Documents Needed to buy a car in Saudi Arabia

The general trend here in Saudi Arabia, among the expatriates community, is to buy used cars. One will find very few expatriates who has purchased new cars. There are economical reasons as well as the sense of non-belonging in the expatriate community. Since there is no concept of getting citizenship in Saudi Arabia, one lives here as a by-passer or a traveller all his life. I have seen and met people here with 30-40 year of living in this country with no hopes of settling down in their home country because they think Saudi Arabia is their "home". Apart from the whole lot of people who buy used cars (I will be writing another blog on some interesting incidents I went thru with some people), this particular blog is for those people who intend to buy a new car from the car dealership (also called showroom). Here are the necessary documents one will need to buy a car.


Salary Statement - تعريف بالراتب من العمل (Ta’areef BilRaatab Minal A’mal)


Photo ID or Iqama copy - صورة بطاقة الأ حوال (Soorat Bitaqaat Al-Ah’waal)

Copy of the Home Phone Bill - صورة فاتورة هاتف المنزت (Soorat Faturaat hatef Al-Manzil)

Copy of the Home Rent Payment bill and/or Home Electricity Bill - صورة إثبات سكن (عقاري) أو صك المنزل ‎- فاتورة كهرباء (fatoorat Kaharbai – Soorat Isbaat Sakan (Aqaari) Av Sal Al-Manzil)

Copy of your Driving License - صورة رخصة القيدة المفعول (SooratRukhsat Al-Qiadat Al-Mafo’ul)

I will add some more notes soon on this.
 
I hope this was helpful.
 
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What is Saher?

This is part of educating the Saudi Arabian masses about road safety and the penalties for offenders and serious penalties for repeat offenders. I hope that this will be implemented all over efficiently. Because of some people reclessness, other's life have become miserable in such a beautiful country.

AUTOMATED TRAFFIC CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

What is Saher?

It is an automated traffic control and management system covers major cities in Saudi Arabia, and uses the technology of digital cameras network linked with the National Information Center of Ministry of Interior.

Element of the project:

A) Systems of the project:
1. Traffic Management System (TMS)
2. Auto Vehicle Location (AVL)
3. License Plate Recognition system (LPR)
4. Variable Message Sings (VMS)
5. Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)
6. Law Enforcement System (LES)

All these systems will be linked with the command and control centers located in eight cities Kingdom wide.

B) Command and control centers: Saher system project includes the establishment of Command and Control centers through which all systems to be linked and operated.


Traffic Management System (TMS): Highly sophisticated electronic system designed to improve movement of traffic automatically through automated control of traffic lights based on monitoring of traffic movement in all directions in each intersection, which called Green Wave.

Auto Vehicle Location system (AVL): An electronic system designed to track the location of Traffic police vehicles to direct them to deal quickly with certain traffic cases as well as to manage all field patrols.

License Plate Recognition system (LPR): An electronic system installed at the entrances and exits of cities in order to identify vehicles for statistical purposes, as well as for traffic wanted and stolen vehicles through license plates of these vehicles.

Variable Messaging Sings system (VMS): Network of electronic guidance signs for live broadcast designed to guide motorists to avoid traffic congestion on the roads.

Closed Circuit TV systems ( CCTV): Electronic system designed to monitor live traffic movement on the main roads.

Law Enforcement system (LES): Network of cameras, fixed and mobile radars to automatically, without
human intervention, monitor and control traffic violations, as well as issue traffic violation tickets and notifies
violators.
 
Circulation of traffic violation ticket:

• The violated vehicle automatically monitored by cameras
• Photo of the violated vehicle license plate broadcasted (over speeding, running a red light and other traffic violations)
• The violation received at the Violation Processing Center
• Information about be owner of the vehicle obtained from the National Database at the National Information Center
• Violation ticket issued
• The violation ticket issued and mailed to the violator to his mailing address registered at the National Information Center at Ministry of Interior.
• Settlement of traffic tickets may be made by Sadad payment system through ATM.

 Objectives of the project:

• To improve level of traffic safety
• To utilize the latest and most advanced technology in the field of intelligent transportation (ITS) in order to create a safe traffic environment.
• To upgrading the existing road network.
• To enhance the public security by using the latest surveillance systems.
• To ensure strict, accurate and constant implementation of traffic regulations. 

Technical features of Saher:

• Live monitor of traffic.
• Better management of traffic.
• Quick handling of traffic cases.
• Increase the efficiency of traffic patrols.
• Live monitor of traffic situations and accidents.
• Automated control of traffic violations.

Mechanism of monitoring of traffic violations

Over speeding

Accurate system where it photo shoots a clear picture of the vehicle's license plate while moving at high speed.

