Saudi Arabia

country brief
Contents
key economic indicators .................................................... 2 overview ............................................................................... 2 political................................................................................. 3 imports and exports............................................................ 4 sector opportunities............................................................ 5 market entry......................................................................... 7 regulatory issues................................................................. 7 taxation................................................................................. 9 freight ................................................................................. 10 doing business with Saudi Arabia................................... 10 security/safety ................................................................... 12 visa requirements.............................................................. 12 time difference................................................................... 12 contacts.............................................................................. 13 useful websites.................................................................. 14

Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

This document is one of a series of free information tools for exporters produced by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise provides a wide range of standard services and sophisticated solutions that assist businesses through every stage of the export process. For information or advice, phone New Zealand Trade and Enterprise on 0800 555 888, visit www.nzte.govt.nz, or contact your client manager.

key economic indicators

Economic Indicator Population GDP (PPP) GDP Growth Rate GDP Per Capita (PPP) Inflation Total Imports Total Exports Currency Exchange Rate: NZ$ Exchange Rate: US$ Saudi Arabia 25.2 million* (2005) * includes 7.60 million non Saudi nationals US$340.5 billion (2005) 5.2% (2005) US$12,900 (2005) 0.7% (2005) SR 221,209 million (2004) SR 486,929 million (2004) 1 Saudi riyal (SR) = 100 halalah NZ$ = 2.36 SR (June 2006) US$ = 3.75 SR (pegged since 1986)

Source: Central Department of Statistics, IMF, UN

overview
Following more than two decades of very rapid economic growth and development of infrastructure, residential accommodation, industry and social amenities, the Saudi economy is now developing at a more measured pace. Oil price fluctuations have constrained growth in recent years, but the government is also being more prudent with its revenues. With the current surge in oil prices and increased demand for oil, the economy has again strengthened, with near record oil revenues, strong fiscal performance, healthy trade balances, good private sector growth, low inflation, and low interest rates. The government is actively encouraging non-oil industries, including mining and agriculture, with the objective of achieving high levels of national self-sufficiency, particularly in essential commodities and products. The Saudi Government has also initiated a programme of privatisation of Government owned entities. It began the privatisation reform through the corporatisation of the Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC), and is in the process of privatising other assets, ranging from postal services to water desalination and waste water treatment. Saudi Arabia is a member of the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The GCC was established in 1981 to provide a forum for the development of economic cooperation between member states. Many products are now regulated according to GCC standards, set by all members. Progress is being made towards harmonising customs duties throughout the GCC. In a wider context, World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership was achieved in December 2005. Membership is expected to primarily benefit the petrochemicals sector. In order to meet WTO entry requirements, Saudi Arabia has also made good progress in opening investment markets and addressing foreign investor concerns. Saudi Arabia has the largest known resources of oil of any country in the world, with close to a quarter of the worlds known reserves. The country is investing vast sums to expand its oil

Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

output, with the intention of increasing spare OPEC capacity to ease market concerns about tight supply. However, achieving significantly increased capacity will prove challenging at a time when some of the countrys mature fields, including the super-giant Ghawar field, are in decline. Saudi Arabia also has significant reserves of natural gas. Deposits of a wide range of minerals have been discovered in the Kingdom, including gold, silver, iron and copper. The government is currently examining ways in which to invest in downstream development of these resources. International social and economic trends, while not always openly embraced in Saudi Arabia, do impact on the development of its society. The countrys rapidly growing and relatively young population base has increasing access to information on products and services offered internationally and represent the largest consumer market in the GCC. As such, products and services that fit into the related but slightly less conservative markets elsewhere in the region should have potential for introduction in the Kingdom.

