How to Make Friends as an Expat in Saudi Arabia: A Practical Guide
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...