LOCAL CULTURE
Hospitality manners
Saudis welcome guests either through the intricate preparation of coffee, served with dates and sweets, or by the burning of incense (oud).
Private cars as limo
As the Holy City of Makkah is a destination for the whole Muslim world you will find that, due to demand, many locals will offer their private cars as taxis for hire (especially during Hajj and the Month of Ramadan).
VISA ISSUER
In Saudi Arabia, you need to have details of your travel agent (who issued you with your visa) with you at all times.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Al Kabaa Al Musharafah Wash
The holy house of Allah (Al Kabaa Al Musharafah) is opened and washed from inside twice a year during Shabaan and Muharram months.
Al Kabaa Door Key
The key to Al Kabaa's door is exclusively under the custody of the Al Alshaybah family who have passed it on down the generations since the Prophet Mohamed (prayers and peace be upon him) ordered it to be kept with their tribe.
Holy Mosque
The Holy Mosque is open 24 hours a day and has numerous entrances: the King Fahed entrance (one of the main entrances of the Mosque) is right in front of the hotel's Haram entrance.
Shops
Saudi law prohibits any shop to continue opening during prayer times. They can only resume working when prayers have finished.
Zamzam water
Located in the centre of the city, the sacred well of Zamzam is reportedly the oldest flowing well in the world and still pumps out about 18 litres of water per second.
WHAT TO PACK
Currency
The city has lots of currency exchange shops who will change local and foreign currency for you. Of all the foreign currency, you'll find US dollars are the easiest to change.
Money waist belt
While you are Muhrim for performing Umrah or Hajj, it is recommended you bring a waist belt in order to hold all your personal belongings (eg money, mobile, keys).