As Dubai becomes a more tolerant city, moving to Riyadh can seem like a downgrade for most expats (2023)

FAQs

How is Riyadh for expats? ›

Expat Life in the Compounds

Pools, gyms, and various sports grounds are frequently standard features. As the mutawwa (Saudi Arabia's religious police) cannot enter these areas, expat women living in Riyadh's foreign residential areas do not have to adhere to the strict local standards there.

With lots of luxury complexes, Al-Nakheel is another popular expat neighbourhood in Riyadh, particularly among families. This is due to the presence of a fair few international schools. Most complexes in Al-Nakheel have many housing options suitable for families, with larger properties with gardens.

Most Western expats live in residential compounds in the northern and eastern suburbs of Riyadh. In some of them, life is more liberal than the general situation might suggest.

Riyadh offers expats a relatively high standard of living. The expat communities get access to numerous amenities and facilities. These neighborhoods' heavily secured gates conceal a wealth of recreational activities. Standard facilities often include swimming pools, gyms, and different sports fields.

Overall the rate of crime in Saudi Arabia is low. Theft can occur, especially in crowded places and from vehicles. Carry only what you need. Leave other valuables in a secure place.

On the other hand, the cons of living in Saudi Arabia include strict laws and regulations, a lack of freedom of speech, and a lack of religious freedom. Additionally, the country is known for its conservative culture and gender roles, which can be difficult for some to adjust to.

Average Asian expat salaries in Saudi Arabia rose 8.3 per cent, reaching $11,066 from $10,214 from last year. Western expats saw slightly slower salary growth of 7.7 per cent, reaching $14,302 in 2015 from $13,274 in 2014. While Arab pay packets saw growth of four per cent, rising from $13,042 to $13,567.

What should I know about purchasing property in Saudi Arabia? Price is negotiated between buyer and seller or through facilitators such as real estate brokers or lawyers. Foreigners are allowed to own real estate, but are subject to approval of the licensing authority.

There is a sizable community of around 80,000 Americans living in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest population of the United States nationals in the Arab world.

They live in neglected provinces such as Asir, Jizan and Najran; but also in the big cities. Al-Suwaidi, al-Jarradiyah and al-Shimaisi (in Riyadh) and al-Karantina, al-Rowais and al-Salamah (in Jeddah) are slums that rival each other in notoriety, inhabited not just by extremely poor Saudis but also by foreign workers.

Where's the best place for Americans to live in Saudi Arabia? ›

Living in Saudi Arabia as an expat

Most expats in Saudi Arabia live in Jeddah and Riyadh, both of which have the full range of Western amenities, a good selection of accommodation, and most of the Kingdom's employers.

Summary about cost of living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,925.0$ (10,975.8﷼) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 814.1$ (3,055.0﷼) without rent. Riyadh is 46.4% less expensive than New York (without rent).

Consuming alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the short answer to your question is no. Due to the fact that Islamic law forbids the manufacture, distribution, and use of alcoholic beverages, drinking alcoholic beverages is against the law in this country.

The current life expectancy for Saudi Arabia in 2023 is 75.69 years, a 0.21% increase from 2022. The life expectancy for Saudi Arabia in 2022 was 75.53 years, a 0.21% increase from 2021.

Riyadh is known as the cultural capital of Saudi Arabia due to its numerous cultural centres. Among them are the King ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Historical Centre, the National Museum, and the National Library.

Saudi Arabia - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian facilities. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism.

Saudi Arabia allows Christians to enter the country as foreign workers for work or tourism, but does not allow them to practice their faith openly.

The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal; as is an intention to convert others. However, the Saudi authorities accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, and you can bring a religious text into the country as long as it is for your personal use.

Saudi Arabia has a lower cost of living than many other Middle Eastern destinations. Most expats enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, especially if their employment package includes housing, transport and education allowances. Compound accommodation is expensive and international school fees are high.

Saudi Arabia, like many other Muslim-majority countries, does not allow men and women to live together unless they are “mahram” — an Arabic term referring to close family members or spouses. The rule is rooted in Islamic law.

Is Riyadh tax free? ›

There is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia. A flat income tax rate of 20% is applied to the tax-adjusted profit of resident non-Saudi and non-GCC individuals.

In Qatar, the average per capita income is $129,700 a year; in Saudi Arabia, it is $54,100.

Cost of Living Comparison Between Dubai and Riyadh

You would need around 12,805.0AED (13,079.3﷼) in Riyadh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 19,000.0AED in Dubai (assuming you rent in both cities). This calculation uses our Cost of Living Plus Rent Index to compare cost of living.

She even keeps her own maiden name after marriage. A Saudi woman also has rights of ownership and disposal of property and wealth before and after marriage. She may inherit from her father, husband, brother and son.

Salary Recap

The average salary range for a Maid is between SAR 45,603 and SAR 68,139. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for a Maid. This compensation analysis is based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Saudi Arabia.

This service allows the Saudi male to request permission for marrying a non-Saudi female born outside Saudi Arabia. The applicant should include in his application letter the country name of the non-Saudi female that he want to get married with her.

