There are a large number of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, the biggest groups of these being low-skilled workers from South and South East Asia. There are also significant numbers of Western expatriates working in the country on temporary contracts, many of whom have been attracted by the high salaries and other benefits on offer, and are prepared to tolerate the necessary restrictions on their lifestyle for a few years or so. The largest groups of Western expatriates live in Riyadh in the interior of the country, or Jeddah on the west coast.

Life for Western women is particularly restrictive in Saudi Arabia. They are expected to wear a black abaya and to cover their hair when in public, and they are not allowed to drive. Men are also expected to dress modestly, and to wear jackets or long-sleeved shirts and long trousers when in public. Outside expatriate compounds, there are no entertainment facilities to speak of, although there are many local and western restaurants, and a large number of shopping malls. The religious police do not enter the expatriate compounds, where a wide variety of social activities can often be found, and where people also commonly brew their own alcoholic beverages.

Recently, there has been a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. Many countries require nationals to register with their embassies in Saudi Arabia. Even if this is not a requirement, it is advisable to do so.

It should be noted that in Saudi Arabia a lunar calendar is in operation and each month has 29 or 30 days.

Added 2/11/05 by Tex - You mentioned high numbers of expats in Riyadh and Jeddah, when in fact the most expats can be found in and around Dhahran. Also, there is the fact that all local employees are available to police for the purpose of knowing what happens inside the compounds. The police can and do enter compounds, if suspected drugs are there, after asking permission from the managers.

--

Got something to add to this section? Spotted something which should be changed? Please let us know!

Click here to return to the contents page for "Saudi Arabia - an expatriate guide."