Pros and Cons of Living in Riyadh

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Sep 24, 2021

Summary: Pros and Cons of Living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Expats, Retirees and Digital Nomads talk about the pros and cons of living in Riyadh

What do expats in Riyadh appreciate most about the local culture?

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"The differences between the NZ culture and the Saudi culture could hardly be more extreme. I liked the ability to see around the country and learn more about how women live and learn," explained one expat living in Riyadh.

"Absolutely nothing. Saudi Arabia is the worst place I've ever been. Business Week annual survey says it's the 3rd worst place in the world to live (for expats)," said another expat in Riyadh.

"Probably that it's so totally opposite what I knew and was used to, so I learn something new everyday. I know I've grown a lot since being here, in many ways," added another person living in Riyadh.

"Living expenses are fairly low here and varieties are available, shopping is real fun," explained one expat living in Riyadh.

What do expats find most challenging?

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"Not being able to drive and having to rely on a husband or pay for taxis the whole time. This has the result of completely removing any sponteneity from your day," said another expat in Riyadh.

"It's difficult to get around since women can't drive. If this were a western city, I'd have explored it from top to bottom! But here, you're taking cabs everywhere so only really go from point A to point B and don't know what's in between. Another issue is that men and women can't 'mix' so opportunities to socialize are fairly limited (mostly to expensive embassy events or if you are fortunate enough to live in a 'western' compound--but single women usually must live in a company compound, which often isn't western so the freedom we're used to isn't allowed)," added another person living in Riyadh.