Living in Riyadh: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Riyadh.
Capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh welcomes every year a large number of high skilled expatriates, settling here to live and work.
Big global foreign companies, as well as diplomatic missions, are settled in the city, offering job opportunities to professional expats. Attractive salaries, noincome tax, skilled profiles are interesting assets to invite you to move here.
Browse by category
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Riyadh with general information to discover the destination.
The best networking practices in Riyadh
There are some unwritten rules for networking and it is best to follow them in order to make a good ...
Developing your social circle in Riyadh
Moving to a new city is never easy, especially if you have chosen to leave your friends and family. ...
Discover Riyadh
Riyadh is considered the most beautiful city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for many reasons, ...
Work
Dive into the Riyadh labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Riyadh.
Working in Riyadh
As the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is one of the biggest urban communities in the country ...
Riyadh's labour market
Working in Riyadh can come with many benefits, whether you are a young professional or an expert in ...
Jobs in Riyadh
Discover professional opportunities in Riyadh and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Riyadh. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Compounds in Riyadh
Here is a listing of many (not all) of the compounds in Riyadh along with contact information.
Buying property in Riyadh
Even though Saudi Arabia has experienced significant changes in the past years, the local real ...
Find your ideal home in Riyadh
Explore real estate listings in Riyadh to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Riyadh.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Riyadh.
Getting around in Riyadh
Riyadh is undoubtedly the most popular destination in Saudi Arabia. Discover, in this article, how to get around the city, whether to go to work or ...
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Riyadh, driver's license exchange and international permits.
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Riyadh.
Things to do in Riyadh alone or with your crowd
Riyadh is one of the biggest and most beautiful cities in Saudi Arabia, with quite a bit to offer ...
Outdoor activities in Riyadh
A city of opportunities of all kinds, Riyadh is a fantastic place to live in. Whether you're ...
Eating out in Riyadh
The city of Riyadh flaunts eateries, bistros, and bars of various patterns for all tastes and ...
Articles from the magazine
Usmani: "Life in Riyadh is quite structured"
Usmani grew up and lived during 40 years in a metropolitan city of Pakistan. Invited to work for a university as a consultant for Quality Assurance in higher education, he left his home country to settle in Riyadh with his family...
Fazli: « It is comfortable to live in Riyadh as long as one has a decent wage »
Fazli, Sri Lankan expat, settled in Riyadh with his family 35 years ago. After his retirement from a long IT consultant career, he has been spending his leisure time in reading, writing, poetry and researching genealogy...
Under the abaya
My name is Mandi and I'm originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA. I first moved to Saudi Arabia in 2007 with my Saudi husband. We returned to the USA after living here for a year and a half, and then returned again to Saudi in 2011.
Kristine wanders
Howdy, I'm Kristine. I'm originally from Kelowna BC, Canada, but am currently living and working in Saudi Arabia as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Camilla in Riyadh: A whole new world!
"If you are young, do not be afraid to change your life because living in a different country broadens your horizons. At the end of this adventure I will take my abaya with me as a symbol of the efforts I have made and the courage I have put in!" Camilla tells us about her life and work experience in Saudi Arabia. Read the interview to find out her story.
Which countries currently offer the best expat salary packages?
When it comes to moving abroad for work, salaries, professional growth, and work/life balance are crucial considerations. Some countries are known for higher salaries, while others are making efforts to attract foreign talent with lucrative compensation packages. As a prospective expat, how can you make the best decision?
Trailing spouses now allowed to work in Saudi Arabia
Are we witnessing another positive step towards the welcoming of foreign talent in Saudi Arabia? It is now a reality: the spouses of expatriates in Saudi Arabia can now seek employment locally. But this measure is nevertheless subject to conditions. Let's explore the hows and whys.
Susie's Big Adventure
My name is Susie Khalil and I write my blogs under the name of Susie of Arabia. I grew up in a small border town in Arizona and now reside in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
