- Juan Garcia
Making business in Riyadh was easy. But meeting true friends is hard. I found them on InterNations, where the global minds meet.
Expat life in Riyadh: What you need to know
Thinking about moving to Riyadh? Expats come here for the career opportunities, modern amenities, and a vibrant international community. With the Saudi national Vision 2030 plan underway, the city is also rapidly evolving both economically and socially.
For expats, adjusting to life in Riyadh comes with its challenges. But with the right guidance, you can settle in smoothly. And that’s where InterNations comes in!
Read on to learn the pros and cons of living in Riyadh, get first-hand expat insights, and discover how to connect with like-minded internationals. We’re here to help you prepare for your move and make the most of expat life in Riyadh.
Why you'll love InterNations in Riyadh
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
Pros and Cons of Living in Riyadh: Insights from our Expat Insider Survey
Get insights on living in Riyadh — directly from the expat community! In 2024, over 12,000 expats participated in the InterNations Expat Insider survey. The survey covers varied aspects of living and working abroad and ranks 53 cities around the world. Based on this, we’ve rounded up the key pros and cons of living in Riyadh. By weighing these pros and cons, you can decide if Riyadh is the right destination for your move.
Pros:
Career opportunities: Riyadh ranks 4th in the Working Abroad Index out of 53 cities worldwide, with a remarkable 75% of expats saying that their career prospects have improved since relocating. Riyadh also ranks 2nd for overall job satisfaction.
Healthcare: Expats rank Riyadh 9th for healthcare out of 53 cities, with 62% saying they’re satisfied with the affordability of healthcare (vs. 58% globally).
Personal finance: Even though expat life can be expensive here, it’s notable that 58% of expats say they’re happy with their financial situation (vs. 54% globally). Riyadh even ranks 12th in the Personal Finance Index.
Settling in: Feeling at home is easier in Riyadh than other cities, according to expats. Riyadh ranks 12th in our survey’s Ease of Settling In index in 2024 (showing a nice jump from 22nd in 2023). Riyadh ranks 14th for Culture and Welcome, with 69% saying they feel welcome here (vs. 63% globally).
Expat community: With a large expat population, it’s easier to find others in a similar situation and share experiences. The non-Saudi population is expected to increase in the coming years. In our survey, 53% of expats say they’re happy with their social life here (vs. 52% globally).
Cons:
Limited leisure options: As many amenities are in gated communities, expats experience a lack of variety here. For example, Riyadh ranks 50th out of 53 cities when it comes to opportunities for recreational sports.
Cultural adjustments: Understanding and adapting to local culture, rules, and traditions can be a challenge for some. However in our survey, 58% of expats agree it’s “easy” to get used to the local culture, which is almost on par with the global average of 59%.
Limited freedom of expression: Only 37% of expats in Riyadh agree they can freely express themselves and their opinions, vs. 62% globally.
Extremely hot climate: The hot and dry climate is difficult for many expats to get used to. Extremely high summer temperatures make doing outdoor activities very difficult. Riyadh ranks 43rd out of 53 for Climate & Environment in our survey.
Travel & transit: Expats are dissatisfied with the opportunities for travel, ranking Riyadh 44th. Moreover, the transportation system does not earn high marks either, as the city ranks just 47th out of 53 for the availability of public transportation. (However, this could change in the future — a new expansive metro system opened in 2025).
Frequently asked questions about expat life in Riyadh
We answer your most pressing questions about moving to Riyadh in this section. From pre-move knowledge about visas to day-to-day essentials like cost of living, healthcare, safety, accommodation, and transportation, we cover it all. Plus, we provide tips on how to connect with others and build a social network in your new home!
It is important to know what to expect when it comes to living expenses. Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
| Local currency per month | USD per month | |
1 bedroom apartment | 3,000–5,000 SAR | 800–1,333 USD |
3 bedroom apartment | 7,200–7,800 SAR | 1,900–2,080 USD |
Utilities | 300–800 SAR | 80–213 USD |
Groceries | 800–1,500 SAR | 213–400 USD |
Restaurant | Approx. 200 SAR | Approx. 50 USD |
Leisure | 300–600 SAR | 80–160 USD |
Telecommunication | 300–500 SAR | 80–133 USD |
If you’re planning to work and live in Riyadh, there are specific visa and work permit requirements you must fulfill. The application involves submitting documents like proof of employment and financial stability. For the latest guidance, refer to the official government website or consult experts about your particular situation. You can also check MOFA for updates on visa policies, requirements, and fees for long-stay visas.
Apartments are common in central areas like Al Olaya, Al Malaz, and Al Batha. These are typically modern, high-rise buildings that cater to singles and smaller families.
Villas and Townhouses are more common in suburban areas such as Al Mohammadiya, Al Narjis, Al Shati, and Al Yarmouk.
Many expatriates, especially those working for international companies, live in expat compounds. These compounds offer a range of amenities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and international schools, and are usually more secluded, providing a more Western lifestyle.
Dirab Compound and Al Hamra are some examples of expat compounds. To browse housing options, visit the Bayut website (available in English).
Al Olaya: A central business district, ideal for professionals where you’ll find many modern apartments and amenities.
Diplomatic Quarter: Expats often live here, with quiet, secure surroundings and plenty of green spaces.
Al Mohammadiya: An upscale area popular with families, known for its residential villas and proximity to schools.
Riyadh’s Northern Suburbs: Areas like Al Shati and Al Narjis are growing in popularity, offering spacious housing options.
King Saud Road: A prime area with good access to shopping, dining, and office buildings.
