Saudi Arabia

On the west Saudi Arabia is bordered by the Red Sea and on the east by the Arabian Gulf. To the south there are borders with Yemen and the Sultanate of Oman. To the east lie the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the island state of Bahrain. In the north Saudi Arabia has borders with Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan.

The country's area is estimated to be some 2,331,000 sq km, which is the size of the whole of Western Europe put together.

The country has a varied topography including - besides the well-known deserts - a green, mountainous area in its south-western corner.

The Arabian Peninsula -- including Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had been practicing agricultural, herding and hunting cultures for thousands of years.  Because they lived on important ancient trade routes, the ancestors of today's Saudi Arabians were influenced by such varying civilisations as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, India, Persia and China.

Despite appearances, there is considerable life in the desert, especially after winter rains. Plants such as desert chamomile, scarlet pimpernel, heliotrope and wild iris are common as well as small animals such as lizards, porcupines, hedgehogs and rabbits.

Saudi Arabia's terrain is varied but on the whole it presents a barren and harsh appearance with salt flats, gravel plains and sand dunes but few lakes or permanent streams. In the south of the country is the famous Empty Quarter (in Arabic, Rub al Khali), the largest continuous sand desert in the world. It is linked to another large sandy desert, the Nafud, in the north of the country. In the south-west, there are mountains rising to over 9,000 feet and rain is common there.

History

The Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed in the western Arabian cities of Makkah and Madinah beginning about 610 AD.

The birth of the new faith of Islam was an important historical event. Inspired by their new religion, the Arabs expanded from Arabia, spreading Islam and the Arabic language as far west as the Atlantic Ocean and as far east as central Asia.

When King Abdul Aziz and sixty men headed for Riyadh in June 1901, his sole motive was to restore the purity and primacy of Islam rather than any worldly gain. The story of his recapture of Riyadh is well-known.  His battles and conquests were many including the recapture of Jeddah and Madinah. He spent 31 years in continuous struggle from the time he left Riyadh until he succeeded in reuniting the Kingdom under the system of Tawheed (monotheism).

Abdul Aziz was born about 1880 and spent the early years of his life with his father in exile in Kuwait. After the capture of Riyadh, he spent the next twelve years consolidating his conquests in the area around Riyadh and the eastern part of the country from where the Turks were expelled.

The Arab tribes had never liked the Turks and they were only too willing to listen to a new ruler whose ambitions were aided considerably by the troubles of the Ottoman Empire.

The royal decree that unified the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under this name was issued on September 18, 1932 and decreed that the 23rd of September (The 1st day of Libra the symbol of justice) should be considered the Kingdom's national day. The lands under the control of Abdul Aziz were renamed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The main preoccupations of Abdul Aziz were the consolidation of his power and the restoration of law and order to all parts of his recently created kingdom. To these ends, he developed a system whereby every Sheikh was responsible for his own tribe under the authority of the king who was empowered to intervene to impose law and order.

Government

Saudi Arabia is a monarchy. Its official name is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its constitution is the Holy Quran and the Muslim law, Shari'a, which is based on the Holy Qur'an.

The Basic System of Government states:

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Arab Islamic state of total sovereignty. Islam is its religion and its constitution is the Holy Book of God (the Quran) and the Sunna of His Prophet, peace be upon Him. Its language is the Arabic language and its capital is Riyadh.

Directed by the Sharia, the King is the head of state and the Prime Minister. There is a Council of Ministers, which is appointed by the King and who help him in formulating and executing his policies. The King is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. All government officials, agencies and the ministers themselves are responsible to the King whose title is Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

The King is assisted in his duties by the Crown Prince who is the Deputy Prime Minister and also by the second Deputy Prime Minister.

The linchpin of Saudi government policy is the majlis, an open meeting where anyone can petition his leaders from the King down to the governors of the provinces and local leaders. In other words, the leaders are accessible to the people.

Economy

Before the discovery of oil, the economy was dependent upon the pilgrimage to Makkah and Medina and on the export of dates.  Saudi Arabia is still one of the world's leading producers of dates but today the economy is dominated by oil. Petroleum revenues have been used to create an infrastructure, which will in time transform Saudi Arabia into a diversified industrial state.

The Government, through the public sector, plays a major role in the Kingdom's industrial activity but, in recent years, the private sector has, with the Government's encouragement under the Kingdom's system of free enterprise, become increasingly involved in and responsible for industrial development and diversification.

Oil and petroleum products account for more than 76% of the country's income. At Jubail on the Arabian Gulf and Yanbu on the Red Sea, major new industrial centres have been built. The power to run them is derived from natural gas from the oil fields. In addition to oil and petroleum products, the country produces iron and steel, processed foodstuffs, cement and electrical equipment. Domestic water requirements are met by desalination plants.

Though natural water is in short supply, the government has funded agricultural development in order to reduce dependence upon imported foods and raise the standard of living in rural areas. There is also an expanding fishing industry, and currently major investment is being made in the development of a mining and minerals processing industry to exploit the Kingdom's considerable reserves of bauxite, phosphate, gold and other minerals. 

