SAUDI ARABIA’S LEADING INTERNATIONAL
FOOD & DRINK TRADE EXHIBITION
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Advance visas are required for all foreigners wishing to enter Saudi Arabia. The only significant exception is citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council nations.
All business travellers require a business visa for entry into Saudi Arabia. Business visas are issued to the following individuals: business people, investors, representatives of companies, managers, sales managers, sales representatives, accountants, production managers, administrative managers, and consultants.
For any assistance needed with visa application or visa inquiries, please email sumaiya.kamsa@sunaidiexpo.com for further information.
EXPLORE
SAUDI
ARABIA
Since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom has been on a mission to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenues. This bold vision has ushered in a period of transformation and accelerated growth across various promising sectors, including mining, manufacturing, logistics, and most notably, tourism. Vision 2030 is built upon three main pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.
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Riyadh combines ancient history with modern dynamism, offering a glimpse into Arabia’s past and future. Explore the city's rich heritage through souqs, museums, and historical architecture, and experience its modern side with high-rises and a thriving art scene, highlighted by the Riyadh Art initiative that turns the city into an open-air gallery. Don't miss Riyadh Season, featuring themed zones like Boulevard City and the Riyadh Zoo, open year-round. For dining, try local delicacies at Najd ...
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Experience the charm of Jeddah's heritage as you wander through the historic streets of Al Balad. Discover a shopping paradise at the Mall of Arabia and Red Sea Mall. Dive into the refreshing waters of the Red Sea or take a leisurely stroll along the Jeddah Corniche. Don't miss the spectacular King Fahd Fountain, a marvel that shoots water 312 meters into the sky.
Read More INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW
Saudi Arabia is four hours ahead of UTC (Co-ordinated Universal Time – formerly known as GMT) and there is no daylight saving.
Riyadh has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Temperatures range from a low of around 13°C (50°F) on a winter's night, to a high of around 42°C (118°F) on a summer's day. The cooler months, November to April, are the most pleasant time to visit, when temperatures are around 24°C (75°F) during the day and 13°C (56°F) at night.
The official language of the country is Arabic, although English is the official business language. English is widely used and most road and shop signs, restaurant menus, etc. are in both languages.
Government offices: 07:30am to 04:00pm (Sunday to Thursday)
Private sector: 09:00am to 06:00pm can vary (Sunday to Thursday)
Embassies and consulates: 08:00am to 04:00pm (Sunday to Thursday)
Banks: 09:00am to 04:00pm (Sunday to Thursday)
Shopping Malls: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Petrol stations: 24 hours (Daily)
The monetary unit is the "Riyal".
The currency is also referred to as SAR (Saudi Arabian Riyal).
The Riyal has been tied to the US dollar at a mid-rate of US $1 – SAR 3.75
Banking hours: Sunday to Thursday 08:00 am - 04:00 pm
Most banks operate ATMs, also known as Cash Points or Service Tills, which accept a wide range of cards. Common systems accepted around Riyadh include American Express, Cirrus, Global Access, MasterCard, Plus System and Visa. ATMs can be found in all shopping malls, at the airport, at petrol stations and at various street-side locations.
Money exchanges are available all over Riyadh, offering good services and reasonable exchange rates, which are often better than the banks. Additionally, hotels will usually exchange money and travelers cheques at the standard hotel rate.
Most shops, hotels and restaurants accept the major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa).
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world.
The Islamic year is called the Hijri and dates are followed by AH - After Hijra. The Hijri calendar is based on lunar months. There are 354 or 355 days in the Hijri year, which is divided into 12 lunar months and each year is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year.
Riyadh's culture is rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Among the most highly prized virtues are courtesy and hospitality; visitors are sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people.
Shopping in Riyadh is an enjoyable experience! Prices are competitive in many products from gold to carpets, textiles or designer labels.
Islam is the official religion of KSA.
Riyadh offers pretty much every type of international cuisine imaginable.
Personal effects entering Riyadh are not liable to a customs levy. It is strictly forbidden to import drugs and pornographic material and items.
The importation of alcohol into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is NOT PERMITTED.
There is a wide choice of hotels in Riyadh ranging from small boutiques to 5 star luxury properties.
The larger hotels all offer an airport shuttle bus service.
Drivers and their passengers in the front and back seats of a vehicle must by law wear seats belts.
For more information, please contact:
Sumaiya Kamsa
Project Assistant
Mobile: +966 54 006 6567
Telephone: +966 12 663 0404 Ext. 155
Email: sumaiya.kamsa@sunaidiexpo.com
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