political
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, with the King holding the position of Premier and governing the Council of Ministers. There are no political parties or national elections. The leading members of the royal family choose the King from among themselves, with the subsequent approval of the ulama (religious leaders). Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 provinces governed by members of the royal family. The King appoints all governors. Since 1953, the Council of Ministers, appointed by and responsible to the King, has advised on the formulation of general policy and directed the activities of the growing bureaucracy. The council is made up of a Prime Minister, the first and second deputy Prime ministers, 20 ministers, two ministers of state, and a small number of advisers and heads of major autonomous organisations. Legislation is by resolution of the Council of Ministers and must be compatible with the Sharia. Access to high officials (usually at a majlis, or public audience) and the right to petition them directly is a well-established tradition for the local population. In 2003, the government announced plans to conduct municipal council elections in the Kingdom the first elections since 1930. These elections eventually took place in 2005 and were seen by some as a first tentative step towards the introduction of democratic processes. Saudi citizens older than 21, excluding women and members of the military, were allowed to participate in the elections. Saudi Arabia's legal system is based on Sharia law, which is derived from the Quran and the traditional sayings (Hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad, as interpreted by the ulama, a body of religious experts. Justice is administered by a system of religious courts, whose judges are appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council. His Royal Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud became Saudi Arabias King in August 2005, following the death of his half-brother, King Fahd.

Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

imports and exports

Saudi Arabia's Top Imports
Saudi Arabia's Top Imports, 2004 Electrical machines, equipment and tools Transportation equipment Food stuffs Cars and spare parts Chemical products Base metals and metal articles Live animals and animal products Vegetable products Textiles and clothes Medicines All other imports Total Source: Central Department of Statistics (Saudi Arabia) Saudi Riyals (million) (US$1=SR3.75) 37,156 35,908 25,185 21,789 21,516 16,655 8,354 8,272 8,083 5,636 32,655 221,209

Saudi Arabia's Top Ten Exports

Saudi Arabia's Top Ten Exports, for 2004 Petroleum and mineral products Chemical products Plastic products Base metals and articles of base metals Foodstuffs Electrical machines, equipment and tools Pearls; precious & semi-precious stones Live animal and animal products Paper and paper products Glass and glassware All other exports Total Source: Central Department of Statistics (Saudi Arabia) Saudi Riyals (million) (US$1=SR3.75) 415,696 31,128 12,455 4,482 3,657 2,132 1,886 1,546 1,418 877 11,652 486,929

Recent Trends
Saudi Arabias economic fortunes rise and fall with the oil price. Therefore, with the current surge in oil prices and strong world demand for oil, imports and exports have increased by 21 percent and 35 percent respectively and the economy is expanding at its fastest rate since 1991. Furthermore, imports and exports have increased as a result of a change in focus toward trading relationships, with imports rising from Asia, particularly India and China. At the same time, Saudi Arabias oil exports to China have grown sharply.

Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

New Zealand's Top Ten Exports to Saudi Arabia

Top Ten Exports for the year ended 31 March 2006 NZ$ millions FOB (NZ$1 = SR2.38) Milk Powder Cheese Sheep meat Butter and oils from milk Wood Other dairy products Buttermilk Animal feed Paper and paperboard Other meat Total (all exports) Source: World Trade Atlas The figure of NZ$369.3 million represents a slight increase on the previous twelve months and places Saudi Arabia as New Zealands 18th most important export destination. Exports continue to be dominated by dairy products and frozen sheep meat. The balance of export products and services is varied. Wood exports show strong growth, increasing by 145 percent over the previous 12 months. Note that the merchandise trade figures above do not account for the provision of services, which include consultancy and education. The latter is making a consistent contribution to the trade relationship, with increasing student numbers in both the short-term English language sector and for longer-term tertiary studies. New Zealand imports (CIF) from Saudi Arabia totalled NZ$377.3 million for the year ending 31 March 2006. Petrochemical products accounted for NZ$277.2 million of this total. Fertilisers ($48.1m) and plastics ($38.9m) were other leading import items. 196.4 46.4 39.5 28.2 14.5 8.3 6.4 3.8 3.5 2.9 369.3

sector opportunities
New Zealand companies are historically well regarded in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for supplying quality food products. Dairy and meat exporters are widely recognised by Saudis as suppliers of note and have the capacity to maintain a strong business relationship. For other suppliers of foodstuffs there is potential to leverage off this reputation. To an extent, this goodwill (or rather positive positioning) toward New Zealand will stand other sectors in good stead. New Zealands position vis a vis regional politics also contributes to a lack of negative perceptions against the country and its people. Some non-food sectors that offer potential include:

Agritech and Services Associated with Agriculture

Despite the perceptions of its arid desert climate, Saudi Arabia has a well developed agriculture sector including dairy (fresh milk and milk products), bovine and ovine farming (for meat) and substantial cropping. Suppliers offering new technology and innovative systems to increase production and lower costs will find a potential market in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

Consultancy Services, especially in Corporatisation and Privatisation

The government is looking to corporatise many of its business operations in the medium term. Other GCC countries are looking closely at New Zealand expertise in this area and it is likely, with appropriate marketing of services, that Saudi Arabia could also be interested in New Zealand expertise. Areas previously addressed in this regard include postal services, banking and education / training development.