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is a rapidly developing city with a public transportation system that has been evolving in recent years to accommodate its growing population. Below is a breakdown of the public transportation in Riyadh:
Riyadh Metro (opened in November 2024): One of the largest metro systems worldwide, which aims to revolutionize public transportation in the city. The network spans six lines and 85 stations.
Buses: An affordable way to get around the city, however, buses are less convenient due to traffic, limited routes, and infrequent service in some areas. The new Riyadh Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will cover key areas, including government centers, business districts and residential neighborhoods, with easy connections to the metro. For updates and more info visit Saptco.
Taxis & ride-hailing services: Taxis are easy to hail on the street or can be booked via phone. Uber, Careem, and other local services operate in Riyadh and are often used for both short and long trips around the city. You can download the Uber and Careem apps in the Google Play store and the Apple store.
The local currency in Riyadh is the Saudi Riyal. ATMs are widely available, with major international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted in most places. The most used local banks are National Commercial Bank (NCB), Al Rajhi, and SABB. Opening a bank account requires a residence permit. For mobile payments, apps like STC Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay are most common.
Saudi Arabia is a conservative country with strict Islamic traditions. Expats should be mindful of local religious norms and customs. Modest clothing is required; for example, women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees. Public spaces are usually gender segregated.
Sharia law is the basis of the legal system, as it reflects Islamic principles with restrictions on alcohol, drugs, and certain social activities.
Note that the working week is Sunday to Thursday, with Fridays off.
Riyadh has a high standard of healthcare, with both public and private hospitals offering modern facilities. Expats typically require health insurance, either through their employer or independently. Health insurance is mandatory for expatriates in the country. Major hospitals include King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh Military Hospital, and King Khalid University Hospital. For more information on the healthcare in Riyadh, please refer to SHC
Cultural adjustment: Adapting to the conservative lifestyle and social norms can be a challenge, especially if coming from a more liberal country.
Social restrictions: There are restrictions on social activities, such as no public alcohol consumption and limited entertainment options (although this is changing with Vision 2030, a national plan to diversify the economy and modernize society).
Language barrier: While English is widely spoken in business and international contexts, Arabic is the official language, and fluency will help with integration.
Traffic & transportation: Riyadh’s traffic can be chaotic, especially during rush hour, and public transportation is still developing (though the new metro is a major improvement).
Cost of living: Housing, schooling, and lifestyle can be expensive, particularly in expatriate-favored areas.
Join Our Exciting Events in Riyadh
Building your social life is an important part of expat life, especially in the beginning. InterNations helps you jump right in! For example, our Newcomers’ Events are a great way to start making connections and feel more at home. Our welcoming event organizers who are happy to help you settle in and share their first-hand tips. You’ll find regular get-togethers in fantastic spots, making it super easy to connect with people from all over the world. So if you’re ready to explore Riyadh and make new friends, join InterNations and check out our events!
Want to see all the upcoming events in Riyadh?
Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Riyadh
Meet other expats like you in Riyadh
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Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Looking for ways to connect with people who share your interests? Finding a community around your hobbies and passions is one of the best parts of living in a new place. And InterNations Groups in Riyadh make that easy!
InterNations Groups are your go-to resource for meeting fellow expats. Through different activities — ranging from overnight camping in the desert to bowling nights, you’ll share experiences and do more of what you love — together with like-minded people.
For example, if you want to explore the area, the Meeting & Traveling Group is all about visiting new places around Riyadh. Are you an athletic person? The Riyadh Sport & Wellness Group will help you stay fit while connecting with fellow sports enthusiasts. Join InterNations to browse all our groups and find your favorites.
Share your hobbies and interests with expats in Riyadh
Start Your Expat Life in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has attracted a huge influx of foreign workers for decades, involved in the huge oil industry as well as other jobs, such as teaching English. The majority of expatriates in Riyadh opt to come to the Saudi capital for financial reasons, rather than other attractions such as culture or weather, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. The compounds for foreign workers provide a wide variety of activities for expatriates to make sure they have plenty of ways to enjoy their free time, while the vast shopping malls are also hugely popular with foreign workers. In general, the lifestyle often leads to friendly bonds being formed between groups of expatriates, and InterNations organizes plenty of events for expats to enjoy. While the culture and lifestyle of Saudi Arabia can be difficult to adjust to, there's a reason that plenty of expatriates keep coming back, and our members can help you make the transition much easier and avoid a lot of mistakes that first-time arrivals in Riyadh can often make. With your mind at ease, you can have a fulfilling and rewarding life in the Saudi Arabian capital.
InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Singapore or Dubai, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
The Community for All Expatriates in Riyadh
Our expat community in Riyadh is made up of all sorts of backgrounds and fields of work and interests, and our members also go through a careful approval process. This means that you can rest assured that any advice you pick up from our members will be accurate, and that any interactions or discussions you take part in will be polite and friendly. Our members are always ready to welcome new people and give them advice about the often difficult transition to living in Saudi Arabia, so don't be afraid to join in. If you're worried about safety, or need to be better-educated about the Saudi Arabian lifestyle before you take the step, you'll always find plenty of answers to your questions here. If you want to take things a step further, you can also meet members offline, as there are a wide range of groups devoted to various activities, from movie and book clubs to barbecuing and yoga. There are also larger social events — these provide a wonderful opportunity to network and socailize with a huge, diverse group of people, and are not to be missed!
- Juan Garcia
Making business in Riyadh was easy. But meeting true friends is hard. I found them on InterNations, where the global minds meet.
- Marie Troisonne
Without the help of all the expats on InterNations it would not have been able to settle in Riyadh that fast. Thanks to the community.
