7 Things That Surprised Me About Life in Saudi Arabia (From a New Expat’s Perspective)
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...