Moving to Saudi Arabia

 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich, conservative Middle Eastern country where Islam is the dominating force. Expats seldom move to Saudi Arabia for the lifestyle, the weather, the food or any of the enticements other expat destinations may offer. Rather, Westerners tend to move there for financial reasons and remain sequestered in Western-style compounds, far removed from real Saudi life while earning their tax-free salaries.

Expat life in Saudi Arabia is intensely social as fellow immigrants develop strong, quickly formed bonds. Weekends are often centred on compound get-togethers, trips to the desert and diving excursions. The camaraderie and parties are second to none, but the artificial lifestyle can be difficult to sustain.

Saudi Arabia is governed by Sharia law, and Islam is closely interwoven with daily life. It’s essential that expats become familiar with Islamic customs and laws to avoid transgression and the consequences thereof. Although foreigners are allowed to practice their own religion in private, proselytising is strictly forbidden. There are harsh consequences for those disobeying Islamic laws and flouting local customs.

Expat women, in particular, may struggle to adjust to life in Saudi Arabia, especially if moving there as a “trailing spouse”. Many of the freedoms they enjoyed back home are no longer available. Women are expected to wear an abaya, a long, flowing black robe, when out in public, and are not usually allowed to work if living there as part of their husband’s visa.

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. Some expats may also find themselves drawn to Saudi’s Eastern Province, pulled by lucrative job offers in the hydrocarbon sector.

Foreign children are not able to attend Saudi public schools, but there are numerous international schools catering to the international community. The standard of education at these schools varies. Due to the high demand, space is often limited and parents should consider applying as early as possible to get a place for their child in their school of choice. Fees can also be exorbitant. Expats should factor these costs into their contract negotiations when considering a move to Saudi Arabia.

Working and living in Saudi Arabia is best treated as an adventure and new life experience. The key is to make sure one is going for the right reason – if it’s solely to make money, think again. Expats need to see a move to Saudi as a package of career advancement, cultural experience and financial enrichment.

Population: 33 million

Capital city: Riyadh (also largest city)

Other major cities: Jeddah, Damman, Mecca

Neighbouring countries: Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait to the north, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates to the east, and Oman and Yemen to the south.

Political system: Islamic absolute monarchy

Geography: Saudi Arabia is made up mostly of desert. The population is distributed in the eastern and western coastal towns as well as the interior oases, but much of the country remains empty desert.

Main languages: Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken and understood in business.

Major religions: Saudi Arabia is a strict Islamic country governed by Sharia law. Although other religions can be practised in private, proselytising is strictly forbidden.

Money: The official currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR), divided into 100 halala. The country has a well-established banking system and expats are able to open a local bank account in Saudi Arabia.

Tipping: 10 percent

Time: GMT+3

Electricity: 110 volts, 50Hz in main cities, but expats in remote areas may encounter 220 volts, 60Hz.

International dialling code: +966

Internet domain: .sa

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right side of the road in Saudi Arabia. Most expats get around in their own vehicles or with a personal driver.

Emergency numbers: 999 (police); 997 (ambulance); 998 (fire)

COST OF LIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA

The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is generally lower or on par with other destinations in the Middle East. Riyadh ranked 35th in Mercer’s 2019 Cost of Living Survey. It’s more affordable than the popular expat cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, it ranked as more expensive than other regional cities like Manama and Doha.

Many expats move to the Kingdom on lucrative relocation packages with allowances for housing, transport, medical insurance and their children’s education.

Expats who have these costs covered by their employers usually find living expenses in Saudi Arabia to be reasonable and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Cost of accommodation in Saudi Arabia

Expat housing in Saudi Arabia is expensive. High demand for property in expat compounds has resulted in high prices. The most popular compounds can have long waiting lists. Living outside the compounds is cheaper. Villas and apartments in Saudi Arabia range in cost depending on size, location and the amenities present.

Cost of education in Saudi Arabia

Schooling is another big expense. Foreign children don’t have access to public schools in Saudi Arabia. They therefore have to attend international schools where tuition can be prohibitively expensive. These tuition fees often also do not include the cost of books, uniforms, or excursion fees. This makes schooling a major expense to consider.

Cost of transport in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia doesn’t have a comprehensive public transport system. This means many expats choose to rather buy or rent a private car. Given its position in the oil sector, petrol is cheap in Saudi Arabia. Expats can often afford to buy a more luxurious car in Saudi Arabia than they could back home. Car insurance is compulsory and is an extra expense expats should keep in mind.

