Enough Thinking: Why Your Best Life in Saudi Arabia Begins When You Stop Planning

I met a guy last week in a coffee shop in Olaya. Let’s call him Ahmed.

Ahmed has been in Riyadh for 3 months. He has a high-paying job, a brand-new apartment in a luxury compound, and a company car. On paper, he is living the dream.

But when I spoke to him, he looked miserable.

"I’m still researching the best gym," he told me. "And I haven’t bought furniture yet because I’m reading reviews on 10 different sofa brands. And I haven’t visited the Edge of the World yet because I’m waiting for the weather to drop below 25°C."

Ahmed is suffering from a condition that kills the expat experience faster than heatstroke: Analysis Paralysis.

He is so busy trying to optimize his life in Saudi Arabia that he isn’t actually living it.

If you are reading this, you might be like Ahmed. You are scrolling through Google Maps at 2 AM, reading labor laws, and worrying about problems that haven't happened yet.

This guide is your wake-up call. Here is how to conquer the mental game of moving to the Kingdom.

1. The "Perfect Start" Trap

Moving to a new country triggers our survival instincts. We crave control.

We want the perfect bank account immediately.
We want the perfect apartment next to the office.
We want to find a group of best friends in week one.

But here is the secret about KSA: It is a country of beautiful chaos.

Things here often don't go according to the PDF plan you made in your home country. The best restaurants often don't have menus online. The best apartments aren't listed on Aqar; they are found by walking into a building and asking the Haris (guard).

If you wait for "Perfect," you will spend your first year inside your apartment.

The 70% Rule

I have a rule for surviving my first year in Riyadh: 70% is enough.

Housing: Don’t look for the 100% perfect home. Find one that is 70% good (decent location, clean, affordable) and sign the contract. You can always move next year.
Food: Don’t research the "Best Shawarma in Riyadh" for 2 hours. Just walk to the nearest shop and eat one. It will probably be delicious.
Travel: Don’t wait for a "perfect group" to go to the desert. Go alone or with a tour group. You’ll meet people there.

2. The "3-Month Wall" (And How to Smash It)

Every expat goes through the same emotional cycle. It is scientifically documented.

Month 1: The Honeymoon. Everything is new! The malls are huge! The food is amazing! You are taking photos of everything.
Month 3: The Slump. The novelty wears off. You miss your family. You get annoyed by the traffic. You feel lonely.

This is the danger zone. Most people who leave Saudi Arabia quit during "The Slump."

How to beat the slump:

Establish a Routine: Do not just go Work $\rightarrow$ Home $\rightarrow$ Sleep. Join a gym, find a coffee shop you visit every Tuesday, or join a padel club.
Stop converting currency: Stop saying, "Oh, this coffee is 20 Riyals, that is expensive in my home currency!" You earn in Riyals now. Spend in Riyals.
Video Call Less: This sounds harsh, but if you spend 4 hours every night on Zoom with your friends back home, you will never make new friends here.

3. The Myth of the Language Barrier

"I need to learn fluent Arabic before I can enjoy Saudi Arabia."

False.

While learning Arabic is respectful and helpful, do not let it stop you from exploring.

The Reality: Riyadh and Jeddah are international cities. Your Uber driver likely speaks Urdu or English. The barista speaks English. The doctor speaks English.
The "Magic Words": You only really need 5 words to show respect:
1. Salam Alaykum (Hello / Peace be upon you)
2. Shukran (Thank you)
3. Min Fadlak (Please)
4. Khalas (Finished / Enough / Stop)
5. Inshallah (If God wills it - used for everything!)

Use these with a smile, and doors will open for you.

4. Making Friends in a Digital World

Making friends as an adult is hard. Making friends in a new culture is harder.

But in 2026, you have a cheat code: Apps.

Meetup.com: There are groups for everything in Riyadh—Hiking, Coding, Crypto, Board Games.
Internations: This is a paid network for expats. They host "Mixer Events" at nice hotels. It is the easiest way to meet 50 people in one night.
Community Sports: Padel is the national obsession right now. Download the Padel IN app, join an "Open Match," and you will have 3 new friends by the end of the game.

Pro Tip: Say "Yes" to everything. If a colleague invites you to a wedding, go. If a neighbor offers you Arabic coffee, accept it. The Saudi culture is incredibly hospitable, but you have to be open to receiving it.

5. Thinking vs. Doing (The Final Test)

Every hour you spend thinking about your life here is an hour you are stealing from your actual life.

Thinking: Reading 50 blog posts about "Culture Shock."
Doing: Going to the Souq Al Zal, buying some oud perfume, and haggling with the shopkeeper.
Thinking: Worrying if driving is safe.
Doing: Renting a car, driving to the Edge of the World, and watching the sunset.

Your "Saudi Bucket List" for Week 1

To cure your overthinking, I want you to complete these 3 tasks this week:

Eat on the floor: Go to a traditional Mandi restaurant (like Romansiah) and eat with your hands.
Visit a Park: Go to King Abdullah Park or Wadi Hanifa at sunset. Watch the families picnicking. It’s the most peaceful vibe on earth.
Talk to a Stranger: Ask a local for a recommendation. "Where is the best coffee near here?" You will be surprised by how helpful they are.