Saudi Life for Expats in 2026: The Complete, Practical Guide
Saudi Arabia has become one of the most talked-about expat destinations in the Gulf because it combines strong career opportunities, modern city life, and a cultural environment that still follows Islamic values and public rules. What makes Saudi unique is that your daily experience can feel completely different depending on your job level, city, housing type (compound vs normal apartment), and whether you live as a single professional or with a family.
In 2026, the “new Saudi” is real in many ways: entertainment seasons, global food brands, better public spaces, rapid digital government services, and a growing tourism scene. But the “old Saudi” is also real: laws matter, public behavior is expected to be respectful, and some lifestyle elements that exist in other countries (like public alcohol culture) are still restricted for the general public. This guide is written to help a newcomer understand Saudi life realistically—without fear, without sugar-coating
Read More: How to Apply Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia 2026 – Complete & Easy Guide
Read More: Life in Saudi Arabia: What Makes People Stay Longer Than Planned
Saudi Life for Expats: Tradition + Opportunity (What to Expect in 2026)
For many expats, Saudi is attractive because it offers competitive salaries, and in many roles you can still build strong savings—especially if your employer provides key benefits like housing allowance, health insurance, and annual flights. At the same time, Saudi life is shaped by religion, family norms, and public etiquette, so the “best experience” comes from understanding how to live comfortably within those social rules.
Vision 2030 continues to influence everyday life—particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province—through infrastructure, entertainment, tourism, and digital services. Most expats find that after the first few months of adjustment, daily life becomes routine and surprisingly smooth, especially once banking, residency, and transport are settled.
Adjusting to Saudi Culture and Lifestyle
The adjustment period is real. Many newcomers experience “culture shock” mainly because Saudi’s public life follows Islamic traditions and the social environment is more conservative than most expats are used to.
You’ll notice that prayer times shape the rhythm of many neighborhoods, particularly outside major commercial areas. The workweek is typically Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as weekend. Reuters
Most expats settle faster when they learn a few practical habits: dress modestly in public spaces, avoid loud arguments, don’t film people without permission, and be careful with humor or criticism in public or online. Saudi society is generally polite and welcoming, but it also expects respectful behavior.
Culture shock: what surprises people most
New expats usually mention these early surprises:
- Different weekend / work rhythm (Sunday–Thursday)
- Public behavior standards (less tolerance for loud conflict)
- More conservative dating / relationship norms
- Heat affecting daily timing, especially summer
- More paperwork at the beginning, then everything becomes app-driven
Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia and Financial Planning (2026 Reality)
Saudi can be “high savings” or “high cost” depending on a few big variables: rent, school fees, and lifestyle choices. A family with two kids in an international school will have a totally different cost profile than a single professional.
Also important: Saudi has VAT at 15% on most goods/services, so your shopping and dining costs include that reality.
Typical monthly costs (ballpark ranges)
These are practical ranges expats report across major cities:
| Expense | Single (SAR) | Family of 4 (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 2,000–5,500 | 5,000–12,000 |
| Groceries | 900–1,600 | 2,200–4,200 |
| Utilities + Internet | 350–900 | 650–1,500 |
| Transport | 500–1,500 | 900–2,500 |
| School fees (if applicable) | — | 1,500–6,000+ per child |
What drives cost the most: Rent + schooling + compound choice.
Employer benefits (this can change everything)
A good expat package typically includes some combination of:
housing or housing allowance, health insurance, annual flight tickets, and sometimes education allowance, and sometimes the family levy, which is 400 per individual per month.
If your package includes housing and school allowance, Saudi Arabia becomes a savings powerhouse. If it doesn’t, your lifestyle choices matter a lot more.
Housing & Expat Compounds (What’s Best in 2026?)
Housing is usually the biggest decision after landing. Most expats choose between:
- Regular apartments/villas in city neighborhoods
- Expat compounds (gated communities with facilities and a more “international bubble” lifestyle)
Regular housing (outside compounds)
This is common for single expats and mid-budget families. You get more “real Saudi” life, and often better value.
Expat compounds
Compounds can feel like a different world—private, secure, social, and facility-rich. Many compounds offer pools, gyms, playgrounds, mini-market services, and community events. This helps families and many women expats feel more relaxed.
Important: compounds are usually much more expensive than regular housing and may have limited availability.
Quick comparison table
| Factor | Regular Apartment/Villa | Expat Compound |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Facilities | Depends | Usually strong |
| Social life | Build it yourself | Easier community |
| Privacy & security | Varies | Usually high |
| Lifestyle freedom | Standard public norms | More relaxed internally |
City Comparison for Expats: Riyadh vs Jeddah vs Dammam/Khobar
Saudi life varies sharply by city. The “best city” depends on your goals.
Riyadh (career and growth)
Riyadh feels like a fast-moving business capital. It has more corporate and government opportunities, bigger events, and a high-energy environment. The trade-off is traffic and often higher rent.
