My Life in Saudi

  Freelancing is one of the fastest-growing ways of working around the world. With the rise of remote jobs, digital platforms, and the global gig economy, more and more people are turning away from traditional employment. Instead of working 9 to 5 for a single employer, freelancers can choose their own projects, set flexible working hours, and work for clients from across the globe. But what about Saudi Arabia? The Kingdom is transforming rapidly under Vision 2030 , opening its economy and encouraging entrepreneurship. Many expats living here wonder if they can also take part in the freelancing trend. Can expatriates legally work as freelancers in Saudi Arabia? What are the opportunities and risks? In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything expats need to know about freelancing in Saudi Arabia. What is Freelancing? Before diving into the Saudi system, it’s important to understand what freelancing means. Freelancing is a form of self-employment where you: Work independ...

  Living and working in Saudi Arabia as an expat comes with rights and responsibilities. The Kingdom has established proper channels to protect workers, residents, and citizens in case of disputes. If you ever face problems such as unpaid salaries, mistreatment at work, contract violations, or other labor issues , you can officially file a complaint. In Saudi Arabia, complaints are usually submitted to either: MOI (Ministry of Interior) – for civil, residency, or security-related complaints. HRSD (Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development) – for labor, employment, and workplace-related complaints. This guide explains when and how to file a complaint , the different platforms available, and what expats should know before taking action. 🔹 When Should You File a Complaint to MOI or HRSD? File a Complaint to MOI if it involves: Iqama (residency permit) violations. Absher-related issues (final exit, sponsorship transfer, huroob cases). Civil or securit...

  If you are working or planning to work in Saudi Arabia, you may sometimes want to know how many employees are registered under a particular company. This is especially useful for: Job seekers verifying the size and credibility of a company. Employees checking Saudization (Nitaqat) status. Business owners monitoring their workforce in official systems. Sponsors ensuring their workers are correctly registered. Thankfully, Saudi Arabia has several online platforms where you can check the number of employees in a company. In this article, we’ll explain the step-by-step process using official portals like Qiwa, GOSI, and Absher Business . Why is it Important to Know the Number of Employees? Before we dive into the process, let’s understand why this information matters: Nitaqat Classification (Saudization Program) – The government classifies companies based on the percentage of Saudi nationals they employ. More employees often means stricter Saudization requiremen...

 Performing Umrah is a spiritual dream for millions of Muslims around the world. Before you travel to Makkah and Madinah, it is essential to ensure that your Umrah visa has been issued and is valid . Thankfully, Saudi Arabia provides a simple way to check the status of your Umrah visa online using just your passport number and basic details . In this guide, I’ll explain step by step how to check your Umrah visa status online by passport number , the official platforms you should use, common issues people face, and tips for a smooth Umrah journey. Why You Should Check Your Umrah Visa Status Whether you applied for an Umrah visa through an approved agent, tour operator, or directly via Saudi Arabia’s official platforms, checking the status is important. Here’s why: ✅ To confirm that your visa has been approved and issued . ✅ To ensure there are no mistakes in your details (name, passport number, nationality). ✅ To know the validity period of your Umrah visa (usually 9...

  Saudi Arabia is known for its modern road infrastructure, but driving here comes with its own set of rules and regulations that every expat should understand. Whether you’re commuting to work, traveling for leisure, or embarking on a long road trip, knowing the local traffic laws will help you avoid fines, stay safe, and enjoy a smooth driving experience. In this guide, we’ll cover essential traffic rules for expats in Saudi Arabia , from speed limits and seatbelt laws to mobile phone usage and traffic violation penalties. 1. Valid Driving License is Mandatory Before you get behind the wheel, you must have a valid driving license recognized in Saudi Arabia. Expats can drive with an international driving permit for a limited time after arrival, but long-term residents must obtain a Saudi driving license. If you’re unsure about the process, check out our detailed guide on How to Get a Saudi Driving License for Expats . It explains the documents required, eye test process, dri...

Owning a vehicle in Saudi Arabia comes with certain responsibilities, and one of the most important is ensuring your car is roadworthy and safe. This is where the Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection (MVPI) , commonly called Fahas , comes into play. Fahas is a mandatory vehicle check that ensures your car meets safety and environmental standards before it can be legally driven. Whether you’re an expat or a Saudi citizen, understanding how Fahas works is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover what Fahas is, why it’s important, how to book an appointment, inspection requirements, fees, and what to do if your car fails the test. What is Fahas (MVPI) in Saudi Arabia? Fahas , officially known as the Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection, is a government-mandated inspection carried out to check the mechanical condition, safety, and environmental compliance of vehicles in Saudi Arabia. It is conducted by the Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection Centers under the supervision of the General Department ...

If you own a vehicle in Saudi Arabia, keeping your Istimara (vehicle registration card) valid is not just a legal requirement—it’s essential to avoid fines, traffic violations, and potential impoundment of your vehicle. In 2025, the renewal process has become more streamlined thanks to digital services like Absher , but there are still specific steps, fees, and requirements that every driver—whether local or expatriate—needs to know. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything about renewing your Istimara in Saudi Arabia , from required documents to online renewal, fees, and tips to avoid delays. What is an Istimara? The Istimara is your official Vehicle Registration Certificate in Saudi Arabia, issued by the Traffic Department (Moroor) . It contains details such as: Vehicle owner’s name Vehicle type, model, and plate number Chassis and engine numbers Registration and expiry dates Without a valid Istimara, you are not legally allowed to drive your car in the...