Riyadh What to Pack

Luggage and bags: Upon entering Riyadh you should refrain from bringing unnecessary materials and items that might hold or penalize you , especially if you are a travelling alone. These items could be non-Islamic religious materials, pork dishes, books with pork in them, alcohol, adult art/literature and obscene belongings.

Photo Equipment: In some instances, magazines, posters of people, pictures of wife, friends or even plain teenagers without covering, when spotted in your luggage can be confiscated.

Occasionally, officer in the check-out/x-ray luggage asks if you brought hard disks, cds or other devices that could bring in ‘un-Islamic’ influences .

Besides, on some days, officers demand you to open up your suitcases for inspection. Suspected items are searched for unnecessary files or articles. After an awkward scrutiny, only then the item will given back to you.

Unfortunately, I happen to bring a computer harddisk on that unusual 'new officer in-charge' day, the officer asked me to leave it in the office nearby and claim it on a later day.I thought I reserve the trouble for another life.

Miscellaneous: Anywise, if you happen ‘to need’ to bring in some restricted stuff, if it is a life or death issue then have it compressed to non-readable or non-visible.

On a second thought, if you get caught, the item would be confiscated plus a fine which could amount to few or more thousand of riyals, which may not worth all the effort .

*Photo taken from the internet* not by me.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Of course, during winter months - October to April you have to get ready with your winter clothes like jackets, sweatshirts, coat, turtle neck shirts or blouses, long sleeves and long pants. To add, you can also wear gloves.

For summer, cotton light colored clothes. Still, no shorts or sleeveless allowed when you go to public places even when you're wearing abaya on top.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Moisturizer and lotion - esp during winter months. Your skin will be very dull and very dry. So, you need to moisturize and hydrate your face and body.

Sunblock - for extra protection against the sun.

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Miscellaneous: Although cinema is one of the prohibited rules of Saudi Arabia I recommend to bring your favorite movies when you have to intend to work in saudi Arabia, and so be sure bring only the selection movies with out any pornography scenes and original copy is necessary.

Like my family is a movie addict we bought 3 TV at home, 1 for the car and we make sure that we’ll not be missed our favorite movie by watching it on a big screen with home theater system.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In our experience when we arrived here last jan 2006 the weather was extreme cold but we were ready as my hubby told me to bring our jacket and a thick jacket is very necessary...

Nov. starts of winter season to feb or somtimes untill march is still cold.

Photo Equipment: yes those who love photography and member of this site he..he

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If you love camping, beaches be prepared for this... camping or picnic is a way to enjoy your life in saudi arabia... do bring your the best cooler just like we did.

Miscellaneous: Before you go:

• Know how to use the vehicle's jack
• Make sure you can undo the nuts on the wheels (Often tightened far too much for any normal human to undo)
• Know where the front and rear tow point are

Recommended packing list (even for short trips) that comes to mind.

1) Basic tool set
2) Jack and something to put under it
3) Tire puncture repair kit (The can style you put into the tire to seal a leak)
4) Tire pump compressor
5) Compass
6) Drinking water. At least 1 litre per person for every hour you are out in mid day heat. Alcohol dehydrates. Going two hours before sunset, probably 4-5 litres.
7) Water for your vehicle. At least 10 litres
8) Radiator sealant
9) Tow rope (Strap style is better than the steel rope). If the latter snaps someone will probably be killed if it hits them
10) Jump leads
11) Torch
12) Rubbish bin to take your rubbish home in
(You could always keep all these items in your car apart from the water)

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Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: For women, wear tarha (scarf) to cover the head and abaya (the black gown) to cover the whole body. No flesh should be seen as much as possible. Men should not wear shorts.

Photo Equipment: Always bring camera (but beware of taking pictures in public)

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: - long, warm trousers/pants like a jeans
- warm socks and proper shoes (best prevention to flus)
- warm jumper/pullover
- jumper or shirt covering your throat to prevent flus

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: - Import of medical supplies is restricted

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It would sound strange in a country where max temperatures are over 20 the whole year, but especially in the summer I recommend long sleeves because of aircon. The temperature difference between inside and outside can be up to 35 degrees, and you may get cold when you get in offices or places.