What is life like in Saudi Arabia for expats?
Life in Saudi Arabia offers expats tax-free salaries, strong job opportunities, and safe modern cities. While alcohol and pork are banned under Islamic law, expats enjoy high living standards, international schools, and expat compounds. The climate is hot, but career growth, travel access, and cultural experiences make it rewarding.
Life in Saudi Arabia at a Glance
- Economy & Jobs: Strong oil-based economy, with multinational companies hiring expats.
- Tax-Free Earnings: No personal income tax; many employers cover flights home.
- Safety: Low crime rates, strict law enforcement, and modern emergency services.
- Education: 97.5% literacy rate, global-standard universities, and international schools.
- Lifestyle: Hot desert climate balanced with modern malls, compounds, and leisure.
- Culture & Laws: Guided by Islamic traditions; modest dress and alcohol ban apply.
- Tourism: Historic sites like Al’Ula, Al Ahsa Oasis, and Red Sea islands.
Perks of Living in Saudi Arabia
Strong Economy & Career Prospects
Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich economy attracts global corporations, offering well-paid jobs to skilled expats. Sectors like energy, construction, IT, and healthcare provide career stability.
Tax-Free Income & Benefits
Expats enjoy zero personal income tax. Employers often provide 30 days of paid leave plus free annual flights home.
Safety & Security
Saudi Arabia is among the region’s safest nations. Crime rates are low, with Riyadh ranking among the world’s top 50 safest cities.
Education Quality
Schools and universities are globally recognized, with English-language and international curricula widely available for expat children.
Travel Convenience
Geographically central, Saudi Arabia offers short flights to the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, and quick access to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Things to Know Before Moving
- Laws & Customs: Daily life follows Islamic law. Alcohol and pork are banned, and public modesty is required.
- Climate: Summer heat often reaches 50–55°C, but air conditioning is everywhere.
- Currency & Language: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the official currency. Arabic is the national language, though English is common in business and cities.
- Residency & Insurance: Expats must arrange health insurance and residency permits (Iqama). Many employers provide housing in secure compounds.
Sports & Leisure
- Camel Racing: Ancient tradition, with large annual festivals in Riyadh and Taif.
- Football: Saudi Arabia’s most popular sport, with professional clubs and international coaches.
- Cricket: Growing rapidly due to expat influence, with local and mixed teams.
Popular Tourist Attractions
- Al’Ula Ruins: Archaeological tombs and heritage sites from the 12th century.
- Kadambal Island: Red Sea hotspot for diving, fishing, and birdwatching.
- Al Ahsa Oasis: UNESCO site featuring springs, gardens, and historic landmarks.
- Al Murabba Palace: Historic royal palace showcasing King Abdulaziz’s legacy and artifacts.
Life as an Expat in KSA
Saudi Arabia hosts over 10 million expats, many of whom live in compounds offering modern amenities and social communities. Families benefit from international schools, healthcare, and strong cultural ties with fellow expats.
Expats play a key role in Saudi society — blending their cuisines, traditions, and experiences into the local community, while enjoying the Kingdom’s safety and career opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Living in Saudi Arabia as an expat means combining tax-free income, modern comforts, and strong career growth with immersion in one of the world’s most traditional cultures. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or adventure, the Kingdom offers a unique experience that balances challenges with immense rewards.
DISCLAIMER:
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-sourced information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or absolute accuracy.
The images, videos, and logos featured on this page are the property of their respective owners. We try to give proper credit and references wherever possible. If you are the rightful owner and would like your image, video, or logo removed, please contact us.
I’m Soha Owais, a law graduate with an LLB (Hons), blending my legal background with a passion for storytelling. As an author and writer at Saudiscoop.com, I craft engaging narratives that connect with both local and international audiences, bringing a fresh and informed perspective to the stories that matter.