• Works around the clock.
• Can take photos of all violating vehicles in all tracks at the same time.

Running a red light

• Front camera captures a picture of the license plate and driver.
• Sensor to detect a running red light violation.
• Rear camera to captures the rear of the vehicle and the traffic light status.

Circulation of traffic violation ticket:

• The violated vehicle automatically monitored by cameras
• Photo of the violated vehicle license plate broadcasted (over speeding, running a red light and other traffic violations)
• The violation received at the Violation Processing Center
• Information about be owner of the vehicle obtained from the National Database at the National Information Center
• Violation ticket issued
• The violation ticket issued and mailed to the violator to his mailing address registered at the National Information Center at Ministry of Interior.
• Settlement of traffic tickets may be made by Sadad payment system through ATM.

Will be continued to provide more info ....

What to do if your STC SIM card gets locked in Saudi Arabia?

Many of us use STC (Saudi Telecom Company, the largest provider of telecom services in the Saudi Arabia) SIM card on our cell phones. A majority of Expats buy these cards off the “mobile markets” and not from the STC themselves for the simple fact of avoiding paperwork.


Whether you buy the SIM from the STC themselves or from the “mobile markets”, you get a card which has your PIN number on it. You insert the newly purchased SIM in the phone and recycle the card (did I say that. NO, the Expat community from South Asia does not believe in keeping the city clean. They just throw the stuff on the street in order to give poor Bangladeshis their job!!!!! One can bet with me on this) with the thought that you will remember the PIN from now onwards. Since we are from human origin and bound to forget, this is a little help guide for those simpletons.

When you forget your PIN or have mistyped PIN three times on your cell phone (remember, the cell phone asks for the PIN at the time you have rebooted it), it will get locked.

1) Go to nearest STC Customer Service office (not the STC Sales office point that you will find here and there).


2) Pick up a tab which has queued number. You will be called to the next available gentleman to help you.

3) The customer service representative will then provide you with something called as PUK code.

Note: A PUK code (Pin Unlock Key) is provided by the service provider such as STC, Mobily and Zain (in KSA) is required when you enter an incorrect PIN 3 times. After entering the wrong PIN 3 times, the card will be locked and you will need to get a PUK code from service provider to unlock it.

4) Remember, the customer service provider might ask you to provide your Iqama or passport in case he finds it suspicious and if the card is not registered in your name. In any case, it will be a good idea to register the card in your name at this point. So take your identification information with you.

5) Restart your phone and then it will prompt you to enter PUK code (remember if an incorrect PUK code is entered 5-10 times, the SIM card will permanently block (disable) itself)

This is all you have to do. I know it was very simple and looks like I made it look very hard. Huh …. Five steps to do for such a simple thing.


Anyway, I hope this will be helpful to somebody.

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Conversation at a Mechanic workshop - Survival Arabic Part 2

I bring again another part of the "Survival Arabic - part 2". It is part of my learning process. I'm still making an effort to make sentences out of these word. This again will follow the same format as given in first part Survival Arabic - Part 1

English Word or Sentence	Arabic Word or Sentence	Transliteration (Roman Language)
What is the problem with my car?	أش مشكله سيارتي؟	Aish Mushkilat Sayyara?
Car	سيارة	Sayyara
Battery	بطارية	Batariat
Engine	مكينا	Makina
Oil	زيت	Zait
Oil check	شيك الزيت	Check or Maghaz zait
Spark plug	بواجى كهرابا	Bawaji Kahraba
Wire	سلك	Silk
Ignition	مفتاح دقمو	Mufta Digmu
Wrench	مفتاح	Mufta'
Steering	دركسون	Draksoon
Rear View Mirror	ميارايا	Miraya
Rear View Mirror(Right)	ميارايايمين	Miraya Yameen
Rear View Mirror(Left)	ميارايايسار	Miraya Yasaar
Trunk	شنطه	Shanta
Tire	كفر	Kafar
Door	باب	Bab
Front Door	باب قدَام	Bab Ghiddam
Back Door	باب الورا	Bab Al Wara
Manual Gear	قير عادى	Gear Adi
Head Lights	نور قدَام	Noor Ghiddam
Push the Brake	دوس بريك	Doos Brake
Change Gear	غير قير	Ghayyar Gear
Front Seat	كرسى قدَام	Ghiddam Kursi
Rod	عسايا	A’saya
Car Ceiling	سقف سيَاره	Sayyara Sighaf
Look Up	شوف فوك	Shoof Fok
Look Down	شوف تحت	Shoof Tahat
Mat	مكيت	Muket
Check Engine Light	شوف مكينا نور	Shoof Makina Noor
Jack	جيك	Jack - Egyptian call it افريتا (Afrita)
Need oil change	غيَر زيت مكينا	Ghayyar Zait Makina
Clean my car	انا إبغا تنظيف سيَاره	Ana Ibgha Tanzeef Sayyara
Car Installment	اقساط سياَره	Iqsat Sayyara
Check tire balancing	ميزان كفرات	Shoof Kafar Meezan
Speedometer	عداد السرعة	A’ddaad Sayyara
My Car is heating up	ال سيَاره حراره	Ana Sayyara Harara
Tow my car	انا إبغا سيَاره إسحب	Ana Ibgha Sayyara Ishab

Lots of words here are slang (street language). I hopt this will help someone. Request to correct if you find somethign wrong here.

