My Life in Saudi

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...

7 Things That Surprised Me About Life in Saudi Arabia (From a New Expat’s Perspective) Before moving to Saudi Arabia, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. I read articles, watched YouTube videos, and even spoke with people who had lived here. Still, nothing compares to seeing it with your own eyes and living it day by day. As a new expat, I’ve quickly learned that Saudi Arabia is full of surprises — some challenging, many beautiful, and all part of a truly unique experience. Here are seven things that surprised me most after arriving in the Kingdom. 1. The Deep Sense of Hospitality One of the first things I noticed was how kind and generous people are. In Saudi culture, hospitality is not just about manners — it’s a way of life. Whether you are a guest in someone’s home or a stranger at a coffee shop, people are warm, respectful, and often eager to help. On more than one occasion, I was offered Arabic coffee and dates just for walking into a small store or vi...

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...