My Life in Saudi

End‑of‑Service Benefits (ESB)—sometimes called gratuity or severance pay —are a mandatory lump‑sum payment every employer in Saudi Arabia must make to departing employees. Whether you are an expatriate or a Saudi national, understanding how ESB is calculated under Articles 84–87 of the Saudi Labor Law will help you plan your career moves, negotiate better packages, and ensure you leave a job with everything you are legally owed. 📌 Quick Facts About ESB Applies to all private‑sector workers —Saudi and expat alike. Paid in a lump sum on final settlement. Based on basic salary only , not allowances. Mandatory after two years of service (partial payouts may apply sooner). Governed by Articles 84–87 of Saudi Labor Law. 🧑‍⚖️ Who Is Eligible? Under Article 84 , ESB is due to any employee who: Completes at least two years of continuous service, or Leaves under special circums...

  Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving into a digital-first nation, and one of the essential foundations of this transformation is the Saudi National Address system . Whether you're a citizen or an expat, this digital address system is mandatory —and for good reason. In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Saudi National Address : what it is, why it’s required, how to register or update it, and how it benefits you in daily life—from government services to home delivery. 📍 What is the Saudi National Address? The Saudi National Address is a standardized geographic address system developed by Saudi Post (SPL) and enforced by the Saudi government . It was launched in 2013 and made mandatory for all residents —including expatriates. Your National Address includes: Building Number Street Name District (Neighborhood) City Postal Code Additional Number Unit Number This address uniquely identifies your residence and is used across a ...

How Foreigners Can Own Property in Makkah & Madinah (2025 Guide) 🕌 How Can Foreigners Own Property in Makkah & Madinah? (2025 Guide) 🧭 Quick Answer Direct ownership by foreigners in Makkah and Madinah is generally not allowed . However, there are limited legal pathways—such as investing through public companies, long-term leases, or Saudi-registered firms—that can give you exposure to property in these holy cities. 1. ✋ Direct Ownership Still Off-Limits Foreign nationals—expats or non-GCC citizens— cannot own residential or commercial property directly in Makkah and Madinah. These cities are treated as religious sanctuaries and are restricted to Saudi citizens only. 2. ✔️ New Legal Investment Option: Buy Shares in Listed Companies In early 2025, Saudi Arabia updated its regulations allowing foreigners to hold up to 49% in publicly listed companies on Tadawul that own property in Makkah or Madinah. This offers a legal, indirect inve...

What Daily Life Is Really Like for Expats in Saudi Arabia Meta Description: Discover the real expat experience in Saudi Arabia—daily life, culture, work routine, housing, shopping, and social interaction in 2025. Labels: Expat Life in Saudi Arabia, Daily Routine KSA, Living in Riyadh, Moving to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Culture, Work in Saudi Arabia Introduction What’s it really like to live in Saudi Arabia as an expat? From the outside, it may seem like a country full of strict rules and unfamiliar customs—but for millions of foreign workers and families, daily life here is surprisingly comfortable, secure, and full of opportunities. Whether you're in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, or smaller cities, this post covers what you can expect day-to-day in 2025. 1. Morning Routine: Work, School, and Traffic Most expats begin their day early. Work typically starts around 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and schools start between 6:45 AM and 7:30 AM. In major cities, morning traffic can be busy, so many...