Education

Western children have the options of attending international schools located in:

Riyadh

The American International School - Riyadh
www.aisr.org

British International School of Riyadh
www.britishschoolriyadh.com

Al-Rissalah International School
www.citaschools.org/

Jeddah

British International School of Jeddah
www.continentalschool.com

Al-Waha International School
www.alwahaschool.com

American International School of Jeddah
www.aisjed.net

Al Khobar/Dhahran/Dammam

Dhahran British Grammar School (ISG)
www.dhahranbritish.com

International Schools Group - Dammam
www.isgdammam.org

British International School of Al-Khobar
www.britishschool-ksa.com

The International Programs School Al-Khobar
http://www.esolonline.com/esolonline/ESOLSchoolDetails.aspx?id=8

Jubail

Jubail International School
www.english-schools.org/saudi-arabia/jubail-international-school.htm

Jubail Academy (Jubail American School)
http://www.isg-jubail.org/

Healthcare

Riyadh

There are large numbers of hospitals and medical centres located in Riyadh and include such Private Hospitals as:

Al Hammadi Hospital
http://www.alhammadi.com/

Saudi German Hospital
www.sghgroup.com

Riyadh National Hospital
www.riyadhnationalhospital.med.sa

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research centre
www.kfshrc.edu.sa

Jeddah

Private Hospitals include:

Saudi German Hospital
www.sghgroup.com

International Medical Centre
www.imc.med.sa

Public Hospital

King Abdul Aziz University Hospital
www.kau.edu.sa/hospital

Al Khobar

Private Hospitals include:

Al Mana General Hospital
www.almanahospital.com.sa

Saad Specialist Hospital
www.saadmedical.com

Government Hospital

King Fahad Military Medical Complex
www.kfmmc.med.sa

Jubail

Private Hospital

Mouwasat Hospital
www.mouwasat.com/www/Jubail/index.html

Housing

The vast majority of expatriates live in secure walled compounds. Many compounds have the facilities of a small town and excellent recreational facilities. The more popular compounds are listed in the link below.

Riyadh

Jeddah

www.arabian-homes.com/
www.mura-bustan.com/

There is also substantial availability of apartments in Jeddah City, however one would need to consider living in these.

Al-Khobar/Dhahran/Dammam

www.canaryvillage.com
www.albustanvillage.com.sa
www.oasisresorts.net
www.eurovillagecompound.com

Jubail

The majority of expatriates in Jubail live in secure company owned compounds. 

http://www.bajraigardenvillage.com/

Major compounds in Jubail include the SABIC and Desert Palms Compounds. We do not have links to their websites.

Security

A series of terrorist attacks against Western Compounds in Riyadh and Al-Khobar between May 2003 and May 2004 and the US Consulate in Jeddah, created a need for high levels of security amongst Western expatriates. This was unprecedented in the Kingdom’s history and the Government and security forces have reacted successfully in identifying and eliminating the leaders of the terrorist groups. Whilst the country is now in a more normal situation, the risk of attack remains. Foreign Embassies provide advice against non essential travel, however expatriates living in Saudi Arabia generally agree, that risks are now low, but precautions need to be taken on a constant basis.

Tourism & Recreation

Riyadh

The Riyadh Museum - The museum displays much information covering the history and archaeology of the kingdom from the Stone Age to early Islam. There is also a remarkable display on Islamic architecture and a separate Ethnographic Hall with clothes, musical instruments, weapons and jewellery.

City of Old Diriya - The ruins of Dir'aiyah are located 30km north of the city centre are considered Riyadh's most interesting attraction. Dir'aiyah was the kingdom's first capital and is now the country's most popular archaeological site. Dir'aiyah was established in 1446, reached the height of its powers at the end of the 18th century and was destroyed in 1818. The reconstructed ruins include palaces, mosques and the city wall.

Al Musmak Castle is considered one of the important landmarks in the Kingdom and occupies a prominent place in the history of Riyadh city in particular., as it represents the march that led to the foundation and unification of the Kingdom. This castle is associated with the battle of conquering Riyadh under the leadership of King Abdulaziz on the dawn of the fifth of Sha'aban 1319H.

Musmak means the thick, high, and fortified walls, and was built during the reign of Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Rasheed (1289 -1315H) and was captured by King Abdulaziz in 1319H, corresponding to 1902. Later, it was used as a depot until it was decided to convert the castle into a heritage landmark that represents a stage in the history of Saudi Arabia.

King Abdulaziz Darat  was established during the reign of late King Faisal, in Sha'aban 1392H, as an independent body. It is a scientific academy established to commemorate the memory of the King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Peninsula, as well as a Centre for scientific research, to collect, revise and translate all the materials written about the Kingdom, Arab and Islamic World into all languages, and make it available. The Darat also provide the researcher with references, documents, maps and drawings that helps to complete the research in an ideal way.

Jeddah

Known as the Paris of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is mid-way down the country's Red Sea coast. It is considered the most interesting and friendly of Saudi Arabia's big cities. Jeddah is centred on Al-Balad, the strip of buildings along the coastal road with the old city directly behind them. Jeddah's Red Sea coast is full of reefs, creeks and wadis to keep even the most advanced diver busy. There are numerous underwater wrecks just waiting to be explored.