Cost of household goods and food in Saudi Arabia

Electronic goods, groceries and tobacco products are reasonably priced. However, imported food and eating out can be costly.

Entertainment options in Saudi Arabia are limited. There are no bars or nightclubs for Western expats. Money is easily spent on luxury items in the country’s many malls.

Cost of living in Saudi Arabia chart 

Note that prices may vary depending on location and service provider. The table below is based on the average prices in Riyadh in October 2019.

Accommodation (monthly)
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre SAR 1,900
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre SAR 2,650
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre SAR 1,005
One-bedroom apartment in city centre SAR 1,500
Groceries
Milk (1 litre) SAR 5.50
Dozen eggs SAR 8.50
Loaf of white bread SAR 2.70
Rice (1kg) SAR 7
Chicken breasts (1kg) SAR 19
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) SAR 24.50
Eating out
Big Mac meal or equivalent SAR 24
Cappuccino SAR 13
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant SAR 100
Utilities
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) SAR 0.50
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) SAR 240
Utilities (average per month for standard household) SAR 320
Transport
City centre bus fare SAR 3
Taxi (rate per km) SAR 2
Petrol (per litre) SAR 1.50

SAFETY IN SAUDI ARABIA

The country’s strict interpretation of Sharia law and harsh punishments for illegal activity mean that safety in Saudi Arabia is not a major concern. There is normally tight security in and around expat compounds, leaving residents feeling quite protected.

Although terrorism is an ongoing concern in the wider region, there have been no recent attacks in Saudi Arabia, and no incidents that would warrant any concerns for the short-term. Protests, although illegal, have taken place on occasion, but Saudi Arabia has not witnessed the level of protests experienced by other Middle Eastern countries in recent times.

Crime in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has harsh punishments for criminal activity. Executions by beheading, stoning or firing squad are common for crimes such as murder, rape and armed robbery. Amputations of hands and feet are punishment for robbery. Drunkenness, apostasy, adultery and homosexuality are also subject to harsh punishment, which may seem archaic by Western standards.

Most expats live in Western compounds where security is tight, and burglary and armed robbery are not a concern. Nevertheless, petty theft does occur on the streets of Saudi towns and cities, and opportunistic theft from vehicles also occurs. Expats should always be alert when walking in the street and keep all valuables out of sight.

Expat women in Saudi Arabia face additional challenges. Often seen as potentially promiscuous by local men, thanks to the Western media, sexual assault in Saudi Arabia is common. Women in the Kingdom are often victims of harassment and stalking – it’s not uncommon for a woman to be followed by a local male on foot or in a vehicle. There have also been reports of Saudi citizens harassing foreigners who they believe are not observing conservative standards of conduct.

Road safety in Saudi Arabia

Road conditions vary considerably between cities and rural areas. Larger cities have well-constructed roads, while those in rural areas are often unpaved. Road safety is potentially one of the greatest safety concerns for expats in Saudi Arabia; traffic accidents are a frequent occurrence, aggressive driving and road rage are common, and traffic congestion in Riyadh is an ongoing problem. Expats should drive defensively or, if possible, arrange for a driver who is familiar with the local conditions.

Terrorism in Saudi Arabia

Many governments warn their citizens about the risk of possible terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia, particularly against Western targets and Saudi oil infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has a history of terrorist attacks. These have taken the form of kidnappings, bombings of residential compounds and Saudi government offices, and an attack on the US Consulate in Jeddah. The Saudi government takes the threat of terrorism seriously and has carried out a number of arrests of suspected militant Islamists in recent years. Expats should ensure that they stay in secure accommodation, and if in a compound, that adequate security is in place.

Protests in Saudi Arabia

Public demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia. The government has invested heavily in employment and education programmes, which has gone a long way to alleviating dissent among the local population, and protests and demonstrations in the Kingdom are uncommon.

Although there were a few minor public demonstrations staged during the “Arab Spring”, the turnout was minimal. Most of the demonstrations in the Kingdom took place in the Eastern Province, which has the largest concentration of Saudi Arabia’s Shia minority. Protests are most common after Friday prayers, and these should be avoided due to the risk of violence.

BANKING, MONEY AND TAXES IN SAUDI ARABIA

The banking system in Saudi Arabia is relatively robust and has managed to put a progressive foot forward for the past decade. Expats can be fully confident in the banking aspect of their transition to the Kingdom.

