TRAVELLING TO JEDDAH
– PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Except for the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council, participants from all countries require a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. Participants must hold a passport valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry, with at least two sided blank pages in the Passport. Participants should send their passport details as early as possible to allow sufficient time for processing.
– TRAVEL TO AND FROM JEDDAH
In It is expected that Governors, Alternate Governors and delegates will make their own travel arrangements to and from Jeddah. If assistance is required, Travel Services in the Annual Meeting venue will assist with return flight reservations and other related travel requirements. Governors, Alternate Governors and other delegates are encouraged to arrange their arrival and return flight reservations as early as possible to ensure that they obtain the flights and dates of their choice.
– HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations are required to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are arriving from or through a country with risk of yellow fever. For more information, please consult www.moh.gov.sa
– CUSTOMS
Travelers to the Kingdom Saudi Arabia are not allowed to bring in prohibited items such as narcotics, alcoholic beverages, firearms or ammunition. Currency exceeding SR60,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency must be declared.
– RECEPTION AT KING ABDUL-AZIZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Protocol officers will be available at King Abdul-Aziz International Airport to expedite entry and departure formalities for delegates.
For each Governor of a member country of the IsDB, one car and a driver will be provided. Shuttle buses will be available to transport participants from the airport to the “official” hotels and from these hotels to the venue of the Annual Meeting.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
– LOCAL TIME
The local time of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is GMT +3 hours
– CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATE
The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal. It has a fixed exchange rate of USD 1= SAR 3.75. Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices and in major hotels.
– ELECTRICITY
Electricity power supply is 220 volts/ 60Hz, so be careful with your 110V electronic equipment.
– CLIMATE
During the month of May, average temperature in Jeddah is around 34oC.After sunset, it becomes a lot more comfortable with the average minimum temperature dropping down to around 24oC.
– LANGUAGE
While Arabic is the official language of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, English is widely spoken.
– WORKING HOURS
Government Institutions : 07:30 – 14:30
Banks : 09:30 – 16:30 (Sunday to Thursday)
Markets and Stores : 10:00 to 22:30 (throughout the week except on Friday)
It is important to take into account that during the daily prayer times, shops are closed.
– PRAYER TIMES
A suitable prayer area is available in all hotels and the Annual Meeting venue. An arrow sign exists in every room to indicate the direction of Qibla. Prayer times in Jeddah during the Annual Meeting are published on the Annual Meeting website
– LIST OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
For a list of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia diplomatic missions in IsDB Member Countries, and list of IsDB Member Countries diplomatic missions in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, please consult the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: “www.mofa.gov.sa”
– TRANSPORTATION
Regular shuttle buses will be available from the “Official” Hotels to the Annual Meeting venue and vice versa for all participants. Participants who opt to reside in non-official hotels should make their own transportation arrangements.
For more information on the shuttle schedules and other local transportation options, visit the Annual Meeting website.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
– PERFORMING UMRAH
Makkah is located 73 Km east of Jeddah, trips will be organized for participants to perform Umrah, for the schedule and reservation of trips please consult the Annual Meeting website and the information desk located in the Annual Meeting venue.
– VISIT TO MADINAH
Special visit packages to Madinah will be offered at a discounted price to the Annual Meeting delegates. Interested participants can sign up and obtain information from the Tour Desk located in the Annual Meeting Venue.
– PROGRAMME FOR ACCOMPANYING LADIES
An eventful program will be prepared and published on the Annual Meeting website for ladies accompanying participants of the Annual Meeting. Please check the website regularly for any updates or announcements.