Education
New Zealand has a growing profile in the Saudi overseas education market. Student volumes are in the short-term (often over the Saudi summer break) English language sector. With English now a compulsory subject from Year 6, this market has potential to grow. In the post 11 September 2001 environment, New Zealand has also begun to feature in the tertiary study preferences of both the Saudi Government and private students. New Zealands safe and nonpartisan environment, along with a recognised, quality education offering and value for money, all factor into this position.

Information Technology
Saudi Arabia has embarked on a thorough modernisation of its IT requirements, both in the public and private sector. The Internet is allowing Saudis access to the outside world (albeit through a watched proxy) and regional reporting suggests that the market has the largest potential for e-commerce and e-learning development. Much of the business process in Saudi Arabia is paper driven, so while it may take time to implement (depending on the sector involved), there is potential in solutions that will assist in the streamlining of business processes. Document and data warehousing is a particular growth sector in this regard.

Telecommunications
Saudi Arabia has recently partially privatised its monopoly fixed line telecommunications provider, Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC), which is due for competition, but the current focus of activity is in the mobile telecommunications sector. UAE based Etisalat operates Mobily, the second mobile provider, while a third GSM licence is due to be offered by tender in 2006. Potential opportunities exist for innovative hardware and software solutions to both fixed and mobile telecommunications providers. There is also a substantial market servicing the remoter pockets of this large country and the large petrochemical / project sites with radio telecommunications solutions.

Wood and Wood Products

Saudi Arabia imports 99.9 percent of its total wood requirements, with most lumber brought in as sawn timber. Demand for pine species is largely for industrial applications (pallets/boxing), which is very much commodity trade oriented. There is historically little by way of timber construction in the New Zealand sense but high end structurally engineered timber products are finding their way into an increasing number of projects. There is also a large market for board products, but this is subject to significant cost competition.

Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

market entry
Do not rush into appointing a Saudi company as your agent until you are familiar with its business and are entirely comfortable that they will be suitable. There is very strong demand for agencies but many outwardly impressive candidates may be incapable of performing to expectation. The replacement of one agent with another can be made very difficult by the discarded agent if he is not in agreement. Financial records are often difficult to obtain and there are few international credit agencies with a presence in the region. All businesses in Saudi Arabia are required to be members of their local Chamber of Commerce. The Chambers are well resourced and are excellent sources of information on companies. Full commercial care should be exercised in the management of financial exposures to Saudi business, regardless of the ownership of the debtor organisation. Lengthy payment delays are not unusual. Foreign creditors may have great difficulty in obtaining redress. Letters of credit are widely used and accepted as a normal method of payment in international trade. Saudi banks have satisfactory international credit ratings. Keeping in touch with your business partners in Saudi Arabia is essential. Business is often done only after several initial visits and at a very personal level. The more emphasis you place on the personal relationship, the easier you will find it to do business. Saudis value contact with their suppliers, whether this is by phone, fax or email. In-market visits are the best way of keeping abreast of business developments. For further information please contact your New Zealand Trade and Enterprise client manager, or call New Zealand Trade and Enterprise on 0800 555 888.

regulatory issues
Some of the regulatory issues New Zealand exporters to Saudi Arabia need to be aware of are outlined below.

Anti-Dumping Regulations
This has been the subject of considerable debate in terms of Saudi Arabias entry to the World Trade Organisation. Saudi Arabia has a number of protected infant industries. Previously, many of these industries were heavily subsidised by either the government or a supply chain. Subsidies have decreased as the government has imposed a 20 percent tariff protection rate on imported goods that relate to the infant industries.

