Is that Legal ?

I have had this checked with my company back in the UK with the UK foreign office I had a reply from the British Embassy in Riyadh:

"Thank you for your email.  I believe that for personal purposes you can drive for up to 3 months (maximum) on a UK license or an international license.  After that you must apply for a Saudi driving license.  The Ministry of Interior supply these, though it is normal for the 'fixers' at your sponsor company to obtain it for you (once you have provided them with the relevant documents). 

I am uncertain whether the requirements if you are driving for employment are the same - you would need to check with the sponsor organisation whether driving on a British license for an initial 3 month period is acceptable in this case."

So to be safe it would appear that the maximum length of time you can use your "home" or a International Driving Licence is three months from the issue of the Iqama. However your sponsor company should be able to help in resolving the problem.  Clearly not an issue if you are a woman.

Thanks a lot martin !
That was helpful ..... So far i'm safe

G D F wrote:

Thanks a lot martin !
That was helpful ..... So far i'm safe

Your welcome!

I have got to sort mine out quickly as well, I hope that I will be able to retain my UK licence as it is an old one that expires when I am 70. The new photo ID ones only last for 10 years and cost money to renew. If they keep it which I am expecting them to do I will then have to apply for one of the new photo ID ones when I return, which will be a pain. No matter.