DR.

SULAIMAN AL HABIB
MEDICAL GROUP
A L - QA S S I M C H A P T E R

INTRODUCTION TO AL-QASSIM REGION

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AN INTRODUCTION TO SAUDI ARABIA
The kingdom is the world's 14th largest nation and occupies about 80 percent of
the Arabian Peninsula. The estimate of The Kingdom’s area is about 2,217,949
km² (856,356 miles²).

Saudi Arabia's geography is varied. From the western coastal region (Tihamah),
the land rises from sea level to a peninsula-long mountain range (Jabal al-Hejaz)
beyond which lies the plateau of Nejd in the center. The southwestern 'Asir
region has mountains as high as 3,000 m (9,840 feet) and is known for having
the greenest and freshest climate in all of the country, one that attracts many
Saudis to resorts such as Abha in the summer months. The east is primarily
rocky or sandy lowland continuing to the shores of the Persian Gulf. The
geographically hostile Rub' al Khali ("Empty Quarter") desert along the country's
imprecisely defined southern borders contains almost no life.

Saudi Arabia's population as of July 2006 is estimated to be about 27,019,731,

including about 5,576,076 resident foreigners. The birth rate is 29.56 births per
1,000 people. The death rate is only 2.62 deaths per 1,000 people.

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Al Qassim Region
Al-Qassim Region lies approximately at the center of the Arabian Peninsula. It is
bordered in the north and northwest by the Ha’il Region, on the east and south of
Riyadh Region and in the west by the Madina Region. The Region is well known
for its prevailing Islamic culture and traditions.

There are 17 hospitals in Al-Qassim Region with about 2000 beds:

• Al-Habib Medical Group Hospital (160 Beds)

• King Fahd Specialist Hospital(574 beds)
• King Saud Hospital (360 beds)
• Buraidah Central Hospital (200 beds)
• Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital (158 beds)
• Bukariah General Hospital(200 beds)
• Al-Rass General hospital(200)

Ten more hospitals are located in different areas (30-80 beds). Furthermore,
there are nearly 140 primary care centers distributed all over the Region.

The main cities of Qassim Region are Buraidah, Unayza, Al-Ras and Al-Badaye.

Buraidah

The city of Buraidah is located in the Al-Qassim region, which is famous for its
agriculture resources. Situated in central Saudi Arabia, The Al Qassim region is
bordered on the north by the Hayel region, on the east by Al-Zulfi, on the south
by the Al-Washam region and on the west by the Al-Madinah Al Munawarrah
region. It has a total area of 80,000 square kilometers and a population of 1.5
million.

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All HMG hospital staff lives in Buraidah.

The history of Al-Qassim region dates back to the 9th century of Al-Hijrah (1000
AC). Due to its important location at the junction of major trade routes, the region
witnessed a wide range of historical events. Al-Qassim comprises more than 250
towns and villages affiliated to 13 main towns, all of which are linked to the Al
Qassim region's capital, Buraidah.

Buraidah used to be a small town that lived mainly on farming and some primitive
kinds of trading. It was surrounded by a high mud wall, which used to be closed
everyday at sundown until sunrise.

Buraidah now is one of the Al Qassim regions most important cites. It is the
headquarters of the Governor, the Local Council, branches of governmental
departments,

The world largest camel market is located in Buraidah. King Khaled Urban
Center is one of Buraidah’s most important landmarks. It contains exhibits,
museums and a special area for popular festivals. The Prince Abdullah Sports
Complex is also one of Buraidah’s features. 160,000 square kilometers in area, it
contains playgrounds and a soccer stadium with a capacity of 20,000 spectators.

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Buraidah's public park covers an area of 49,000 square kilometers. It has a
swimming-pool, fountains, artificial water falls, children's playgrounds and rest
places for visitors. Buraidah’s three-story water tower is one of the city's tourist
and aesthetic landmarks.
The top floor contains a 1,000 square-meter reception hall with a balcony
overlooking the city from all directions. The tower is surrounded by a 45,000
square-meter green area.

In Buraidah's industrial city, one can find the largest pharmaceutical factory in the
Middle East along with other factories that produce air conditioners, water
heaters, clothes, appliances, food products, plastic products, Cement, etc. Near
Buraidah and in the middle of the desert there are several fish farms producing
more than 1,000 tons of fish annually. Every morning, thousands of farmers as
well as agricultural companies bring their products to Buraidah's vast farmers'
market where they are bought, packed and exported. That is why Buraidah is
called the vegetable basket of Saudi Arabia.

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Al-Qassim Hospital
For all newcomers joining Al- Qassim hospital, the Administration is pleased to
send a representative to receive you and your family at the airport. He will take
you to the accommodation which is arranged by HMG. The representative will
then arrange to pick you on the second day and take you to the hospital where
you will complete the paper work, acquaint yourself and meet other staff.

Upon arrival, please report to the Hospital Personnel Office to fill in the papers
and sign the contract. It is advisable to keep your papers, certificates, some
photographs as well as your passport handy as you might need them at several
places.

After this, you will take the medical checkup papers which you have to fill in the
health unit, located in the same Hospital building.

