Cultural Norms

Riyadh

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Cultural Norms

Make sure you wear the appropriate attire when strolling and exploring the city. Women must be covered from neck to ankle, and in certain areas scarves are used to cover the face and head. Shorts and tank tops should not be worn outside of your accommodation by women. For men, loose clothing is recommended, and shorts are prohibited. When visiting, please make sure you respect and abide by the laws and culture of the country.

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Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH)

King Khalid International Airport is located 35 kilometres from central Riyadh. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 30 minutes by authorised airport taxi, which are available around the clock. For a sustainable and efficient alternative, the Riyadh Metro now connects the airport to the city. Use Line 4 to reach the King Abdullah Financial District in about 40 minutes. Plan your journey and pay for fares digitally using the official "Darb" app for a seamless travel experience.

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Best Time to Visit

The incredibly hot summers of Saudi Arabia, with temperatures often going above the 40°C mark, make the country one of the driest in the world. The unbearable heat, from April to October, makes it difficult to undertake continuous outdoor exploration. A trip to Saudi Arabia is best planned for the period between November and March. During those months, daytime temperatures tend to be cooler and significantly more comfortable.

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Passport & Visa

Nationals from countries like the United States, the UK, Canada, and most European Union member states must apply for an e-visa online in order to enter Jeddah. Certain nationalities, including citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, enjoy visa-free entry. For those not eligible for e-visas, Saudi Arabia offers a visa-on-arrival option for select nationalities, although this is less common and typically depends on the purpose of the visit. To secure a visa, travellers can apply through the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in their home country, or use the online platform for e-visas.

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Public Transport

Riyadh's public transport network has been transformed by two major systems. The Riyadh Bus service is a comprehensive network with over 50 routes, including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system launched in 2023. Complementing this is the Riyadh Metro, the world's longest driverless system. Its six lines span 176 kilometres, connecting 85 stations across the city.

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Taxi

Taxis in Riyadh are usually metered. You can hail a cab on the street, and it is acceptable for women to do so. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are widely used and offer a convenient way to navigate the city.

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Post

In Riyadh, post offices are usually open from 8am to 4pm, Sunday to Thursday, aligning with the standard workweek in Saudi Arabia. Some branches may also be open on Saturdays. Services typically include mailing and parcel delivery, financial transactions and the sale of postal supplies.

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Pharmacy

In Riyadh, several prominent pharmacy chains cater to various healthcare needs including Al-Dawaa Pharmacies (one of the largest and most well-known chains in Saudi Arabia) and United Pharmacies. If you need urgent medical care, head to Care Medical Hospital in Al-Rawabi.

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Telephone

Country code: +966 Area code: (0)11

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Electricity

Saudi Arabia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 60Hz. The plug type associated with the country is type G, just like in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

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