Saudi Arabia Relocation

RELOCATION TO SAUDI ARABIA

As relocation experts, at Move One we know how important it is to familiarize yourself with your potential new home before making the big move.

Move One is therefore pleased to present its country profiles which take a closer look at Relocation, Immigration, Moving and Pet Transportation issues in each of its locations.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia connects Africa to mainland Asia and is the spiritual center of the Islamic world, Mecca and the sacred city of Medina.

Rarely visited for its cultural experience, weather or culinary offerings, Saudi Arabia is home to many expatriates who are essentially making the most of tax-free salaries whilst enjoying western lifestyles in secluded compounds.

Although its cities are bustling modern commercial hubs, this deeply Muslim country is keen on keeping its traditions as well as cultural and religious heritage.

In the midst of it all the modern high-rises, blossoming from the countries oil industry, the magic of Arabia still shines through in the souks and small city streets. For instance, the ruins of 15th-century Dir’aiyah and the ancient city of Jeddah make for interesting cultural experiences.

The Kingdom holds an important position both culturally, geographically and spiritually in the Arab world, making it at times a precarious place for westerners.

It is therefore essential that expats familiarize themselves with the local and Islamic customs as well as with laws in place to avoid indiscretion.

As a foreigner you will have no choice but to rent since expatriates cannot own land or property in Saudi Arabia.

Most expat accommodation in the Kingdom is found within walled complexes and compounds. Some are guarded and most contain a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, libraries and even shopping centers.

On the one hand, these compounds form self-contained expatriate neighborhoods, making the transition when moving to Saudi, meeting people and making friends much easier. Conversely, they are very removed from Saudi life, creating a parallel expat world.

However, apartments and villas are also available outside such enclosed compounds but these are not recommended for expats who have not lived in Saudi Arabia before and do not have a ready-made circle of friends.

Prices vary from $11,000 per year for bachelor flats, to $80,000 for exclusive free-standing villas.

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Although health care standards are very high in Saudi Arabia, its high costs for expats make it crucial to obtain health insurance. The King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh and the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital are only two of the numerous medical centers and hospitals to choose from.

Pharmacies offer all the basic medication and in some cases, you will not even require a prescription, although at home you may have had to. Please keep all prescriptions with you, especially when bringing medicine into the country; otherwise the seized products may be considered illegal narcotics.

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Cost of living in Saudi Arabia is comparable to that in many European countries and the US, although it will invariably depend on your lifestyle.

Overall, the highest ‘cost of living’ item is housing, which has been increasing over the past few years.

However, as some regional governments own utility services such as electricity, water and gas, they are subsidized to a certain extent, providing inexpensive utilities, mainly for the benefit of the local population. Note that air-conditioning costs will escalate during the summer just as those of heating in the winter for the cooler regions.

Due to lower import duties and general lack of taxation, other items such as cars and electronic goods are cheaper than in Europe.

On the other hand, branded or imported food items and clothing will be marginally more expensive. Bear in mind though that there are cheaper locally produced alternatives available.

Below is a monthly average of major expenses (in US Dollars) for various household sizes:

Product	Price ($ USD)	Local Currency (Saudi Riyals – SAR)
Restaurants
Meal for 2, Inexpensive Restaurant	21	80
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant	32	120
McDonald’s BigMac	4,5	17
Medium Latte @ Starbucks/Costa	3	12
Consumables
Fresh Milk (1 liter)	1,3	5
Eggs (Dozen)	4,8	18
Sugar (1 kg)	1,9	7
Tomatoes (1 kg)	1,9	7
Chciken filet (1 kg)	8,3	31
Apples (1 kg)	1,3	5
Domestic Beer Barbican (1 bottle) – non alcoholic	0,53	2
Heineken (330 ml bottle) – non alcoholic	0,8	3
Pack of Marlboro Red	2,1	8
Snickers Bar	0,53	2
Lipton Tea (25 bag box)	3	11
Transportation
Taxi (5km, downtown)	6,5	25
Gasoline (1 liter 95)	0,146	0,55
Recreation
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	426,6	1600 / 3 months
Grooming
Male Haircut	9,3	35
Female Haircut	18,6	70
Pair of Men’s Levis 501	106,6	400
Manicure	13,3	50
Pedicure	13,3	50
Household Goods
Palmolive Soap (Bar, 80g)	1	4
Colgate Toothpaste (reg. tube)	2,13	8
Johnsons Baby Shampoo (15 oz.)	3,73	14
Tide Detergent (Powder, 33 oz.)	1,6	6
4 x Duracell ‘AA’ Bateries	7	26
Windex Window Cleaner (32 oz)	2,13	8

