Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Practical Guide Practical Guide

SAUDI ARABIA SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE PRACTICAL GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 unifying the regions into one single State. In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula on the Asian continent, its territory of more than 2 million km2 and 13 provinces represent an unexpected land with landscapes never seen before by the Dakar Family.

Engaged in a societal transformation program and welcoming major international events (concerts, Formula E, football matches, boxing game…), our country has its own normative system and culture.

In order to better understand Saudi Arabia and to prepare your stay, you will find practical information in this short guide.

Welcome to the Dakar Rally 3rd Chapter!

1) ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM

• Official name: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia • Regime type: Monarchy (Saud dynasty) • Administrative capital: Riyadh • State religion: Sunni Islam • Head of State and the government: His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Guardian of the Two Holy Places (Mecca and Medina) • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ANKARA EREVAN TURKMENISTAN HisARMENIA RoyalBAKU Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: TADJIKISTAN • President of the Saudi Arabian TURKEYMotorsports Federation: His RoyalACHGABAT Highness Prince Khalid Bin SultanDUCHANBE Al Faisal Al Saud

NICOSIA TEHRAN GREECE SYRIA KABUL Crest CYPRUS IRAQ Cashmere LEBANON DAMASCUS West Bank BAGHDAD AFGHANISTAN ISLAMABAD MEDITERRANEAN SEA AMMAN ISRAEL JORDAN KUWAIT IRAN Delhi CAIRO EGYPT KUWAIT A NEPAL SAUDI ra PAKISTAN Neom bia NEW DELHI n G ARABIA BAHREIN ulf EGYPT QATAR R ED RIAD Medina ABU DUBAI

S E U.A.E A Jeddah MUSCAT INDIA Mecca OMAN Massira SUDAN Mumbai Hyderabad ARABIAN SEA ERITREA SANAA YEMEN KHARTOUM ASMARA

Socotra Bangalore ETHIOPIA Gulf of Aden (Yemen) Laquedives Islands DJIBOUTI (India) SOUTH ADDIS- SUDAN ABEBA SOMALIA ©GEOATLAS 2019 COLOMBO DJOUBA MALDIVES 1 Ari Atoll Malé Atoll UGANDA MOGADISHU KENYA SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

2) GEOGRAPHY

• Surface area: 2 250 000 km2 > 4 times bigger than France • Population: 33 000 000 inhabitants • Density: 15,5 inhabits per km2 • Time zone: GMT +3 • Arid climate: High temperatures during the day and steep drop at night (between -5 and 0°C) • Climate in January: In January, weather conditions in Saudi Arabia make it a good trip destination. The average temperatures you’ll face in January would be between 16.5°C and 25.5°C during the day, with exceptional possible peaks as low as 4°C and high as 39°C as observed in previous years. Nights can be colder especially in the desert and altitude. Depending on your exact destination, you can face more or less rain, the average amount of rain observed during January in Saudi Arabia is 10 mm and between 2 and 4 rainy days. Note that the gap in temperature between the different areas in the country is very high and there is always a chance of rain.

VARIOUS GEOGRAPHIES • In the West: Red Sea coast / canyons (up to an altitude of 2000m in the North) • In the East: rocky and sandy plains / natural oil fields • In the South: Rub Al-Khali desert (650 000km2) / almost exclusively sand DARIYA © SEE SAUDIA AL ULA © SEE SAUDIA

3) SOCIETY

• 57% of men and 43% of women • 65% of the population are under 26 years old • Between 30% and 40% of the population in major cities speak English

2 SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

4) LOCAL LIFE

ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND PORK RESTRICTIONS • The import and consumption of alcohol and pork are formally prohibited in Saudi Arabia and are subject to legal proceedings. • Drug consumption is heavily penalized.

SEXUALITY • Imported cultural products (DVDs, books, magazines…) must be compatible with local and decency laws (no explicit content). Any pornographic or erotic content of any sort is strictly forbidden.