Currency Restrictions
Saudi Arabia imposes no foreign exchange restrictions on capital receipts or payments by residents or non-residents, beyond a prohibition against transactions with Israel. The exchange rate is US $1 = SR3.75. This rate has been fixed since 1986. There are also no limitations on the inflow or outflow of funds for remittances of profits, debt service, capital, capital gains, or returns on intellectual property or imported inputs.
Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

E-Business
After a slow start, the internet is now being embraced by Saudi business. Some companies have developed web pages, but e-commerce is still in its infancy. Contacts will sometimes have e-mail addresses on their business cards but this is by no means a certainty. It is still quite common for business people (and some government officials) to use a hotmail or yahoo style address rather than a corporate domain. In early 2006, Saudi Arabia had 15 Internet Service Providers (ISP) providing internet access to over 2.5 million users, up from 200,000 five years earlier.

Environmental
Saudi Arabia does have some environmental controls on industry. The dominance of the petroleum and petro-chemical industries does, however, make enforcement variable. Agricultural production is still a heavy user of pesticides and fungicides. There is, nonetheless, a growing awareness of environmental issues. Companies are moving towards increased ISO certification and some food processing industries have introduced the food safety code HACCP. Standards for the labelling of genetically modified food went into effect December 2001, and in February 2003 the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture issued new regulations on labelling for genetically modified food. The import of genetically modified animals, birds, and their by-products is prohibited.

Health Regulations
One of the major issues facing importers to the Kingdom (and other GCC countries) is food safety. There have, for example, been numerous cases in the past of products being rejected for minute traces of salmonella. A health certificate from the relevant New Zealand inspection authority is required as part of the exporters documentation. Companies should contact New Zealand Trade and Enterprise for further advice on this issue.

Import Barriers
In general, most products can be exported to Saudi Arabia. However, there are several prohibited imports, which are strictly enforced. These include: alcohol and products containing alcohol pork and products containing pork pornography (this term is applied very broadly) products of Israeli manufacture certain prescription drugs.

Travellers bags are searched for prohibited items.

Import Quotas and Licences

A Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand must certify export documents. For some items (e.g. meat), special provisions apply, as the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Canberra must also certify the documents. All meat products must be Halal certified by the appropriate Islamic authorities in New Zealand.

Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

Marking and Bar Codes

Bar codes are used for most consumer items. Larger stores and hypermarkets will use barcode data for re-orders but in general, stock management is still evolving in Saudi Arabia. Check with your importer/agent for advice.

Packing and Labelling

All food products imported to Saudi Arabia should have Arabic and English labelling. Importers can assist on the correct wording of the labelling. Regulations are also available from the Saudi Arabian Standards Organisation (SASO). New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Riyadh can assist in obtaining these on behalf of New Zealand exporters. The regulations are often in Arabic but English summaries are available.

Product Liability
Product liability laws continue to evolve in Saudi Arabia. The onus is put on both the importer and the supplier to ensure that products meet Saudi standards. SASO sets shelf life standards for food products. In the case of industrial items, it is advised to check with your importer on what the regulations are in terms of warranties and guarantees.

Safety Regulations
Industrial safety is a problem in Saudi Arabia. Liability rests with the employer but there is always scope for responsibility to be laid at the feet of the manufacturer. If liability to the manufacturer can be proved, penalties (including jail terms) are severe.

Tariffs and Duties

Import duties levied on most products have dropped from 12 percent to 5 percent on the Cost and Freight value. Essential foodstuffs, including meat and basic dairy products, are duty free. Some products that are manufactured in the Kingdom attract import duty at 20 percent on Cost and Freight value. Import duties generally apply regardless of country of origin. Depending on the product, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise may be able to provide initial information on tariffs at an indicative level to assist companies to assess viability of market entry.

taxation
There is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia for either national or expatriate employees. A law passed in January 2004 cut taxes on corporate profits to 20 percent from 45 percent. It eliminated the old, graduated tax system that had a separate tax rate for differing levels of profits. Foreign shareholders in local companies are subject to the tax, whether they reside in the Kingdom or not. The Tax Code is as follows. The tax rate is 20 percent of the tax base of a resident capital company, a non-Saudi resident who does business in the Kingdom, or a non-resident person who does business in the Kingdom through a permanent establishment. The tax rate is 30 percent of the tax base of a taxpayer engaged in natural gas investment activities. The tax rate is 85 percent of the tax base of a taxpayer engaged in oil production. A net operating loss may be carried forward to the tax year following the year in which the loss is incurred, to be deducted in determining the tax base of future tax years until the cumulative loss is fully offset.

Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

freight
Air Freight
Airfreight services into Saudi Arabia are good but ground handling is variable. Many flights go through Singapore, although there are a number of options including Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Jakarta. Furthermore, with Emirates flying into New Zealand on a regular basis, Dubai is another option. Your freight forwarder can offer advice. All major airports have good facilities, but the very hot climate can be difficult on perishable items, particularly fresh and chilled product. Transportation and handling rates can be expensive and it is advisable to check options with freight forwarders in New Zealand. Correct documentation, certified as necessary, is essential if product is not to be held up during clearance.

Sea Freight
Regular shipping services are operated into the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea by NYK and P&O Nedlloyd shipping lines. These services are either direct or transhipped via a port such as Singapore. Sailing time can vary, but a general rule of thumb is between 30 and 40 days. There is also the possibility of transhipment in one of several Gulf ports, including Dubai or Sharjah. Other ports in the region include Khor Fakkaan, Fujeirah and the new container port at Salalah in southern Oman. Cargo handling facilities vary from port to port. The two main seaports are Dammam on the East Coast and Jeddah on the West Coast. Both ports are corporatised entities. Freight handling is contracted out to private companies. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has basic information on air and shipping freight options to this market, but for details on rates and schedules, exporters will be referred to a range of appropriate service providers.

doing business with Saudi Arabia

Cultural and Business Tips
Business in Saudi Arabia is conducted at a very personal level. Strong and positive personal relationships are essential to the successful conclusion of business meetings. This is achieved through lengthy discussions on wide ranging topics on several occasions. Business visitors should allow time for this in their itineraries and should not attempt to rush their Saudi contacts into placing orders. Visitors should not take offence with disruptions to their meetings with Saudi contacts. It is normal practice for a Saudi businessman to receive or initiate phone calls on matters unrelated to a meeting he may be conducting and for his staff to walk in and out of his office and engage him in discussion or have him sign documents. Business dress for men is a business suit. For more casual functions, a long sleeve shirt and tie will suffice. Lightweight, cotton fabrics are strongly recommended. Shorts should not be worn in public. For women, modest, loose fitting clothing is a must at all times. Arms must be covered to the wrist, legs must be covered to the foot and high necklines should be worn. While black clothing is not obligatory for female visitors in most areas, the wearing of an

Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

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Abaya (long black cape) is strongly recommended when out in public. Strong coloured clothing or clothing that attracts attention should be avoided. Women visitors are strongly encouraged to carry a dark coloured head scarf at all times and be prepared to put it on if approached by the Muttawa (religious police). Many Arab businessmen smoke. Smoking is generally permitted in public places. The Holy month of Ramadan is a special period in the Islamic calendar lasting for 30 days up to Eid Al Fitr (the feast of sacrifice). Business people should avoid scheduling visits during this time or during the following week, as most offices (particularly in the public sector) will be on restricted hours. During Ramadan, visitors to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States must take care never to eat, drink or smoke in a public area in sight of any Muslim. Infringement of this law will cause offence and may incur a very severe penalty. According to Saudi custom, social events with business contacts will be for men only. It is common to be offered hospitality by business people that want a relationship with you and you should consider carefully before turning down such an offer. You should accept the hospitality of an existing customer, the implication being that this will be returned should they visit you. Saudi hospitality typically takes the form of a substantial meal. Guests may be invited to arrive at 10pm or later. It is normal but not obligatory for guests to depart immediately after they have finished the meal. Expect to have your bags searched on arrival. Penalties for importation of prohibited items such as alcohol, illegal drugs, pork, non-Islamic religious literature or photographic video material can be very severe. Interpretations of illegal drugs and pornographic material differ from those accepted in many other countries. Great care should be taken to avoid items that may cause offence. DVDs and CD Rom's in baggage may be removed to check for content, which can cause delays at customs. It is not permitted to photograph government owned buildings, military or police personnel, premises or equipment, mosques, or women. Care should be taken that no one gains suspicion that you are infringing these regulations. Random checks are made of film being processed that may result in confiscation of the film. Saudis value their privacy very highly and may react strongly against any invasion or perceived invasion of this right. Saudis are fully accustomed to having western people in their midst in public places and will generally only take notice of offensive dress or behaviour. Business visitors should acquaint themselves with prayer times. These vary throughout the Kingdom depending on the location and the day of the week. All shops and banks will close for about 20 minutes for Prayer Times, which (during the active day) are generally about 12 noon, 3pm, 6pm, and 8pm. Do not be surprised to be locked out of a store or restaurant or even locked in. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the holy cities of Makkah and Medina. Traffic conditions are demanding and navigation within cities difficult. Use of rental cars is not recommended for first time visitors to Saudi Arabia or drivers who are not experienced in driving on the right hand side of the road.

