Life in Expat Compounds in Saudi Arabia: What Expats Need to Know (2025)
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...