CLOTHING • Both men and women are asked to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images to respect the local culture. Women should cover shoulders and knees in public. You should also bring warm clothes, as the temperature can drop very low in the Saudi desert. • What protocol for women working for Dakar teams? The landscape is changing in Saudi Arabia and in many offices men and women work together. The rules of public displays of affection remain in place. Depending on the role it is advisable to seek local advice to establish if any protocols apply to maintain respect for local customs and laws. For women especially, clothing should not be tight fitting, unless a safety requirement, and should cover shoulders and knees in public. • What should women be wearing? The situation in Saudi Arabia is changing. If the wearing of abaya and hijab are no longer compulsory for expat women, we recommend that they wear the loose fitting abaya and the hijab headscarf in public to avoid causing offence. • Our recommendations: Regarding the climate in January and the local customs, we recommend : For men: warm clothing to protect from the cold in the desert. Trousers, medium length shorts and t-shirts/shirts in the cities and the bivouacs. For women : warm clothing to protect from the cold in the desert. Though it is not compulsory, we recommend woman to wear abayas or modest outfit outside the Dakar camp especially in small towns.

BEHAVIOR AND TOURISM IN THE SAUDI CITIES • Individuals (men and women) can travel freely in the cities • Dakar participants (press, pilots…) will be able to visit safely the Saudi cities (start in Jeddah / finish near to Riyadh)

DRIVING • All the international rules (license, respect speed limit…) are the same in Saudi Arabia. • Cars drive on the right, seatbelts are mandatory, and the vehicle must be insured. • Speed limits: 140 km on large highways / 120 km on smaller highways / 100 km on highways inside the cities • Individuals (men and women) can drive freely in the country • If involved in a road traffic accident, immediately call the Dakar organization, the local police forces, and in the event of an accident with severe injuries casualties please inform your local embassy. • Do not try to contest and wait for the help of the above-mentioned entities. • Make sure to subscribe to an all-risk insurance to cover all expenses in case of an accident. Please contact the Dakar Organization is you

AL HIJR © SEE SAUDIA encounter any problem on the road.

3 SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

MISCELLANEOUS • The usual greeting is a handshake. • Tips are not mandatory but recommended for restaurants and taxis (about 10%).

RELIGION • Sunni Islam is the State religion, which has an impact on local life. • Islamic law (Shari’a) governs society in accordance with the principles of the Quran and the tradition. • Fives pillars of Islam: The profession of faith / Prayer / The Alms / The Fast / The pilgrimage to Mecca. • Hijra calendar: two weekend days on Friday and Saturday. • Five times a day, some shops and malls close for a few minutes for prayer. • Do not wear or display any political message (whether on a t-shirt or as an item in your car). • The holy cities of Mecca and Medina are strictly forbidden to non-Muslims. MOSQUE AL-HARAM © GETTYIMAGES © AL-HARAM MOSQUE

5) ECONOMY

CURRENCY: SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) • 1 EUR = 4,2 SAR • 1 USD = 3,7 SAR At November 2019 - XE Devises

• Dollars and euros are not accepted as payment (many currency exchange offices: airport and major cities). • Credit cards are widely used.

COST OF LIVING (AVERAGE ON THE ENTIRE SAUDI TERRITORY)

NEOM © MOHAMMED AL HOWITY - SEE SAUDI • Basic full meal: 10 to 12e (43-50 SAR) • Water bottle (1,5 L): about 0,5e (2-3 SAR) • Medium-range hotel in big cities: about 75e per night (330 SAR) • 1 L of gasoline (91): about 0,35e (1,45 SAR) • 1 L of gasoline (95): about 0.48e (2.07 SAR) • 1 L of Diesel: about 0.15e (0.65 SAR) JEDDAH © GETTYIMAGES

4 SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

6) TOURISM

Since October 2019, Saudi Arabia has opened its doors wide to tourists from all over the world. Foreign tourists can now enter the country and discover the wonders of the countryside and the rich culture of the country. Below are some recommendations to visit the country. You can visit the website https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/ for more information.

