Living in Saudi Arabia

"Be open minded, expect little, and keep in mind what you're here for; be it the money or quality family time," explained one expat living in Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia.

"Expats considering retiring in Saudi Arabia should be aware of the religious and cultural practices in the country, such as Islamic laws and customs including restrictions on certain activities, for example drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the local language, Arabic, as it is the official language, although many also speak English. When living in Saudi Arabia, it is important to be aware of the rules regarding gender segregation and dress code, as these are strictly enforced. Expats should also be aware that they will require a valid residency permit, obtained through employment or sponsorship, to stay in the country over a longer period. Lastly, retirees should take into consideration the cost of living and availability of medical care, as these can vary depending on the region," said one expat in Saudi Arabia.

"You will have great fun. Just make sure you get housed on Arabian Homes or The Cove. Arabian Homes is an open compound, a bit out in the sticks (17Km from Royal COmmission) and is a mature compound i.e. a bit faded. The Cove is westerners only, in the Royal Commission and is brand-new. But it's very popular and not easy to get into. May be a waiting list," said one expat who made the move to Yanbu.

"As most expats which come to KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) are married, and most have children, there are ample activities to get involved in," remarked one expat living in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Saudi Arabia can be quite an adjustment, as the conservative culture and adherence to Islamic traditions can be unfamiliar for newcomers. Expats find there is a wide range of activities to do, from outdoor pursuits like hiking and bungee jumping in the Red Sea to cultural activities such as the Al-Ula festival. Expats and digital nomads will find that access to the internet and strong communication networks in the country make it an ideal destination to continue working. While there are restrictions on dress and religious activity, Saudis generally welcome expats and are friendly and hospitable. The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is much lower than in other more popular expat destinations, making it an attractive destination for a more affordable living option," commented one expat who made the move to Saudi Arabia.

"Crime exists in Saudi Arabia, though it is generally considered to be low in comparison to other countries, particularly in the areas of violent crime and narcotics. The death penalty is often used as a punishment for a variety of offences, such as drug trafficking and murder. Other offences punishable by law include fraud, bribery, and corruption. The Saudi government also strictly enforces its Shari'a law, including punishments such as flogging, amputation, and imprisonment. At the same time, the government has introduced various measures to reduce the crime rate, such as improving the security measures in public places and providing more resources for policing," remarked one expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"In Saudi Arabia, there is a diverse population, including people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. People in Saudi Arabia are generally accepting of differences and there are initiatives in place to promote tolerance and social harmony. Cultural and religious events are typically celebrated with enthusiasm. Despite some traditional restrictions in terms of cultural and religious practices, there is generally an acceptance and respect of differing beliefs in Saudi Arabia," explained one expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"The city is a very diverse group of people representing over 50 countries. In general, the people are accepting of differences. However, the country is not accepting of differences especially when it comes to religion," said one expat in Dhahran.

"Almost all non-westerners are Muslim. No overt Christianity or other religions are really accepted (no crucifixes etc.). But everybody is very freindly and won't have a problem with your religion as long as you don't shove it in their faces. Sexual diversity is not really accepted, although it does exist. Think closet," said one expat who made the move to Yanbu.

"EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET KIDS INTO B.I.S.-R, AS NEARLY FULL, EXCEPT IF ENGLISH AND DUTCH PASSPORT HOLDER. START WHEN KIDS ARE YOUNG AND BOOK EVEN COUPLE YEARS BEFORE SCHOOL ENTRY. DESPITE HASSLES AND COST THE ONLY SUITABLE CHOICE IN ALL RIYADH UNLESS YOU HAVE A RIDICULOUS INCOME OR BENEFIT FOR U.S.A SCHOOL, AND THINK YOU WILL END UP IN THERE SYSTEM FOR LONG TIME! GO AND SPEND SOME TIME WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS FRESH KNOWLEDGE ON THE BRITISH EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM: VERY ORDERED, VERY STRUCTURED, WHICH LEAVES PRONE TO INFLEXIBLILITY. DO YOU HOMEWORK RE HOURS OF FACE TO FACE TEACHER CONTACT: IN RIYADH WE HAVE 176 STUDENT TEACHER CONTACT DAYS[NOT INCLUDING THE WEEKEND], WHERE THEY GET 5 HOURS AND 40 APPROX MINUTES [MINUSED THE BREAKS: WHICH ARE USELESS AS THEY DON'T GET WIND DOWN, PLAY, THEY ARE NOT EVEN ALLOWED TO GO LAY ON "BEAN BAG" AND QUIETLY READ IN HOME ROOM!!! THE LIBRARY IS THE ONLY ESCAPE SO DIFFICULT FOR REAL "BOY, BOYS ACTIVITY AND ADHD KIDS!!!!!"] WE LEFT 24 TEACHER STUDENT CONTACT DAYS...LONGER BREAKS IN SCHOOL DAY...FULL ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY...A SELECTION OF MATES...NOT BEING HASSLED AND TEASED BECAUSE WHITE [ONLY THIS GROUP IN 15 YEAR OLDS] DO YOUR HOMEWORK BUT ULTIMATELY HAVE TO WORK WITH WHAT YOUR GO! NOTE: IF YOU CAME FROM A PRIVATE SYSTEM WHERE YOU ARRIVE AND EVERYTHING IS PROVIDE FOR AND INCLUDED IN FEES INCLUDING: ALL STATIONARY; ALL SCHOOL TRIP;ALL DAY TRIPS; MOST AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND YOU HAVE A GOOD SECOND UNIFORM SHOP BURSTING WITH CLOTHES; PRINTED AWARDS;PRESENTS MADE FOR SPECIAL DAYS; MORNING TEAS; THEN BE AWARE THAT ALL OF THE ABOVE WILL COST YOU, ESPECIALLY THE HOLIDAY!!," explained one expat living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"I would certainly advise anyone considering to enrol their child in this school. The staff is genuinely caring and attentive to student needs. The school also has a very modern and up to date pedagogy in terms of what is known as best practice amongst educators. Students are held to a very high standard in terms of work ethic, social development, and academic performance," said one parent with children at The American International School of Jeddah in Jeddah.

