introduction · • crown prince: his royal highness crown prince mohammed bin salman bin abdulaziz...

10
SAUDI ARABIA 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 km 2 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 3 rd Chapter! SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE Gulf of Aden MEDITERRANEAN SEA ARABIAN SEA R E D S E A A r a b i a n G u l f Laquedives Islands (India) Socotra (Yemen) Massira Crest KABUL TEHRAN BAGHDAD RIAD MUSCAT SANAA CAIRO KHARTOUM ADDIS- ABEBA Mumbai Jeddah Medina Mecca Neom DAMASCUS ABU DUBAI ASMARA NICOSIA KUWAIT AMMAN ISLAMABAD West Bank GREECE CYPRUS ISRAEL EGYPT EGYPT SUDAN ETHIOPIA SOUTH SUDAN DJIBOUTI ERITREA AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN IRAN SAUDI ARABIA IRAQ SYRIA JORDAN KUWAIT LEBANON QATAR BAHREIN YEMEN OMAN SOMALIA U.A.E 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 • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud • President of the Saudi Arabian Motorsports Federation: His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal Al Saud ©GEOATLAS 2019 1

Upload: others

Post on 30-Jul-2020

10 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: INTRODUCTION · • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince

SAUDI ARABIA 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 territor y 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 countr y 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!

SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

G u l f o f A d en

M E D I T E R R A N E A N S E A

A R A B I A N S E A

RED SEA

A rab i a n G u l f

L a q u e d i v e s I s l a n d s( I n d i a )

S o c o t r a( Y e m e n )

M a s s i r a

M a l é A t o l lA r i A t o l l

C r e s tK A B U L

CO L O M B O

N E W D E L H I

T E H R A N

B AG H DA D

R I A D

M U S CAT

S A N A A

A N K A R A

C A I R O

K H A R T O U M

A D D I S -A B E B A

M O G A D I S H U

D J O U B A

B a n g a l o re

M u m b a i H yd era b a d

D e l h i

J e d d a h

M e d i n a

M ecc a

N e o m

D U C H A N B E

DA M AS C U S

A B U D U B A I

A S M A R A

B A KUE R E VA N

N I CO S I A

KU WA I T

A M M A N

AC H G A B AT

I S L A M A B A D

C a s h m e r e

W e s t B a n k

G R E E C E

T U R K E Y

C Y P R U S

A R M E N I A

I S R A E L

E G Y P T

E G Y P T

S U D A N

E T H I O P I A

K E N Y AU G A N D A

S O U T HS U D A N

D J I B O U T I

E R I T R E A

A F G H A N I S T A N

P A K I S T A NI R A N

S A U D IA R A B I A

I R A QS Y R I A

J O R D A N

M A L D I V E S

K U W A I T

L E B A N O N

Q A T A RB A H R E I N

Y E M E N

O M A N

N E P A L

S O M A L I A

I N D I AU . A . E

T U R K M E N I S T A N

T A D J I K I S T A N

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• Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud• President of the Saudi Arabian Motorsports Federation: His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal Al Saud

©GEO

ATLA

S 20

19

1

Page 2: INTRODUCTION · • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince

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 Januar y, weather conditions in Saudi Arabia make it a good trip destination. The average temperatures you’ll face in Januar y 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 Januar y 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 countr y is ver y high and there is always a chance of rain.

VARIOUS GEOGR APHIES • 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

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

DARI

YA ©

SEE

SAU

DIA

AL U

LA ©

SEE

SAU

DIA

2

Page 3: INTRODUCTION · • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince

SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

4) LOCAL LIFE ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND PORK RES TRICTIONS • 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.

SE XUALIT Y • Imported cultural products (DVDs, books, magazines…) must be compatible with local and decency laws (no explicit content). Any pornographic orerotic 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 ver y 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 compulsor y 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 Januar y 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 compulsor y, 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 mandator y, 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 countr y• If involved in a road traffic accident, immediatelycall 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 tr y 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 encounter any problem on the road. AL

HIJR

© S

EE S

AUDI

A

3

Page 4: INTRODUCTION · • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince

SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

MISCELL ANEOUS • The usual greeting is a handshake.• Tips are not mandator y 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.

