telecommunications:  Telephone and telegraph service is expanding 
rapidly, and direct domestic and overseas dialing is available at most 
locations within the country.  Riyadh is eight time zones ahead of 
eastern standard time.  There are several daily English-language 
newspapers, as well as an English-language television station. 
 
Transportation:  Many domestic and international flights are scheduled 
daily; taxis and rental cars are available in all major cities.  Saudi 
Arabia has an impressive and rapidly expanding network of paved roads, 
including super-highways, connecting the country's regions and major 
cities.  Women are forbidden to drive, and women traveling alone 
normally are unable to rent a hotel room. 
 
Published by the United States Department of State  --  Bureau of Public 
Affairs  --  Office of Public Communication  --  Washington, DC  --  
Managing Editor, Background Notes Series:  Peter A. Knecht  --  Editor, 
March 1995 Saudi Arabia:  Marilyn J. Bremner  --  This material is in 
the public domain and can be reproduced without consent; citation of 
this source is appreciated

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