My Life in Saudi

  Living and working in Saudi Arabia is a rewarding experience for many expats. But being away from your family can be difficult. Fortunately, the Kingdom allows eligible expatriates to sponsor their family members under certain conditions. Whether you're a new resident or planning a move, this guide will walk you through how to sponsor your family in Saudi Arabia , including eligibility, required documents, application process, and helpful tips. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What is Family Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia? Family sponsorship, or dependent visa sponsorship , allows a foreign worker to bring their immediate family —spouse, children, and in some cases, parents—to live with them in Saudi Arabia. This is typically done under the Iqama (residency permit) of the primary expat worker. ✅ Who Can Sponsor Their Family? Not all expats are eligible to sponsor family members. Here are the general requirements: 1. Iqama Profession Your Iqama profession must be one that qualifies for family ...

Moving to Saudi Arabia can feel exhilarating and overwhelming all at once—especially if Arabic isn’t your first language. While English is widely spoken in business circles, a few well‑chosen Arabic phrases will make daily life smoother, foster warmer interactions, and demonstrate genuine respect for Saudi culture. From greeting your neighbors to finding the right bus or negotiating in a souq, the words below will build your confidence and help you thrive. 🌟 Why Learn Basic Arabic? Cultural Respect – Using Arabic shows appreciation for local heritage and builds instant rapport. Practicality – Taxis, small shops, and government offices often prefer Arabic. Safety – Knowing key phrases for emergencies or directions keeps you secure. Networking – Even a short Arabic exchange can break the ice with colleagues and neighbors. Below we group phrases by situation— Greetings, Directions, Transportation, Shopping, Dining, Emergencies, and Cultural Etiquette . Each en...

Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Saudi Arabia has long been considered a destination rich in history, culture, and Islamic significance. But with the Kingdom opening up to international tourism through its Vision 2030 initiative, one pressing question arises: Is it safe for solo female travelers? In the past, Saudi Arabia maintained a conservative reputation that often discouraged independent travel by women. However, things have changed significantly in recent years. This blog explores the current safety conditions, practical tips, and cultural considerations for solo female travelers exploring Saudi Arabia in 2025 and beyond. 🛫 Why Are Women Traveling to Saudi Arabia Now? In 2019, Saudi Arabia launched a new tourist visa that allowed citizens from over 49 countries to enter the Kingdom. Along with this, the country introduced reforms that have made it easier for women to travel independently. Today, women are allowed to book hotel rooms alone, drive, and ...

How to Replace Your Foreign Driving License in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide) Meta Description: Need to swap your foreign driving license for a Saudi one? Learn the step-by-step process, required documents, fees, appointment booking, and where to go. Labels: Driving in Saudi Arabia, Expat Driving License, Absher, License Conversion, Saudi Traffic Rules Introduction If you’ve moved to Saudi Arabia from abroad and hold a valid foreign driving license, you can replace it with a Saudi one—no need to retake driving exams if your country is approved. Here's how to navigate the process smoothly in 2025. 📄 Documents You’ll Need Original foreign license + Arabic translation Four passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) Iqama (residency permit) copy + sponsor letter Copy of passport Completed official form (available at Moroor or online) Payment receipt (200 SAR for 5 years, or 400 SAR for 10 years) Medical check report (eye + blood test) The medical test must be done at...

Visiting Madinah as a Non-Muslim: What You Can and Can’t Do (2025 Guide) Madinah (also spelled Medina) is one of the holiest cities in Islam, second only to Makkah. It holds deep religious, historical, and cultural significance for Muslims around the world. But if you’re a non-Muslim living in or visiting Saudi Arabia, you may be wondering: Can non-Muslims visit Madinah? What areas are accessible? And what should you know before going? In this detailed guide, we explain the current rules (as of 2025), areas you can visit, what to avoid, and how to be respectful when exploring Madinah as a non-Muslim. Can Non-Muslims Visit Madinah? Yes — non-Muslims are allowed to visit the city of Madinah itself. Contrary to a common misconception, the entire city is not off-limits. However, there are certain restricted areas that are only accessible to Muslims. The area immediately surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) — called the Haram area — is restricted, and entry is...

Life in Expat Compounds in Saudi Arabia: What Expats Need to Know (2025) Saudi Arabia has long hosted a large expatriate community, and for many foreign residents, living in an expat compound offers comfort, convenience, and a familiar lifestyle. In 2025, expat compounds continue to play a significant role in helping newcomers adapt while maintaining certain freedoms and privacy. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about life in expat compounds — including what they are, who can live in them, amenities, pros and cons, costs, and comparisons with living outside compounds. What Is an Expat Compound? Expat compounds are gated residential communities specifically designed for foreigners living and working in Saudi Arabia. These compounds are often spacious, secure, and equipped with modern amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, shops, and even restaurants or cafes. They provide a culturally relaxed environment where expats can live more freely, often without the s...

