My Life in Saudi

  Saudi Arabia has one of the largest domestic worker populations in the world. From housemaids and drivers to private nurses and cooks, domestic workers play a vital role in the daily lives of many Saudi and expatriate families. To protect both workers and employers, the Kingdom has introduced specific labor laws and regulations. If you are an expat living in Saudi Arabia who employs a domestic worker, or if you are working in this field, it is important to understand your rights and obligations under the Saudi Labor Law for Domestic Workers . This guide will explain the law, key rights, responsibilities, and what expats need to know about employing or working as a domestic worker in the Kingdom. 📌 Who is Considered a Domestic Worker? According to Saudi labor regulations, a domestic worker is any person hired to perform household services under the employer’s supervision, whether directly or indirectly. This includes: Housemaids Private drivers Gardeners Cooks a...

 Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive digital transformation in line with Vision 2030 . One of the major reforms has been the introduction of electronic invoicing (e‑invoicing) by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) . This change affects businesses, freelancers, and even some expats who may not realize how connected it is to daily life. Whether you’re running a company, working as a consultant, or simply buying goods and services, ZATCA’s e‑invoicing system impacts you . In this guide, we’ll explain what e‑invoicing is, why it was introduced, how it works, and what it means for residents and expatriates in Saudi Arabia. 📌 What is E‑Invoicing in Saudi Arabia? E‑invoicing is the process of generating and storing invoices electronically, rather than on paper. It ensures all transactions are digital, secure, and compliant with ZATCA’s tax requirements. Saudi Arabia’s e‑invoicing initiative was launched on December 4, 2021 and is being implemented in two phases: Ph...

 For expats and residents living in Saudi Arabia, paying bills and government fees used to be time‑consuming. Whether it was settling electricity bills, renewing an iqama, or paying traffic fines, people had to queue at offices or banks. Today, however, the SADAD Payment System has changed that. SADAD is one of the most important financial services in the Kingdom, making it easy to pay bills securely and instantly through your bank’s online services, mobile apps, or ATMs. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain what SADAD is, why it matters, and how to use it effectively as an expat in Saudi Arabia. 📌 What is SADAD? SADAD stands for the Saudi Arabian Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment System . It was launched by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) to create a single platform that connects banks with billers, government agencies, and service providers. In simple terms, SADAD is like a digital bridge between: Your bank account , and The company or government...

In Saudi Arabia, your Iqama is linked to nearly every official service — from your bank account to your mobile SIM cards. If you’ve ever discovered a SIM card registered under your Iqama that you’re not using or didn’t authorize, it's essential to take immediate action. Not only is this a security risk , but it may also have legal consequences if the SIM is misused. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to check , report , and cancel any SIM card registered under your Iqama with major telecom providers in Saudi Arabia. ✅ Why You Should Cancel Extra or Unauthorized SIMs You may be wondering: what’s the harm in having a few extra SIM cards linked to your Iqama? Here’s why it matters: ⚠️ 1. Identity Misuse If someone uses your Iqama to register a SIM and then uses it for illegal purposes (fraud, scams, etc.), you could get into serious trouble—even if you weren’t involved. 🚫 2. SIM Card Limits The Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) allow...

  Losing a job can be stressful , especially in a foreign country like Saudi Arabia. Whether you're an expat or a Saudi national, it's important to understand the common reasons for job termination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and your legal rights under the Saudi Labor Law . This guide explains the lawful and unlawful grounds for dismissal, employer obligations, and what you can do if you're terminated unfairly. 📌 What Does Saudi Labor Law Say About Termination? Saudi Labor Law, particularly Articles 74–80 , outlines various acceptable reasons for contract termination. It classifies dismissals into: Valid/legal reasons (with or without notice) Invalid/unlawful terminations (which can be challenged) Mutual or automatic terminations (e.g. end of contract) Let’s go through each category step by step. ✅ 1. End of Contract (Article 74) The most common reason for termination is the natural end of a fixed-term contract . This includes: Contract ...

Staying connected is almost as vital as carrying your Iqama in Saudi Arabia. From government apps such as Absher and Tawakkalna to ordering food on HungerStation , a local SIM card underpins everyday life. This in-depth guide (updated for 2025 ) explains exactly how to obtain a Saudi SIM card, which documents you need, the best providers, eSIM perks, hidden fees, and pro tips for tourists, Umrah pilgrims, students, and long-term expats alike. 📍 Why You Need a Local SIM in Saudi Arabia Cost savings – local data and calls are far cheaper than roaming. Access to official services – apps such as Absher, Sehhaty, and STC Pay send OTP (one-time-password) codes only to Saudi numbers. Navigation & transport – ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber) and Google Maps require live data. Banking & payments – Mada, Apple Pay, and digital wallets are linked to your Saudi phone number. Emergency alerts – Civil Defense SMS warnings for sandstorms, floods, or road closure...