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security/safety
Due to a number of well publicised terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia, personal security has become an issue in the Kingdom, particularly for western expatriates. If you are planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, you should take sensible precautions about your safety at all times. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade offers a registration service for New Zealanders visiting or residing in a foreign country. It is recommended that New Zealanders based in Saudi Arabia take up the opportunity to register at www.kiwisoverseas.govt.nz. Formal New Zealand Government travel advisory information is available at www.mfat.govt.nz/travel/index.html.

visa requirements
Access to Saudi Arabia is relatively strict, requiring citizens of all countries outside the GCC to apply for entry visas. New Zealand residents in New Zealand must apply through the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Canberra. There is no Embassy in New Zealand. All applications must be accompanied by a letter of invitation from a Saudi-based company or organisation that will be your sponsor. If you have a contact who agrees to provide this letter, they must register this with their local Chamber of Commerce, who provide a reference number that is cross-checked in Canberra. You are encouraged to make sure that your sponsoring party is aware of this procedure, as a letter of invitation that is not registered will not suffice. If you do not have a sponsor (e.g. for exploratory meetings), it is possible to seek a letter of invitation through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in Riyadh. Note that this is on an application only basis and lead times of at least a month should be allowed to complete procedures. A fee may apply. Visitors should carry their visa with them at all times and the business card of the sponsor. Note that it is generally more difficult to secure visas for female visitors, particularly if unaccompanied by their husbands or a male relative. For further information on visa requirements, you should discuss requirements with your travel agent or contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Address Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia PO Box 63 Garran ACT 2605 Australia +61 2 6282 6999 +61 2 6282 8911 Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm, Friday 9am to 1pm.

Phone Fax Office Hours

time difference
Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

Saudi Arabia is nine to ten hours behind New Zealand, depending on New Zealand's daylight savings (October to March) observance.

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For 2006/2007 to 1 October 2006: 1 October 2006 18 March 2007: 18 March 2007 7 October 2007:

nine hours behind ten hours behind nine hours behind

To find out the current time in Saudi Arabia, go to www.timeanddate.com.

contacts
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Phone Website 0800 555 888 www.nzte.govt.nz

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Saudi Arabia

Address New Zealand Trade and Enterprise New Zealand Embassy, Diplomatic Quarter PO Box 94 397 Riyadh 11693 Saudi Arabia Phone Fax Email Office Hours +966 1 488 7988, ext 113 +966 1 488 7620 (New Zealand Trade and Enterprise) info@nzte.govt.nz Saturday to Wednesday, 8am to 3.30pm.

New Zealand Embassy Riyadh

Ambassador Address HE Mr Jim Howell New Zealand Embassy Diplomatic Quarter PO Box 94 397 Riyadh 11693 Saudi Arabia Phone Fax Email Office Hours +966 1 488 7988 +966 1 488 7911 nzembassy@awalnet.net.sa Saturday to Wednesday, 8am to 4pm.

The New Zealand Embassy in Riyadh is also accredited to Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

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useful websites
Organisation Ministry of Culture & Information Ministry of Economy & Planning Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority Council of Saudi Chambers Saudi Press Agency Information portal for Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia business and news Middle East business resource Saudi Arabian Airlines Ministry of Hajj Currency Converter Web address www.saudinif.com www.planning.gov.sa www.sagia.gov.sa www.saudichambers.org.sa www.spa.gov.sa www.alnokhba.com www.saudia-online.com www.ameinfo.com www.saudiairlines.com www.hajinformation.com www.oanda.com

Disclaimer:
While New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has verified the information in this document, we make no representation as to the completeness, correctness, currency, accuracy or fitness for any purpose of the information. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise will not be responsible for any damage or loss suffered by any person arising from the information contained in this document, whether that damage or loss arises from negligence or otherwise.

Saudi Arabia Country Brief June 2006

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