Living in Saudi Arabia

"Be open minded, expect little, and keep in mind what you're here for; be it the money or quality family time," wrote a member in Khamis Mushayt.

"Many expats join social and professional clubs in Saudi Arabia such as the International Women's Group and the Riyadh International Sports Club. These clubs offer a space for expats to connect, network, and enjoy recreational activities. Expats can also meet people through activities like volunteer work, language classes, or religious groups. Additionally, they may meet people through work or by attending networking events or conferences in the area," wrote a member in Saudi Arabia.

"Yanbu is an industrial 'new city', but it is very clean and tidy, unlike most Saudi towns. The western housing area of the Royal Commission is very like parts of America. Most westerners in Yanbu are there to work - but it's a great place to socialise and great for things like scuba diving, sailing, dune-buggies etc," explained one expat living in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

"People lives are surrounded by their families and GrandParents which means much socialising," said one expat in Jeddah.

"Crime exists in Saudi Arabia, though it is generally considered to be low in comparison to other countries, particularly in the areas of violent crime and narcotics. The death penalty is often used as a punishment for a variety of offences, such as drug trafficking and murder. Other offences punishable by law include fraud, bribery, and corruption. The Saudi government also strictly enforces its Shari'a law, including punishments such as flogging, amputation, and imprisonment. At the same time, the government has introduced various measures to reduce the crime rate, such as improving the security measures in public places and providing more resources for policing," said one expat who made the move to Saudi Arabia.

"Almost all non-westerners are Muslim. No overt Christianity or other religions are really accepted (no crucifixes etc.). But everybody is very freindly and won't have a problem with your religion as long as you don't shove it in their faces. Sexual diversity is not really accepted, although it does exist. Think closet," wrote a member in Yanbu.

"The city is a very diverse group of people representing over 50 countries. In general, the people are accepting of differences. However, the country is not accepting of differences especially when it comes to religion," commented one expat who made the move to Dhahran.

"EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET KIDS INTO B.I.S.-R, AS NEARLY FULL, EXCEPT IF ENGLISH AND DUTCH PASSPORT HOLDER. START WHEN KIDS ARE YOUNG AND BOOK EVEN COUPLE YEARS BEFORE SCHOOL ENTRY. DESPITE HASSLES AND COST THE ONLY SUITABLE CHOICE IN ALL RIYADH UNLESS YOU HAVE A RIDICULOUS INCOME OR BENEFIT FOR U.S.A SCHOOL, AND THINK YOU WILL END UP IN THERE SYSTEM FOR LONG TIME! GO AND SPEND SOME TIME WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS FRESH KNOWLEDGE ON THE BRITISH EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM: VERY ORDERED, VERY STRUCTURED, WHICH LEAVES PRONE TO INFLEXIBLILITY. DO YOU HOMEWORK RE HOURS OF FACE TO FACE TEACHER CONTACT: IN RIYADH WE HAVE 176 STUDENT TEACHER CONTACT DAYS[NOT INCLUDING THE WEEKEND], WHERE THEY GET 5 HOURS AND 40 APPROX MINUTES [MINUSED THE BREAKS: WHICH ARE USELESS AS THEY DON'T GET WIND DOWN, PLAY, THEY ARE NOT EVEN ALLOWED TO GO LAY ON "BEAN BAG" AND QUIETLY READ IN HOME ROOM!!! THE LIBRARY IS THE ONLY ESCAPE SO DIFFICULT FOR REAL "BOY, BOYS ACTIVITY AND ADHD KIDS!!!!!"] WE LEFT 24 TEACHER STUDENT CONTACT DAYS...LONGER BREAKS IN SCHOOL DAY...FULL ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY...A SELECTION OF MATES...NOT BEING HASSLED AND TEASED BECAUSE WHITE [ONLY THIS GROUP IN 15 YEAR OLDS] DO YOUR HOMEWORK BUT ULTIMATELY HAVE TO WORK WITH WHAT YOUR GO! NOTE: IF YOU CAME FROM A PRIVATE SYSTEM WHERE YOU ARRIVE AND EVERYTHING IS PROVIDE FOR AND INCLUDED IN FEES INCLUDING: ALL STATIONARY; ALL SCHOOL TRIP;ALL DAY TRIPS; MOST AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND YOU HAVE A GOOD SECOND UNIFORM SHOP BURSTING WITH CLOTHES; PRINTED AWARDS;PRESENTS MADE FOR SPECIAL DAYS; MORNING TEAS; THEN BE AWARE THAT ALL OF THE ABOVE WILL COST YOU, ESPECIALLY THE HOLIDAY!!," explained one expat living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"The International Schools Group (ISG) is one of the leading international schools in Saudi Arabia. It provides high quality education to students from Pre-Kindergarten through secondary school in an international setting. It has five schools in different locations around the country, each offering a different curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate Programme, the US Common Core State Standards, and a programme of Arabic and Islamic Studies. ISG also has an online virtual school and a range of after school activities, as well as strong partnerships with local universities for further studies. The British International School Riyadh is another top international school in Saudi Arabia. The school offers an innovative and exciting British curriculum that has been adapted to meet the needs of the local context. The school has a strong focus on extracurricular activities, and provides students with extensive facilities, including beautiful outdoor spaces and a theatre. There is also an extensive Islamic Studies programme which is tailored to the needs of the local students. Brighton College Al Ain is a bilingual school in Saudi Arabia, offering a bilingual education in both English and Arabic. The school also has a holistic approach to education, promoting equal learning outcomes across different disciplines. Students are also encouraged to develop strong leadership and team-working skills, as well as exploration and creativity. There is a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities, and the school offers sports, music, drama, art and a range of field trips," said one parent with children at in .