5) ECONOMY CURRENCY: SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) • 1 EUR = 4,2 SAR• 1 USD = 3,7 SARAt 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 (AVER AGE ON THE ENTIRE SAUDI TERRITORY) • 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)

MOS

QUE A

L-HA

RAM

© G

ETTY

IMAG

ESNE

OM ©

MOH

AMM

ED A

L HOW

ITY

- SEE

SAU

DIJE

DDAH

© G

ETTY

IMAG

ES

4

Page 5: INTRODUCTION · • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince

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 countr y and discover the wonders of the countr yside and the rich culture of the countr y.Below are some recommendations to visit the countr y.You can visit the website https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/ for more information.

AN E XCEP TIONAL CULTUR AL AND NATUR AL 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

T YPICAL FOOD • Dates• Rice / Chickpeas / Cracked wheat• Lamb / Chicken• Pita bread• Arabic coffee and tea• Seafood (in coastal cities)

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…

AL U

LA ©

H. B

RIZA

RD -

GETT

YIM

AGES

HA’IL

© S

EE S

AOUD

I

5

Page 6: INTRODUCTION · • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince

SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

8) COMMUNICATION • All social networks are free to be accessed ever ywhere.

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 U

LA ©

FAHA

D AL

TRI

SY -

SEE S

AOUD

INE

OM ©

SEE

SAO

UDI

6

Page 7: INTRODUCTION · • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince

SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

9) COUNTRY LOGISTICS ROAD NE T WORK • The road network is in ver y good condition and most of the big

cities are well connected.• Public transportation available in big cities but not reliable.• Taxis/Uber/Careem available in all cities.

DIS TANCES BE T WEEN THE MAIN CITIES • Jeddah - Riyadh: 950km drive (about 9h10)• Riyadh - Dammam: 410km drive (about 4h00)• Riyadh - Neom: 1510km drive (about 14h30)• Jeddah - Neom: 970 km drive (about 9h30)

AIRPOR T SYS TEM • Major airports: Jeddah and Riyadh• About 6 hours of flight from Paris and Frankfurt • National company: Saudi Airlines• Domestic flights are secure

ELECTRICAL PLUG • 127/220V and 60 Hz frequency (power outlets are type A, B, F and G)• Bringing an adapter is recommended

© SE

E SAO

UDI

10) HEALTH

• If you come from a countr y where yellow fever is present, you’ll be asked for proof of vaccination. • Saudi Arabia is on an extremely hot countr y and you may suffer from dehydration even though the race takes place in winter where temperaturesare 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.

AL HUHÙDASH SHAMÀLÌYAH

AL JAWF

TABÙK

AL MADÌNAH

MAKKAH

'ASÌR

AL BÀHAH

JÌZÀN

ASH SHARQÌYAH

NAJRÀN

AL QAÇÌM

AR RIYÀD

HÀ'IL

S A U D I A R A B I A

Turayf

Jubbah

Tàbah

Badr Hunayn

Mahd adh Dhahab

Zalim

Al Khurmah

Al 'Alayyah

An Nimàç

Kiyàt

QalàtBìshah

Wuday'ah

Hamdah

Tathlìth

KumdahAs Sulayyil

Laylá

Al Hillah

Hawat Bani TaminHàlàban

Afìf

Al Qa'ìyah

Ad Dawàdimì

Al Quwayìyah

Rumàh

Khurais

Al Khunn

Al Kharj

Al Majma'ah

AlArfiàwìyah

Abà ad Dùd

Ar Ruq'i

Ra's al Mish àb

Al'Ubaylah

Qalamat Fàris

Qaryat al 'Ulyà

An nu’ayriyat

'Unayzah

'Uqlat aç ÇuqùrAr Rass

Az Zilfì

Maràh

Ash Sharawrah

Zahràn al Janub

Badral al Janub

Çabyà

Abù Arìsh

Turabah

Al 'Aqìq

Banì Sharfà

Al Qunfudhah

Al Lìth

Ad Dafìnah

Al MuwayhTuwwal

Al Ghazàlah

Al Bukayrìyah

Hulayfàh

Qibà'

Al 'Ìsàwìyah

Al Qurayyàt

Hàlàt Ammàr

Al Bi'r

Al Qalìbah

Taymà

Al 'Ulà

Al Wajh

Umm Lajj

AshShaykh Humayd

'Aynùnah

Dubà

Al Jawf

Al Hufùf

Harad

BuraydahAd Dammàm

Abhà

Al Madìnah(Medina)

Afi flà'if

Hà'il

Tabùk

AR RIYÀD(RIYADH)

Jeddah

Neom

Makkah (Mecca)

Rafhà'

