Hejaz, Saudi Arabia
Local SIM cards from STC, Mobily, Zain are available at the airport or malls. Passport registration applies. Wi-Fi is widely found in hotels, cafes, malls. Fast 4G/5G mobile data covers major cities.
Arabic is the official language. English is common in business, tourism, and major centers. Road signs are bilingual.
Local SIM cards and widely available Wi-Fi simplify staying connected.
Operating hours in Jeddah vary by business type and holidays.
Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
Generally daily from 10:00 AM until 11:00 PM or midnight.
Often morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) and evening (4:00 PM - 10:00 PM) shifts.
Banks: Generally open Sunday to Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. ATMs are widely available at banks, malls, supermarkets, accepting international cards.
The official weekend in Saudi Arabia is Friday and Saturday. Major holidays include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Saudi National Day (September 23), and Founding Day (February 22).
Check business hours in advance, especially during religious holidays or Ramadan.
Saudi society holds conservative values that shape public behavior.
Handshakes are common between men. Women do not initiate physical contact with Saudi men unless offered. "Assalamu Alaikum" is a well-received greeting.
Adhere to modesty guidelines for dress. Use your right hand for traditional foods. Tipping is generally welcomed.
Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, notably women and children. Avoid government or military buildings.
Alcohol and pork are prohibited. Avoid public displays of affection. Public LGBTQ+ expression is not tolerated.
Jeddah's infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is improving, especially in newer developments.
Modern shopping malls, luxury hotels, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway feature accessibility.
Major modern attractions like the Corniche and King Fahd's Fountain are accessible. Ride-sharing apps offer some accessible vehicle options.
Older areas like Al-Balad present challenges. Contact the Saudi Tourism Authority or local operators for specific needs in advance.