Money in Saudi Arabia

The currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR), which is divided into 100 halala.

  1. Notes: 1 SAR, 5 SAR, 10 SAR, 50 SAR, 100 SAR and 500 SAR
  2. Coins: 1, 10, 25, 50 halala (100 halala equals one riyal)

Banking in Saudi Arabia

Expats can choose between local and international banks. Mobile and internet banking is standard, and facilities are advanced.

Banking hours are usually Sunday to Thursday, from 9am to 5pm.

ATMs and credit cards in Saudi Arabia

Major credit cards are accepted at most shops, hotels and restaurants throughout the country. ATMs are freely available and some permit foreign remittances. Cash is still used for most transactions.

Taxes in Saudi Arabia

Expats won’t be taxed on their salaries as there is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia. However, they should check whether they are liable for paying taxes in their home country.

Opening a bank account

Expats can open a bank account in Saudi Arabia with a work permit and a letter from their employer. It’s worth doing this to avoid paying international transfer fees.

Due to Islamic law, banks don’t pay interest on balances, don’t lend at high interest rates and don’t let account holders accumulate debt. Non-payment of debt is a criminal offence that can get expats imprisoned – and this doesn’t discharge the debt.

Expats’ salaries will be secure in local banks. However, if they want to earn interest on their income, it’s best to periodically transfer their earnings to an offshore account.

TRANSPORT AND DRIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA

With a limited public-transport system, most people get around in Saudi Arabia with their own vehicles or by taxi. A bus system offers services for both inner- and inter-city transport, and there is a railway line that runs between Riyadh and Damman. However, major improvements are underway with the construction of a metro system in Riyadh and the opening of a new high-speed railway.

Driving in Saudi Arabia

Expats often find they can afford cars they wouldn’t have been able to back home. This is thanks to low import duties and cheap petrol. The Saudi road network is well maintained. However, local drivers are notorious for being aggressive and reckless, so many new arrivals hire a personal driver. Expats driving in Saudi Arabia should do so defensively.

Historically, women (including female expats) have not been allowed to have driver’s licences in Saudi Arabia and were thus unable to drive. However, in 2018 the government implemented legislation to change this, and women are now allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia.

Expats can drive with a foreign or international driver’s licence for up to three months, after which they’re required to apply for a Saudi licence.

Traffic cameras are increasingly being used to deter running red lights and speeding, and fines can be steep. Expats should check the government website frequently to see if they have any, as it’s illegal to leave the country with unpaid fines.

Cars in Saudi Arabia drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Public transport in Saudi Arabia

Public transport in Saudi Arabia consists of buses, trains and taxis, and is slowly being developed.

Buses

Buses operate in Saudi Arabia’s cities and travel to and from neighbouring countries. They’re generally well maintained and air-conditioned, but are mainly used by locals and expats who can’t afford their own vehicles. Women are restricted from travelling on some city buses. Some long-distance buses have screened-off sections for female passengers.

Most expat compounds offer bus or shuttle services to meet the transport needs of women and children.

Trains

There used to only be one railway line in Saudi Arabia. This line runs from Riyadh to Damman, and stops at destinations in-between. Trains are air-conditioned and usually offer a good service.

However, the government of Saudi Arabia has in recent years been investing a lot into the country’s public-transport systems. One of the most important expansion programmes that has been completed is the Haramain High Speed Rail (HHR) project. The HHR is a high-speed train that caters to passengers wishing to travel between Makkah and Madinah. The train also connects these holy cities to King Abdullah Economic City, Jeddah and the Jeddah airport. The train is ultra modern and offers a luxurious travel experience.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in Saudi cities. This is usually the safest and most efficient mode of transport for those who do not drive themselves.

Most taxis are metered and expats should ensure the meter is working and reset before they start a journey. Taxis can’t be hailed on the street, and have to be called and booked in advance. Some expats save the contact details of a driver they trust and call them when needed.

Fares can be expensive, and drivers are known to substantially increase their fares during peak holiday times such as Ramadan, Hajj and Eid. It’s best to negotiate a price before entering.

Air travel

Due to Saudi Arabia’s size, cross-country travel is easiest by air. There are several airports, including three major international hubs: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dhahran. Numerous domestic and international airlines operate in the country, including Saudia, the national carrier.

HEALTHCARE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia is of a high standard. Expats will benefit from excellent medical facilities in both the private and public sectors. For the most part, they won’t need to worry about delays or waiting lists.