AN EXCEPTIONAL CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE WITH 5 UNESCO SITES • Ad Diriyah • Ha’il region rock art • Jeddah historical city • Al Hijr archaeological site (Mad’in Saleh - Al Ula) • Al-Ahsa oasis

TYPICAL FOOD • Dates • Rice / Chickpeas / Cracked wheat • Lamb / Chicken • Pita bread • Arabic coffee and tea • Seafood (in coastal cities) AL ULA © H. BRIZARD - GETTYIMAGES

7) SPORT

• The most popular sports are football and motorsports, basketball, boxing, tennis, wrestling... • Increase from 13% to 23% of sport practice • Gyms are widely available in big cities • Sports are largely mediatized on TV, web, social network… HA’IL © SEE SAOUDI

5 SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

8) COMMUNICATION

• All social networks are free to be accessed everywhere. Saudi is one of the highest countries in terms of number of users in the world per capita for social media. • Phone calls via WhatsApp are blocked. But Skype, Facetime or Hangout calls are working perfectly • Huge usage on mobile devices to stream video and TV. • Access to the Internet is unrestricted, but certain websites are blocked as they go against local customs (explicit content). • National sim cards can be purchased locally. AL ULA © FAHAD AL TRISY - SEE SAOUDI NEOM © SEE SAOUDI

6 SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

9) COUNTRY LOGISTICS

ROAD NETWORK • The road network is in very good condition and most of the big cities are well connected. 936

Turayf

85 Al Qurayyàt • Public transportation available in big cities but not reliable. 85 1199

65 80

'Ar'Ar

• Taxis/Uber/Careem available in all cities. 80 Al 'Ìsàwìyah Harrat al H arrah First National Park

895 65

Sakàkah

Al Jawf DISTANCES BETWEEN THE MAIN CITIES AL JAWF 80 AL HUHÙD 80 ASH SHAMÀLÌYAH Rafhà' a y q Hàlàt Ammàr u b A t T Jabal al Kha shshab Jabal Jad’an

fah Al Bi'r ha 85 • Jeddah - Riyadh: 950km drive (about 9h10) az 394 l M J a a ab Ar Ruq'i J b 15 2580 a Jabal al Lawz l a S A U D I A R A B I A Shi’bat Nisab s h A 50 5 S l Tabùk 80 h 15 Al Khunfah Protected Area i A • Riyadh - Dammam: 410km drive (about 4h00) f H Al Qalìbah A n N a f ù d a Ash i Shaykh Humayd Neom 80 s 85 'Aynùnah m Hafar al Bàﬁin a d Tìràn Jubbah Ra's al Mish àb 2550 50 • Riyadh - Neom: 1510km drive (about 14h30) Jabal Dabbagh J a b a l S h a m m a r TABÙK King Khaled 1923 15 D 85 Taymà

H a 1445 1440 Dubà r 1502 r A a Hà'il t a Qaryat al 'Ulyà a l 1710 l 95 • Jeddah - Neom: 970 km drive (about 9h30) An nu’ayriyat - 70 Qibà' J U 65 1841 1412 1547 A w h 5 a 50 y 1682 h r 1513 i 1515 d 1360 1469 Tàbah s a n à 70 70 HÀ'IL 1345 Abà ad Dùd H ' Al Ghazàlah N 65 Al 'Ulà a 75 r 1247 r Al Qaﬁìf a N à t

