Saudi Arabia Guide
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Saudi Arabia Info
ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL: Riyadh
COMMERCIAL CAPITAL: Jeddah
GEOGRAPHY
Bordering the Persain Gulf and the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia is the largest country of Arabia. It covers about 80% of the Arabian Peninsula and it is the 13th largest country of the world.
DEMOGRAPHY
A population of close to 25.7 Million. Muslims account for about 97% of the population.
CLIMATE
Extremely high day-time temperature and sharp temperature drop at night is observed. Saudi Arabia has a desert climate with an average summer temperature between 45°C to 54°C. In winter the temperature rarely drops below 0°C.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
Arabic is the official language. English is widely used as well.
LOCAL TIME
GMT+3 hrs throughout the year
BUSINESS HOURS
Government: 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
General: 8 AM to 6 PM
(Saturday to Wednesday are the working days of the week. Thursday & Friday are considered as weekends)
HOLIDAYS
National Day: September 23rd
Muslim Festivals (Based on the lunar calandar):
Id-ul-Fitr
Id-ul-Adha
CURRENCY
Saudi Riyal
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Police/ Emergencies: 999
Medical: 997
Fire: 998
Accident Service: 993
Introduction to Saudi Arabia
An introduction to Saudi Arabia, where Makkah and Madinah are located, is usually unnecessary to a Muslim Traveller. One of the paramount reasons for Muslims to become great travellers is their lifelong passion, enthusiasm and the obligation for journeying to perform Hajj in the Holy city of Makkah and to visit Madinah.The Holy Ka'aba has been a magnet for travellers and pilgrims from the time Ibrahim (Alaihis-salaam) built it along with Ismail (Alaihis-salaam). It will remain so until just before the end of this world.
Writing an overview of Saudi Arabia and in particular Makkah and Madinah, from just a traveller's perspective is not possible. They are not just cities to visit and enjoy the sights and sounds, but most importantly, places to indulge in spiritual and life changing experiences. Most places have direct relationships to the life of the holy Prophet (sallal-lahu-alaihi-wassallam), his companions, their followers and great scholars who came after them. If one intends to travel to Makkah and Madinah and other historic places in Saudi Arabia, then a serious study of the places which have been written by illustrious writers, before embarking on the journey, will help to maximize the spiritual experience.
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