Welcome to the website of the Riyadh Group for British Business

Air:-

Riyadh is served by King Khalid International Airport and receives frequent flights from all International destinations. The National carrier Saudia ( www.saudiairlines.com ) flies all routes both internationally and domestic.

There are also a large number of other airlines flying into Riyadh and connections throughout the world are easily made through regional hubs such as Bahrain and Dubai.

As the first point of entry for the majority of travelers to Riyadh will be through King Khalid International Airport it is pertinent to note that the entry requirements for Saudi Arabia are rigorously enforced. Details of the requirements for a visa can be found at the Saudi Embassy website. www.saudiembassy.org.uk and plenty of time must be given to obtain the visa.

Restrictions enforced at the airport include

Forbidden items include alcohol, narcotics, weapons, ammunition, pork and pornography. Prescription drugs must be documented. Makkah and Madinah hold special religious significance and only persons of the Islamic faith are allowed entry.

In 2008 there was a limit of SR60,000 that may be brought into the country in cash and/or valuables per passenger

Road:-

A comprehensive road network exists throughout Saudi Arabia linking all major cities. Driving can be a somewhat daunting task and it is better to let someone else do it if possible!  You can drive in Saudi Arabia on an International driving license for 3 months and then you need to obtain a Saudi license.

All makes of cars can be bought in the local distributors and there is a thriving second –hand car market. Insurance is compulsory but not necessarily adhered to. Most of the international car hire companies have outlets and although it can be cheaper to go to a local company the cars are sometimes not of the best and there is no backup in case of a problem. Car hire firms include Budget, Hertz and Avis. Most of these can be booked through Hotels.

Taxis are readily available but it is better to obtain one through your hotel than picking one off the road. Meters should be used but rarely are and it is better to agree a price before starting than at the conclusion of a journey.

Buses are available but it is not advisable to use them in town. Local services tend to be dominated by locally owned mini buses and they are not too well looked after. SAPTCO ( Saudi Arabia Public Transport Co.) runs intercity buses which could be used  in an emergency and there are executive coaches also run by them.

Rail:-

At the moment there is only one line in Saudi Arabia joining Riyadh and Dammam. There are about 4 trains a day and provide a reasonable alternative to flying. There are plans to continue the line to Jeddah and the Western Province as well as for additional lines in the Eastern Province where some where is now underway.