Only and Only In Saudi Arabia !!!!!!

The Good Side

- The two most Holy places on Earth - Makkatul Mukarrama and Madinatul Munawwara


- The only country in the world with 100% Muslims

- The only country with Islamic Shariah

- The only country with highest number of Masaajid (Mosques) and people actually populating them. In all cities, almost every 40 steps, in every workplace, in every Bazaar/Mall/Shopping Strip/Airport/Bus Station/Railway Station on every Highway/Freeway

- The only country where a majority of Muslims actually perform Salaat (Namaaz)

- The only country where the national dress is Thobe (closest to the Sunnah) and is actually wore by the majority proudly

- The only country where a majority of women proudly wear Hijab (body veil) with Niqaab (face veil)

- The only country with majority of Philanthropist who do not seek name and fame

- The only country in the world who has helped most number of countries (rich as well as poor) with Aids/Cash without any strings attached or to get favor back

- The only country where Bazaars, Shops, Shopping malls, Restaurants, or any business is closed five (5) times in day for Salaat (Namaaz)

- The only country in the world in which more than 70,000 career-seeking Saudis are abroad seeking higher education in countries like US, UK, Australia, India …etc on the state expense.

- The only country in the world where an individual (a Saudi citizen only) can get free education from Kindergarten to PhD and still get stipend (up to 1000 SAR/month i.e. approximately $330 US or approximately Rs. 12,000 INR) from government for getting educated.

- The only country where approximately 8 million expatriates are working for the development of the country

- The fastest growing country with 13th on the list of most favorable places to invest money.

- The only country where Women cannot drive but the bright side of it, they have drivers who can drive them everywhere
 
The Bad Side
 
- The only country where the Royal family is supposed to have extended 60,000 family members with each bread winner getting monthly stipends of up to $15,000/month and they don’t have to work for it!


- The only country, in the world, with most number of accidents and most number of accident related deaths ):

- The only country with crazy drivers, youngsters and oldies alike, with most number reckless driving records and pride on doing the wrong thing

- The only country where crazy drivers drive at the speed of 220 KPH, will overtake from left side on the fast lane (being left hand drive i.e. from the left shoulder of the highway!!!!) and still think they are doing the right thing

- The only country, with maximum number of instances, where a local Saudi will hit the car of the expat and still expat will have to pay the fine because police being biased towards expats

- The only country where Slavery still exists in the name of employment and the authorities keep ignoring the facts

- The only country where highest number of house maids (male and female) are hired and many abused without getting reported to authorities

Maybe I will add more interesting facts and some other information not so famous about Saudi Arabia sometime later ...

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Introducing e-Traffic System - First Stage to Start Tomorrow (Monday – 04/12/2010) - نظام ساهر الإكتروني يبدأ

Link: Advanced traffic control system within months

Highlights of this news article

- The Saudi Traffic Police Directorate is introducing “Saher” system, which uses digital camera network technology, which will be linked to the National Information Center (NIC), to control traffic violations

- The drivers who are speeding over the posted limit or even who are passing red lights, will be on camera (smile please :), you’re on camera) and will be sent to the NIC, who in turn will get the information of the driver from the number plate of the car and will send the right amount of ticket fine as per the offense.

- Cameras will be installed on all major intersection throughout the Kingdom.

- If this is done as I saw in UAE, then the fine amount will be posted to the Iqama and the offender will not be able to renew his Iqama or go out of the country without paying fine. Same with the Saudi ID’s, citizens will not be able to renew their respective documents without paying the fine amount.

Benefits


- This will be a good initiative as it will help the cops as sometimes I believe they are biased towards expatriates community and if some influential Saudi (may be royal family or from other influential people) does wrong, they cannot give him ticket because he can use his “Wasta” (connections) to waive the ticket as well as get the cop in trouble.

- I have seen this being implemented in UAE. Even local Emirati people are not spared and even the members of the influential families except members of royal family, who under the UAE laws are immune to prosecution, are not spared.

