Saudi Arabians feel comfortable standing close to one another. Groceries are generally cheap by Western standards – as much as 75% lower by some estimates; although imported items and eating out in Saudi Arabian cities can be eye-wateringly expensive. Many expats live in “compounds” which … That said, domestic workers must have a sponsor or contract through an agency. As it is considered both immoral and illegal for two people who are unrelated and unmarried to spend time together, you will need to be both careful and creative when seeking a partner. With few outlets for entertainment, birthday parties are a highlight. By some estimates, Riyadh has become a much more expensive place to live as the country seeks to diversify its hydrocarbon-dependent economy. The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is on par or lower than the other expat friendly locations in the Middle East. However, the reforms don’t look likely to extend to the Kingdom’s famous no-liquor policy. Kevin O'Leary: Stop 'sending everybody free money' Did Brady pull a Jordan with Nike logo cover-up? Saudi Arabia and the United States have been allies since 1933 but what's it really like to live in a country with such a strong devotion to Islam and where basic freedoms are denied to women? What it is like living as an Expat in a compound in Jeddah.Things you need to know that will help when arriving. Visiting any of these will allow you to become acquainted with Islamic civilisation. I add my views from a non-Arab, expat point of view entering my third year in Riyadh. I could go to the mall whenever I want, and my workout routine couldn’t be better. While change is happening, institutionalizing it may take longer. Since 2005, health insurance is compulsory for all non-Saudis working in the country and they must renew it before requesting a new iqama. You can make the effort to integrate by learning Arabic and getting to know the local culture; you will be welcomed warmly, too. Despite recent steps towards equality, Saudi Arabia ranks as one of the “least-free” countries in the world, especially for women: it is illegal for them to travel or get married without the signature of a male guardian, they’re forbidden from interacting with men outside their immediate families, and–until recently–were imprisoned for driving *. Like all of the main Saudi Aramco communities, Ras Tanura has an attractive 18-hole golf course and driving range, but this course is unique in offering views of the Arabian Gulf. Finally, get ready to work on Sunday. The global consultancy Mercer ranked the Saudi capital the 37th costliest city on a list of over 200 expat hubs. You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. Men and women are only ever seen together in a family setting or context and men have more legal rights than women. The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic. contrast sharply with the common images of the Saudi desert. 10 questions about expat life in Saudi Arabia answered, Read more about the laws on drugs and alcohol, Read more about the cost of living in Saudi Arabia, Read more in our guide to dating in Saudi Arabia, Read more about the business culture in Saudi Arabia, Read more in our guide to renting in Saudi Arabia, Read more in our guide to women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, Discover the best things to do with kids in Saudi Arabia, Read more in our guide to healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Top 5 Reasons why Living in Saudi Arabia is great! You have to be a Saudi nationalist to own property, so the only option for expats is to rent. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Saudi Arabia is a closed country to the outside worlds but those of u who are lucky to live there have the unique opportunity to explore and discover all the world class heritage sites like Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO listed sites: Madain Saleh, At-Turaif historical city in Diriyah, Al Balad district in Jeddah and Ha’il archeological rock art sites. You may change your settings at any time. One Saudi Riyal equals $0.27 USD, as of February 2018. If you’re someone who’s into drinking, night clubs and the likes. Hello, everyone. However, you should expect to pay double that for a home that suits your needs, and between SAR125,000 to SAR200,000 for a three-bedroom villa. While some reports argue that females in Saudi Arabia are oppressed, others argue that the situation isn’t nearly so dire and that, in fact, women have considerable freedom. When it comes to renting, there are plenty of options outside the expat compounds. Should you want to switch jobs, you require your employer’s approval. Saudi Arabia is also diverse environmentally. Me: Yeah, Saudi Arabia. This could be Egypt, Bahrain, or the UAE, where they can get away from prying eyes. Popular in Dhahran is the Prince Saud Bin Naif Park which is a popular area to meet with friends outside of work and school. Working hours should not exceed more than 48 a week and 8 hours per day. In terms of expenses, rent is the biggest outlay for expats without these allowances; this can account for up to a third of your salary. You can discover these groups on websites such as InterNations and Meetup.com. See moving or retiring abroad. It is essential that you get an Arabic speaker to do this for you to avoid any miscommunications and problems. There are no metres in Saudi taxis therefore the price must be agreed in advance. Finding a prince anywhere requires kissing an innumerable amount of frogs. I find if you just are a good person who does not get into any trouble you are fine, just like in any other country. Many young Saudis now flirt more openly on apps such as Facebook, Tinder, Snapchat, and Whoshere. Just a few reflections on what it's actually like to live in Saudi Arabia, from someone living there. Saudi family law is complex, and when multi-cultural marriages end in divorce, expat women can end up back home without a visa or access to their children. Or if you are interested in a