Emergency services in Saudi Arabia

Ambulances in Saudi Arabia are normally operated and controlled by police and government hospitals. For medical emergencies, expats can call 997.

Hospitals in Saudi Arabia

There are public, private and military hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Most expats use private hospitals and clinics. However, their high standards come with a hefty price tag, so expats should make sure they’re covered by health insurance.

Many of the staff at private hospitals in Saudi Arabia are expats themselves and numerous hospitals are affiliated with well-known foreign facilities – so the language gap shouldn’t be an issue.

Health insurance in Saudi Arabia

Locals and expats working in the public sector have access to state-sponsored healthcare coverage, but it’s compulsory for non-Saudi nationals to have private medical insurance. It’s usually the sponsoring employer’s responsibility to provide their expat employees with medical cover. Expats should try to negotiate this into their contract if it isn’t the case.

Medicines and pharmacies in Saudi Arabia

Medicines are widely available at pharmacies in Saudi Arabia. Expats should however be aware of customs regulations before bringing medication into the country. For example, tranquillisers, anti-depressants and sleeping pills are heavily controlled in the Kingdom.

Most pharmacies are open from 9.30am to 1pm and from 4.30pm to 10.30pm. Hospitals often have a 24-hour pharmacy.

Health hazards in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is mostly desert and expats usually struggle to adapt to extreme temperatures that can soar above 113°F (45°C). Heatstroke and exhaustion are common, especially during the hottest months from May to September.

Dust storms can also make outdoor activities difficult and can be hazardous to those with respiratory problems.

VISAS FOR SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia offers a wealth of opportunity for expat job seekers and companies. It’s crucial that expats understand the entry requirements attached to visas for Saudi Arabia. In recent years the visa system in the Kingdom has experienced a few changes. These changes have been made to encourage more foreign visitors to the country and to increase foreign investment.

Everyone entering Saudi Arabia requires a visa, except for nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Holders of a re-entry permit issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also exempted.

All visitors need to have a passport valid for at least six months and an appropriate visa.

Visas must be obtained prior to arrival. It is important to remember that the majority of visas require an individual or company to act as a sponsor. The sponsor is someone who will vouch for the individual’s conduct while in the country.

Below are the different types of entry visas. These are issued by the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in an expat’s home country. Or can be acquired directly from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia by a sponsor:

Tourist visas for Saudi Arabia

Historically, there has not been a substantial tourist industry in Saudi Arabia. This is because, unlike other countries in the GCC, Saudi Arabia didn’t issue tourist visas except for approved tour groups following organised itineraries. However, this changed at the end of 2019 when the Saudi Arabian Government formally opened its doors to tourist from across the world. This forms an important part of the government’s vision for a more diversified economy and tourism hub.

Applicants for the new tourist visa for Saudi Arabia will be divided into two groups. Group A applies to 49 countries including the UK, USA and Australia. These applicants will be eligible for e-visas and visas on arrival. Group B will cover applicants who aren’t from one of these 49 countries. They can apply for the tourist visa through the Saudi consulates or embassies in their home country.

This visa will allow visitors to attend business meetings and practice touristic activities. It will also allow Muslim visitors to perform Umrah.

The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries. The maximum period of stay in Saudi Arabia shouldn’t exceed 90 days per year. Heavy penalties will be payable for those who overstay their visa.

Family visit visas for Saudi Arabia

This visa is issued to the immediate relatives of expats currently working in Saudi Arabia. In order to obtain a family visit visa, proof of relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates, should be produced.

To get a family visit visa for their family, employees need the help of their employer, which will need to provide a letter. The family member working and living in Saudi Arabia acts as sponsor for the members who are coming to visit. As with the residency visa, the approval of this visa can only be obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia.

Residence permits for Saudi Arabia

All expats living and working in Saudi Arabia need to apply for an iqama or residence permit. A sponsor, usually the employer, needs to handle the application for this permit. The iqama needs to be carried with foreign residents wherever they go to prove they are permitted to be there.

Family members can also apply for a residence permit for their immediate family. They then have to act as a sponsor for the family member’s permit application.

The iqama is only valid for one year and needs to be renewed annually. The approval of this visa can only be obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia.

