Living in Riyadh: the ultimate expat guide

All you need to know to enter Riyadh and settle in. Learn entry requirements, the documents you need, how to apply for a visa or residency, and tips to navigate the bureaucracy smoothly.

Riyadh's economy is creating strong demand for international professionals as Saudi Arabia diversifies under Vision 2030. The capital is home to major corporations, government ministries, and international companies that need skilled workers across many sectors. The tax-free salary structure is highly attractive and allows for significant savings. Employment packages typically include housing allowances, annual flights home, health insurance, and education support for children.

Key employment sectors

The job market covers diverse industries. Finance and banking institutions operate throughout the city. The healthcare sector recruits doctors, nurses, and medical technicians as the Kingdom expands its medical infrastructure. Engineering and construction projects require specialists for ongoing mega-developments. The information technology sector is growing rapidly and needs developers and cybersecurity experts. Other key sectors include education and oil and energy.

Work permits and requirements

Securing employment requires sponsorship from a Saudi employer who handles the visa application. Your work visa and residency are tied to your sponsoring company. You'll need authenticated educational certificates, professional qualifications, medical examinations, and background checks. The iqama (residence permit) is your primary ID and requires regular renewal. Processing typically takes several weeks to months. While employers handle most paperwork, it's important to understand Saudi labor law to protect your interests.

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Trading Economics, Numbeo

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Riyadh hosts prestigious universities offering internationally recognized programs for Saudi and international students. The higher education landscape includes quality public institutions alongside emerging private universities catering to diverse academic interests. International students can easily find undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, with many courses taught in English, particularly in technical and business fields.

Leading universities in Riyadh

King Saud University offers comprehensive programs across sciences, engineering, medicine, and humanities with generous scholarships and state-of-the-art facilities. Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University is the world's largest women-only university, home to a range of colleges, institutes and research centers. The campus features cutting-edge facilities with an automated transit system and a university hospital. Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University specializes in Islamic studies and Arabic language. Several international university branches expand educational choices for residents.

Admission and study requirements

International students need a student visa sponsored by their university. This requires authenticated educational certificates (such as high school diplomas or previous degrees), academic transcripts, a passport copy, medical examination results, and proof of financial support. Public universities traditionally offer free education to Saudi nationals though scholarships and are available for outstanding international students. The academic calendar follows a semester system from September through June.

Sources: King Saud University, Princess Nourah University, QS Rankings

There are numerous international schools in Riyadh serving expatriate families with curricula from various countries. These schools teach in English and other languages and maintain standards comparable to those in students' home countries. They create multicultural environments where children from diverse backgrounds learn together. Most follow Western-style academic calendars running from August or September through June, with small class sizes and good student support services.

International schools

Among the most established international schools in Riyadh are British International School Riyadh (BISR), which was established in 1979, and is one of the Kingdom's most prestigious British curriculum schools. American International School Riyadh (AIS-R), founded in 1963, delivers an American curriculum from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, accredited by the New England Association. SEK-Riyadh offers bilingual education in English and Spanish following the International Baccalaureate framework. Additional options include King Faisal School offering IB programs and Misk Schools combining international curricula with Arabic studies.

Enrollment procedures

Most schools recommend applying six to twelve months in advance. You'll need to provide previous school records, passport copies, birth certificates, immunization records, and sometimes your child will also have to complete an assessment. Schools expect language proficiency appropriate to the grade level. Most schools in Riyadh feature modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities, with bus services covering residential areas.

Sources: British International School Riyadh, American International School, International Schools Database

The housing market in Riyadh offers diverse options from apartments and villas to gated residential compounds specifically designed for international residents. Most expatriates choose compounds providing Western-style living with amenities like pools, fitness centers, restaurants, shops, and playgrounds within secure communities.