2170 15 H Al b u 1619 Arﬁàwìyah 1503 t Persian Gulf Al Wajh a y ' Ad Dammàm 1387 m a Al Zahràm 1534 1123 Buraydah 375 60 Jabal Wabar 1234 427 AIRPORT SYSTEM 1600 al Haj ar a Az Zilfì a 1585 1572 389 Al Bukayrìyah 'Unayzah 40 Umm Urùmah 1585 Hulayfàh 65 1417 50 10 60 j 'Uray'irah Ar Rass N Al Majma'ah 'Uqlat aç Çuqùr j a 15 f Mashàbih l u 5 J. Shathir 1119 2110 413 d • Major airports: Jeddah and Riyadh H 75 a d r Rawdhat Khuraym r Rumàh Shaybàrà a a Al Mubarraz t s 505 Protected Area 40 1469 1555 L d 411 u 60 S n 533 thir 1119 a i A J. Sha y AL QAÇÌM 1713 r Al Hufùf Umm Lajj y r i r Sàjir 1320 Nafud al Urayq 65 Khurais 85 l • About 6 hours of flight from Paris and Frankfurt N 1509 Protected Area Maràh 522 A a Nafy l 1640 f AR RIYÀD 1646 1689 50 u M d 10 A a 1917 1783 1686 15 l Q s AL MADÌNAH ’ u (RIYADH) u J U n 1280 m J. Radwa 2010 r a a 5 y i y Ya n u a n N a k h l ﬁ y q d à • National company: Saudi Airlines Ad Dawàdimì h 40 a Al Madìnah a h (Medina) h 65 2003 50 Pools of Sha’id Luha f Yanbu'al Bahr Al Qa'ìyah al 1359 Yanbu Coast 1210 Al Hair Special 10 Conservation Area Nature Reserve Harad 60 ù 2361 Al Kharj Al Quwayìyah • Domestic flights are secure Afìf 565 1210

Badr Hunayn n r 2060 i 1280 r A b l 1903 1618 15 a a 1462 H 2171 Y a

Mahd adh Dhahab 1334 10 m 40 n a Hawat Bani Tamin a l Hàlàban h q Al Hillah m Ad Dafìnah u N S Al Khunn

a 1572 f a 50 u 1468 y 1578 Abar adh Sakhkhah d Al Hawat Bani Tamim i a s b s w S u Nature Reserve J a r r a A l 1340 a h a a Jabal al Wa’abah J.Karsh 1144 n W 40 h U Zalim w a n ELECTRICAL PLUG r 1535 a u D d 15 m q a AR RIYÀD 10 Ban i T u k h m a n m m 1490 u d r a Al Muwayh S u h A Tuwwal Saja Ummar Rimth u S n i

Protected Area b T S M h a Laylá d l MAKKAH s y a s A A • 127/220V and 60 Hz frequency (power outlets are type A, B, F and G) 5 A y A l A a Al'Ubaylah n f B 285 40 a l l a 287 d j Al Khurmah i a l H

t A a a r 15 40 r Mahazat as Sayd r i A r R i m a l H a Special Nature Reserve 1365 n s • Bringing an adapter is recommended b a s Jeddah 1340 q a u k Makkah (Mecca) S u Har ra t N a wasi f a h M Aﬁ ﬂà'if s i Turabah A n 205 273 J r a ì 15 h B 2498 a Jabal Qar ndyt B l Al 'Aqìq u 273 10 b A h A l K u r s u 1812 a à i a d i y ASH SHARQÌYAH 205 W a l m h 2323 a u ’ q R a 1449 r m I r h K 574 2594 a As Sulayyil a 10 q S Kumdah u U r a s 177 d A Al Lìth AL BÀHAH y l a Qalamat Fàris 15 2277 R a Qalàt Al Bàhah Bìshah 250 RED SEA Bani M a’ari d ' 10 Banì Sharfà 211 1661 u b Al 'Alayyah a 246 Tathlìth e u t a R l Nor the r P 15 P l a t e a u r d 2035 Al Qunfudhah i 177 A j An Nimàç 211 a

