Relocating to Saudi Arabia (KSA)

This post is for those who would like to re-locate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Confused about the whole Re-location scenario??? I understand, months back I was in the same shoes.

Until May’08 I was working in Dubai, a place where one experiences total freedom. The day came when my partner had to re-locate to KSA for professional reasons. Relatives and Friends were against our idea of shifting. According to them Saudi was a very conservative place and not a good place for expatriates. The decision was tough again since I would have to resign and it wasn’t so easy for women to find a job in Saudi. We were finally ready for the new change.

It’s been months now, So Far So good! I am quiet happy staying here and I don’t regret a bit on moving to this beautiful place.

Following are the Facts and Rules one should know before entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

About KSA

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia is situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, about 2500 feet above the sea level. It is considered as the largest city and is divided into 15 municipal districts.

Riyadh is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
The Riyadh flag is green in color featuring in white an Arabic inscription and a sword.
The currency in the Kingdom is the Saudi Riyal, divided into 100 halalas. 1$ is about 3.75SR/-

The cities and towns in Saudi Arabia include: Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Dammam, Qatif, Ta’if, Buraydah, Tabuk, Khamis Mushait.

The atmosphere here is completely free from humidity. Winter out here is freezing cold, occasionaly dropping below zero during the months of Dec, Jan and Feb. It gets hotter during the middle of summer, especially during June, July and August.


Rules and Regulations in Saudi

• Alcohol is prohibited in the country.
• You should be 18 or older to apply for a Driving License.
• Women can not drive, but the Ban would be lifted soon.
• Every woman should follow the traditional dressing code– The abaya. (A full sleeved black colored garment that is head to toe length long)
• The salah (prayer) time should be strictly followed. The entire community comes to a halt during the prayer time. Shops and Restaurants are closed until the prayer is over. Some of the Shops allow you to continue shopping, but they keep the main doors closed until the prayer is over.
• No cinema Theaters here :(
• No churches or Temples.
• Women can enter only those restaurants that have family sections.
• Every resident in Saudi should carry with them an ID card known as the IQAMA. Read: Visa Procedures.
  

Housing

Expatriates usually reside in compounds where the residents have far more freedom and wearing the abaya is not a necessity. The compounds have facilities like Gym, Swimming pool, tennis court, park, grocery shop etc, Shopping trips are also arranged for the ladies on a daily basis.
Flats and villas are also an Option of residence.
List of Compounds: Click here


Working in Saudi Arabia

Expatriates can try their luck in the defense, healthcare, oil industry, IT, telecommunications and banking.
Read:
Opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia.
Schools in Riyadh.
Colleges & Universities in Saudi Arabia.
Jobs in Banking Sector.


Basic expenses in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is pretty cheap when compared to the rest of the gulf countries.

Accommodation: about SR.25000/year- for a decent 3 bedroom flat in a good residential area.
Medical Insurance: SR.3000/- per year.
Oil: SR.20/- Full tank (oil is pretty cheap here, In Dubai it’s about AED.60/- full tank)
Internet: SR.100/month
Water & Electricity: SR.450 (for 4 months, depends on usage)

Saudi Arabia is a peaceful place to live, people tend to live here for years banking a huge some of tax free income. If you are open minded and flexible to other cultures this might just be the right place for you :)