Country Trading Profiles Saudi Arabia

Political outline | Living conditions | Useful resources | Communications

Political outline

Executive Power: King is both the chief of the state and head of the government. The monarch is hereditary. Council of Ministers (cabinet) is appointed by the monarch and includes many royal family members. The Council of Ministers has both legislative and executive powers, subject to the King's approval.
Legislative Power: There is no elected legislature in Saudi Arabia. A Consultative Council was appointed in August 1993 which has 120 members and a chairman appointed by the King for four-year terms. This Council has limited powers and does not affect decision making or power structures in a meaningful way. The population of Saudia Arabia has limited political rights.
Main political parties: No political parties are allowed in Saudi Arabia. However, a party called Green Party of Saudi Arabia, which promotes the values of the worldwide Green movement, exists as an illegal organization. The first Saudi Arabian municipal elections were held in the year 2005.
Current political leaders: King and Prime Minister: Abd Allah ibn `Abd al-`Aziz Al Faysal Al Sa`ud (since August 2005) - hereditary.
Heir Apparent: Crown Prince SULTAN bin Abd al- Aziz Al Saud - half brother of the King.
Next election dates: Municipal elections, scheduled for 2009, has been postponed indefinitely.

Living conditions

Health and safety

Health precautions

- A certificate of vaccination against Meningococcal Meningitis, for people travelling for HAJJ.

- Children between 3 months and 2 years of age must be given two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine.

- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers arriving from an infected area.

- Tetanus vaccine is required

Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. So it is advised to take necessary measures.

International hospitals

Some world famous hospitals in Saudi Arabia are King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, etc.
For more on list of hospitals in the country, visit the website Hospital worldwide.

For further information on sanitary conditions

Saudi Customs

For further information on safety conditions

US Department of State

Contact your Embassy

Embassy of Greece in Saudi Arabia
POBox 94375
Riyadh 11693
Phone: 009661- 4801974/5 - 4801601
Fax: 009661- 4801969
gremb.ria@mfa.gr

Emergency numbers

Police	999
Fire and Ambulance	997
Fire	998
Road Accidents	993

Time difference and climate

Time and time difference: It is %T:%M %A in Riyadh (GMT+3)
Summer time period: None

Map of the time zone

Type of climate

Saudi Arabia has a desert climate. Topography plays an important role in making the climate of Saudi Arabia so varied. In Jeddah it is warm for most of the year. Riyadh, which is inland, is hotter in summer and colder in winter, when occasional heavy rainstorms occur.

Though average rainfall is less than 5 inches, in the Asir highlands it may exceed 10 inches. Great temperature extremes ranging from as low as freezing point in winters to 50 degrees Celsius in summers.

Frequent sand-laden winds blow from the northern deserts, for days at 25-30 miles an hour.

For further information: Meteorological and Environmental Protection Administration (MEPA)

Average annual temperatures and rainfall

Useful resources

To find an accommodation: All hotels

Agoda

The Saudi Network

Saudi Arabian Youth Hostels Association

Hostels.com

Hostelling International

SAMARID
Hajj Accommodation
The Saudi Network
All hotels
To find an apartment: Real Estate Kingdom
Al-ouda Real Estate

Property World
Expatriates.com
To find a job: SaudiSearch.com
4International Careers and Jobs

Communications

Telephone codes: To make a call from Saudi Arabia to Greece: dial 00 (or +) 30
To make a call to in Saudi Arabia from Greece: dial 00 (or +) +966
Mobile telephone standards: GSM
Internet suffix: .sa

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