Retire in Saudi Arabia

"you can find anything you want, ANYwhere! Start learning the language in use before you get there," said one retiree in living in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

"Life for a retiree in Saudi Arabia and its surroundings can be very rewarding. Expats in Saudi Arabia typically enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere and many cultural attractions. The country boasts historic sites such as the ruins of Diriyah and the garden tombs of Takhasusi, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Shopping malls, markets and bazaars are widely available and vibrant. There is a thriving expat community with a variety of social and cultural recreational activities to suit a wide range of interests. For nightlife, most expats enjoy the local restaurants and lounges, as many bars and nightclubs are not available yet in the country. Additionally, retirees can find plenty of places to relax and take in some tranquil natural beauty from the kingdom’s Red Sea coastline, desert oases and majestic mountain ranges," explained a retiree in Saudi Arabia.

"The most challenging aspects of retiring in Saudi Arabia are gaining access to health care, adjusting to the cultural norms, and limited pension plans. Most healthcare providers in the country are affiliated with the government and in order to be eligible for coverage, individuals must meet certain criteria, such as a certain income level or full-time employment. Additionally, the cultural and social norms in Saudi Arabia can be quite different to those of other countries, which can prove to be a challenging and intimidating adjustment for some. Finally, the availability of pension plans in Saudi Arabia is more limited than in many other countries, meaning some retirees may struggle to secure sufficient financial resources to maintain a comfortable retirement," remarked one retiree in Saudi Arabia.

"The most rewarding aspect of retiring in Saudi Arabia is the feeling of embraced warmth. The Kingdom is known for its generous hospitality and expats who have made the country their home can feel surrounded by family. The warm weather and diverse landscapes are a delight to experience and explore. Retirement in Saudi Arabia offers a safe and comfortable lifestyle, with excellent healthcare and a variety of cultural and recreational activities. In addition, a large and vibrant expat community encourages retirees to stay happily connected with their fellow expats. Finally, retirees can benefit from the uniquely competitive tax system and low cost of living, with offerings of affordable housing and entertainment," said a person in Saudi Arabia.

"In Saudi Arabia, healthcare services are generally of very high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system which is government financed and supported. Public healthcare is provided free of charge at government hospitals and clinics. Private healthcare is also available and is subsidized in part by the government. There is a wide range of specialized medical services available within the country and a good selection of healthcare professionals. In addition, the country has signed bilateral agreements with many western countries in order to provide access to advanced medical technology," explained one retiree living in Saudi Arabia.

"In Arab countries, you do NOT! In Europe, you DO. In America, you DO. In South America, you DON'T. in China, they let you ROT. In Japan, they send you to the USA :-)," said one retiree in living in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

"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 a person in 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," remarked one retiree in Yanbu.

"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 a retiree in Saudi Arabia.

"People lives are surrounded by their families and GrandParents which means much socialising," explained one retiree living in Jeddah.

"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 member in Yanbu.

"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," remarked one retiree in Dhahran.

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

"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," explained one retiree 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," said one retiree in Saudi Arabia.