The old city of Jeddah is now a protected area. Within the area, many of the traditional houses are built of coral, taken from reefs in the Red Sea. Most interesting are the Sharbatly House and the Naseef House, two old houses of two of Jeddah's merchant families. Both have been restored.

The Municipality Museum - The museum is housed in a 200-year-old restored traditional house built from Red Sea coral. The museum contains interesting photos of the development of Jeddah, along with rooms done up in traditional style. It is the only remaining building of several which comprised the British Legation in Jeddah during World War I. The museum is open in the mornings from Saturday to Thursday; admission is free but a permit from the Jeddah Municipality is required (telephone: +966 2 669-5556 or 660-7671). Once the permit has been granted, it is still necessary to make an appointment with the curator of the museum.

The Souk Al Alawi - Winding its way through the old city, it is one of the best souks in the kingdom. It's a great place to spend hours wandering around and browsing.

Christian Cemetery - The best-kept secret in Jeddah - and one which many Saudis are totally unaware of and would deny if asked - is that there is a Christian cemetery in the city. It is in fact in a street in the old city named with predictable Arab pragmatism, the Street of the Cemetery of the Foreigners. It is no longer in use, the last burial having taken place in the early 1950s, but is kept up in turn by several of the foreign consulates in the city. It is walled and there is a large gate. It can, however, be peered into from some of the buildings surrounding it.

Al-Khobar/Dhahran/Dammam

These three cities in the eastern province of the Kingdom are adjacent to the Causeway which links them to the island state of Bahrain, a drive of approximately 50 minutes. Dhahran is the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil producer, Dammam is the industrial city which also houses the seaport and international airport and Al Khobar is the commercial centre.

Qatif

The history of Qatif dates back to 3500 BC in the late Bronze Age. Known by other names, such as the most famous "Al-Khatt", the area has been inhabited by a great diversity of people. Its location in the midst of one of the largest oases in the world, famous for its springs and palm trees, has ensured work in farming and government service. After the discovery of oil, many residents sought employment with Saudi Aramco.

Qatif extends from Ras Tanura and Jubail in the north to Dammam in the south. It contains the city of Qatif, as well as several other towns and villages. Qatif is 25 km from Dammam, the Eastern Province capital, and is bounded by the Bayadh Desert to the north, the Dhahran expanse to the south, and the Arabian Gulf to the east.

Fish Market - Qatif fishing port attracts catches from all ports of the Arabian Gulf. The Fish Market opens after sunset prayer and closes at 10:30 pm and it is the largest fish market in the region.

Khamee's Market - Every Thursday morning, Qatif bustles with the transactions of Khamee's market, where stands are placed among regular stores and peddlers roam. A wide range of goods is available, with folkloric handicrafts, made during the week, displayed side-by-side modern imports.

There are a number of beach or sailing clubs in this area, with sailing and swimming a popular pastime. Al-Khobar also has many souks (traditional Arab markets) and ultra modern shopping malls, with many large international companies and brands represented. Four wheel drive excursions into the desert are also popular into the Hofuf or red sands area. The Saudi Aramco Exhibition Centre at Dhahran is a superb museum, with a comprehensive guide to the oil industry, explaining how oil is exploited, processed and exported. There is also in this exhibition an excellent section on Islamic history and the arts. Two other popular museums are the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Centre for Science & Technology, and the Heritage Centre at Dammam, which depicts the regional life in Saudi Arabia and includes an interesting collection of local Bedouin crafts, costumes and pottery.

Jubail

Jubail is an industrial city and as such does not have many tourism attractions.  There are good recreational facilities attached to the compounds and at the Intercontinental Hotel which also hosts a Beach Club.  Many Jubail residents travel to Bahrain (2 hours drive) at weekends where an extensive range of shopping and entertainment are available. Jubail was a small fishing village until the mid 1970s at which time it became one of the kingdom's two newly-created industrial cities.

In 1986, a group on a desert picnic, while attempting to dig their vehicle out of the sand near Jubail, found the ruins of a church. The Jubail Church is believed to have been built prior to 400 A.D. The church was likely connected to one of the five Nestorian bishoprics which are known to have existed in this area of the Persian Gulf in the 4th century.

Tarut Citadel

Located 30 minutes drive south of Jubail, the origins of Tarut Citadel are not known for certain, except that it was built over 5000-year old settlements.

Legends envisage a variety of historical images. One story is that the Citadel was built between 1515-1521 A.D. by the people of Qatif or Tarut for protection against Portuguese attackers. Another is that the Portuguese built it for protection against Turkish attacks. After being forced to surrender in 1559 A.D., the Portuguese fled Tarut for the Island of Awal.

Tarut Citadel is surrounded by a wide wall of terracotta material, gypsum, and stones. Crab-shaped in its totality, the 9 metre high wall from bottom to top ranged between 1-2.5 metres in width. Bridges, over the entire length of the wall and connecting 11 high towers and abuttments, were used as secret passages during wartime.