Saudi Arabia is an Islamic Republic moving towards advancement with a faster pace. It is highly commemorated place for the Muslim population. Because it is regarded as the heartland of Islam and the birthplace of their Holy Prophet. Millions of Muslim communities from around the world enter the worshipping cities of Mecca and Madinah to perform their religious itineraries named as Hajj and Umrah respectively.

From the past few years, this Islamic Kingdom has opened its way for International tourism with various tourist-friendly changes in the State policy. This Islamic State has appreciably softened many super strict rules for the foreign fellas in particular. These changes include women driving consent for everyone, easing in the dress code and limited intermixing of opposite genders.

Some Important Saudi Arabian facts

Without any doubt, you can roam in this Islamic land with considerable ease and leniency now. However, there is much more to keep in mind before setting your foot in this spectacular place of earth.
I would like to pre inform you about some important and inevitable Saudi Arabian facts to make your stay time cheery and everlasting memorable.

Climate of Saudi Arabia

Be mindful that the climate of the Kingdom is really hot. The Arab News writes that the central and the eastern part of Kingdom witness record-breaking high temperatures that even reach up to 53 degrees Celsius. So it is strongly recommended to plan your Saudi visit in Winter. Because winter is the best tour time in this Islamic Kingdom.

Weekends are Observed on Friday and Saturday

Unlike the European Sunday holidays, the weekends in Saudi Arabia are observed on Friday and Saturday. Because the Muslim holiest day falls on Friday, the Saudi State has long observed a Thursday-Friday weekend.
However, the Saudi State changed the weekend schedule. It has shifted its weekend to Friday-Saturday now.

On Prayer Time Everything is Closed

The Saudi locals are very concerned about their 5 time Prayers. And the duration of each prayer goes from 10-20 minutes maximum. So they don’t put off or delay their prayer at any cost.  Just with the voice of Adhan or Call to Prayer, they shutter down their worldly affairs and rush towards the Mosques to offer prayers. So if you are non-Islamic traveler, never insist any Saudi Shop owner to stay for you during the prayer time.

On Friday, everything is Shut Down until Asar Prayer

Friday is regarded as the most blessed and the holiest worshiping day for the Muslims. On this special day, they offer their special Friday prayer in congregation with utmost religious zeal.
During the regular 5-time Prayer time, some restaurants may remain open for you. However, at noon during the Friday prayer, everything is absolutely closed. So it is strongly advised to stay indoor during this special time.

No Nightlife with mixed gatherings at Night

Prior to embarking on Saudi Arabia, be mindful that it is not like the Western liberal world. You are heading on to an Islamic State which is governed by the rules and regulations of Islam.
So unlike Europe, you cannot have a bustling Night-Life and dancing Clubs in this Islamic land. So don’t expect clubs, bars, dancing girls and lively music.

Moreover, leave your alcohol cigarette and wine bottles at home before setting out to Islamic land of Saudi Arabia. 
You can amaze and entertain yourself through traditional Saudi Cultural Sword Dances with succulent sweet drinks which you can have Saudi restaurants and hotels.

Eating with Left Hand is Frowned On

The Religion Islam advocates the use of Right hand in everyday life affairs. And teaches to eat with right hand. Saudi Arabia is the country where eating with the left hand is frowned on and considered indecent. So if you are eating with the traditional Saudi families, so always try to eat with your Right hand. The left-handed people who can’t eat with right hand must avoid eating in public.

Saudi Arabia-Not a Walk Friendly Place

It is something important you need to know that Saudi Arabia is not a walk friendly place. It is mainly due to its warm temperature. The Scorching sun in Saudi Arabia is too much to bear. So in order to move in the Saudi cities, you have to use the domestic Saudi Arabian flights.

In this large Islamic country, traveling by air is by far the most convenient way of traveling around the country.
If you don’t want to travel by air, you can also move in the Saudi city by renting a car. However, renting a car becomes more expensive than the domestic flights.

Furthermore, you can also experience traveling through convenient and spacious busses within the country. The bus fares are really cheap and affordable in the country.

Don’t Travel in Ramadan

Ramadan is the holiest and the most respectable month of the Muslim Calendar. In this whole month the Muslims are refrained from eating and drinking from Dawn to Dusk. The rules in this month are really strict in Saudi Arabia. You cannot eat or drink in the public during this month. So being a Non-Muslim don’t plan your Saudi tour in Ramadan.