My Life in Saudi

Saudi Arabia is a country where history meets modernity, and nowhere is this more evident than in its museums. While the Kingdom is widely known for its holy cities, desert landscapes, and futuristic mega-projects, it is also investing heavily in cultural preservation and education under Vision 2030 . Museums in Saudi Arabia have transformed into world-class spaces that showcase the nation’s rich history, diverse traditions, and modern artistic ambitions . For expats living in the Kingdom or tourists visiting for the first time, museums in Riyadh and Jeddah offer an excellent way to experience Saudi culture beyond the headlines. This guide explores the top museums in Riyadh and Jeddah —their highlights, unique features, and why they are worth visiting. 🌍 The Role of Museums in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s blueprint for economic and social transformation, places a strong emphasis on heritage preservation and cultural tourism . The government aims to att...

  The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is more than just a building filled with artifacts—it's a vivid journey through time, culture, and the incredible transformation of the Arabian Peninsula. Located in the heart of Riyadh, this museum is a must-visit destination for tourists, expats, students, and locals who want to explore the rich tapestry of Saudi history. Whether you're a history buff, a curious traveler, or a family looking for an educational outing, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know before visiting the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Overview: A Cultural Jewel in Riyadh Opened in 1999 , the National Museum is part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. It's housed in a modern architectural masterpiece that reflects traditional Najdi design, covering more than 28,000 square meters of exhibition space. The museum presents the story of Saudi Arabia—from prehistoric times to the modern kingdom—across eight cura...

 Saudi Arabia is undergoing a profound transformation, and at the heart of this change is its ambitious development blueprint known as Vision 2030 . Launched in 2016 under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman , Vision 2030 aims to diversify the Kingdom’s oil-dependent economy and establish a vibrant society with a thriving cultural scene. One of the most notable and visible aspects of this vision is the cultural revival sweeping across the country. In this blog, we will explore how Vision 2030 is reshaping Saudi Arabia's cultural identity, empowering creatives, restoring heritage, and opening new opportunities for tourism, education, and global exchange. What Is Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s strategic plan to reduce its dependence on oil, develop public service sectors like health, education, and tourism, and build a more diverse and sustainable economy. A core pillar of this vision is to create a vibrant society by promoting arts, heritage, and culture....

Visiting Madinah as a Non-Muslim: What You Can and Can’t Do (2025 Guide) Madinah (also spelled Medina) is one of the holiest cities in Islam, second only to Makkah. It holds deep religious, historical, and cultural significance for Muslims around the world. But if you’re a non-Muslim living in or visiting Saudi Arabia, you may be wondering: Can non-Muslims visit Madinah? What areas are accessible? And what should you know before going? In this detailed guide, we explain the current rules (as of 2025), areas you can visit, what to avoid, and how to be respectful when exploring Madinah as a non-Muslim. Can Non-Muslims Visit Madinah? Yes — non-Muslims are allowed to visit the city of Madinah itself. Contrary to a common misconception, the entire city is not off-limits. However, there are certain restricted areas that are only accessible to Muslims. The area immediately surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) — called the Haram area — is restricted, and entry is...

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...

Local Customs and Cultural Etiquette in Saudi Arabia: A Guide for Expats Saudi Arabia is a country rich in tradition, faith, and hospitality. For expats moving to the Kingdom, understanding local customs and cultural etiquette is key to adapting smoothly and showing respect to your host country. In this post, we’ll explore important aspects of Saudi culture—what to do, what to avoid, and how to navigate daily life with cultural awareness and confidence. --- 🇸🇦 Understanding Islamic Influence on Daily Life Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and Islamic teachings influence nearly every aspect of daily life. As an expat, it's important to respect local religious practices, even if you're not a Muslim. Prayer Times: There are five daily prayers. During prayer times, many shops and offices may temporarily close. Ramadan: During the holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours is considered dis...

Navigating Daily Life in Saudi Arabia: Money, Groceries, and Local Tips for Expats So you’ve landed in Saudi Arabia, settled into your accommodation, and are ready to begin your new chapter. But what is day-to-day life really like here? Whether you’re in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, understanding how things work — from handling money to shopping for food — can help you adjust faster and avoid confusion. Here’s your practical guide to navigating daily life in Saudi Arabia as an expat . --- 💵 Currency & Handling Money The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR) . One riyal is made up of 100 halalas. Notes are available in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 SAR denominations. Currency code: SAR Exchange rate: Roughly pegged to the US dollar (1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR) 🧾 Payment Methods Cash: Still widely used in local markets and small shops Cards: Most places accept Visa and MasterCard Apple Pay & STC Pay: Popular in urban areas, especially among younger Sau...

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...

Starting My Life in Saudi Arabia: An Expat's Personal Journey Welcome to My Life in Saudi — a personal blog sharing real experiences, practical tips, and cultural insights about living in Saudi Arabia as an expat. Whether you're planning to move here or are simply curious, this blog is for you. Why I Moved to Saudi Arabia Relocating to Saudi Arabia was a major life decision. Like many expats, I came here for a job opportunity, driven by curiosity, career goals, and the desire to experience something completely new. The Kingdom is undergoing rapid transformation, and I wanted to be a part of that story. First Impressions of Life in Saudi From day one, I was struck by the hospitality of the people, the richness of Islamic and Arab culture, and the balance between tradition and modernity. The cities are clean and well-developed, the infrastructure is impressive, and there’s a lot more diversity than I expected. At the same time, cultural norms are different — and adapti...