Saudi Arabia is home to over 30 local and international banks, so if you are an expat living there, you won’t struggle for options when it comes to banking. Studies conducted in 2019 show that four domestic banks in the country account for roughly 57% of total sector assets. These establishments are the National Commercial … Read more

Saudi Arabia (officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) is a country constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. Geographically, Saudi Arabia is the largest sovereign state in Western Asia, and the second-largest in the Arab world (after Algeria). Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, … Read more

The prosperous, oil-rich Gulf state of Saudi Arabia has long been an attractive prospect for expats seeking employment, particularly in the oil and gas sectors. However, in recent years this has started to change and there has been something of an exodus of foreign workers from the country.The Saudi government – like those of many … Read more

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 … Read 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.Saudi Expat News / UpdatesFacebook Page … Read 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.The Blue Abayahttp://www.blueabaya.com/ Laylah is a Finnish expat who came to … Read 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.Lost In Riyadhhttps://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/ The German author of Lost In Riyadh chose … Read 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 … Read 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 … Read 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 … Read 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 … Read more

Many expats who relocate to Saudi Arabia for work receive subsidized housing, transports, health insurance and education for their children. Such benefits make the cost of living in this country quite affordable. With much of their expenses taken care of, expats are usually able to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. Saudi Arabia falls in the mid-range … Read more

Saudi Arabia has the biggest economy in the Middle East, and expats often move there for lucrative job opportunities and business purposes. In spite of a considerable international population, Saudi Arabia has a deeply traditional culture that is governed by strict rules and regulations. However, there are some unique and rewarding experiences to be had … Read more

Even though the Public Transport system in Saudi Arabia is quite advanced, most residents own a vehicle and prefer to drive around, which is why there is one car for every four people. As compared to other countries, gas in Saudi Arabia is very reasonably priced. Moreover, the road network and infrastructure in Saudi Arabia … Read more

Saudi Arabia is the biggest economy in the Middle East and every year many foreigners move to the country for business purposes. But Saudi Arabia is a country governed by rather strict rules and observances and adjusting to its culture and lifestyle may take some time. However there are benefits for the many expats who … Read more

Saudi Arabia is a conservative country with deep religious roots. Since the culture here is so vastly different from western countries, expats may take some time to adjust. While culture shock may be uncomfortable, it does wear off and in the meantime it’s important to stay positive and willing to explore a new way of … Read more

Perhaps the closest analog to a constitution in Saudi Arabia is its Basic Law, a document divided into nine chapters and a total of 83 articles. Interestingly enough, this places Saudi Arabia in very limited company, which includes the United Kingdom and Israel (though the 1948 Israeli Declaration of Independence states that one should be … Read more

Most of us are probably not under any illusions about weather conditions in Saudi Arabia, and know that living in a desert climate means dealing regularly with some of the most extreme temperatures that the sun can deliver. How extreme, you might ask? Well, the city of Riyadh once reported a record high of fifty-six … Read more

Saudi Arabia hosts at least two of the world’s most profitable industries (oil refinement and production), and as such it is regularly in need of foreign expertise in these fields. Expat professionals, who have secured work in Saudi Arabia, though this may present the opportunity of a lifetime for them, should be aware that full … Read more

According to statistics, there are approximately 8 million non-Saudi residents in Saudi Arabia. These levels prove that it is a popular choice for expats and has its appeal. The desert land is run by strict laws and tradition which need to be abided by, understood and respected by expats who move to the country. It … Read more