more relaxed day out in Dhahran then hit up the beaches! Mountains in the west and south offer amazing locations for lovers of nature, history, heritage and photography. While laws have relaxed considerably in the wake of the recent reforms allowing for greater cultural expression, much more can be done on this front. Most people in Saudi Arabia live in apartments or villas, and the cost of these can vary significantly in different places. Transgender individuals moving to Saudi Arabia should be aware that it is illegal for men to act and dress like women, and vice versa. Well I am not Christian nor am I a male. Again, recent reforms have played their part in bringing women into the workforce and giving them wider social roles. Some restaurants in big cities also offer private cabins and are lax about letting genders mix within their establishment. Muslims don’t drink alcohol and only eat halal meat. Yet, Saudi Arabia remains one of the few places in the world that continues to offer expat packages that include accommodation or an allowance in lieu; as well as transport and education payments. As the birthplace of Islam, it is a country steeped in religious tradition. I live in Riyadh and I really like living here. The nascent mortgage market offers few local options for expats, therefore your best bet would be to consider an international bank operating out of Saudi Arabia. When applying for residency in Saudi Arabia it is essential that you already have a firm job offer. See our travel advice for Saudi Arabiafor up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies. Given these rapid changes, it is advisable for female expats in Saudi Arabia to learn about and stay abreast of changes in local laws. In Saudi Arabia, the weekend spans Friday – the traditional day of rest in most of the Middle East – and Saturday; so it may take some time to adjust to the workweek. Instead, it is common for your hand to be kept flat and gestures to be used instead. The capital, Riyadh, is a modern but conservative city on par with regional powerhouses. The front two rows on buses are reserved for women and children and unaccompanied foreign women may travel on intercity buses if they have an iqama (residence permit) or a passport. As of 2018, petrol, diesel, food, and utilities are subject to a 5% value-added tax. However, the government has tightened control over the labor market in recent years as part of ‘Saudization’ attempts to boost local employment. Life in these self-contained holiday villages is relatively unconstrained; they offer greater security and a wide range of facilities, such as shops, restaurants, swimming pools, and sporting facilities. But new legislation passed in 2018 has allowed women in Saudi Arabia to obtain a driver's licence. When I meet someone new and tell them where I've chosen to live, the conversation goes a something like this: Them: You live where?! With that come tremendous opportunities to help shape a country in transition across a range of different sectors; from education and entertainment to banking and blockchain. And yes, you can wear a bikini on a private beach, accessible at a fee, or on a boat. What is life as an expat woman like? Riyadh is `hard core' Gulf , with none of the Dubai glitz or genteel charm of Qatar and Bahrain to ease the shock. While these things depend on your preferences, many expats enjoy a good lifestyle. Saudi Arabia was the birthplace of the Muslim religion and there are some must-know facts for internationals regarding religious times. That’s well behind neighboring Dubai (21st) and Abu Dhabi (33rd), but up from 57th place in 2017. The standard of living is high in Saudi Arabia, as the cost of living is low. Travel. Expats have generally enjoyed a lifestyle closer to their home countries on compounds maintained by foreign companies. Riyadh is the most well-developed city in Saudi Arabia. They might also drop by their grandparents’ home for dinner several times a week. For some, it is the safest place on earth, others, however, rail against the guardianship system that requires women to ask their husband’s or father’s permission to travel or get a job; although this is not officially a law. being a female what would it be like to live or stay in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport is the country’s busiest airport served by the majority of major airlines. As you might imagine, life in Saudi Arabia is quite different from life in the U.S. Saudi Arabia is run by a King and his appointed Ministers so the people don’t choose their ruler. But as they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way. A lot of expats choose to live in expat compounds where the traditions of Saudi society aren’t as strictly enforced. Family of four estimated monthly costs: ﷼‎ 11,399 Single person estimated monthly costs: ﷼‎ 4,856 WARNING! The government’s economic diversification drive could throw up new opportunities; particularly in manufacturing, urban planning, resource management, and the services sector. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. More information regarding the residency permit and FAQs can be found on the PwC website. And of course, for everyone, there’s that little matter of tax-free incomes, that are usually higher than in many other parts of the world. It isn’t uncommon for Saudis to live close to – or even with – their extended family. You may also be asked directly for your phone number. ... Life in Saudi Arabia. Expats offer tips about living in Saudi Arabia - from the conservative dress to rules for Western women and more. The Money - Most Western expats come to Saudi Arabia for one reason: Money. Table of Contents The Boring Life of RiyadhIncome and Saving in RiyadhRiyadh is a Developed CityWeather in RiyadhCultural Ethnicity in RiyadhChildren Education in RiyadhEating in RiyadhDriving in Riyadh When moving to Saudi Arabia, the most comfortable option to choose is Riyadh. Indeed, the government has also responded to hardline critics who feel the reforms have gone too far. It is almost as if the weather conspires to make you stay indoors in air-conditioned comfort, as some expats put it. An April 2019 public decency law bans, harmful graffiti, loud music, and immodest clothing such as men’s shorts. With excellent opportunities in IT, real estate, and banking, the work opportunities for Saudi Arabian expatriates are vast. Tuition fees in Saudi Arabia are generally far less than in countries like the UK, the US, or across Europe. In addition, it penalizes violence in public and the destruction of community property. Workplaces, especially in the private sector, are international, with a healthy mix of expats from around the world. 