W Hamdah A l Q a’am i y a t 1472 1845 1664 Kiyàt 10 NAJRÀN 'ASÌR 1895 1845 1125 Farasàn Isaln ds 1250 15 1770 209 special nature reserve Hija z B Khamìs Mushayﬁ 175 a n 15 S o u t h e r n i 1080 Abhà 1534 K h P l a t e a u a 211 t m 1792 a h 1150 h a Badral al Janub 177 1030 h 15 i s 1341 H a l u q Zahràn al Janub a h U r i t 5 a r 2402 2393 Najràn h 15 15 K Ash Sharawrah a l JÌZÀN 2612 t 1085 a q q q a Çabyà h Jazà'ir S Farasàn Wuday'ah Abù Arìsh Sajid Jìzàn

Jazirat Farasàn Farasàn Isaln ds special nature reserve 10) HEALTH

• If you come from a country where yellow fever is present, you’ll be asked for proof of vaccination. • Saudi Arabia is on an extremely hot country and you may suffer from dehydration even though the race takes place in winter where temperatures are substantially lower. Make sure you drink water abundantly throughout the day. • A man can practice care on a woman, and vice versa, in case of emergency. • In case of emergency, call 911 to reach the police.

7 SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

FAQ • Can I smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes? TO GO FURTHER, FIND BELOW A FAQ Yes. Designated smoking areas are set up in hotels and other TO ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS facilities. In general, regulations prohibit smoking in eight public areas. These include the vicinities of religious, educational, health, sport and cultural institutions, social and charity institutions. • Can I come with my wife/husband/partner to the rally? Yes. Your family is welcomed in Saudi Arabia and will be able to enjoy Smoking is also prohibited in government offices, factories, banks the Dakar show with all the spectators. and all public transport facilities. This applies to e-cigarettes too. • Can I come with my girlfriend/boyfriend to the rally? • Are there areas where staff cannot go if they are of a different Yes, with a supporting visa, and couples can now share a room. religion? In general, mosques are only open to those of the Muslim faith, though • Are women safe to walk around outside/inside the event alone? some have times when visitors are welcome. If in doubt, always Saudi Arabia is a safe country where the safety of women is of politely check whether it is allowed. paramount importance. • What religious beliefs/customs will staff/guests encounter • Should women walk on the road with the company of men, while in Saudi Arabia that they will need to adhere to? or by themselves? Visitors to Saudi Arabia will encounter respect from all quarters. Yes. And women can openly speak to male staff. But holding hands or However, visitors should respect the local customs outlined already. public displays of affection can cause offence. • What restrictions - if any - will apply to international media • Can I be open about my sexual orientation? once in Saudi Arabia? Whatever your sexual orientation, Saudi Arabia remains a largely No specific restrictions will be placed on journalists, however filming conservative country where public displays of affection can cause in public places may require permits and requests for interviews offence to public decency and can lead to arrest, like many countries should be submitted to the correct department for facilitation. across the Gulf. Discretion and respect is advised for all. However, producing politically or religiously offensive material will be • Can 2 men share a room ? Can 2 women share a room ? subject to local laws. Men can share a room, the same applies for women. • What documentation will international media need to bring with • Is it possible for a woman to stay in a mixed-gender hotel them to the event? with men? Journalists will have documents of accreditation from Amaury Yes, women can stay in mixed-gender hotels, many international Sport Organisation (A.S.O.). These should be accompanied by a valid hotel chains are present in Saudi Arabia. Couples can now share passport, country ID and Press Card (when available). a room. • Does Saudi Arabia now want to promote female drivers, or only mention inclusion? In hosting Dakar rally, a national event of great importance, Saudi Arabia is showing its support for motorsport and will be using the occasion to promote drivers and road safety to all, men and women. Saudi Arabia welcomes all drivers and will support all initiatives and activities regardless of gender. • Are there any specific guidelines to give female media/staff/ guests prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia? Dress modestly in line with local customs, avoid public displays of affection. While segregation still remains in some local restaurants, in many international hotels it is perfectly permissible to eat and have meetings with male colleagues. For men and women, drugs are strictly illegal and use or supply could leave to arrest and severe punishment, including the death penalty. • Are women allowed to wear jewellery or make-up? Yes without any problem ! • Are men allowed to wear jewelry ? Yes without any problem ! • Are individuals allowed to show tattoos ? Keeping in mind cultural sensitivities, tattoos that do not depict explicit images/phrases will be tolerated within reason. AL-MASJID AN-NABAWI - MEDINA © ORHANDURGUT - GETTYIMAGES - ORHANDURGUT © MEDINA - AN-NABAWI AL-MASJID