New Requirements for family Visa in Saudi Arabia

There are some changes adopted by the Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia for granting the family visit visa. The need to furnish the profession on the visa is relaxed. This new change has definitely given hopes to so many expats here who are on the so-called “Independent visa” (South Asian community calls it Azaad visa – “Freedom visa”). These individuals might be engineers, doctors, software developers and what not, but due to circumstances not in their control has purchased these visas from illegal sources to come to Saudi Arabia in the hope of earning bread for their loved ones.


More than 99% times, these visas are labor visa (تأشيرة العمل) has a labor profession on it like “Plumber - سمكري”, “Electrician – كهربائي”, “House Cleaner - العاملة في المنزل” … etc. These visas are sold by the Saudi sponsors to some agents in third world countries and they in turn get hold of the vulnerable. Individuals from these countries pay heavy amounts like 10, 12 and in some cases about 20 grands even in Saudi Riyal to get these visas hoping that they will later get transfer to another visa and they can make enough money from it.

Having said the problem at hand and to resolve the misuse of this industry, the Foreign Ministry and the Recruitment Office has relaxed the requirement for bringing the families here. It is a big relieve for the expat community as earlier only white collar jobs only and to some extent blue collar jobs were allowed to apply for family visa.

Link: Family visa now linked with salary
 
Just today I received this news article in Arab News negating the earlier news article about family visa: No change in family visa rules: Official. It is indeed sad news.
 
So my intention was to bring to the attention of the readers the needed documents to apply for the family visa:

These requirements are for those applying for Family visa here in Saudi Arabia to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs either in Riyadh, Dammam or whichever office is closer to your city.


1) Visa Application form

• Most probably this form will be with your Delegated Representative (Mandoob - مندوب) for Ministry work at your employer’s office. He will fill this out for you. This form called as Family visiting visa request (Talab Ziarat A’aliat - طلب زيارة عائلية ) can be filled out online or can be picked from the Istiqdam office (تقديم المكتب).

• The form looks like this if picked up from the office of Istiqdam (تقديم المكتب)

Fig 01 – Visa Application Form

• The name of your family member AND the name of the sponsor i.e. Applicant should be filled ONLY in English.

• All the remaining data are to be filled in Arabic. Most probably, your Mandoob will help you out on this. Remember, you as an applicant is the sponsor for your family, and not your employer.

• In case more than one family member (like children and accomplice) are visiting you and are coming by the same flight, enter their names in the same form, otherwise use separate forms.

• If filling up online, then make sure you print out the final copy with confirmation and submit it with other documents within 3 days.

2) Salary and Occupation Statement (also known as Introduction Letter) from your employer


• This needs to be stamped by Chamber of Commerce (will cost you SAR 25 for ratification).

• This letter should be in Arabic. If your employer gives you an English version, then you will have to either request this letter in Arabic or get it translated in Arabic (translation service will cost you somewhere between SAR 25 to SAR 60)

3) Iqama photo copy


• It is a good idea to carry your original with you or your Delegated Representative (Mandoob - مندوب) will carry it for you. They have asked for original one at the counter at the Istiqdam office (تقديم المكتب).

4) Passport photo copy


• It is a good idea to carry your original with you or your Delegated Representative (Mandoob - مندوب) will carry it for you). They have asked for original one at the counter at the Istiqdam office (تقديم المكتب).

5) Original Degree/Academic Certificates


• For South Asian countries, they will ask for originals

• For westerners copies might be ok but will have to provide Degree verification certificate (a document that shows that the certificates are authentic and from recognized institution)


6) Marriage certificate


• If the certificate is in other languages other than Arabic, then you will have get it translated (translation service will cost you somewhere between SAR 25 to SAR 60).

• Will have to be stamped by Chamber of Commerce (another SAR 25).

• Spouse’s name has to be on the Visa application form as well.

7) Child/Children’s Birth Certificate


• These certificates again have to be translated (Another SAR 25 to SAR 60 X the number of children) if in other languages other than Arabic.

• Children’s name has to be listed on the Visa Application form and the relationship has to be shown as well.

8) Family Visa Fee


• If your employer/sponsor is not paying for the family visa, check your contract that you signed with your employer, because if it is not paid for then you will have to pay for it.

• The fees is 2050 SAR

Take these documents to the Office of Istiqdam (تقديم المكتب), take a number and you will be called to the counter. The gentleman at the counter will make sure the documents are in order and will give you his approval to take these documents to another window. At this counter, you will find a General Supervisor is sitting and this gentleman will stamp your papers.


Thereafter you will come back to the original counter and submit the documents here. This guy will give you the visa paper which is also called as “Yellow Slip”. This is the final step (in the kingdom) for you to get your family here. The gentleman at the counter will confirm with you the city and country where you want this information to be sent. This visa information will be sent to the nearest Embassy in the country which you have specified. The “Yellow Slip” looks like this

Fig 02 - Yellow Slip

It is good idea to make a copy of this immediately and keep it with you as you will have to send this your family in your country of origin. Make sure to send this document in a registered mail.