After finishing the medical examination please proceed to your department to

meet your colleagues there, and get acquainted with things.

When the medical checkup report is ready you take it to the Jawazat office (Alien
Registration Office) where they will do all the paperwork of issuing you the
‘Iqama’ (residency permit).

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VIEW OF AL-QASSIM HOSPITAL

Al Qassim Hospital consists of a basement, a ground floor and six typical floors.
It contains 160 beds and 102 clinics. Also, including an auditorium with 300
persons capacity for medical workshops, conferences and Continuous Medical
Education Activities.

Enriched with a group of highly qualified consultant physicians and equipped with
the latest healthcare technology, the Hospital will provide great
attentive healthcare services for the people of the Qassim Area in Buraidah city.

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LEISURE FACILITIES

There is a gym in the vicinity of Hospital which can be utilized with a very
minimum membership fee.

Jogging and Cycling Machines

HMG is also planning to have its own Gym facility in the city very soon.

Aside from that there are some resorts around towns which offer recreational
facilities for families and children. Big malls, hypermarkets, farms and safari are
also alternatives

Center Point.

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For your entire Computer, books, arts and office needs.

AL OTHAIM MALL. It is 5 mins. walk from HMG hospital.

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Geant, Hyper Mart.

Coffee Shop

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Qassim Lake. A perfect picnic and relaxation spot.

Others e.g:
1. Tarafiah Restaurant
2. Onaiza Restaurant
3. Al Nakheel Restaurant
5. CARREFOUR
6. GEANT
7. HYPER PANDA
8. MEDINA AL RAAS
9. CITY PLAZA
10. CITY MAX
11. MANGO
12. EXTRA (ELECTRONICS MALL)
13. Mc Donalds
14. KFC
15. Moevenpick Hotel Qassim

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FAQ's

1) Where is Al-Qassim?

Al-Qassim is one of the 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia and lies in the
heart of the country, almost equidistant from the Persian Gulf in the east to the
Red Sea in the west. There is no city by the same name.

2) How does one get to Qassim?

Qassim can be reached by air from all major airports of Saudi Arabia, like Riyadh
and Jeddah. Qassim airport is about 25 Kms from the Capital city Buraidah and -
---- kms from sister city of Unazah. Alternatively, one can reach here by road
from Riyadh by way of Riyadh-Madina Motorway in about three hours.

3) What are the important towns of the region?

Buraidah is the capital city of Qassim region and has a population of about 4
hundred thousand (2004 census). Other important towns are Unayzah, Al-Ras,
Midhnab, Bukairiya and Badayaa etc. which lie within proximity of about 100 Kms
of each other.

4) What is the climate of the region?

Mentioned above in Facts and Figures.

5) What is the mode of public transportation?

The principal means of transport is private cars. However, some private taxis are
available in all major towns in addition to Rent-a-cars. e.g. Hanco Rent a Car…
Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) plies some buses between
major towns. Additionally, some private operators arrange coach tours for Haj
and Umrah for interested persons.

6) How far is Qassim Hospital from the main towns?

Qassim Hospital is located in the heart of city. From accommodation the journey
typically takes 5-10 minutes by car.

7) Is there a medical cover for the Hospital staff?

Emergency and other hospital services are provided free of charge to

employees.

8) What are the leisure facilities available?

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Already mentioned in Leisure facility.

9) How are the telecommunication facilities?

The Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC) runs a state of art network by

way of landlines, internet facilities including DSL as well as advanced facilities for
mobile phone users.
You can get a mobile phone from one of two network providers, Either Al Jawal
or Mobily, they are available in the airport, malls and supermarkets.

10) What is the procedure for acquiring the resident permit?

Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia have to acquire a work permit or ‘Iqama’

which is issued by the Ministry of Interior. Qassim Hospital has Liaison Office
which facilitates this procedure after procuring necessary papers like medical
examination report etc. Those entitled to family status may enroll dependents on
the same Iqama.

11) How does one find accommodation for residence?

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, HMG will provide standard company

accommodation.

In case following are the information for hotels and furnished flats.

1. Salman Hotel 3266666-3231554

2. Dubaikhee hotel 3814490-3813566
3. Qassim Hotel 3251300
4. Hayat Furnished Flats 3851212
5. Ayeeree Furnished Flats 3234522
6, Musafir Furnished Flats 3241950
7. Manzil Furnished Flats 3692022
8. Safra Furnished Flats 3817515

12) How are the banking facilities in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has representation of almost all major international banks which
provide modern banking facilities, and most of the facilities are also available
online. Islamic banking is also offered by most banks.
There is a branch of a most popular and ubiquitous bank of Saudi Arabia in the
Hospital, which you can use as your salary account as well.

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13) I have children, what about their schooling?

There are a lot of public as well as private schools. Your children can join the
public schools free of charge. You can get more information from the following
website, www.qassimedu.gov.sa .
Some communities have their own schools as well, which have their own
curriculum and may follow the system of their own country.
E.g.

Pakistan International School

Saudi International School (Indian Section)
Excellence School
Etc…

14) How can I know more about the hospital and the group?

Please visit our website at www.drsulaimanalhabib.com for more details.

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