My Life in Saudi

If you’re working in Saudi Arabia and considering resigning before your employment contract ends, you must understand the legal consequences. Whether you're under a fixed-term or indefinite contract, Saudi Labor Law clearly defines your rights and responsibilities as an employee. In this guide, we’ll explain the rules around resignation, required notice periods, financial penalties, and how to protect yourself during the process. 📃 Understanding Your Contract Type The first step in evaluating your resignation options is identifying your contract type. In Saudi Arabia, employment contracts generally fall under two categories: Fixed-Term Contracts: Have a specified end date. Indefinite Contracts: Have no specified end date and continue until either party ends the relationship with proper notice. Your rights during resignation depend heavily on which contract type you are under. Review your contract in the QIWA platform to confirm your statu...

How to Convert Your Foreign Driver’s License in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide) Meta Description: Want to drive in Saudi Arabia? Learn how to convert your foreign driver’s license in 2025. Step-by-step guide for expats, document requirements, and fees. Labels: Driving in Saudi Arabia, Expat License Conversion, Saudi Traffic Rules, Iqama Guide, Life in Saudi Arabia, Expat Tips Introduction If you're an expat living in Saudi Arabia and want to drive legally, converting your foreign driver’s license is a smart move. The good news is that the Kingdom has streamlined the process in recent years, especially for residents with licenses from certain countries. In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the process, eligibility, documents, fees, and tips to help you hit the road smoothly. Who Can Convert a Foreign Driver’s License in Saudi Arabia? Saudi Arabia allows certain nationalities to convert their valid driver’s licenses without taking a driving test. These include: USA ...

Finding Accommodation in Saudi Arabia: A Guide for Expats (2025 Edition) Relocating to Saudi Arabia can be an exciting journey, but one of the first challenges for expats is finding suitable accommodation. Whether you're moving to Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, knowing your housing options and how the rental process works will help you settle in quickly and comfortably. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from compound living and standalone apartments to lease agreements and tips for choosing the right neighborhood in 2025. --- 🏘️ Types of Housing for Expats in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia offers several types of housing for expatriates, depending on your budget, location, and employer benefits. Expat Compounds: Gated communities with Western-style amenities such as pools, gyms, schools, and shops. Popular among families and professionals, especially in Riyadh and Dhahran. Apartments: Available in all major cities. Often come furnished or semi-furn...

Navigating Daily Life in Saudi Arabia: Money, Groceries, and Local Tips for Expats So you’ve landed in Saudi Arabia, settled into your accommodation, and are ready to begin your new chapter. But what is day-to-day life really like here? Whether you’re in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, understanding how things work — from handling money to shopping for food — can help you adjust faster and avoid confusion. Here’s your practical guide to navigating daily life in Saudi Arabia as an expat . --- 💵 Currency & Handling Money The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR) . One riyal is made up of 100 halalas. Notes are available in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 SAR denominations. Currency code: SAR Exchange rate: Roughly pegged to the US dollar (1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR) 🧾 Payment Methods Cash: Still widely used in local markets and small shops Cards: Most places accept Visa and MasterCard Apple Pay & STC Pay: Popular in urban areas, especially among younger Sau...

What to Pack (and NOT Pack) When Moving to Saudi Arabia: Expat Checklist Preparing to move to Saudi Arabia? Whether you're relocating for work, family, or adventure, packing wisely is key to a smooth transition. Some things are essential here—others, not so much. And a few items could even get you into trouble at customs if you're not careful. In this post, I’ll walk you through what to pack, what to avoid, and what you can easily buy once you arrive. Consider this your go-to expat packing checklist for Saudi Arabia . --- ✅ Essentials You Should Definitely Bring These are the items you’ll need from day one and may not easily find (or may be expensive) in Saudi Arabia: Important documents: Passport, visa, work contract, medical records, academic certificates, driver's license (and international version). Prescription medications: Bring enough for 2–3 months and a doctor’s note. Some meds may not be available or require local prescriptions. Adapters ...

Starting My Life in Saudi Arabia: An Expat's Personal Journey Welcome to My Life in Saudi — a personal blog sharing real experiences, practical tips, and cultural insights about living in Saudi Arabia as an expat. Whether you're planning to move here or are simply curious, this blog is for you. Why I Moved to Saudi Arabia Relocating to Saudi Arabia was a major life decision. Like many expats, I came here for a job opportunity, driven by curiosity, career goals, and the desire to experience something completely new. The Kingdom is undergoing rapid transformation, and I wanted to be a part of that story. First Impressions of Life in Saudi From day one, I was struck by the hospitality of the people, the richness of Islamic and Arab culture, and the balance between tradition and modernity. The cities are clean and well-developed, the infrastructure is impressive, and there’s a lot more diversity than I expected. At the same time, cultural norms are different — and adapti...