Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of)

Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of)

History of Relations

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were formalised during a visit by former President Nelson Mandela to that country in November of 1994.

Two missions were established in the Kingdom during March of 1995. An Embassy with a Chargé d’ Affaires a.i in the capital Riyadh and a Consulate General with a Consul in Charge in the commercial capital of Jeddah. The Consulate General is also responsible for looking after the needs of South African pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah duties in the holy cities of Makkah al Mukarramah and Medina al Munawarra.

The first South African Ambassador to the Kingdom, Dr Samuel Motsuenyane, arrived in November 1996 and completed his tour of duty in August 2000. The first Consul General in Jeddah, Mr. Cassim Peer, assumed duty on 1 July 1996 and returned to South Africa on 30 June 2000.

The Royal Saudi Arabian Embassy in Pretoria was established in 1997 and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahad bin Abdulaziz, is represented by Ambassador Dr Saud al-Zedan who is entering his fifth year of service in Pretoria.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Saudi Arabia

H E Mr C T Rubushe
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African Embassy

Saudi Representation in South Africa

H E Mr S A A L Al-Angari
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Travel Info

Visa requirements for South Africans

For more information contact the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Pretoria.

Health requirements

Travellers have to be inoculated against meningitis. It is recommended that visitors also be inoculated against Yellow Fever.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Saudi Arabia is very hot and humid during summer, June to August, with temperatures sometimes in excess of 50C. Winter months from December to March are moderate.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), divided into 100 hallalas. The symbol for the Riyal is SAR. The currency is freely convertible.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

Main commodities imported from Saudi Arabia in 2000

< Mineral products R 13 590 058 904

< Chemical products R 334 034 724

< Paper products R 89 689 867

< Stone and glass ware R 33 882 724

< Plastics R 13 156 347

Main commodities exported to Saudi Arabia in 2000

< Prepared foodstuffs R 331 503 467

< Base metals R 245 436 143

< Vegetable products R 232 278 229

< Chemicals R 65 771 589

< Machinery R 44 001 333

Agreement on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.

Agreement on Trade, Economic and Technical Co-operation

An umbrella agreement stipulating the willingness to co-operate with South Africa in a myriad of disciplines and areas

A Bilateral Air Services Agreement.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the CSIR and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Saudi Arabia, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No Information