Business visit visa for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a number of visitor visas available to foreigners, for example government visit visa and family visit visas. Business visas also fall under the visitor visa category. A visitor visa requires a formal invitation from an individual or company sponsor. Proof of the invitation for a business visa should be provided in the form of a letter certified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The invitation will contain a visa number and serves to show the embassy that the applicant has obtained a visa via the sponsor. The applicant can then take this visa number along with their passport, an application fee, and other required documentation to their local Saudi embassy or consulate to collect the visa.

A business visa can either be valid for single or multiple entry. The single-entry business visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days. Penalties for overstaying can be quite severe for both the business visa holder and the sponsoring company.

Expats should note that the business visa is quite restricted. It isn’t possible to rent property, buy a phone or a car when on this visa. Most importantly, expats on this visa are not allowed to earn a salary. For these reasons, expats intent on staying in Saudi Arabia long term should consider applying for a work visa instead.

Work visas for Saudi Arabia

If a person intends to work in Saudi Arabia they are required to apply for a work visa. The employment contract should be accompanied by academic or professional credential documents, and the results of a comprehensive medical examination. These documents must be presented to the Saudi embassy/consulate in the applicant’s home country or to the authorities in Saudi Arabia via their sponsor (person or company), known as a kafeel. This will ultimately lead to a visa number, allowing the applicant to be issued their visa. The visa is valid for two years. An application fee is applicable every time the visa is reissued.

Permanent residency for Saudi Arabia

All expats are normally sponsored by a Saudi employer. They also require visas to enter and leave the country. However, in a landmark decision, Saudi Arabia launched its first permanent residency program in 2019. This allows certain expats to reside in the Kingdom with their families without a Saudi sponsor.

Applications can be made through the Premium Residency Card (PRC) online application platform. There are two types of residency offered: permanent residency and a renewable temporary residency. Expats should note that the fees connected to these programs are exorbitant.

Applicants need to be at least 21 years old. They need to submit a valid passport, prove financial stability and have a clean criminal record and clear bill of health. Permanent residency card holders will enjoy privileges like travelling in and out of the country without restrictions or extra visas. They will also be able to own real estate and private means of transportation.

ACCOMMODATION IN SAUDI ARABIA

Most people move to Saudi Arabia on lucrative employment contracts that include free or heavily subsidised housing, furniture and utilities.

Traditionally, expat housing in Saudi Arabia takes the form of Western-style compound living. However, with demands high for these compounds, more foreigners have started renting housing from the local market. 

Manoeuvering through the rental markets in Saudi Arabian cities is not easy. Even though agents and landlords will communicate well in English, most of the documents remain in Arabic. For this reason, it is always best for expats to enlist the help of their employer, an agent or a property lawyer when looking to rent property in the Kingdom.

Types of accommodation in Saudi Arabia

Expat compounds

Saudi Arabian expat compounds were first created in the early 1980s as a way for the foreign community to rediscover the democratic freedoms they were familiar with amid the country’s ultra-conservative Islamic law.

Complexes can vary in size from small groupings of houses to sprawling collections of villas. In both cases, these residences are walled, guarded and lauded by expats for their ability to provide an assortment of amenities within, while generally keeping out the Mutaween (Saudi Arabian religious police).

The compounds rate anywhere from three to five stars. This type of housing can come furnished and fully equipped for residents to move in and out with ease. On-site facilities can include swimming pools, tennis courts, libraries, shopping centres, restaurants and bars, and even schools.

In addition to the creature comforts that the self-contained space allows, the neighbourhoods also cultivate opportunities for expats to meet like-minded individuals and to create relationships that ease their transition into new communities.

Unfortunately, as these compounds are in increasingly high demand, accommodation in a compound can be hard to attain – waiting lists can stretch anywhere from six to 18 months. Additionally, rent must be paid upfront one year in advance prior to taking residence.

In an effort to reconcile this issue, expats should organise accommodation in Saudi Arabian expat compounds through job contract negotiation prior to arriving in the country. In most cases, once an expat has accepted a job in Saudi Arabia, a housing provision is readily stipulated.

Rental contracts in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, tenants are usually required to pay a year’s rent in advance. In many cases, this can be negotiated. Some compounds will allow expats to pay in bi-annually or monthly installments. In many cases, the rent is covered by the employer, so this is not a concern for expats.

If an individual is signing the rental agreement themselves, it is best to hire an English-speaking property lawyer to assist with the process, as documents may be in Arabic. It is best to get a notarised English translation of any rental contract so the expat can fully understand all the terms of the agreement.

