5 Things you need to know about Life and Work in Saudi Arabia

I’m often asked what people need to know about living and working in Saudi Arabia. This is normally when people are considering making the move here either on their own or with their family.

It’s understandable as there is a lot to consider in making such a big move and it’s an entirely different culture that you have to consider

Let’s start with 5 Key Facts about Living and Working in Saudi

1. The Saudi government follows a strict religious code known as Sharia law. This means that alcohol and pork are not allowed, and women must cover their arms and legs in public.
2. The Saudi economy is heavily reliant on oil exports. However, the government is working to diversify its economy and create more jobs in sectors such as tourism and healthcare. See Vision 2030 for more on this.
3. Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia, but English is also widely spoken. This can be helpful for those who are not fluent in Arabic.
4. The climate in Saudi Arabia is hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, especially during the summer months of June, July and August. It is important to stay hydrated and well-protected from the sun.
5. Saudi Arabia is a very safe country to live and work in. With low crime rates and a strong police presence, you can feel safe in your everyday life.

Work in Saudi Arabia for Foreigners

There are many different types of jobs available for foreigners in Saudi Arabia.

One of the most popular types of jobs for foreigners is teaching English as a second language. Other common jobs include working in the oil and gas industry, healthcare, and engineering.

Lately, a lot of project work has come up especially working on events such as Formula 1, Middle Beast – Soundstorm in the desert as well as Riyadh and Jeddah seasons.

If you are considering working in Saudi Arabia, it is important to research the company you will be working for and obtain the proper work visa before arrival – the company will usually help with this.

Benefits for Living and Working in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a conservative country, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to do. In fact, there are so many beautiful places and sites to visit Saudi is becoming a popular tourist destination as well!

There are many malls, restaurants, and parks where families can spend time together. Riyadh, the capital city, is home to many different museums and cultural sites as well as different events such as Riyadh Winter Wonderland and Riyadh Season.

There are also several beaches located along the Red Sea, especially in Jeddah, which offer beautiful views and opportunities for diving and snorkelling. Social media and communication options in the middle east are also improving year on year and shouldn’t be a drawback to you moving.

In addition, working in Saudi Arabia can be very beneficial for your career. Many multinational companies have a presence in the country, so it can be a great place to gain experience and build your resume.

The cost of living is also relatively low, which can be helpful for saving money.

Drawbacks of Living and Working in Saudi Arabia

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to living and working in Saudi Arabia. The conservative culture can take some time to get used to.

The heat can also be oppressive, and air pollution can be a problem in some cities. Additionally, public transportation is not well developed, so you may need to rely on taxis or private cars to get around.

Overall, Saudi Arabia is a safe and stable, and beautiful country with many opportunities for foreigners. There are more benefits to living and working In Saudi Arabia than there are negatives and it can give you a wonderful experience for you and your family.

In fact, the number of families moving to Saudi is growing each year, in 2021 alone over 30,000 Brits were living and working in Saudi Arabia and that number is expected to grow again this year.

If you are considering making the move, be sure to do your research and obtain the proper work visa before arrival to ensure you chose the best options for you and your family.

If you have any questions about living or working in Saudi then I would love to help! We also have a course available that teaches all about Saudi that you should know before you go. You can find this here and if you have any questions just email me on [email protected]