"It is a very good school. It has had some troubled times over the last six years or so. Up until 2011 it had has a number of heads in a short period, but now the principal and the heads of senior and primary seem to be established and making a real difference. Some posts suggest that the school is a mess, and I hear it was for a while but now I think it has settled and all the parents I have met seem to think it is very quickly getting better and better. Most teachers really do seem to care a lot and there are even catch up classes at the weekends. They seem to be able to attract very good teachers which can't be easy in Riyadh! and they seem to stay a while. Exam results are very good, and all leavers seem to go to good universities. Classes are small - I think they have a maximum of 20 in a class, but it is not easy to get into unless you are British. The wait lists are very long I hear. There are loads of activities after school - my youngest is busy every night, though the oldest does less. He has quite a lot of homework. but he does go on trips - and is booked on a ski trip for next year. We toyed with the idea of sending the children to boarding schools in the UK but I am really pleased that we didn't - they love BISR, and if they are happy, so are we," commented one expat when asked about British International School Riyad in Riyadh.

"The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is generally moderate, though some items can be expensive. In terms of housing, expats tend to pay high rental prices for westernized homes. On the other hand, the cost for basic food items and groceries can be reasonable. In addition, petrol is relatively inexpensive, transportation is available and relatively affordable, and healthcare is accessible and of a high quality. Overall, the cost of living can vary from low to moderate, depending on individual spending habits," said one expat who made the move to Saudi Arabia.

"The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is generally higher than other countries in the Middle East, but is lower than many Western countries. Riyadh and Jeddah, the two largest cities in the country, have a substantially higher cost of living than the rest of the country, with goods and services being considerably higher than in other cities. The rental prices for a 1-bedroom apartment in Riyadh are approximately $1,800 USD per month, while a 2-bedroom apartment averages around $2,500 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant will cost on average around $25 USD," remarked one expat in Saudi Arabia.

"In Saudi Arabia, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports centers. Parks are a popular destination for families, offering plenty of green space for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor activities. Beaches are also a popular destination, with many offering a variety of water sports and activities. Sports centers are also popular, offering a variety of activities such as basketball, tennis, and swimming. Additionally, there are many shopping malls, cinemas, and restaurants that offer a variety of entertainment options," said one expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"The climate in Saudi Arabia is generally hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from very hot in the summer to mild in the winter. Rainfall is scarce, with most of the country receiving less than 100mm of rain per year. The coastal areas of the country tend to be more humid than the interior. Sand and dust storms are common in the spring and summer months," wrote one expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Saudi Arabia is Al Baik, which is known for its delicious fried chicken. Located in Jeddah, Al Baik is a fast-food restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, and shawarma. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and affordable prices. https://www.albaik.com/ Another popular restaurant in Saudi Arabia is Al Tazaj, which is known for its grilled chicken. Located in Riyadh, Al Tazaj serves a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, and shawarma. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and affordable prices. https://www.altazaj.com/ Finally, Al-Baik is a popular restaurant in Saudi Arabia that is known for its delicious seafood. Located in Jeddah, Al-Baik serves a variety of dishes, including grilled fish, shrimp, and calamari. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and affordable prices. https://www.albaik.com/," remarked one expat in Saudi Arabia.

"People living in Saudi Arabia typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, and local markets. Many people also shop online for groceries and other items. Additionally, there are many malls and shopping centers throughout the country where people can purchase a variety of items," remarked one expat in Saudi Arabia.

"In order to travel to Saudi Arabia, foreign nationals must apply for a visa and obtain authorization prior to arrival in the country. The process of applying for a visa includes submitting an application, including passport details and travel plans, to a Saudi Embassy or Consulate and providing documents that confirm the purpose of the visit, such as an invitation letter from a Saudi sponsor or an employment contract with a Saudi company. Foreign nationals who wish to reside in Saudi Arabia must obtain a residency permit, known as an Iqama. To apply for residency, applicants must first have a valid work or family visa and then submit all the necessary documents and fees at their local passport office. Applicants must also have a sponsor, who is usually the employer for work visa holders or a family member for family visa holders, who will be responsible for the visa holder's legal status in the country, as well as any necessary paperwork. After all the documents and fees have been submitted, the applicant will receive an Iqama card, which must be kept valid and renewed periodically," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Saudi Arabia can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services required. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Saudi Arabia is higher than in many other countries, due to the high cost of medical equipment and services. Health insurance is also expensive, as premiums can be quite high, and there are often additional fees for certain services. However, the government does provide some subsidies for health insurance, which can help to reduce the cost," said an expat in Saudi Arabia.

"My sponsor always paid for my insurance. I ended paying an extra amount for higher end insurance so I could go the Kingdom Hospital, and found out that the medical staff there are not adequately trained," remarked one expat in Riyadh.