Jeddah (lifestyle and sea)
Jeddah has a more relaxed social vibe and a coastal lifestyle. Many expats find it easier emotionally because the city feels less “intense” than Riyadh. It’s also more humid.
Dammam/Khobar (family stability + Eastern Province)
The Eastern Province has strong industrial and corporate ecosystems, and many expat families enjoy Khobar’s calmer lifestyle. Entertainment is growing, but the pace is generally more family-oriented.
| Feature | Riyadh | Jeddah | Dammam/Khobar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job market | Very strong | Strong | Strong (industry-heavy) |
| Pace of life | Fast | Relaxed | Calm |
| Family comfort | High | High | Very high |
| Weather | Dry heat | Humid | Humid + coastal winds |
| Cost | Often higher | Medium-high | Medium |
Life for Different Types of Expats (Reality Check)
Saudi is home to expats from everywhere: South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The lived experience differs based on income level, job sector, and housing more than nationality—yet community networks also matter.
South Asian expats (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, Sri Lankan)
These communities are large and established. Many expats benefit from familiar food, language groups, and community support. However, income ranges vary widely—from labor roles to high-skilled professional positions.
Filipino expats
Commonly seen in healthcare, service industries, aviation, and hospitality. Strong community networks exist and English fluency helps day-to-day ease.
Western expats
Often in multinational roles, consulting, education, healthcare, engineering, and leadership positions. Many prefer compound living and have stronger benefits packages, but still need cultural awareness in public life.
Daily Life & Social Activities
Saudi daily life has a certain rhythm. People shop late, meet in cafés late, and socialize heavily in malls and family spaces—especially in summer when daytime is harsh.
Work routine
The standard schedule is Sunday to Thursday with Friday–Saturday weekend.
Some workplaces are more flexible now, but the general rhythm remains consistent.
Cafés and dining culture (very important in Saudi)
Saudi has one of the strongest café cultures in the region. For expats, cafés become “third spaces” for social life because nightlife is not alcohol-centered like other countries.
Outdoor life depends on weather
Saudi outdoor life comes alive from October to March. That’s when expats do desert trips, parks, camping, and weekend travel.
Ramadan Life for Expats
Ramadan is a major cultural month and it affects schedules, food routines, and public behavior.
For workplaces, official guidance includes reduced working hours for Muslims during Ramadan, typically not exceeding 6 hours per day (36 per week). HRSD Ministry
(Non-Muslim schedules can vary by employer, but the overall pace is still different.)
In Ramadan, expats should be extra respectful in public—especially around eating, music volume, and behavior near prayer times.
Family Life, Education & Raising Kids
Saudi is widely viewed as a family-oriented and generally safe environment. Many expat families appreciate:
- structured lifestyle
- strong family values
- low street crime compared to many countries
- lots of indoor family activities (malls, play zones, food courts)
Education options
Saudi Arabia offers two main education paths for expat families: Ministry (local public) schools and international/private schools. While non-Saudi students can be admitted to state schools, acceptance is limited by seat availability and district quotas, including a 15% cap referenced by the Ministry of Education. Ministry of Education Most expat families choose international schools because they offer English-medium learning and globally recognized curricula, while still operating under Saudi education regulations and supervision.
Expat kids typically attend private or international schools with British, American, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, or IB curricula. Availability and fees vary heavily by city and school tier.
Quick Comparison Table: Ministry vs International Schools (for Expats)
| Factor | Ministry / Public (Local) Schools | International / Private Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility for expats | Possible, but limited and depends on seats + district quota | Generally available if you meet admission requirements |
| Seat availability | Can be hard to find in popular areas; non-Saudis acceptance is capped at 15% at district level (Ministry of Education) | More options across cities; still may have waiting lists for top schools |
| Language of instruction | Mostly Arabic (Saudi curriculum) | Usually English (American/British/IB) or community language (Indian/Pakistani/Filipino schools) (My Government) |
| Curriculum | Saudi national curriculum | American / British / IB / CBSE / community curricula (school dependent) (My Government) |
| Islamic studies / Arabic | Core part of schooling (varies by grade/track) | Usually includes Arabic and Saudi-mandated subjects (requirements apply) (Ministry of Education) |
| Fees | Usually much cheaper than international (350-1000)SR/Month | Can be expensive, especially premium/IB schools (1000-5000)SR/Month |
| Best for | Families planning long-term stay and kids already strong in Arabic | Families planning international university, frequent relocation, or children who need English-medium learning |
| Social environment | More local integration, fewer expat peers | More expat diversity, easier transition for new arrivals |
| Admissions process | Depends on district and availability; typically via official systems | School-based admissions tests/interviews + Ministry compliance (Ministry of Education) |
Important: school admissions can be competitive. Families should plan early (even before relocation) if possible.
Women’s Life & Rights in Saudi Arabia (2026 View)
Saudi has changed dramatically for women over the past years. Women drive, work in more sectors, and participate more openly in public life. Still, public modesty norms remain important, especially in certain regions and government settings.