Any foreigner who wishes to rent property in Saudi Arabia requires an Iqama (residence permit). Expats may also be required to provide a letter from their employer confirming their salary and length of their contract. In some cases, the employer may need to act as a guarantor.

In addition to paying the rent upfront, tenants are normally required to provide a refundable deposit that is equal to a month’s rent. In the event of any damage to the property, furniture or appliances, the landlord will be entitled to withhold this security deposit.

Housing in local neighbourhoods

Beyond the high walls of the expat compounds new arrivals will find the hustle and bustle of Saudi Arabian residential areas. Expats who don’t want to live in a compound have the option of renting in a local neighbourhood. Typically, expats would then rent an apartment or villa. Rarely, some would opt to rent an old townhouse. 

First, expats should decide which neighbourhood will best suit their needs. Then they should spend time driving through the area and looking for “For Rent” signs outside villas. Oftentimes property owners will advertise a vacancy in this manner rather than listing with local realtors. Consulting with local merchants in the area is also a good way to identify availability and get the best deal possible.

Expats should make sure to inspect their potential new home carefully. It is often wise to hire an engineer to inspect electrical wiring and plumbing. While this may appear to be an unnecessary hassle, landlords in Saudi Arabia can be neglectful once they’ve received their annual payment upfront.

Villas and apartments in Saudi Arabia vary in price depending on size, location and amenities present. When looking for housing in Saudi Arabia, expats should bring a native Arabic speaker to help field enquiries and establish trust between all the negotiating parties.

Accommodation in Saudi Arabia is generally furnished. However, the definition of this differs greatly – it can simply include some basic items of furniture or have a full provision of items including bedding, cutlery and crockery.

Expats who can’t find accommodation immediately, or who are on a waiting list for a compound house, may temporarily stay in an old townhouse. Old townhouses are usually completely empty and unfurnished and are rarely renovated by the owners.

Finding property in Saudi Arabia

In most cases, the stress of finding accommodation is not an issue for expats in Saudi Arabia as their employer will handle it.In rare cases where an expat is looking for a place on their own steam, they can begin their search online. Online portals will give expats an idea of what is available and the different facilities provided by each complex.

The best option, however, is to enlist the services of a real estate agent. These professionals have an intimate knowledge of the property market of the given city and can advise people on which complexes are most suitable.

Some compounds are very popular and operate waiting lists. The advantage of using an estate agent is that they may have connections that enable their clients to find out about available spots in such places.

It is important to note, however, that most real estate agencies are predominately interested in potential homeowners and investors. They usually don’t have many rental properties in their portfolio and they can be reluctant to assist in this matter. 

EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS IN SAUDI ARABIA

The state education system in Saudi Arabia is, to a large extent, poorly administered by Western standards. Only locals and naturalised Arabs have access to Saudi public schools, and expat children don’t have the option to enrol.

A number of international schools in Saudi Arabia offer diverse curricula. Expats living in the Kingdom either send their children to a private international school or send them to boarding school back in their home country.

Private international schools in Saudi Arabia

A portion of the international schools in Saudi Arabia are governed by embassies. Others are privately organised and host multiple curricula under a single roof. It is not necessary for expat children to attend the school sponsored by their country of origin, although the logistical transition between the old and new education systems tend to be the easiest in this situation.

Unlike Saudi public schools, where boys and girls are segregated, international schools are usually co-educational. For the most part, international schools are not selective with regards to nationality. Though in some cases, embassy-run institutions do give preference to their respective nationalities. The American and British schools both adhere to this principle.

Expat families in Saudi Arabia should consider cost, curriculum and convenience when weighing the advantages and liabilities of schools in their city of choice.

The large expat community in Saudi Arabia ensures demand for these schools is high. It’s therefore best to make an application for registration as early as possible to obtain a suitable slot. All schools will charge a non-refundable registration fee. Admission requirements vary between schools, and parents are advised to contact the school of their choice directly for clarity on what is required. 

Fees can range from the frighteningly expensive American and British international schools to cheaper, smaller organisations. In addition to basic fees, parents will be expected to cover other costs such as uniforms, textbooks and extra-curricular activities.

The school year in Saudi Arabia runs from September to June and is normally divided into two or three semesters, depending on the school. The school week is Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday being the weekend. School hours in international schools are usually from 7am to 3.30pm. School days are shortened during the holy month of Ramadan.

2022 © The above information mentioned is as per the research done by “Universal Ally” the accuracy of the information may change according to the change in the market, we do not accept any responsibilities for loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.