Hafar al Bàfiin

King Khaled

Al Qafiìf

Al Zahràm

'Uray'irah

Sàjir

Nafy

Shi’bat Nisab

Yanbu'al Bahr

Khamìs Mushayfi

Al Mubarraz

Sakàkah

'Ar'Ar

Al Bàhah

Jìzàn

Najràn

RED SEA

Persian Gulf

Tìràn

Umm Urùmah

Mashàbih

Shaybàrà

Jazà'irFarasàn

Jazirat Farasàn

Sajid

Abar adh Sakhkhah

177

211

177

177

175

1515

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

60

5

5

5

5

5

40

5

10

211

211

246

205

205

285 287

565

375

389

427

273

273

250

209

70 70

7065

65

60

60

60

6550

80

80

80

80

80

80

85

85

85

50

85

95

75

75

40

40

40

40

40

40

50

50

65

65

10

10

85

10

10

10

10

10

10

85

50

85

65

65

394

411

413

505

50

50

533

522

1199

936

895

2580Jabal al Lawz

Jabal al KhashshabJabal Jad’an

2550Jabal Dabbagh

2003

J. Radwa 2010

J. Shathir 1119

2498Jabal Qarndyt

11251250

1472

1845

1770

1792 1150

1534 1080

1030

1085

2393

2612

2402

1341

1895

16641845

2035

1661

2277

1365

1340

1144

1468

1334

1210

1490

1535

1340J.Karsh

2594

2323

1449

1812

574

Ar

R

ub

'

al

K

lìJ

ab

al

T

uw

ay

q

N

a

j

d

A n N a f ù d

J a b a l S h a m m a r

A

d

D

a

h

n

à

'

J ab

al a

sh

Sh

i f a

Jabal Mazhafah

N a f u d a s S u r r a h

Ba

ni M

uk

as

si

r

As

S a h ma ’

U r u q a l H i s h ah

Ba

ni K

h a t m a h

S h a q q q a t a l K h a r i t a h

Wa

ji

d P

la

te

au

U r u q a r R u ma y

i ah

Al i B

ay

ad

A l A f l a j

Na

f u

d Q

u n a y fi d h a h

Na

fu

d a

s S

i rr

Ra

yd a

As

h S

uq

an

As

h S

um

ma

n

Wa

si

aA

d

Da

hn

a

Su

ma

n Y

ab

ri n

Al H

a

ma l

Al M

as

um

i ya

h

A l J a w b

As

S

na

m

Al

Mi

hr

ad

Ab

u B

a h r

Ur

uq

S

ub

ay

I r q a l W a d i

A t T u b a y q

Ha

r r a t a l - Uw

a y r i d

J

a

b

a

l

Al

H

is

ma

H a r r a t L u n a y y i r

H a r r a t Hu

ta ym

A l ’ Ur a y

q

J. Shathir 1119

1585

1600

1320

16461640

1689

16861917

1280

2060

2361

1903

217 1

1618

1572

1462

1578

N

a

j

d

1210

1280

Jabal al Wa’abah

1509

1359

1783

1555

1534

1619

2110

17 13

1469

1503

1585

1417

1387

1247

1513

1547

14451502

1360

1412

2170

1923

17 10

Jabal Wabaral Hajar

1572

1682

1841

Al

J

àf

ùr

ah

B a n i M a ’ a r i d

Y a n u a n N a k h l

A l K u r s u

B a n i T u k h m a n

A r R i m a l

A l Q a ’ a m i y a t

H i j a z

S o u t h e r n

P l a t e a u

N o r t h e rP l a t e a u

H a r r a t N a w a s i f

H a r ra t

H a d a n

1469

1440

1515

1345

11231234

Al

Ah

'

Yanbu CoastalConservation Area

Farasàn Isalndsspecial nature reserve

Farasàn Isalndsspecial nature reserve

Al Khunfah Protected Area

Harrat al HarrahFirst National Park

Rawdhat KhuraymProtected Area

Pools of Sha’id LuhaAl Hair Special Nature Reserve

Al Hawat Bani TamimNature Reserve

Nafud al UrayqProtected Area

Saja Ummar RimthProtected Area

Mahazat as SaydSpecial Nature Reserve

7

Page 8: INTRODUCTION · • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince

SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

FAQTO GO FURTHER, FIND BELOW A FAQ TO ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS

• 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 the Dakar show with all the spectators.

• Can I come with my girlfriend/boyfriend to the rally?Yes, with a supporting visa, and couples can now share a room.

• Are women safe to walk around outside/inside the event alone?Saudi Arabia is a safe countr y where the safety of women is of paramount importance.

