YOUR COUNTRY GUIDE
SAUDI ARABIA Riyadh
FACTS, FIGURES & A GENERAL OVERVIEW GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECTÂ
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE? Traveling to a new country can be absolutely thrilling, but it can also leave you feeling excited, nervous, and probably full of uncertainty. We totally get it! At the Global Autism Project, we approach world travel with curiosity and respect. We work to ensure you have all the tools you need to explore with these values as well, which is why we've created comprehensive country guides to prepare you for SkillCorps® journey overseas! This country guide will give you an overview of Saudi Arabia including currency, politics, maps and key phrases! Of course, we encourage you to do your own research as well, but use our country guide as a starting point! As a new member of the SkillCorps team you will be invited to join an app that contains pertinent information about your trip!
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EXPECTATIONS AT A GLANCE Capital City: Riyadh Population: 33,000,000 Major Religions: Muslim (Sunni 75-90%, Shia 1025%) Official Language (s): Arabic
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate with very high day time temperatures and a sharp temperature drop at night. Average summer temperatures are around 113 degrees F and in the winter the weather slightly drops below 32 degrees F. In the spring and autumn temperatures average around 84 degrees F.
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WHAT'S THE BIG PICTURE? Political/ Social Climate Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy. According to the Basic Law of Saudi Arabia, which was adopted in 1992, the king must comply with Sharia (Islamic law) and the Quran. The Quran and the Sunnah (tradition of Muhammad) are the country's constitution. No political parties or national elections are permitted. Saudi Arabia is considered behind in social climates and their views on human rights are very controversial. It remains one of the few countries in the world not to accept the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What kind of content does the government sensor? Saudi Arabia has one of the most censored media environments in the world. The domestic mass media is under control of the government, having to pass though censors before it's aired or put in print. The press is said to be privately owned, but the editor-in-chief of each newspaper is appointed by the government. The government restricts content that criticizes the government, the royal family, or religious leaders and their decisions. How will we get around? Standards of driving are erratic, so it is best to drive with extreme caution at all times, or hire an car agency. Metered taxi services are available in all major cities and it's often easier and not much more expensive. Exciting Events June June
Eid-al-Fitr Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
August
Eid-al-Adha
August
Eid-al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
August
Eid-al-Adha
September
Saudi National Day
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GET READY! It's so exciting, right?! So much to prepare for, so much to share... You're ready today! Hold on to that enthusiasm, that's exactly why you made the team!
DON'T WORRY! We're not going to send you into the field with nothing. To ensure we're sharing the most up-to-date information, we will post a live clinical video in the app at least 3 weeks before you travel. The video will discuss training objectives, strategies, and expected priorities for your time in the center. Additionally, at orientation you'll review the site's clinical folder and learn all about our training model!
GET YOUR VISA! You WILL need to apply for a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia- we will process this visa for you! Visa processing information can be found in the SkillCorps app. You do NOT need to pay for your visa processing until AFTER you've booked your flights. Once your flight is booked, head over to the app to pay for your visa, then we'll email you next steps!
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A TYPICAL DAY MORNINGS We spend our mornings at the hotel having breakfast as a team and planning for the day. We will discuss the wrap-up from the night before, and get excited for our new day!
WORK TIME Work time is a time to be present and energized! We bring professionalism and enthusiasm to the center each day, and will provide training in the form of role-play, workshops, reenactments, and even games.
EVENINGS Each evening will vary, but we typically make a team decision to either relax, call home and connect for a bit, or explore the city. We will also spend time each evening debriefing and working on training for the next day, as well as an inspirational wrap-up.
DOWN TIME Down time is up to the team! We always stick together, but we try to make time for team activities. From mall shopping to evenings at fun restaurants, we try to keep you well rested, yet entertained!
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BUDGETING & PLANNING
NATIONAL CURRENCY | SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) Accessing cash: It is wise to have local currency when you arrive to cover small purchases and taxi fare. Currency exchanges and banks are available at most major airports and many are open 24 hours a day. Daily expenses: Expenses will vary depending on individual and situational needs, but below is a sample budget for a typical working day at the partner site. We will leave budgeting for souvenirs and gifts up to your discretion. Small meal
SAR 22
Bottle of Water
SAR 0.90
City Centre bus fare SAR 2 Taxi (mile)
SAR 8.05
Taxi (1 hour waiting)
SAR 30
GOOGLE FOR THE EXCHANGE RATE, IT CHANGES DAILY! GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT
YOUR LOGISTICS OVERVIEW ACCOMMODATIONS You will be staying at a trusted hotel or guesthouse in Riyadh. You will be located a short drive from Namaee Center, and you'll be near shopping malls and many restaurants. You will likely share a room with a teammate.
THE CENTER Namaee Center is in King Fahd neighborhood in Riyadh. There is air conditioning in every building, so don't worry about the heat! Your work day at the center will typically go from 8:30am until 4:30pm, though the schedule is subject to change.
TRANSPORTATION A driver has been organized for your time in Riyadh. They will handle all airport transportation as well as a ride to and from the center as needed. Our partners will organize any additional trips your team decides to take, including mall trips and restaurants in the evenings.
MEALS The hotel provides breakfast every morning and the center will handle your team lunch every afternoon, but dinners are not covered. You will have the opportunity to order in delicious local take out, eat at the hotel restaurant, or go to local restaurants with our partners. GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT
HOW WILL I COMMUNICATE?