Preparation for your family

These are the requirements for your wife in their country of origin to provide to the Saudi Embassy for the embassy to stamp the family visa on her and kids passport.

1. A passport valid for at least six (6) months, with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other.


* Remember that there is a possibility of being rejected if the passport is not valid for more than six months.

2. Applicant’s copy of the Iqama (expat I-card). You probably will have to email the scanned copy or mail it along with the “Yellow Slip”.


3. Recent passport size color photograph with a white background; the photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted.

4. Copy of your marriage certificate.


5. A proof of kinship when accompanied by a family member (required only when you plan to bring your in-laws to prove the relationship between your wife and her parent(s) - this is to ensure that the visitor is really your in-law).

6. Required for non-western applicant: Printout of your last 3 months' bank statement.

7. Required for all applicants: A letter in English addressed to the Saudi Embassy / Consulate of your home country stating that you will be present to receive your guest.


8. Salary statement or Introduction letter in Arabic from your employer giving details about your salary. (You will have to send it along the other documents with “Yellow Slip”)

9. Application Form fully completed and signed by the applicant. Application looks like this. There might be little variation in this form as required by your country.

Fig 03 – Saudi Arabia Family Visa Application

10. Required for western applicants: An electronic visa form "ENJAZ", which is required by the consulate, will need to be completed as well. Link: https://enjazit.com.sa/ . Usually an Embassy approved agent will submit your information thru this website and will provide you an paper hat has approval number which is required to be submitted along with other documents.

11. For western applicants: An invitation letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The “Yellow Slip” might also suffice.

12. Copy of the husband work visa, passport data page. (make sure you send this information along with the “Yellow Slip”)

13. For western applicants: A letter of guarantee from the US company (if there is US Sponsor involved)

14. For children, a copy of the birth certificate. The age of an accompanying male child should not exceed seventeen (17) years; an accompanying daughter should not be married.

15. For non-US citizens, a copy of the green card or other documented proof of legal residence in the USA.

I might have to edit this post as I get to know more inofrmation. Comments and corrections are most welcome.

New Ulama Council in Saudi Arabia to include Scholars from 4 School of Thoughts

Link: Ulama Council restructuring lauded from Saudi Gazette

Although it is last year’s news, but I still thought I should bring this important news forward one more time. Important highlights from this news article:


- King Abdullah restructured the Ulama council body to “eliminate loopholes and the issuing of fatwas (religious edicts) by unauthorized people.”

- Appointment of scholars from different schools of thought to be a substantial step that will lead to jurisprudential advancement to meet the growing needs of society.

- Council involves scholars of different ages and specializations who will enrich our work through their knowledge and experience in the field.

- Appointment of members to include the Ulama mastering the four main schools of thought in Islam (Hanbali, Maliki, Hanafi and Shafi’i), saying it will give the council ample options in the interest of the Islamic Ummah based on the Holy Qur’an and Prophet’s Traditions (Hadith)

- Dr. Bin Saleh Al-Sadlan, Professor of Postgraduate Studies at Imam Muhammed Islamic University in Riyadh, says the appointment of members from the four schools will enable them to base their ruling on all the four schools of thought instead of deriving it from one school

Excellent initiative and may Allah SWT bless all Ulama with long life so that the Ummah can benefit from them.

No More Guessing for Iqama Issues

For all the expats living here in KSA, as it is in other countries other than their own respective motherlands, one important thing to worry about is Iqama (Expat I-Card) related issues. It is in the best interest of any individual here to keep himself informed about anything to do with Iqama.


KSA government too wants its citizens as well as expats living here to know/have enough knowledge about it. Hence Ministry of Interior portal (http://www.moi.gov.sa/wps/portal) was created few years back in the hope that it will make life easy. While a large size of the population is taking advantage of this, many are still unaware of this portal. My intention is to introduce this website to my readers on this blog.

Fig 01: MOI Homepage

Ministry of Interior Info:

Address : PO Box 2933, Riyadh 11134
City : Riyadh
Phone: 966 3 4011944
Fax: 966 3 4031185
Website: http://www.moi.gov.sa/


As far as Expats are concerned, this portal is one stop shop with all the necessary information:


Dedicated Services Links:

The section Iqama System Violations & Penalties gives you the details how much is the fine for various instances to Iqama related violations.