The tax rate for foreigners in Saudi Arabia is zero. This holds whether you've established residency or not. That doesn't mean you're exempt from all income taxes, though. As a US citizen, you must file a tax return with the IRS and, if necessary, pay income taxes.

If your immigrant visa will be processed under the new MIV system, the National Visa Center (NVC) will provide you instructions on how to electronically upload required documents. Immigrant visas to the United States for citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia are only processed at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh.

The Department strongly recommends that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer. Length of Stay: Bearers of tourist visas are generally admitted for a 90-day stay and may not remain in the Kingdom more than 180 days in a twelve month period.

Does Riyadh get cold? ›

Winter months of December-February is somewhat cold, and the temperature highs are 79.9°F (26.6°C) and 64.9°F (18.3°C). This place is scorching, and it's almost impossible to travel there during the summer months of April-July. The temperature in summer often gets up to 50 degrees Celsius.

Tahlia street its real name is mohammed bin abdulaziz it's located near the city center and it is a great choice for those who are looking for the international restaurants and coffee shops. But it's crowded from 12pm till 12am!

Erga Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

King Salman is so rich, he has several overflow palaces where he can retreat and receive guests. Located in central Riyadh and completed relatively recently, Erga Palace is one such residence.

Medina. The safest city in the world is Saudi Arabia's Medina, according to experts from InsureMyTrip. The city's overall safety score was 9.29, with a rank of 9.3 out of 10 for “absence of worry about attacks based on gender” and a score of 82.75 for “feeling safe walking alone at night.”

In Saudi Arabia, a rich person is defined as someone who has a monthly income of SAR 260,562 or more. Average salaries differ quite a bit between men and women, too. For men, the average salary was SAR 267,568 per month. For women, it was only SAR 203,509.

More similar to the US than to Europe, Saudi salaries vary greatly by industry and position level. Most monthly incomes fall in the range of SAR 8,000 and 15,000, but director-level positions can pay closer to SAR 50,000. For more information, browse by sector and job title on GulfTalent.

Bringing prescription drugs to Saudia Arabia

However, travelers who take prescription medicines such as sleeping pills, painkillers and treatments for ADHD can import these into Saudi Arabia. Most importantly, you must obtain advance clearance, with a medical certificate and a doctor's prescription.

You can wear jeans but you should ensure that whatever you are wearing on your top half is long enough to cover your bum. This is why, in many ways, it is just easier to wear an abaya or long kaftan over your clothes when out in public.

Can you kiss in Riyadh? ›

Delhi High Court lawyer Anand Katiyar said that 'If the car is in a public place and there are people around, then someone kisses in the car, which irritates the people and they consider it obscene, then it is under Section 294 of the IPC. Can come under the category of crime.

Owing to strict laws and extremely harsh punishments, expats can feel pretty safe in Riyadh. There are usually strong security measures around compounds, with high walls and guards.

Facts About Poverty in Riyadh

The Saudi family is the richest royal family in the world, with a net worth of around $1.4 trillion due to plentiful oil reserves, yet the country itself can be considered poor, with an estimated 20 percent of its people living in poverty.

All visitors, including pilgrims, need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. See Visas. Public demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia.

The capital Riyadh, located in the heart of the country, is supplied with desalinated water pumped from the Arabian Gulf over a distance of 467 km. Water is provided almost for free to residential users. Despite improvements, service quality remains poor, for example in terms of continuity of supply.

Dating in Saudi Arabia is officially illegal (even though some young people do find their way around the restrictions). Avoid spending time with people of the opposite sex in public. Public displays of affection are not allowed and can have serious consequences.

Summary about cost of living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,926.8$ (10,978.8﷼) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 814.7$ (3,055.9﷼) without rent. Riyadh is 46.2% less expensive than New York (without rent).

Saudi Arabia polarizes expat opinion like few other places. While some enjoy living in traditional expat compounds, others struggle to deal with aspects such as gender segregation, human rights issues, and the country's intolerance to alcohol.

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, but English is widely spoken. It is used in business and is a compulsory second language in schools. Among the non-Saudi population, many people speak Urdu, the official language of Pakistan, and other Asian languages such as Farsi and Turkish.

Living in Saudi Arabia as an expat

Most expats in Saudi Arabia live in Jeddah and Riyadh, both of which have the full range of Western amenities, a good selection of accommodation, and most of the Kingdom's employers.

Can I live in Saudi Arabia as a US citizen? ›

Unlike what many people think, Saudi Arabia is friendly to American expats in the country. The process to move here is easy as long as you send no restricted items. They're also now allowing long term tourism visas in Saudi Arabia, which means you can live long term without a job.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers a unique opportunity for American expats to work in a country without an income tax regime. However, it is important to be aware of other financial complexities that come with being an American expat living in Saudi.

Consuming alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the short answer to your question is no. Due to the fact that Islamic law forbids the manufacture, distribution, and use of alcoholic beverages, drinking alcoholic beverages is against the law in this country.