LOCAL CULTURE
CLOTHING
Al Khobar has a very warm climate for most of the year. Cotton and linen wear is best during the hottest months (April to September).
SAUDI CULTURE
Saudi culture is historically based on the 18th-century revivalist Islamic movement of the Najdi leader Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abdel-Wahhab. The Najd and other remote areas remain true to Wahhabi tradition, which particularly affects the position of women, who are required by law to leave the home covered in black burkhas (abaya). There are, however, regional variations of dress, and in other parts of the country this way of life is changing.
RELIGION
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and society reflects this. Along with Judaism and Christianity, Islam is one of the great monotheistic religions. The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is prohibited as per the Saudi government regulations based on relegious tenets (Shariah Law)
THE LEGAL SYSTEM
The judicial system of the Kingdom is based on Islamic Law (Shari'ah) and Royal Decrees. Shari'ah is taken from the interpretations of the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnat (tradition of the Prophet Muhammad). Royal Decrees are also issued to regulate industrial and commercial affairs.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Dammam City
Dammam City is an important Saudi port in the Arabian Gulf. The largest town in the Eastern region, it has expanded to the city limits of two other modern towns, Al-Khobar and Dhahran. Near Dammam are some of the most important centres in the world for the production and refining of petroleum.
King Fahd Causeway
The most spectacular road project in the Kingdom was the construction of the King Fahd Causeway, connecting the Saudi Arabian mainland with the island of Bahrain. This four-lane highway, 25 meters wide and about 16 miles long, cost US$1.2 billion to build and was financed entirely by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A man-made island at the midway point of the causeway provides fantastic views of the surrounding ocean.
Oil Export
Saudi Arabia is the world's largest exporter of oil, at least four times higher than of Norway. Daily production of oil stands at approximately 1.3 million tons a day.
Oil Export
The Tarut Citadel, an ancient crab-shaped fortress, with nine-metre high walls, 11 towers, connecting bridges, and a complex of secret passages for use during wartime, is thought to be over 5000 years old.
Time Zone
The entire Kingdom has one time zone. Saudi Arabia is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).
WHAT TO PACK
Currency
It is recommended that you exchange some currency before you arrive in the Kingdom, just enough to cover airport incidentals and transportation to the hotel. The Saudi Riyal (SR) is the unit of currency, with one Saudi Riyal made up of a hundred Halalahs. Since July 1986, the Saudi Riyal has been pegged to the US dollar with a fixed exchange rate of SR3.75 to US$1. InterContinental Al Khobar provides currency exchange facilities at the front desk.
Light clothes
Since the Kingdom lies in the tropics, the nationwide average temperature is 20C. However, temperatures vary considerably, increasing as the country descends towards the southwest. Light summer clothes are suggested but bring a light sweater as it gets cooler at night.
No Alcohol
What not to pack! Make sure that you do not carry any alcohol with you while entering Saudi Arabia. All forms of liquor are prohibited in the Kingdom.
Saudi Riyals
Change some money into Saudi Riyals - just enough to cover airport incidentals and transportation to the hotel - before you leave home, so you can avoid unpleasant queues at the airport ATMs.
The Climate
The climate of the Kingdom varies from region to region, but Al Khobar can be extremely hot with temperatures comfortably above 40C. Saudi Arabia has no rivers or permanent streams so be sure to bring light summer wear and do not forget your swimwear.