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," wrote a member in Khamis Mushayt.

"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," said one expat who made the move to Dhahran.

"There were many expatriate clubs before the 2004 security incident which caused most westerners to leave. Everything from knitting and drama to golf and scuba diving. They all vanished, but are just startign to come back due to the huge influx of westerners to Yanbu because of the gigantic industrial expansion. There are only two western expatriate compounds - Arabian Homes and The Cove. If you live on either, there are many social activities," explained one expat living in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

"Many expats join social and professional clubs in Saudi Arabia such as the International Women's Group and the Riyadh International Sports Club. These clubs offer a space for expats to connect, network, and enjoy recreational activities. Expats can also meet people through activities like volunteer work, language classes, or religious groups. Additionally, they may meet people through work or by attending networking events or conferences in the area," mentioned one in Saudi Arabia.

"The city is a very diverse group of people representing over 50 countries. In general, life runs at a slower pace here and life generally revolves around the family and sports," explained one expat living in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

"Yanbu is an industrial 'new city', but it is very clean and tidy, unlike most Saudi towns. The western housing area of the Royal Commission is very like parts of America. Most westerners in Yanbu are there to work - but it's a great place to socialise and great for things like scuba diving, sailing, dune-buggies etc," said one expat in Yanbu.

"People lives are surrounded by their families and GrandParents which means much socialising," said one expat who made the move to Jeddah.

"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," explained one expat living in 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," wrote one member 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.

"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," explained one expat living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"The International Schools Group (ISG) is one of the leading international schools in Saudi Arabia. It provides high quality education to students from Pre-Kindergarten through secondary school in an international setting. It has five schools in different locations around the country, each offering a different curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate Programme, the US Common Core State Standards, and a programme of Arabic and Islamic Studies. ISG also has an online virtual school and a range of after school activities, as well as strong partnerships with local universities for further studies. The British International School Riyadh is another top international school in Saudi Arabia. The school offers an innovative and exciting British curriculum that has been adapted to meet the needs of the local context. The school has a strong focus on extracurricular activities, and provides students with extensive facilities, including beautiful outdoor spaces and a theatre. There is also an extensive Islamic Studies programme which is tailored to the needs of the local students. Brighton College Al Ain is a bilingual school in Saudi Arabia, offering a bilingual education in both English and Arabic. The school also has a holistic approach to education, promoting equal learning outcomes across different disciplines. Students are also encouraged to develop strong leadership and team-working skills, as well as exploration and creativity. There is a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities, and the school offers sports, music, drama, art and a range of field trips," said one parent with children at in .

"Again, I'll share my perspectives later. Since there are only a few western families in Yanbu, the teacher student ratio looks favourable - for my son's grade level anyway," commented one expat when asked about Yanbu International School in Yanbu.

"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," wrote one member in 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," said an 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," mentioned an 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," remarked one expat 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/," wrote one expat living 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," mentioned an expat living 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," mentioned one expat inSaudi Arabia.

"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," mentioned an expat living 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," said an expat in Riyadh.