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About KFUPM - Saudi Arabia

Background

Since the dawn of human history, this part of the world has been the focal point of a wide variety of human activity. From the pre-Islamic days of nomadic tribes and Bedouins to the present day, the saga of the Arabian peninsula, the future domain of the present Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has been an exciting, unique and unparalleled one in many respects. It has been a continuous story of human endeavor and striving to excel, in the face of many intractable problems, such as the harsh environment and the need to unite socially diverse factions.

With the advent of Islam, one of the outstanding characteristics of this country's citizens is deep loyalty towards their religion and to the basic core of its principles. Needless to say, this has been the strongest bond amongst the people of the land, culminating in an unprecedented growth in every aspect of the country.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which houses Islam's two most highly respected cities, Makkah (location of the Grand Mosque and Holy Kaaba), and Madinah (location of Mosque and Prophet Mohammed's (peace be upon Him) grave), was unified and founded in 1932 by the late King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. The Kingdom has thirteen distinct regions for administrative purposes, namely, Central, Eastern, Alqasseem, Hayel, Alhodood Alshemalyyah, Tabouk, Makkah, Al Madina, Aljawf, Abha, Albaha, Jaizan and Najran. Riyadh is the country's capital city. It achieved its prominence a long time ago, and one of the main reasons being its strategic location at the heart of the vast country.

Nature

(The Nature, The People and The Land)

The seacoasts are peaceful and sober and asking in the sun is a real pleasure on the clean sands. Numerous species of flora and fauna are visible to the tourists.

The historical remains are the reflections of the grandeur of the past. Saudi Arabia's landscape is abundantly endowed by nature. The arid desert with rocky mountains and hills in between encompassed under the clear sky offer a bewildering view to a visitor. Their weather-shaped designs render spectacular views amid a vast emptiness. The Oases offers relief with their greens and streams. Oases containing date and palm plantations are numerous and they represent a monument to man's untiring zeal to cultivate even in extreme climates. Together, the country has in its lap an amazing and fascinating natural composition, distinctive in the world.

Amongst its numerous shrubs and trees, lie vast stretches of sandy dunes designed by whirlwinds and gushing air, a beauty of magnificent dimensions, often unusual but beautiful, apparently dry and lonely, but yet romantic.

The 2,250,000 sq. km area of the country touches the borders of Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan in the north. To the east and west are the very long coastal belts of the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, respectively. While the south is landlocked by the UAE, Oman and Yemen.

The rapid growth of Saudi Arabia's economy, industry, urban and rural development during the past two decades is unique. The balanced approach of national plans and programs towards uncompromising modernization and massive development-the most ambitious ones ever undertaken by any nation-without adversely affecting the country's roots in culture, heritage, and social values is an exceptional example to the rest of the world.

At the root of the country's unparalleled growth and prosperity is the highly competent administration of the Government under the direct supervision of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. The Kingdom's major plans have emphasized advancements in the areas of industry, agriculture, housing, education and health. The country's contribution to world peace in general and to the Muslim world, in particular, is exemplary.

Of the total population of 16.9 million, around 15 percent are expatriates from various parts of the world, and constitute a considerable portion of its total workforce. Technocrats and academics from the world's most advanced nations, like USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy and Japan, are employed here.

In addition, there is large number of technocrats from countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, etc.

General Information

Government

The government is a constitutional monarchy guided by the laws of Islam (shariah). The constitution of the country is derived from The Holy Quran and the Sunnah (deeds and sayings) of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon Him). The King is the head of state assisted by the Crown Prince and First Premier, the Second Premier and the Council of Ministers. The King of Saudi Arabia is the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.

The Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, is the Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the National Guard.

Economy, Trade & Industry

The Kingdom encourages, supports and assists investment, both local and foreign. The oil industry, is the largest single sector contributor to the country's wealth, composing 40 per cent of the country's economy. Apart from government-owned industries, the private sector is also encouraged to prosper and develop. The Government offers a varity of aid to such enterprises through schemes of finance, land, technology, resourcing, etc.

Religion

The country is the cradle of Islam and has inherited the culture, adhering strictly to the directives of Islam. Of course, the country supports and promotes co-existence with people of other faiths and hence one finds expatriates of many faiths, beliefs and religions living side by side.

Language

The official language is Arabic, the language of the Holy Quran. It is the language of the Arab world, with a few variations in dialects and local usage in some areas. English is widely used and understood by a large part of the population.

Culture

The Arab culture, being basically one of hospitality, peace and harmony with a strong Islamic base, fosters a sense of peace and security, courtesy and friendliness. Traditional values of family life and mutual respect for one another are prevalent everywhere. Respect for senior citizens and adherence to their values and principles are maintained to a very high degree.

Currency

The Saudi Riyal (SR) is divided into 100 Halalas. Coins are of denominations, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 Halalas, while notes are of values 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 Saudi Riyals.

Exchange rate 1 USD = 3.75 SR.

The Saudi Riyal is backed by gold reserves and is totally convertible to other currencies. With the country's free economy system and free trade policy, there is no restriction whatsoever on amounts for expatriation or importation to the Kingdom.

Holidays

There are principally three official holidays, namely National Day the 23rd September, Eid Ramadan at the end of a month-long fasting, and Eid al-Adha at the time of pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah.

Telecommunications

A 24-hrs service is available for direct dialing, telex and fax from all 5-star hotels and also from most other hotels. A Public Trunk Facility is available from PTT stations.

Entry Regulation

All foreigners, except GCC nationals, need to have valid visa duly endorsed in their passport for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Customs Regulations

There is no duty for personal items. Alcohol, pork and its derivatives, X-rated films and magazines and firearms are strictly prohibited.

Health Care

An integrated nationwide health care network is operational 24 hours a day. It is aided by the latest facilities in health centers and hospitals, both in private and Government sectors. There is a rotational system amongst pharmacies to offer an all-night service.

Newspapers

There are a good number of newspapers, magazines and periodicals of high standard, published within the Kingdom. While Arabic publications are more numerous, English publications are also widely read. Publications of other countries are also readily available, especially at major bookstores, libraries, airports and hotels.

Saudi Arabian Dailies:
 

Time: GMT + 3 hrs

Measures: Metric

Power: 110 & 220 V for general Use. 380 V and 480 V for Industry.

Business Hours:

Friday is the weekly holiday for general business and commercial offices but shops and market places are kept open after 4 pm. Government offices are closed on Thursdays and Fridays.

Common Arabic Terms:

Numerical:

© King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals | Dhahran, 31261 | Saudi Arabia | +966 (3) 860 0000