5. Foreign investors can also buy personal land over the value of SAR30 million for construction and investment. If he is taken, I will join him after we get married. During the holy month of Ramadan, all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Mr. Zuhaib Ali who works in HR department of a reputed company in Saudi Arabia has shared with us the following list of professions... Iqama Renewal. All prices below are listed in U.S dollars. This helpful article attempts to answer some of the most commonly asked questions. Some universities provide allowances of up to $30,000 annually. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. There is a well-established expat community across Saudi Arabia. Your choices will not impact your visit. Non-Saudi Muslims can take out renewable leases of up to two years within these cities. By law, companies must provide separate facilities for women; this includes bathrooms, prayer rooms, and private lunchrooms. Foreign parents cannot take their children out of Saudi Arabia by law. My fiance is applying to this job in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. If you are interested in a move to Saudi Arabia or anywhere else in the world and would like to speak to Kingpin International about International Tax Opportunities, please contact a member of the team. That said, residents say these are being trimmed as the economic climate remains uncertain. Higher education has come a long way in Saudi Arabia. There is now a ban on forced marriages, and a woman must consent to any wedding in writing, That said, contracts may still be hammered out between the bridegroom and his father-in-law. Your invitation to stay in the country must be sent by the employer, therefore it is them who begin the immigration process as a sponsor. And even if you find a frog in Saudi Arabia’s deserts, you won’t be able to kiss it right away – and certainly not in public. Moving to a Middle Eastern country will certainly be a culture shock for someone from a Western society, especially with the gender segregation and traditional culture. Here are my top 5 reasons why! Most companies now use the Gregorian or international calendar, however, since the switch only took place in 2014, don’t be surprised to come across references to the lunar Hijri calendar in everyday life. There is a range of private schools that teach country-specific curricula; from British and American to Indian and Pakistani. The typical work week is from Sunday-Thursday with their weekends being Friday and Saturdays. Summary: Saudi Arabia is an expat post that some love and some find incredibly challenging. Universal basic vaccines are generally available free of charge for newborns and infants. An abaya is a full length, black robe-like dress. However, making Saudi friends can be difficult, and the expat bubble they grow up in can leave them without the street smarts they need to deal with real-world situations. As of July 2017, expats bringing their families into the Kingdom (typically, a man sponsoring his wife and children) must pay a dependent fee of SAR100 per person per month. In addition, a substantial number of policies are co-pay; meaning that you may need to contribute towards the medical fees and prescription medicines. A female cannot hug or kiss any man apart from her husband and her sons. However, women, in particular, may still shy away from sending photos over messaging apps for fear of family repercussions. Housing in Saudi Arabia can be expensive, especially in new developments. Just under 50% of Saudis currently own their own homes. Two disparate influences shape Saudi society: it is the ancestral home of nomadic, patriarchal tribes and the birthplace of Islam; its King is officially custodian of the religion’s two holiest sites. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. First dates must be low-key affairs. Islamic observances underpin the Saudi way of life and Sharia principles underlie its legal system. Things to do, places to go, culture, shopping, restaurants. Pervading this triad, however, is the patrilineal kinship principle, and superimposed on all is the administrative organization centred on the royal family. The healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia’s major cities have decent to excellent quality standards. That said, same-sex men and women may find it easier to meet and socialize with potential partners. As most Saudi society rules don’t apply within the compound, this is a great, relaxed option for couples. Like everywhere else, life in Saudi Arabia is what you make of it. The fee is expected to increase gradually to a maximum of SAR400 in 2020. International schools in Saudi Arabia can also put a significant dent in your wallet (expect to around $30,000 per year as of 2018), and parents will be expected to cover the cost of uniforms, textbooks, and extra-curricular activities. How true is that? Living and working in Saudi Arabia (officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or KSA) is like nowhere else in the world that I've experienced. Temperatures approach 54 degrees Celsius at the height of the six-month-long summer, and annual humidity levels average 63% or more, depending on the region. Overall some 700,000 Saudi women – or 10% of all married Saudi women – have foreign husbands. A website that will prove useful for women moving to Saudi Arabia is Expat Women.