"The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is generally moderate, though some items can be expensive. In terms of housing, expats tend to pay high rental prices for westernized homes. On the other hand, the cost for basic food items and groceries can be reasonable. In addition, petrol is relatively inexpensive, transportation is available and relatively affordable, and healthcare is accessible and of a high quality. Overall, the cost of living can vary from low to moderate, depending on individual spending habits," remarked one expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is generally higher than other countries in the Middle East, but is lower than many Western countries. Riyadh and Jeddah, the two largest cities in the country, have a substantially higher cost of living than the rest of the country, with goods and services being considerably higher than in other cities. The rental prices for a 1-bedroom apartment in Riyadh are approximately $1,800 USD per month, while a 2-bedroom apartment averages around $2,500 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant will cost on average around $25 USD," commented one expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"In Saudi Arabia, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports centers. Parks are a popular destination for families, offering plenty of green space for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor activities. Beaches are also a popular destination, with many offering a variety of water sports and activities. Sports centers are also popular, offering a variety of activities such as basketball, tennis, and swimming. Additionally, there are many shopping malls, cinemas, and restaurants that offer a variety of entertainment options," remarked one expat in Saudi Arabia.

"The climate in Saudi Arabia is generally hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from very hot in the summer to mild in the winter. Rainfall is scarce, with most of the country receiving less than 100mm of rain per year. The coastal areas of the country tend to be more humid than the interior. Sand and dust storms are common in the spring and summer months," commented one expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Saudi Arabia is Al Baik, which is known for its delicious fried chicken. Located in Jeddah, Al Baik is a fast-food restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, and shawarma. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and affordable prices. https://www.albaik.com/ Another popular restaurant in Saudi Arabia is Al Tazaj, which is known for its grilled chicken. Located in Riyadh, Al Tazaj serves a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, and shawarma. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and affordable prices. https://www.altazaj.com/ Finally, Al-Baik is a popular restaurant in Saudi Arabia that is known for its delicious seafood. Located in Jeddah, Al-Baik serves a variety of dishes, including grilled fish, shrimp, and calamari. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and affordable prices. https://www.albaik.com/," mentioned one expat inSaudi Arabia.

"People living in Saudi Arabia typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, and local markets. Many people also shop online for groceries and other items. Additionally, there are many malls and shopping centers throughout the country where people can purchase a variety of items," remarked one expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"In order to travel to Saudi Arabia, foreign nationals must apply for a visa and obtain authorization prior to arrival in the country. The process of applying for a visa includes submitting an application, including passport details and travel plans, to a Saudi Embassy or Consulate and providing documents that confirm the purpose of the visit, such as an invitation letter from a Saudi sponsor or an employment contract with a Saudi company. Foreign nationals who wish to reside in Saudi Arabia must obtain a residency permit, known as an Iqama. To apply for residency, applicants must first have a valid work or family visa and then submit all the necessary documents and fees at their local passport office. Applicants must also have a sponsor, who is usually the employer for work visa holders or a family member for family visa holders, who will be responsible for the visa holder's legal status in the country, as well as any necessary paperwork. After all the documents and fees have been submitted, the applicant will receive an Iqama card, which must be kept valid and renewed periodically," said an expat in Saudi Arabia.

"My sponsor always paid for my insurance. I ended paying an extra amount for higher end insurance so I could go the Kingdom Hospital, and found out that the medical staff there are not adequately trained," wrote one expat living in Riyadh.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Saudi Arabia can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services required. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Saudi Arabia is higher than in many other countries, due to the high cost of medical equipment and services. Health insurance is also expensive, as premiums can be quite high, and there are often additional fees for certain services. However, the government does provide some subsidies for health insurance, which can help to reduce the cost," commented one expat who moved to Saudi Arabia.