::The following excerpts from our pre-arrival infosheet was written, I think, some ten years ago, by our HR Leslie Stafford. It was written with humour (and a lot of common sense) and I thought it makes sense publishing it here. I modified some of the wordings to suit the current time. Of course, there are far more in-depth information available in the internet via a number of websites (see end of this post)::

"Please respect Saudi Customs and Regulations. They may seem strange to you but you must remember that it is you who are the foreigner here.

Bring your contract of employment.
Bring your passport with your work visa (I wonder what happens if someone really forgot this?).
Bring lightweight (preferably cotton) clothing.
Bring at least one sweater and a lightweight shower-proof outer jacket.
Bring at least 10 passport-size photographs.
Bring a pen to complete your immigration papers (preferably blue).
Bring a pair of dark sunglasses.
Do adjust to the local culture and be flexible and patient with the changing working conditions and other situations.
Use a little common sense and courtesy; they go a long way in easing tensions.
Understand that the Saudi social community is made up of two distinct groups: men and women.
Intermingling is not encouraged. It is, in fact, illegal to be seen in public with a woman who is not your wife.
Always be courteous.
Enjoy your respect of Saudi culture, tradition and religion through appropriate behavior, action and clothing. Long hair, for instance, is frowned upon.
Most important of all, maintain your sense of humor.


Take photographs of airports, mosques, Saudi females, hydrocarbon or plant facilities, ports, military or government installations without official, written permission.
Bring pornographic or religious materials into the Kingdom (I must also add that any pork or pork derivatives are banned from Saudi Arabia).
Remain in the sun too long until you are acclimatized.Smoke, eat or drink in public during the month of Ramadan.
Get impatient with any Saudi officials (or with any of our staff).
Discuss religion or stare at someone who is praying.Walk in front of someone who is praying, or step on his prayer mat.
Attempt to enter a mosque, particularly at prayer time.
Try to visit Mecca, Madinah or any religious city from which non-Muslims are banned.
Stare at Saudi women or speak to them unless you have been introduced to them.
Speak or write anything derogatory about the country, its religion, people or customs.
Point your finger at someone while talking to him, or call someone with a ‘come here’ motion of your finger.

It is hoped that these notes are of use and assistance to you, prior to your arrival in Kingdom. However, if you are unsure of anything or wish to ask any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local agency. We will be only too please to help you. We look forward to your safe arrival in Kingdom."

I also found the following as good sources of information for Filipinos:

Philippine Overseas Employment Agency
Expatguru's Guide to Saudi Arabia (This was written by an Indian expatriate and very, very informative not only to those who are yet to arrive in Saudi but also for those expats already in Saudi).

The following are meant for Western expatriates but very informative too for Filipinos:

Just landed
Eric Hooton's Guide

Safe landing, kabayans!