Living as a Female Expat in Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know (2025 Guide)
Living as a Female Expat in Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know (2025 Guide) Introduction Saudi Arabia has undergone significant transformation over the last few years, especially in terms of women's rights and gender equality. As a female expat moving or living in the Kingdom in 2025, you may wonder what to expect in terms of daily life, safety, work opportunities, and cultural adaptation. This comprehensive guide is here to help you understand what living as a woman in Saudi Arabia is really like today. 1. Cultural Expectations and Dress Code One of the first things new expats notice is the cultural emphasis on modesty. While the rules have relaxed in recent years, especially in big cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, female expats are still expected to dress modestly in public. Abaya: No longer mandatory by law, but still widely worn in public by locals and many expats for cultural respect. Headscarf: Not required for foreign women, although carrying one for visits to ...