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While Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia, in business and social affairs English is understood and used.

Note that most employment and business contracts are in Arabic, so before signing anything, make sure you obtain a full translation.

It is possible to get by without being fluent in Arabic, but making a minimum effort to learn at the basics pays off, especially if you are planning on spending several years in Saudi Arabia. Not only will it enable you to communicate with locals, making your stay more enjoyable, but it could also boost your career prospects.


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With the wide range of state schools in Arabic not normally being available to expat children, the only alternative is the private sector. Saudi Arabia’s international schools, often based on the American and British curricula, are of reasonable standard.

However, some expats choose to have their children attend boarding schools back home as the overall shortage of qualified teaching staff does impact on secondary school educational standards. On the other hand, the high turnover of pupils means that the entrance into schools in Saudi Arabia is rarely a problem.
Fees for these schools are often high, easily exceeding $8,000 per academic year.

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Saudi Arabia’s climate is generally hot and dry with cooler nights and high humidity along the coast. However, there are extreme seasonal contrasts depending on the city you live in, with summer temperatures reaching 45°C and winter temperatures plunging below freezing in some places.

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Although, there are no public entertainment facilities such as cinemas or theaters, you will find a wide variety of leisure and social activities such as clubs and societies within expatriate compounds. Additionally for women, there are women’s clubs such as the Canadian Women of Riyadh and the American Women of Riyadh. Shopping and eating are also popular pastimes.

Expats often take trips diving in the Gulf or Red Sea, into the desert or visit the historic ruins at Madain Saleh.

An important issue to bear in mind is that unmarried couples are not allowed to travel or dine together off-compound unless they are accompanied by another married couple.

Culture Shock – Saudi Traditions and Customs

Saudi Arabia, for many, will be an exotic and strange place to relocate to and its cultural differences should not be underestimated.

Here are only a few of the customs to bear in mind and rules to which expats are also expected to comply to.

• Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced by religious police. No religion, except Islam, is practiced in public but there are other religious options in the Embassies.

• No alcohol, pork products or religious books and artifacts not related to Islam are permitted in the country.

• Bars and cinemas are banned in Saudi Arabia, and alcoholic beverages are illegal. However, in practice, alcohol is consumed inside Western compounds and at other expat parties.

• Remember to dress conservatively at all times and women should wear the black all encompassing cover called “Abaya” whenever they are out in public.

• Driving is forbidden for women and socializing in public with men not married or directly related to them is prohibited.

• Remember to always use the right hand for everything, including giving, receiving things or eating, as the left is considered unclean.

• Although expatriates are not required to fast during the month of Ramadan, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.

• Bear in mind that taking photographs of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed.

• One last recommendation is to be patient as life in Saudi moves at a slower pace.

However well prepared new expats are, there will always be a certain degree of cultural adjustment, which will often take several months. So keep a positive attitude and give yourself time to settle into your new home!

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If you are considering moving to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Move One’s relocation services include city orientation, home and school searches, immigration as well as door to door moving services worldwide and cover packing of personal effects, warehousing, pet transportation and fine art shipping. Should you need help with your corporate or individual relocation needs, or if you would like to receive a free moving quote, do not hesitate to contact us at relo@moveoneinc.com.