My Life in Saudi

Understanding Saudi Work Culture: A Guide for New Expats in 2025 Moving to Saudi Arabia for work can be exciting, but it also comes with a learning curve—especially when it comes to adapting to the local work culture. Whether you’re joining a corporate office in Riyadh or working in the oil sector in Dammam, understanding Saudi professional etiquette, cultural norms, and daily routines is key to succeeding as an expat. This guide breaks down what expats need to know about workplace dynamics in Saudi Arabia as of 2025. --- 🕋 Respect for Religion Shapes the Workplace Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, and religion plays a visible role in daily work life. Five prayer times are observed throughout the day, and businesses typically schedule breaks accordingly. It’s not uncommon for meetings, tasks, or office hours to shift slightly based on prayer schedules. Friday is the weekly holy day: The Saudi workweek usually runs from Sunday to Thursday. Fridays are ...

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...