Section for Traffic Violations & Penalties gives the details about traffic violations

Section to download form and procedures for Saudis and non-Saudis, one can click here Forms & Procedures E-Guide

Other useful help by steps:


Below here are simple steps to check if your Iqama is valid or not and is registered as well and also to see if it is updated with the Maktab Al-Zawazat - مكتب الجوازات (Passport Office).

From the main Portal homepage,

1. Click the E-Services Tab on tabs menu

Fig 2 – E-Services Tab

2. Select and click the "Passports" 

Fig 3 – Passport Section in E-Services

3. Select and click "Query Residence Permit Status" to open the page

Fig 4 – Iqama/Permit Status under Passports

4. Type your Iqama number in the blank space of "Iqama Number"

Fig 5 – Submit Iqama Number

5. Click on "View" and there you go...result will appear.

Fig 6 – Resulting screen

I hope this will be helpful to somebody

Ma'Assalama

Less Working Hours, Penalties for Delayed Salary Payments in Saudi Arabia

This is indeed good news. May Allah SWT help all those who are suffering by some ill-natured people who are misusing the system to their advantage. Please read on and also you can click on the link below:

Link: No labor law discrimination between Saudis, expats

Highlights of this article:


- Ministry of Labor has said that it is working hard to protect the rights of workers without any discrimination on the basis of nationality

- Ministry of Labor says Ministry is making all efforts to implement labor laws protecting Saudi nationals and expatriates alike.

- The ministry said that it is leaving no stone unturned to realize the vision of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to protect human rights and to check human trafficking, which, it added, is in contrast to the legislation, values and genuine principles of the Kingdom derived from the Shariah.

- Ministry admitted that such violations (employee abuse) do occur on the part of both employers and workers.

- Ministry has already reduced the working hours of people involved in the chemical, construction, paper, leather, textiles and timber industries to seven hours a day.

- Ministry will oversee and guarantees workers’ rights, is a ministerial decision, which punishes any establishment or organization that delays payment of salaries to workers. Article 1 of the decision calls for a ban on those establishments which delay the payment of workers’ salaries for two months from recruiting workers for one year. Furthermore, the penalties increase with the duration of the period of non-payment of salary.

- Ministry says that a Royal decree is already in place to check human trafficking. The law punishes those who commit human trafficking with a maximum of 15 years in prison or a fine of SR1 million or both.

What is required to drive car out of KSA?

If you have a rental car, or a company car or your own car (still on installment plan i.e. meaning you have not yet completed paying off the car payments), and you’re planning to drive out of KSA, then these steps are necessary to avoid any problem. A snapshot of the required documents on how they look like is also given here. These documents will vary from company to company and city to city. So just for you, an exclusive blog that brings all the info at one place.

1) A copy of the car registration card (called Istimara – إستمارة)

2) Copy of Insurance card (called Tamien – التأمين)

If it a new car, this card should be provided to you from the car dealer (showroom). If this a rental car, you will need to pay additional to buy insurance and they will provide you a piece of paper. If this car given to you by your company/contracting company, they will provide you with insurance papers.

* Remember that it is necessary to carry insurance paper with you all the time when you're driving or else you are subjected to traffic fines.

3) A “Letter of Delegated Rights” from the car showroom/company/contracting company will be needed– called Tafweez Qiyadat Sayyara Khariji (تفويض قيادتة سيارة خارجي) and this letter needs to be stamped by Chamber of Commerce (25 SAR)

4) Original copy of the document “Delegation of driving a vehicle (inside and outside the Kingdom)“ from the Traffic department (إدارة المرور - Idaratul Muroor) – called Tafweez Qiyadat Markabat (Daakhil wa Kharij Al-Mamlikat) - (تفويض قيادة مرك (داخل وخارج المملكة

      a) The officer at Muroor will take the original letter that you got from car showroom.
      b) He will give you back the Insurance and the registration card back to you.

Have a happy travelling with your car outside of Kingdom.

Masah Permissible on SealSkinz socks

Interesting as it gets, Allah SWT is showing us that He is benevolent and Merciful. While it looked hard to digest that Masah is not allowed on regular socks, help from Allah SWT has come down to those who did Sabr (patience) and did not criticize our Ulama.

Please read the following Q&A which comes from issue #40 of the newsletter "Al Mahmood" which comes from Darul Iftaa-Madrassah Inaamiyyah, camperdown, South Africa. May Allah SWT give our Ulama long life and good health.

Question -> Recently a new sock called SealSkinz has come into the market. These socks are essentially made for  those involved in outdoor activities such as hunting, mountain climbing, etc., and therefore they are quite strong. Furthermore, these socks are totally waterproof. Is it permissible to make masah on such socks during wudhu?

