If you’re considering a move to Saudi Arabia, getting insight into what it’s like to live in this modern and family-orientated country from the experts is a first step.
Want to understand more about the nuances surrounding cultural expectations, traditional Islamic values, and societal norms?
The locally-based team at EER Middle East can help you make a smooth, successful transition.
What is it like to live in Saudi Arabia?
Is Saudi Arabia a good place to live? From luxury living to safe streets, there’s a long list of pros.
High standard of living
Thanks to the low cost of living and tax-free salaries in Saudi Arabia, expats can enjoy a higher standard of living than if they lived in other Western countries. From enlisting maid services to having private pools, expats may be able to afford more luxuries than in their home countries.
Choice of housing
If you’re looking for a safe, family-orientated home, Saudi Arabia boasts plenty of residential housing compounds (gated communities) that offer amenities and security. For those seeking a more authentic local experience, off-compound housing is also a popular option for expats.
Transportation options
Getting around is relatively easy in this Middle Eastern country, with many expats choosing to drive themselves. Alternatively, private drivers and ride-hailing apps are popular for convenience and cultural comfort.
Social lifestyle
Saudi Arabia is home to a vibrant expat community, supported by private clubs, co-working spaces, and social groups. While the country has primarily male and female-only facilities (for example, at gyms and salons), mixed-gender venues are located in major cities.
Safe community
According to the UK government’s Saudi Arabia travel advice, the crime rate in the country is low. Numbeo’s research supports this statement, suggesting the overall level of crime in the UK is ‘Moderate’ (a score of 53.53), while Saudi Arabia benefits from a ‘Very Low’ rating (a score of 18.08).
Working in Saudi Arabia
Now we’ve covered living in Saudi Arabia, let’s take a look at the professional, working environment.
Business opportunities
Following a number of recent reforms, expats can embrace their entrepreneurial aims in Saudi Arabia by setting up and owning 100% of their own company and investing in a variety of funds. However, understanding local business culture and corporate regulations is essential to ongoing growth.
Corporate culture
In Saudi Arabia, there’s a big respect for the professional hierarchy, making strong relationship building key to success. While formality is common in workplaces, openness to collaboration is also growing in multinational environments.
Work-life balance
While the country has no specific laws governing remote work, the move towards digitalisation and flexible work arrangements mean that hybrid and remote working are becoming increasingly prevalent in Saudi Arabia. However, each employer will have their own expectations and policies.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s strong family-oriented culture and religious practices, further support a healthy work-life balance by encouraging time spent with loved ones and accommodating religious celebrations, such as Ramadan.
Tax-free salaries
While VAT is the highest in the region at 15%, with no personal income tax, individuals working in Saudi Arabia take home more money at the end of the month than many other countries in the world – particularly in the UK where the basic rate of income tax is
What you should know about living in Saudi Arabia
To help you avoid social missteps or unintentionally breaking the law, there’s are some Saudi Arabian legalities and cultural norms you should be aware of, including:
- Modesty matters – Regardless of gender, it’s expected that everyone, including the expatriate community, is dressed conservatively when in public. When visiting government offices and agencies, men are encouraged to wear the thawband women, the abaya.
- Social norms must be respected – To encourage more positive local relationships and avoid misunderstandings, it’s important to brush up on Saudi social norms. For example, handshakes with the opposite gender should only be offered if initiated.
- Legal restrictions exist – Forbidden under Islamic law, both alcohol and pork are strictly banned in Saudi Arabia, while unmarried couples may face visa or housing limitations as cohabitation outside of marriage is officially against the law.
- Public behaviour and appearance – To avoid causing offense, it’s important to dress and act with respect and consideration for others when in public – especially in more traditional areas.
- Hot, dry climate – Unlike the UK and many other Western countries, Saudi Arabia generally has very hot, dry summers with minimal rainfall and temperatures in the shade exceeding 38°C across almost all of the country, according to Britannica.
How EER Middle East can help
If you can see yourself, your family, your career in Saudi Arabia – why not speak to the experts at EER Middle East today?
Offering an end-to-end relocation service, our on-the-ground team has extensive experience successfully navigating Saudi Arabia’s range of complex and time-consuming government portals, ensuring a seamless immigration process and, if required, complete corporate compliance.
Benefitting from more than two decades of industry experience, Arabic language expertise, and a European Relocation Association (EuRA) Global Quality Seal, EER Middle East provides the full suite of services – all the way from initial setup to ongoing maintenance, freeing up your invaluable time and resources.
Whether you’re an individual assignee, small startup, or multi-national corporation, you can trust our team to help you start your new life in Saudi Arabia.
Call: +971 (0)4 421 1819
Email: info@eerme.com
FAQs
What is the dress code in Saudi Arabia?
As modesty is important in Saudi Arabia, everyone is expected to dress appropriately when in public. This means covering shoulders and knees with loose-fitting, opaque clothing.
What is Saudi Arabia’s religion?
The country’s official religion is Islam, with many areas of life in Saudi Arabia being based around Islamic practices, such as businesses closing briefly during prayer times. Non-Muslims are allowed to practice their religion, but privately.
What are the visa and work permit requirements?
To legally work in Saudi Arabia, a visa and residency permit (known as an Iqama) is required – employers usually sponsor the foreign worker’s application.
Is it expensive to live in Saudi Arabia?
While your specific location, lifestyle, and housing choices will all play a role in determining how expensive living in Saudi Arabia can be, it’s generally more affordable to live in this Middle Eastern country than the UK.
According to Clear Currency, the estimated cost of living without rent for single person in the UK (£669.25) is more expensive than Saudi Arabia (£609.90).
Can expats buy property in Saudi Arabia?
While there are certain regulations and restrictions in place, expats with valid residency permits can buy and own property in Saudi Arabia – specifically in designated cities like Riyadh and Jeddah from 2026.
What is the healthcare system like?
A combination of both public and private healthcare systems, Saudi Arabia citizens tend to benefit from free healthcare services, while expats often opt for private healthcare to combat waiting times.
What is the local attitude towards expats?
If you’re able to integrate into the culture, Saudi Arabia locals are generally friendly and welcoming towards expatriates.
