My Life in Saudi

How to Make Friends as an Expat in Saudi Arabia: A Practical Guide Moving to Saudi Arabia can be an exciting experience, but adjusting to a new social environment is often one of the biggest challenges expats face. Whether you're in Riyadh, Jeddah, or a smaller city, building meaningful connections is essential for your emotional well-being and overall experience abroad. This guide explores how to make friends as an expat in Saudi Arabia , while respecting cultural norms and leveraging modern tools and expat communities. --- 🤝 Understanding Saudi Social Culture Saudi society places high value on hospitality, family, and faith. While locals may seem reserved at first, friendships are deep and loyal once formed. Gender roles, religious practices, and social etiquette shape interactions — so understanding the context can help avoid misunderstandings. Same-gender friendships: More common and socially comfortable in traditional settings Mixed-gender settings: Becomin...

Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Expats? What You Really Need to Know When planning a move to Saudi Arabia, one of the first questions most people ask is: “Is it safe to live there?” The short answer? Yes, Saudi Arabia is generally safe for expats . But like anywhere in the world, it’s important to understand the local context, culture, and norms to navigate life comfortably and confidently. Let’s break it down by key areas: crime, cultural safety, women’s experiences, and some essential expat safety tips. --- 🔐 Crime Rates in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, particularly for violent crime. According to international safety indexes, it ranks well above many Western and Asian countries in terms of safety. Violent crime: Extremely rare. Gun violence and organized crime are virtually nonexistent in daily life. Petty theft: Rare but can occur in crowded places like markets or airports. Always keep valuables secure. Police presence: ...