![Maraya, the world's largest mirrored building, in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the desert surrounding it](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_toolkit_300x268/public/2021-01/cr_social%20graphic_%20saudi%20arabia_building_0113_blog.png?itok=IzsmOH1t)
To some, the idea of building a Guinness world record-breaking concert hall in the middle of the…
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. One of his male descendants rules the country today, as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law.
The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds about 16% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2015. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification, particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in 2005, and promotes foreign investment in the Kingdom. In April 2016, the Saudi government announced a broad set of socio-economic reforms, known as Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia is home to the largest sand desert in the world (Rub-Al Khali).
Saudi Arabia is the largest country without a natural river and the largest peninsula in the world.
Oil is less expensive than potable water.
Men and women have separate wedding ceremonies.
Television wasn’t introduced in the country until 1965.
Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%
Muslim (official religion; 85-90% Sunni; 10-15% Shia), other (including Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh)
Trains in Saudi Arabia are safe, comfortable, and very reasonable. There are only three lines: Riyadh–Dammam, Riyadh–Jauf, and Mecca–Medina via Jeddah.
Buses have the widest network, serving many remote areas. Despite being the slowest option, they’re the cheapest and easiest way to get around,
Car rental is possible with a U.S. or international driver’s license, but driving can be dangerous because of speeding, heavy traffic, and unenforced traffic laws. As of June 2018, women are permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia, but it may still be difficult for a woman to rent a car when outside of a city.
Taxis are available in most cities. Negotiating the fare first instead of using the meter will result in a cheaper fare. Rideshare services (like Uber) are available in many major cities and towns.
Hello: As-salām 'alaykum
Good morning: SabaaH alkhayr
Good evening: Masaa' alkhayr
Goodnight: TuSbiH äalaa khayr
Goodbye (male/female): tosbeho ‘ala khair/tosbeheena ‘ala khair
Please: Min faDlik
Excuse me: Aläafw
Thank you: Shukran
You’re welcome: äafwan
What’s your name?: Maa ismuk?
My name is…: Ismii…
Do you speak English?: Hal tataHaddath al'ingiliiziyya?
Can you speak more slowly?: hal yumkinuk attaHadduth bibuT'?
I don’t understand: Anaa laa afham
I understand perfectly: Anaa afham tamaaman
Where is the bathroom?: Ayn al-ḥammām?
How are you?: Kayfa Haluk?
I’m fine, thank you: Anaa bikhayr shukran
I’m sorry: Arjuu almaädhira
To some, the idea of building a Guinness world record-breaking concert hall in the middle of the…
To some, the idea of building a Guinness world record-breaking concert hall in the middle of the…