For many expat women, the experience depends on:
- city (Riyadh/Jeddah often feel easier)
- job environment
- housing type (compound vs outside)
- personal comfort with conservative norms
Most expat women report feeling generally safe, but it is still wise to apply common-sense precautions (especially at night or in unfamiliar areas), same as any country.
Healthcare System & Insurance for Expats
Healthcare quality in Saudi can be excellent, especially in major private hospitals. The key is insurance.
Health insurance is mandatory for residents, and the system is regulated by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI/CHI). Health Council
Employers are obligated to cover employees, and the rules around coverage can extend into probation periods and other conditions. Health Council
Saudi also recently tightened rules around insurance and certain visa processes (including links between insurance and visa issuance in some cases), reflecting stricter compliance expectations.
Practical advice: always check:
- which hospitals are in-network
- co-pay percentage
- dental/maternity coverage
- emergency coverage rules
Religion, Culture & Legal Restrictions (What Expats Must Know)
Saudi law and public culture are shaped by Islamic principles. Expats can live comfortably, but they must understand the boundaries.
Key restrictions and public rules
Alcohol remains banned for the general public. There have been limited, controlled exceptions for specific categories (such as certain non-Muslim groups tied to diplomatic/premium residency conditions), but this does not mean Saudi has “legalized alcohol” broadly. AP News
Drug laws are extremely strict. Public behavior matters. Avoid public conflict, avoid disrespect to religion/culture, and be cautious online.
Getting Around: Driving, Ride-Hailing, and Emergencies
Driving is common because it’s convenient. Ride-hailing (Uber/Careem) is widely used, especially by newcomers and many women expats.
Emergency numbers (save these)
Saudi has clear emergency lines, and some can be dialed even without a SIM:
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency (without SIM) | 112 My Government |
| Police | 999 My Government+1 |
| Ambulance | 997 My Government+1 |
| Civil Defense | 998 My Government+1 |
| Traffic accidents | 993 My Government+1 |
| Unified emergency (some regions) | 911 STC |
Digital Services Expats Use Daily (Absher, Tawakkalna, Banking)
Saudi is one of the most digital countries in the region for government processes.
Absher (Ministry of Interior services)
Absher covers essential resident services such as exit/re-entry visas and status inquiries and many other MOI-related services. Absher
Tawakkalna (national super app)
Tawakkalna is widely described as a national super app that combines multiple services and documents in one place. Google Play, App Store
Banking apps
Saudi banking apps are heavily used for:
- salary
- bills
- transfers
- digital payments
Practical truth: once Absher + Tawakkalna + banking are set up, life becomes much smoother.
Retirement Planning for Expats (Important Reality)
Saudi can be financially rewarding, but expats should plan long-term because residency typically depends on your employment status (unless you have special residency frameworks). Some high-skilled or investor routes exist (e.g., Premium Residency frameworks), but those are not the standard path for most expats. MISA
Best practice: treat your Saudi years as a “wealth-building phase” and set clear targets:
- emergency fund
- home country investments
- education plan for kids
- exit plan timeline
Final Takeaway: Who Enjoys Saudi Life Most?
Expats who enjoy Saudi most typically have three things:
- A clear financial plan (rent + schooling + savings target)
- Respect for local culture and laws
- A lifestyle setup that fits their personality (city choice + housing choice)
Saudi in 2026 can be a great chapter in life—especially for expats who come prepared and build a routine fast.
FAQ
- Is Saudi Arabia good for expats in 2026?
Yes—if you value career growth, safety, and tax-advantaged savings, and you’re comfortable respecting public culture. - What is the weekend in Saudi Arabia?
Most workplaces follow Friday–Saturday weekend and Sunday–Thursday workweek. - How much salary is enough to live comfortably?
It depends on rent + school fees. Singles can live well on mid-range salaries; families need more if paying private school. Minimum from 5000SR with 2 Dependent - Is living in an expat compound worth it?
Worth it for families and newcomers who want community, facilities, and privacy—but it’s usually more expensive. - Which is better for expats: Riyadh or Jeddah?
Riyadh for career growth; Jeddah for lifestyle and coastal living. - Do expats pay VAT in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, most goods/services include VAT (15%). - What are the Ramadan working hours?
For Muslim workers, working hours reduce to max 6 hours/day or 36 hours/week. - Is health insurance mandatory for expats?
Yes—insurance is required and typically arranged through your employer. - What apps do expats need in Saudi Arabia?
Absher (residency/visas) and Tawakkalna (digital services) are the most important. - What are Saudi emergency numbers?
Key numbers include 112 (no SIM), 999 police, 997 ambulance, 998 civil defense, 993 traffic. - Can non-Muslims live comfortably in Saudi Arabia?
Yes—especially in major cities—by respecting public norms and rules. - Can expats stay long-term or retire in Saudi?
Most expats plan an exit strategy; some explore Premium Residency routes depending on eligibility.