Will I be able to use my cell phone in Saudi Arabia? Yes, but make sure that your phone is compatible/covered by an international plan. If it isn't, you may be charged high roaming and usage fees by your domestic service provider or may not be able to use your phone at all. How do I avoid incurring high costs? There is the Saudi Arabia SIM card that you can use. It provides low-cost prepaid cell phone service as well as international cell phone roaming in 200+ other countries. You just have to pay for the calls, texts and data you use. It's suggested that you purchase a OneSimCard global SIM before leaving for your trip. Internet access Internet usage has grown tremendously in Saudi Arabia over recent years. Saudi Arabia is connected to the internet through two country-level data service providers, the Integrated Telecom Company and Bayanat al-Oula. These servers contain a long list of blocked sites because of the repressive acts to stop online activism against the Saudi Arabian government. GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECTÂ
FRIENDLY REMINDERS: VACCINATIONS The Global Autism Project does NOT employ medical physicians, therefore we cannot advise your medical decisions. We do, however, recommend you visit the website of the Center for Disease Control and schedule an appointment with a travel physician.
FLIGHTS Please frequently check the SkillCorps app for updates regarding the timeline for booking flights! Typically, you should be booking your flights 9 weeks prior to travel. After you have submitted your travel form, you will be contacted by travel agents who will guide you through every step of the process!
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HOW SHOULD I DRESS? What do people wear in Saudi Arabia? In Saudi Arabia, modesty is expected from both men and women. For women, if you are out in public, you are required to wear a abaya and headscarf over your regular clothing, while showing little skin. For men, have a thawb, and also show little skin. Global Autism Project will provide you with an Abaya for work days. Tip: You can find a quiz in the SkillCorps app to help you with your packing list
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MORE TO THINK ABOUT What is the legal status of the LGBTQ+ community in Saudi Arabia? Since September of 1932, homosexuality has been illegal in Saudi Arabia and subject to severe punishment. What are the sociocultural attitudes surrounding the LGBTQ+ community? Saudi Arabians have no legal protection for the LGBTQ+ community against discrimination (employment, housing, etc.) However, Saudi Arabians of the LGBTQ+ community can serve openly in the military. Saudi Arabians are generally conservative on many social issues,. Will I be safe traveling to Saudi Arabia? SkillCorps teams are incredibly diverse and we're very grateful for that! Members of our own staff identify as LGBTQ+ as well. However, for your safety, please exercise caution and avoid sharing overly intimate or personal details while abroad. You may decide to use discretion when disclosing your orientation. Our teams will always stick together! Autism in Saudi Arabia Studies of autism frequency have been particularly rare in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia's prevalence estimate is 18 per 10,000 which is slightly higher than some of the other developed countries. Autism awareness is slowly becoming more prevalent but the stigma of embarrassment still exists in the Saudi Arabian society.
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WHEN YOU TRAVEL, REMEMBER THAT A FOREIGN COUNTRY IS NOT DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE. IT IS DESIGNED TO MAKE ITS OWN PEOPLE COMFORTABLE. -CLIFTON FADIMAN
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MAPS & PHRASES
IMPORTANT PHRASES
Yes/no
My name is...
Vegetarian
ﻻ/ ﻓﻌﻼ
اﺳﻤﻲ ﻫﻮ...
ﻧﺒﺎﺗﻲ
Nem fielaan/ La
Aisi hua...
Nabati
Hello
Thank you
No meat
ﻣﺮﺣﺒﺎ
ﺷﻜﺮا ﻟﻜﻢ
ﻻ ﻟﺤﻮم
Marhabaan Goodbye وداﻋﺎ
Wadaeaan
Shukraan lakum
La lihum
Where is the bathroom?
No milk
أﻳﻦ اﻟﺤﻤﺎم؟
ﻻ ﺣﻠﻴﺐ
'Ayn alhamam?
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La halib
TESTIMONIALS " I had no idea what to expect, but I was definitely thrlled to feel so welcome. The food was incredible and the people were happy to share their culture and beliefs with me. It was an incredible learning experience, and I'd encourage every person I know to explore the Middle East at some point in life." - Sara
"Saudi Arabia, for me, was such a mystery when I was prepping to go. I was researching, reading, looking up customs -- and then when I arrived I took a deep breath and relaxed. I felt at ease and excited to be somewhere so new and different. I felt welcome and cared for, everyone I met was eager to feed me and tell me about their culture. I absolutely loved it." -Cassie "Disregard any expectation, and allow yourself to experience what's there. It's stunning and an incredibly unique experience." -Nicole "There is no place on earth like the desert. You see stars you didn't know existed, you feel warmth of the sun in a way that you can suddenly connect to the planet in ways you simply can't when you're in the city. The opportunity to ride a camel through sand dunes was a bucket list box I didn't think I'd every tick off." -Maria
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EXPLORE WHAT'S HAPPENING AT NAMAEE CENTRE! Namaee Centre currently has 12 students and are actively expanding their reach to increase awareness in their community through outreach efforts and community events. They have a partnership with Bank AlJazira called the "Give me a Voice Program" where students enter the program without a mand repertoire and after three months of sponsored services, the staff at Nama'i work to teach the student several mands. The goal is for all staff to be credentialed. Nama'i currently has RBTs and the clinical lead is one course away until he can sit for the BCABA exam. Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, our partner center is one of the only programs in the country offering ABA services to learners with autism! Focused on 1:1 therapy, Namaee is providing individualized services to the Riyadh community. Partners Since: 2018 Current Focus: Supervision, individualization of programs, parent training, research, data collection and analysis GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
RACHEL HARMON, BCBA Rachel is a BCBA from Los Angeles, California. She has also lived in San Diego, Tokyo, Paris, Oakland, and now Barcelona. Rachel first worked with children with autism as a piano teacher in 2008 and was eventually drawn to the field of ABA. While doing her internship in Music Therapy, Rachel hopes to someday fuse the two disciplines to offer services to individuals through a humanistic, behavioral, and improvisational approach.
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GET READY FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
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