8 SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

• In marketing materials, are there any words, images or symbols • What is the celebrity culture like in Saudi Arabia? that should not be used? Like any other country, Saudis and expats living in the Kingdom are Avoid images of mosques or religious text in promotional material, largely engaged with the celebrity world whether in sports, cinema likewise avoid mentioning/showing topics of political, religious or music. Any celebrities in attendance or in support of the race will or indecent nature. Please note the rally is to be considered as a be warmly welcomed if they demonstrate an interest in the Saudi sporting, entertainment and cultural event of great significance and culture, heritage, traditions or future. should be marketed with this mindset. • What is the native language? What is the percentage of • In video assets, what cannot be shown either on TV, or on giant English-speaking people? screens at event? Arabic is the native language which should be used, then English, Inappropriate behaviour such as public drinking or displays of which is spoken in many international hotels and restaurants. affection should be removed. Women featured should be modestly Many educated Saudis speak English. dressed, not it tight fitting or revealing clothes. As per many • Are security allowed to check the passes of people when international sports and events, tabaco and alcohol advertising is not entering the Rally? permitted. The event will cater for all members of society and families Yes, obviously courteously and respectfully but yes security can will attend in large numbers. Assets should target a family fan base. check people’s passes. • Are women allowed to be shown on videos and photos? • Are security allowed to ask a woman for proof of her pass, Yes of course. Women featured should be modestly dressed, not in or conduct security searches? tight fitting or revealing clothes. Photos or videos of a group of people Security can check people’s passes but only women can conduct can be taken. Be careful with portraits. You need an approval from the security searches on women. It is advisable to have both male and women before taking it. female staff on hand. • Are individuals allowed to take photos on public spaces ? • Dakar rally discusses a lot about being a carbon footprint What is the policy regarding that? conscious event, is Kingdom of Saudi Arabia an obvious match Unless stated otherwise, images of scenery and places are allowed, for those values? but individuals (particularly females) should not be photographed to to As part of its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is moving away from its avoid any problems. dependence on oil and increasing sustainability remains a priority. The significant scale of the events and activities in terms of entertainment and culture will show the Saudi’s commitment to a successful event for the entire family as well as present Saudi’s future vision. HA’IL © MAHMOUD ALELAIMI - GETTYIMAGES - ALELAIMI MAHMOUD © HA’IL

9 SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

11) VOCABULARY

السالم عليكم ...... Hello/Hi: as salam alekoum • إسمي ...... My name is: Ismi • نعم ...... Yes: na’aam • أل ...... No: la • من فضلك ...... (Please: min fadlik (femme) / min fadalak (homme • أنا سائق ...... I am a pilot: Ana sayiq • بدي روح ...... I want to go: Badé rouhh • ? كم ...... ? How many?/ how much?: kem • ال أفهم ...... I don’t understand: laa afham • اكل ...... To eat: ékol • إشرب ...... To drink: ishrab • مياه ...... Water: Miyah • مطعم ...... Restaurant: Mateam • مرحاض ...... Toilets: Mirhad • الحساب ...... The bill: el hisaab • طبيب ...... Doctor: Tabiib • مستشفى ...... Hospital: Mustashfa • انشاهلل ...... ! If God wills it: In cha Allah • شكراً ...... Thank you: chukraan • مع السالمة ...... Good bye: maha salaama • إلى اللقاء ...... iila liqa

ENJOY YOUR RACE AND YOUR STAY IN SAUDI ARABIA AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK THE DAKAR ORGANIZATION