Answer -> In order for it to be permissible to wipe on nonleather socks, it is imperative that the sock fulfils all the conditions of leather socks. After thoroughly studying the inherent qualities of leather socks, our illustrious Fuqaha ruled that non-leather socks should resemble leather socks in the following:

1. They should entirely cover both the ankles.
2. They should be durable enough that a person can travel and walk with the sock for three miles without them tearing.
3. Both socks should independently be free from holes to the extent of three small toes.
4. The socks should remain on the leg without it being tied or fastened.
5. They should be such that water does not seep through them.

(Noor al Idha (1/47, Yasir Nadeem), Hashiyyah at-Tahtawi ala Durr il mukhtaar (1/137, Al Maktabah al Arabiyyah, Tawaali al anwaar Q 294/Alif, Makhtoot: Al Maktabah al-Azhar)

We have personally examined ‘SealSkinz’ socks and are satisfied that they fulfill all the above-mentioned
conditions. One can refer to their website to see the full durability of these socks. Hence, it is permissible to use ‘SealSkinz’ socks as leather socks and make masah on them.

- Mufti Ebrahim Desai

====================================

SealSkinz website: http://www.sealskinz.com/

Their claim: SealSkinz® are suitable for cycling, walking, climbing, golfing, riding, canoeing, motorcycling, sailing, fell running, orienteering, gardening, fishing, rowing, caving, backpacking, mountaineering ... and 100% waterproof.


May Allah SWT give us the right understanding of our Deen.

Survival Arabic – Part 1

Here I’m starting a series of article on surviving with that much of Arabic speaking where it will get your necessary work done in your daily life activities. Of course this is collected from my daily learning process. I’m going to present this in a tabular form. The first column presents the English word or the sentence, second column the Arabic writing (which might not be up to the standard of well written Arabic but I’ll try my best) and the third column in the transliteration (Roman Language for Indians and Pakistanis) of the same Arabic word or sentence from the second column. I will also try to put in some proper pronunciation help.

Some words/sentences that can be used at a Grocery store (بقالة -> Baqala) or in any store:

This is not a challenge for South Asian people as 90% chances that you will be dealing with an Indian, Pakistani and/or a Bangladeshi person at the counter. This will help you in places like Makkah and Madinah and some bigger departmental stores (Like Panda, CenterPoint, etc) where a quite a number of Arabs work.

English Word or Sentence	Arabic Word or Sentence	Transliteration (Roman Language)
How much?	كم؟	Kam?
How much is this?	كم هو هذا؟	Kam haza?
How are you my friend?	كيف حالك يا صديقي؟	Kaifa Halak Ya Sadeeq?
How much is the book?	كم هو الكتاب؟	Kam Hua Al-Kitaab?*
How much is the milk?	كم هو الحليب؟	Kam Hua Al-Haleeb?
How much is the weight?	كم هو وزنك؟	Kam Waznak?
Is this new? Is this fresh?	هذا هو الجديد؟	Haza Jadeed?
This is so cheap!	هذا هو رخيص	Haza Raqeesa

*I mentioned ‘Hua’ in some sentences “Kam Hua Al-Kitaab?”, it is not all that necessary to say it when speaking.

I will keep adding some more conversational Arabic from time to time.

- Touseefuddin Syed

About Saudi Arabia

Facts:


   - Largest country in the Middle East
   - Was founded in 1932 by Ibn Saud and hence named Saudi Arabia
   - Current capital of Saudi Arabia is Ar-Riyadh
   - Current King of Saudi Arabia is King Abdullah and first Crown Prince Sultan
   - Largest oil producing country in the world with 40% supply with largest hydrocarbon reserves
   - Population: 28,686,633 as of 19/01/2010
   - Area: 2,149,690 Sq. Km with mostly uninhabited desert area
   - State Language is Arabic
   - Currency is called Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR). Monetary unit: 1 Riyal = 100 halalah
   - Saudi Arabia is the fastest growing economy in the Middle East and was recently ranked 13th out of
     183 countries for "Ease of Doing Business" according to the World Bank
   - Main exports: Oil, gas, cereals
   - Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Dhahran, Khobar are some of bigger and more famous

     cities with large expatriates population
Expatriates population is about eight million from countries all around the world (including non-Muslims):

                                                                     

Nationalities	Approximate Population Size
Indian	1.4 million
Bangladeshi	1 million
Filipino	950,000
Pakistani	900,000
Pakistani	900,000
Egyptian	900,000
Yemeni	800,000
Indonesian	500,000
Sri Lankan	350,000
Sudanese	250,000
Syrian	100,000
Turkish	80,000
US, UK, Other Westerner	100,000

Telecommunication Information:

   - Internet domain: .sa
   - International dialing code: +966
   - Largest telecom company: Saudi Telecom Company → http://www.stc.com.sa/cws/portal/en/
   - 2nd Largest telecom company: Mobily Telecom → http://www.mobily.com.sa/
   - Newest telecom company and also fastest growing: Zain telecom → http://www.zain.com/

