One of the most overwhelming aspects of expat life is, without a shadow of a doubt, navigating a foreign tax system. It’s a crucial process with serious implications if you fail to comply, and is one that can be fraught with frustrations and confusion. Particularly in a country which may be very different from the home you are used to, the ins and outs of the specific taxes that you need to pay can cause you to feel stressed and disorientated.   more ...

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Saudi Arabia and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.   more ...

When choosing your ideal expat destination, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) might not be the first place that pops into your mind. The culture and lifestyle in this conservative Middle Eastern nation is completely different from that of many Western countries. The constitution in the birthplace of Islam is based on religious beliefs and the authorities are rather strict. Officials ensure that the residents, locals and foreigners follow the laws that have been laid down at all times.   more ...

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Saudi Arabia and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.   more ...

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Saudi Arabia and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.   more ...

Being an expat is always a challenge, no matter how eager you are for new experiences and how willing you are to suffer confusion or discomfort. However, living in Saudi Arabia can be a particularly trying experience for some. The restrictions on most aspects of life leave very little to do outside of work, and flouting the norms is not just a question of impropriety - most restrictions have the law behind them, and the consequences of breaking them are severe.   more ...

Saudi Arabia is a deeply conservative country that is governed by Sharia law. Saudi nationals strictly adhere to the dress code. The rules are slightly more relaxed for expats, especially within compounds, but they are expected to abide by the dress code in the public space. The traditional dress for Saudi men is the thobe, an ankle-length garment that is quite suitable for the desert climate of Saudi Arabia. It is usually white in color, but men wear darker colors too especially during winters. There is also a headdress that goes along with the thobe. Saudi women are expected to cover their everyday clothes in public with a loose-fitting, opaque cloak.   more ...

Moving to Saudi Arabia can be quite intimidating for anyone who has spent most of their life in a Western or liberal democratic country. It’s important that you understand the reasons behind the conservative laws and culture before you move to the country however. Being the birthplace of Islam, with its holiest sites, the nation is extremely strict when it comes to religious traditions and practices. The draconian laws and harsh punishments meted out for any violation can deter most expats, but the fact is most expats don’t visit the kingdom for its vibrant night life or for the welcoming culture! The oil-rich nation offers expats an opportunity to make a fortune with hefty salaries that are tax-free. Most expats moving to Saudi understand that they must trade off civil and personal liberties for huge financial gains, and in so doing accept the responsibilities of life in the kingdom.   more ...

Saudi Arabia is the biggest economy in the whole of the Middle East and its lucrative job opportunities attract a multitude of expats each year. In spite of this considerable foreign population, the country remains deeply traditional and the society is marked by strict rules pertaining to religion and culture, which even foreign residents are expected to follow. So just how does one explore the local culture and communicate with people in a country as orthodox as Saudi Arabia? Here are some tips to help you get started.

Language

Arabic is the official language of the country. However English is spoken widely and is also taught as a compulsory language in schools. Other languages that are generally spoken in Saudi Arabia include Urdu, Turkish and Farsi.   more ...

Saudi Arabia is a land of stark contradictions, widely misunderstood and often misrepresented. While a lot that you’ve heard about Saudi Arabia is probably true, most of it needs to be taken in context to the cultural and religious identity of the nation. No one would make the move to Saudi Arabia for greater freedom or to feel safe, the driving force is always monetary gain, and Saudi is a great place to get rich pretty quick. If you wish to further your career goals through a move to the Kingdom, be prepared to forego most of those aspects of life that we hold so dear in secular democratic societies.   more ...