My Life in Saudi

What Daily Life Is Really Like for Expats in Saudi Arabia Meta Description: Discover the real expat experience in Saudi Arabia—daily life, culture, work routine, housing, shopping, and social interaction in 2025. Labels: Expat Life in Saudi Arabia, Daily Routine KSA, Living in Riyadh, Moving to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Culture, Work in Saudi Arabia Introduction What’s it really like to live in Saudi Arabia as an expat? From the outside, it may seem like a country full of strict rules and unfamiliar customs—but for millions of foreign workers and families, daily life here is surprisingly comfortable, secure, and full of opportunities. Whether you're in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, or smaller cities, this post covers what you can expect day-to-day in 2025. 1. Morning Routine: Work, School, and Traffic Most expats begin their day early. Work typically starts around 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and schools start between 6:45 AM and 7:30 AM. In major cities, morning traffic can be busy, so many...

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...