Major Airlines that serve domestic and international travel need:

   - Air Arabia → http://www.airarabia.com/index.php
   - Al-Khayala Airlines → http://www.kayala.com/  (this website is under construction) ,
   - British Airways → http://www.britishairways.com/
   - Emirates Airlines → http://www.emirates.com/
   - Etihad Airways → http://www.etihadairways.com/
   - Gulf Air → http://www.gulfair.com/English
   - KLM Royal Dutch Airlines → http://www.klm.com/
   - Nas Airlines → http://www.flynas.com/en
   - Qatar Airways → http://www.qatarairways.com/
   - Sama Airlines → http://www.flysama.com/Sama/English/
   - Saudi Arabian Airlines → http://www.saudiairlines.com/

Banks that serve the banking needs:

   - Al Rajhi Bank → http://www.alrajhibank.com.my/
   - Arab National Bank (Alwatani) → http://www.anb.com.sa/
   - Bank Al Bilad → http://www.bankalbilad.com.sa/en/
   - Bank Al Jazira → http://www.baj.com.sa/default.asp?lng=eng
   - Banque Saudi Fransi Bank (Alfaransi) → http://www.alfransi.com/
   - National Commercial Bank (Alahli)→ http://www.alahli.com/en-US/Pages/NCBHomePage.aspx
   - Riyadh Bank → http://www.riyadbank.com/index_en.html
   - Samba Bank → http://www.samba.com/english/index_01_01_en.html
   - Saudi British Bank (SABB) → http://www.sabb.com/home/home_en.shtml
   - Saudi Hollandi Bank → http://www.shb.com.sa/vEnglish/default.asp
   - Saudi Investment Bank → http://www.saib.com.sa/english/home.aspx

Government Offices:

   - Ministry of Foreign Affairs → http://www.mofa.gov.sa/
   - Ministry of Labor & Social Affairs → http://www.mol.gov.sa/
   - Ministry of Civil Services → http://www.mcs.gov.sa/
   - Ministry of Education → http://www.moe.gov.sa/
   - Ministry of Higher Education → http://web.mohe.gov.sa/
   - Ministry of Information → http://www.saudinf.com/
   - Ministry of Petroleum & Mineral Resources → http://www.mopm.gov.sa/

Universities and Educational Centers:

   - King Abdullah University → http://kaust.edu.sa/
   - King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals → http://www.kfupm.edu.sa/
   - King Faisal University → http://www.kfu.edu.sa/
   - King Saud University → http://www.ksu.edu.sa/
   - Arab Open University → http://www.arabou.org/
   - Institute of Public Administration → http://www.ipa.edu.sa/
   - King Abdulaziz University → http://www.kau.edu.sa/
   - Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University → http://www.pmu.edu.sa/
   - Umm Al-Qura University → http://www.uqu.edu.sa/

Major Newspapers and Publications:

   - Asharq Al-Awsat Newspaper → http://www.asharqalawsat.com/
   - Alyaum Newspaper → http://www.alyaum.com/
   - Al Hayat Newspaper → http://www.alhayat.com/
   - Al-Jazirah Newspaper → http://www.al-jazirah.com/
   - Alriayadh Newspaper → http://www.alriyadh.com/
   - Alwatan Newspaper → http://alwatan.com.sa/
   - Arab News Newspaper → http://www.arabnews.com/

References:
Of course www.google.com
http://www.saudiembassy.net/,
http://www.wikipedia.org/
http://www.geohive.com/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
http://www.aramco.com/

Introduction to this Blog

Assalamu Alaykum,

 

Welcome One and All

 

This is my first blog and I intend to fill this space with all sorts of information regarding Saudi Arabia and life here.

 

To tell the truth, I’m blesses to be in this holy land. The immediate benefits I saw when I came here

1. One has easy access to perform Umrah (minor Pilgrimage to house of Allah SWT in Makkah) and visitation to Beloved Nabi’s Mosque in Madinah Munawwara.
2. To visit all the historical places Islam has been associated with.
3.  Meet and the stay with the blessed people of this area often.
4. Eat some fresh dates and drink Arabic Kahva (Arabic tea)
5. Eat Arabic foods, so delicious.
6. Meet some of the Muslims who rarely sin (disobedience to the commandments of Allah SWT). Of course you never who is that but you are among those people.
7. Some of the best practicing Muslims with loads of knowledge.
8. Meet Muslims and non-Muslims from around the world.

1. Last but not the least; one gets to work with some of the best companies in the world with good benefits.

 

Well I will keep on adding more information as I prepare it.