General Assembly - Twenty-Sixth Session | About Riyadh
The General Assembly is the principal gathering of the World Tourism Organization. It meets every two years to approve the budget and programme of work and to debate topics of vital importance to the tourism sector.
Practical information about Riyadh
Official language:
Arabic is the official language of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. English serves as an informal second language in the Kingdom and is spoken by a large section of its society
Local time:
The official time in Saudi Arabia is GMT + 3 hours
Local & international phone calls:
- The international country code for Saudi Arabia is: +966
- To make a local phone call to a Saudi mobile, dial 05 followed by the 8-digit number.
Country: Saudi Arabia
Capital: Riyadh
Largest cities: Riyadh
About (City): Riyadh combines ancient history with modern dynamism, offering a glimpse into Arabia’s past and future. Explore the city's rich heritage through souqs, museums, and historical architecture, and experience its modern side with high-rises and a thriving art scene, highlighted by the Riyadh Art initiative that turns the city into an open-air gallery.
Weather: The average maximum temperature is 27°C and the average low is 15°C.
Local currency and exchange rates: Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR)
Electricity: Electrical sockets in Saudi Arabia usually supply electricity at ((127/220)) volts AC. Electrical plus is type G
Credit cards, shopping and tipping:
Debit and credit cards are accepted across and there are ATMs throughout the city, and in the vast majority of establishments it will be possible to pay for goods and services with a credit card. Credit card, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted throughout the kingdom. ATMs are also widely available.
Saudi Arabia imposes an indirect tax of 15% (VAT) on all goods and services purchased and sold by enterprises.
The concept of tipping is directly related to customer satisfaction regarding the treatment received. Tipping continues to be considered in its original meaning as being “voluntary” and at the discretion of the consumer.
Currency and banking:
The currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Authorized money changers are available at the airport and near the Event venue. Delegates can also withdraw SAR through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Major credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and stores. ATMs are also widely available in Riyadh.
