Climate

Contrary to popular belief, it is not always hot in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom experiences four distinct seasons —from chilly winter breezes in January to peak desert heat in August —and a climate that varies between regions.

Spring in Saudi Arabia can be brisk, particularly in the north, where the temperature at night can drop below 15 degrees C. The central and southern regions are warmer, averaging around 20 degrees after nightfall. Rainfall is at its highest during spring, particularly in the central region and in the southwest over the Aseer Mountains.

With the exception of the comparatively mild highlands in the southwest, summer signals the start of rising temperatures across most of the country, with the average hovering around 45 degrees C. The early mornings and long evenings are more temperate.

Autumn brings gentler weather and cool breezes in both Saudi Arabia’s northern regions and the southwestern highlands. While daytime temperatures remain warm and can reach the 30s in early fall, evenings are milder and fit for outdoor strolling.

During the month of September, temperature in Riyadh ranges between 38 and 42 degrees C during the day and from 24 to 29 degrees C during the night.

Time Zone

Riyadh is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +3, Arabia Standard Time AST).

Food

Saudi’s culinary scene is diverse, delicious and booming, especially in the capital city, where there’s no shortage of fine dining, street food and cuisines from around the world. There’s something to suit every appetite during your visit, whether you crave traditional Saudi kabsa or international dishes like Indian curry, American burgers, Mediterranean spreads and Chinese fried rice.

Dates are an iconic symbol of Arabian hospitality. The nutritious fruit has been a staple of the Saudi diet since ancient times. You can find them stuffed with nuts or candied fruits, mashed and baked into pastries and cookies, and even incorporated into savory rice dishes; however, many Saudis say that eating dates unadorned remains the best way to appreciate them. Find them in markets and on menus across the capital city.

Currency & Exchange

Currency exchange and transactions are easy in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s national currency is the Saudi riyal (ر.س SAR), which is subdivided into 100 halala. Banknotes are in denominations of five riyals, ten riyals, 50 riyals, 100 riyals and 500 riyals; and coins in one riyal, two riyals, 50 halala, 25 halala, 10 halala, 5 halala and 1 halala.

All banks in the kingdom offer currency exchange services. Exchange bureaus are located at airports, some shopping centers and various other locations throughout the country. Credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted throughout the Kingdom. ATMs are also widely available.

The participants are recommended to check the currency rate at https://www.sama.gov.sa/.

Coffee & Culture

While coffee is now enjoyed in almost every part of the world, the beverage first gained popularity in the Middle East. Some food historians trace its origins back more than 1,000 years, when legend has it that a ninth-century Ethiopian goat herder noticed the energizing effect that the bright red berries of a certain bush had on his flock. (What we call a coffee bean is actually the seed of a cherry-like fruit.) Coffee eventually made its way to Makkah in the mid-16th century. Perhaps because of its long history in the region, coffee is a symbol of hospitality throughout the Middle East. It is the first beverage offered to any Saudi guest, and it is served at events, social gatherings and weddings, as well as in private homes, offices and, of course, cafés.

Dress Code

Traditional Saudi clothing is worn out of love and pride by locals. Traditionally, women wear an abaya (a long robe or cloak that covers the whole body) over their everyday clothing, and men wear a thobe (a long-sleeved, gownlike garment); however, not all Saudis wear traditional clothing all the time. As a visitor, you are not expected to wear the same attire as locals, or cover to the same extent, but it’s highly recommended that you dress modestly. For example, loose-fitting clothing that covers the elbows and ankles is recommended for both men and women in public.

Gratuities

At restaurants where a service charge isn’t included, 10% is the acceptable gratuity. Although tipping at other places isn’t mandatory it will be well received.

Electricity Supply

The voltage is 230 V. and plugs are of type G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. If your appliance’s plug does not match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to safely plug it in. Hotels will have a limited number of adapters for guest use, so it is recommended that you obtain your own if you think you will need them during your stay.

Smoking

It is against the law to smoke in public transportation and in most indoor facilities. Restaurants, usually, offer smoking and non-smoking sections.

Drinking Water

It is not recommended to drink tap water. Bottles of mineral water are widely available in shops and hotels.