My Life in Saudi

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...

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 ...

Banking and Managing Money in Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide for Expats Moving to a new country comes with many challenges—and one of the most important is how to manage your money. Whether you’re working in Saudi Arabia or relocating with family, understanding the banking system can help you stay financially secure and avoid unnecessary stress. This guide covers everything an expat needs to know: how to open a bank account, send money home, use ATMs, deal with mobile banking, and handle everyday financial matters with ease. --- 🏦 Types of Banks in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has a modern and well-regulated banking sector. You’ll find both local and international banks offering a range of services, including savings accounts, salary accounts, investment services, and Islamic banking products. Popular Banks Among Expats: Al Rajhi Bank – One of the largest Islamic banks in the world National Commercial Bank (NCB / SNB) – Popular for salary accounts Riyad Bank – Kno...

How to Make Friends as an Expat in Saudi Arabia: A Practical Guide Moving to Saudi Arabia can be an exciting experience, but adjusting to a new social environment is often one of the biggest challenges expats face. Whether you're in Riyadh, Jeddah, or a smaller city, building meaningful connections is essential for your emotional well-being and overall experience abroad. This guide explores how to make friends as an expat in Saudi Arabia , while respecting cultural norms and leveraging modern tools and expat communities. --- 🤝 Understanding Saudi Social Culture Saudi society places high value on hospitality, family, and faith. While locals may seem reserved at first, friendships are deep and loyal once formed. Gender roles, religious practices, and social etiquette shape interactions — so understanding the context can help avoid misunderstandings. Same-gender friendships: More common and socially comfortable in traditional settings Mixed-gender settings: Becomin...

Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Expats? What You Really Need to Know When planning a move to Saudi Arabia, one of the first questions most people ask is: “Is it safe to live there?” The short answer? Yes, Saudi Arabia is generally safe for expats . But like anywhere in the world, it’s important to understand the local context, culture, and norms to navigate life comfortably and confidently. Let’s break it down by key areas: crime, cultural safety, women’s experiences, and some essential expat safety tips. --- 🔐 Crime Rates in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, particularly for violent crime. According to international safety indexes, it ranks well above many Western and Asian countries in terms of safety. Violent crime: Extremely rare. Gun violence and organized crime are virtually nonexistent in daily life. Petty theft: Rare but can occur in crowded places like markets or airports. Always keep valuables secure. Police presence: ...

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 ...