Where expats live

The Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) is the most prestigious area, housing embassies alongside upscale compounds with tree-lined streets, parks, and high security, attracting diplomats and executives with premium pricing. Al Olaya positions residents at the commercial heart near Kingdom Centre, convenient for business professionals. Al Nakheel attracts families with its peaceful atmosphere, proximity to international schools, and family-oriented compounds at moderate costs. Other popular areas include northern suburbs like Hittin, Qurtuba, and Andalus.

Rental procedures and rental costs

Most lease agreements require annual payment upfront, though some landlords accept semi-annual terms. You'll need to provide passport copies, your iqama (residence permit), and a letter from your employer. Expect to pay a security deposit, and note that furnished units are standard in compounds. You'll need to set up separate utility accounts for monthly billing.

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Four Winds Saudi Arabia, Numbeo

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Riyadh's entertainment and cultural landscape has undergone remarkable transformation through Vision 2030 initiatives, evolving into a dynamic destination offering diverse activities. The annual Riyadh Season has become the Kingdom's flagship entertainment program, attracting millions with world-class concerts, sporting events, theatrical performances, and family-focused activities. Year-round offerings include cinema complexes, theme parks, restaurants representing global cuisines, and outdoor activities.

Cultural attractions and museums

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia, located within the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, is the country's premier cultural institution, offering free admission to its galleries covering Arabian Peninsula history from prehistoric times through modern kingdom formation. The museum showcases artifacts, manuscripts, and interactive exhibits. Adjacent Murabba Palace served as King Abdulaziz's residence and now operates as a living museum. The historic Masmak Fortress commemorates the 1902 recapture launching the modern Saudi state, while surrounding Dira Souq offers traditional shopping.

Entertainment and outdoor activities

Boulevard Riyadh City and Boulevard World serve as premier entertainment districts during Riyadh Season, featuring themed zones, international restaurants, concerts, and attractions drawing global artists. Permanent options include Muvi Cinemas and Ebda Park with zip lines, and gaming centers. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy padel courts, golf courses, and organized leagues, while adventure seekers head to the desert for dune bashing and camping. For quieter pursuits, parks like King Abdullah Park and Wadi Hanifah provide welcome green spaces. Shopping ranges from luxury malls to traditional souks.

Sources: Visit Saudi, Time Out Riyadh, Welcome Saudi

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The city operates on Islamic principles, with prayer times punctuating the day and businesses closing briefly for prayers. The weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, requiring adjustment for those from Western countries. Social life centers around compound communities, restaurants, shopping malls, and family entertainment venues. The climate significantly influences routines, with scorching summers above 45°C driving activities indoors between June and September, while pleasant winters from November through March enable outdoor pursuits.

Transportation and getting around

The Riyadh Metro, which opened to the public in December 2024, revolutionized urban mobility with six fully automated driverless lines spanning 176 kilometers serving 85 stations. The metro connects major employment centers, universities, hospitals, and residential areas, offering clean, efficient, and affordable transportation managed through the Darb app. The complementary Riyadh Bus network operates 80 routes with over 2,860 stops, integrating seamlessly with metro. Many expatriates prefer owning vehicles given low fuel costs, though expanding public transport options provide viable alternatives.

Cultural norms and lifestyle

Adapting to Saudi cultural norms means respecting Islamic traditions. Dress modestly in public—women are expected to wear abayas in most settings, though compound rules are more relaxed. While gender segregation exists in certain spaces, recent reforms have eased many restrictions. Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout the Kingdom, and be mindful when taking photographs. During Ramadan and other Islamic holidays, eating in public during daylight hours is forbidden. Most expatriates find that the initial adjustment period soon gives way to comfortable routines.

Sources: Royal Commission Riyadh, Time Out Riyadh

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The cost of living in Riyadh is one of the highest in Saudi Arabia, but it still remains considerably more affordable than major Western cities or Gulf cities like Dubai. The absence of income tax significantly increases take-home pay, allowing substantial savings.

Monthly expenses for a single person

Data correct as of December 2025.

Monthly expenses for a family of four

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Numbeo, Soul of Saudi