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Moving to Riyadh as a single woman

megangoodacre

Hi All,


I have received a job offer in Riyadh with a global corporate, to work in commercial real estate and development advisory. The job offer is amazing but I have concerns about what my life would look like living and working in the Kingdom as a single female, when it comes to social life, work life, safety etc.


It would be great to hear about other peoples experiences and whether there is anything is need to be aware of before I make my decision.


Meg

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Cheryl

Hello megangoodacre,


Welcome to Expat.com 😀


Please note that your thread has been moved to the Riyadh forum.

Hopefully, you will soon get helpful insights from other single women living and working there.


In the meantime, I recommend reading the following article: Everything You Need to Know as an Expat Woman in Saudi Arabia.


Cheers,


Cheryl

Expat.com team

I-S-J

Congrats on the offer

Riyadh is super safe and things have changed a lot in recent years. Work life with big corporates is usually very professional, and socially you’ll find plenty to do—cafes, restaurants, events, and a growing expat community. It might feel a bit different at first, but you’ll adapt quickly and probably enjoy it more than you expect.

focus on where to live first, that will make your life much easier

aajan

@megangoodacre

no issue

MemoMarah

Hi Meg,


Congratulations on receiving your job offer — that’s a fantastic opportunity! 🌟


Regarding life in Riyadh as a single female:


Work Life: In global corporates, the work culture is generally professional and quite similar to what you’d expect in other major cities. Many companies are diverse and inclusive, with strong support systems for expatriates.


Social Life: The social scene has expanded a lot in recent years. There are many expat communities, social clubs, cafés, restaurants, and cultural events where it’s easy to meet new people. Riyadh is becoming much more vibrant and international.


Safety: Riyadh is considered very safe compared to many global cities. It’s common to go out, use ride-hailing apps, and explore the city comfortably.


Lifestyle: Things have changed rapidly in recent years — women can drive, attend concerts, cinemas, and sporting events, and enjoy public spaces more freely. That said, local culture is still conservative in certain areas, so being respectful of traditions goes a long way.


Overall, many expats (including women) have had very positive experiences living and working in Riyadh. It can be both rewarding professionally and exciting personally, as long as you come with an open mind and adaptability.


Wishing you the best in making your decision!

Safwanshan

@megangoodacre

Where are u from? Did u came saudi arabia?