Living as a Female Expat in Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know (2025 Guide) Introduction Saudi Arabia has undergone significant transformation over the last few years, especially in terms of women's rights and gender equality. As a female expat moving or living in the Kingdom in 2025, you may wonder what to expect in terms of daily life, safety, work opportunities, and cultural adaptation. This comprehensive guide is here to help you understand what living as a woman in Saudi Arabia is really like today. 1. Cultural Expectations and Dress Code One of the first things new expats notice is the cultural emphasis on modesty. While the rules have relaxed in recent years, especially in big cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, female expats are still expected to dress modestly in public. Abaya: No longer mandatory by law, but still widely worn in public by locals and many expats for cultural respect. Headscarf: Not required for foreign women, although carrying one for visits to ...

Local Customs and Cultural Etiquette in Saudi Arabia: A Guide for Expats Saudi Arabia is a country rich in tradition, faith, and hospitality. For expats moving to the Kingdom, understanding local customs and cultural etiquette is key to adapting smoothly and showing respect to your host country. In this post, we’ll explore important aspects of Saudi culture—what to do, what to avoid, and how to navigate daily life with cultural awareness and confidence. --- 🇸🇦 Understanding Islamic Influence on Daily Life Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and Islamic teachings influence nearly every aspect of daily life. As an expat, it's important to respect local religious practices, even if you're not a Muslim. Prayer Times: There are five daily prayers. During prayer times, many shops and offices may temporarily close. Ramadan: During the holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours is considered dis...

Shopping in Saudi Arabia: Where Expats Love to Shop for Groceries, Clothes & More Saudi Arabia offers a rich and modern shopping experience for expats. Whether you're looking for familiar international brands, fresh produce, electronics, or traditional Arabic items, you’ll find a wide range of options in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. This guide will walk you through the best places to shop, helpful tips for navigating Saudi malls and souks, and where to find expat-friendly products. --- 🛒 Grocery Shopping in Saudi Arabia Supermarkets in Saudi Arabia are well-stocked and diverse, offering both local and imported items. Popular grocery chains include: Panda – affordable and found in most neighborhoods Danube – upscale grocery stores with lots of international products Carrefour – French hypermarket chain, great for variety Lulu Hypermarket – expat favorite, especially among South Asians and Filipinos Tamimi Markets – known for Ameri...

International Schools in Saudi Arabia: A Guide for Expat Parents (2025) Moving to Saudi Arabia with your family? One of the top priorities for expat parents is ensuring quality education for their children. Fortunately, Saudi Arabia has a wide range of international schools, offering globally recognized curricula such as British, American, IB, French, and more. In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll explore the best international schools in Saudi Arabia, tuition fees, enrollment tips, and how to choose the right fit for your child’s education. --- 📍 Where Are the Major International Schools? Most international schools are located in major expat hubs: Riyadh – the capital city, with the largest number of schools Jeddah – coastal city with a vibrant international community Dhahran/Khobar/Dammam – known as the Eastern Province, home to many Aramco expats --- 🏫 Top International Schools in Saudi Arabia 🔹 Riyadh British International School Riyadh (BISR) – U...

Public Transportation in Saudi Arabia: What Expats Need to Know (2025 Guide) Getting around in Saudi Arabia has become much easier in recent years, especially for expats. Whether you're living in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, there are growing options for public transportation, ride-sharing, and intercity travel. This guide covers the main transport systems available in 2025, including the Riyadh Metro, SAPTCO buses, taxis, Uber and Careem, and even trains. If you’re an expat looking to commute daily, travel across cities, or just explore comfortably, this post will help you navigate it all. --- 🚇 Riyadh Metro: A Game-Changer for Commuting The Riyadh Metro is one of the largest public transport projects in the region. As of 2025, several lines are operational, connecting key parts of the city with modern, air-conditioned trains. 🟦 Blue Line: Connects Al Olaya to King Fahad International Stadium 🟨 Yellow Line: Covers King Khalid Airport to south Riyadh 🟩 Gree...

Understanding Saudi Work Culture: A Guide for New Expats in 2025 Moving to Saudi Arabia for work can be exciting, but it also comes with a learning curve—especially when it comes to adapting to the local work culture. Whether you’re joining a corporate office in Riyadh or working in the oil sector in Dammam, understanding Saudi professional etiquette, cultural norms, and daily routines is key to succeeding as an expat. This guide breaks down what expats need to know about workplace dynamics in Saudi Arabia as of 2025. --- 🕋 Respect for Religion Shapes the Workplace Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, and religion plays a visible role in daily work life. Five prayer times are observed throughout the day, and businesses typically schedule breaks accordingly. It’s not uncommon for meetings, tasks, or office hours to shift slightly based on prayer schedules. Friday is the weekly holy day: The Saudi workweek usually runs from Sunday to Thursday. Fridays are ...