• Should women walk on the road with the company of men, or by themselves?Yes. And women can openly speak to male staff. But holding hands or public displays of affection can cause offence.

• Can I be open about my sexual orientation?Whatever your sexual orientation, Saudi Arabia remains a largely conservative countr y where public displays of affection can cause offence to public decency and can lead to arrest, like many countries across the Gulf. Discretion and respect is advised for all.

• Can 2 men share a room ? Can 2 women share a room ?Men can share a room, the same applies for women.

• Is it possible for a woman to stay in a mixed-gender hotel with men?Yes, women can stay in mixed-gender hotels, many international hotel chains are present in Saudi Arabia. Couples can now share 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.

• Can I smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes?Yes. Designated smoking areas are set up in hotels and other 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. Smoking is also prohibited in government offices, factories, banks and all public transport facilities. This applies to e-cigarettes too.

• Are there areas where staff cannot go if they are of a different religion?In general, mosques are only open to those of the Muslim faith, though some have times when visitors are welcome. If in doubt, always politely check whether it is allowed.

• What religious beliefs/customs will staff/guests encounter while in Saudi Arabia that they will need to adhere to?Visitors to Saudi Arabia will encounter respect from all quarters. However, visitors should respect the local customs outlined already.

• What restrictions - if any - will apply to international media once in Saudi Arabia?No specific restrictions will be placed on journalists, however filming in public places may require permits and requests for interviews should be submitted to the correct department for facilitation. However, producing politically or religiously offensive material will be subject to local laws.

• What documentation will international media need to bring with them to the event?Journalists will have documents of accreditation from Amaur y Sport Organisation (A.S.O.). These should be accompanied by a valid passport, countr y ID and Press Card (when available).

AL-M

ASJID

AN-

NABA

WI -

MED

INA

© OR

HAND

URGU

T - G

ETTY

IMAG

ES

8

Page 9: INTRODUCTION · • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince

SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

• In marketing materials, are there any words, images or symbols that should not be used?Avoid images of mosques or religious text in promotional material, likewise avoid mentioning/showing topics of political, religious or indecent nature. Please note the rally is to be considered as a sporting, entertainment and cultural event of great significance and should be marketed with this mindset.

• In video assets, what cannot be shown either on TV, or on giant screens at event?Inappropriate behaviour such as public drinking or displays of affection should be removed. Women featured should be modestly dressed, not it tight fitting or revealing clothes. As per many international sports and events, tabaco and alcohol advertising is not permitted. The event will cater for all members of society and families will attend in large numbers. Assets should target a family fan base.

• Are women allowed to be shown on videos and photos?Yes of course. Women featured should be modestly dressed, not in tight fitting or revealing clothes. Photos or videos of a group of people can be taken. Be careful with portraits. You need an approval from the women before taking it.

• Are individuals allowed to take photos on public spaces ? What is the policy regarding that?Unless stated otherwise, images of scener y and places are allowed, but individuals (particularly females) should not be photographed to to avoid any problems.

• What is the celebrity culture like in Saudi Arabia?Like any other countr y, Saudis and expats living in the Kingdom are largely engaged with the celebrity world whether in sports, cinema or music. Any celebrities in attendance or in support of the race will be warmly welcomed if they demonstrate an interest in the Saudi culture, heritage, traditions or future.

• What is the native language? What is the percentage of English-speaking people?Arabic is the native language which should be used, then English, which is spoken in many international hotels and restaurants. Many educated Saudis speak English.

• Are security allowed to check the passes of people when entering the Rally?Yes, obviously courteously and respectfully but yes security can check people’s passes.

• Are security allowed to ask a woman for proof of her pass, or conduct security searches?Security can check people’s passes but only women can conduct security searches on women. It is advisable to have both male and female staff on hand.

• Dakar rally discusses a lot about being a carbon footprint conscious event, is Kingdom of Saudi Arabia an obvious match for those values?As part of its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is moving away from its 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

© M

AHM

OUD

ALEL

AIM

I - G

ETTY

IMAG

ES

9

Page 10: INTRODUCTION · • Crown Prince: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud • Chairman of the General Sports Authority: His Royal Highness Prince

SAUDI ARABIA PRACTICAL GUIDE

11) VOCABULARY

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

• Good bye: maha salaama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . مع السالمة

iila liqa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . إلى اللقاء

ENJOY YOUR RACE AND YOUR STAY IN SAUDI ARABIA AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK THE DAKAR ORGANIZATION ANY QUESTION YOU MAY HAVE!©

SEE S

AOUD

I

10