Beyond the Basics: Thriving in Saudi Arabia & The GCC as an Expat

When I first moved to Saudi Arabia, I thought I knew what to expect: high temperatures, deserts, and skyscrapers. However, after trying to do more research online about life there and reaching out to the few contacts I could find, I quickly realized there was a whirlwind of different experiences and perspectives to sift through before I could find any real clarity. I had heard stories—some inspiring, others intimidating—which only left me more confused about how to navigate this new country.

What I wished for at the time was a guide that covered the intricacies and considerations necessary for moving to the region. So, I’m happy to present my humble attempt at creating that guide, to help you (whoever you may be, haha) avoid many of the common pitfalls and not just survive, but thrive in Saudi Arabia!

Over the years spent living, working, and travelling in Saudi Arabia and the region,?I’ve discovered it’s more than just deserts and skyscrapers—it’s a place of rich culture, deep traditions, and warm, welcoming people.

Below are some considerations to make as you prepare for your Journey abroad:

Career choice

This is by far the most important decision you will make when deciding to move. Aside from the salary and package you will receive (Which are very important), your job will heavily determine things such as:

• Which part of the city you will reside in
• Whether you will predominantly be working with other expatriates or hand-in-hand with Saudi professionals
• The network and social circles you build among colleagues and other professionals in your field
• Opportunities for career growth and relocation within the Kingdom

While the scope of this article is not primarily focused on the procurement and employment side of working in the region (maybe the topic of another article) It is still vital to understand the immense role that your career in the kingdom will pave for you as you start to settle down.

Glass half full or half empty

Most, if not all of us, are familiar with the famous metaphor “glass half full or half empty.” It’s a powerful way to showcase the difference between an optimistic and a pessimistic mindset, which can have a profound impact on your experiences. When moving to Saudi Arabia, your mindset will be a key factor in determining whether you merely get by or truly flourish in this new environment.

Now, what the “glass half empty” perspective entails in this context is a caution against bringing rigid biases and preconceived notions into your new cultural experience. It’s important to leave room for immersion into the local culture without allowing your previous experiences—whether in your home country or elsewhere—to skew your view of what life should be like in Saudi Arabia. This becomes evident when you or other expatriates make remarks like, “In my home country, we do it this way.” While it’s natural to rely on familiar ways of doing things, constantly comparing your new environment to your home country can create unnecessary friction and prevent you from embracing and appreciating the unique qualities of your host country.

What I’m suggesting is not to completely disregard your upbringing or the values you carry from your home country. Rather, it’s about finding a balance. There’s a difference between sharing your background and imposing it through negative comparisons. The mindset you want to cultivate is one of curiosity and openness—where instead of saying, “This isn’t how we do it back home,” you ask, “Why do they do it this way?” or “What can I learn from this approach?” This shift will not only make your transition smoother, but it will also foster deeper connections with locals and other expatriates who are open to experiencing the culture on its own terms.

So, the goal is to walk the fine line between holding on to your values and keeping an open heart and mind for what Saudi Arabia—and the larger Gulf region—has to offer. If your able to approach your time here with this perspective, you’ll find that not only will you survive, but you’ll thrive in building a fulfilling and enriching life for yourself in your new home.

Network is Net Worth

In the ever-connected world we live in today, the importance of networking and building relationships with professionals both inside and outside of your field—whether for mentorship, collaboration, or growth—cannot be overstated. Networking goes far beyond the exchange of business cards or connecting on LinkedIn; it’s about building genuine relationships that can support your personal and professional development over the long term.

Within the framework of social networks and building a sense of community, having a network of people you can rely on—and who, in turn, can rely on you—is crucial to your ability to thrive, especially in a new or foreign environment like Saudi Arabia. These networks can serve as lifelines, helping you navigate unfamiliar cultural environments, share resources, or even offer advice on challenges specific to expatriate life. Additionally, strong professional relationships go beyond simple transactions and pleasantries; they are founded on trust, mutual support, and shared values.

Through my own journey, I’ve found that some of the most intelligent and insightful people I’ve met came through the process of networking and fostering connections. Whether I was seeking guidance from seasoned professionals who had already walked the path I was embarking on, or forming mutually beneficial partnerships with peers, the value of these connections extended far beyond simple job opportunities. Networking opens doors that you may not even realize are there—whether it’s being introduced to a new industry within your field, receiving mentorship that accelerates your career, or forming collaborative relationships that result in impactful projects.

In places like Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region, where business and personal relationships often intertwine, networking also takes on a very important cultural significance. Building relationships in such environments requires more than just showing up; it involves taking the time to understand and respect the cultural norms, genuinely investing in others, and creating lasting ties with those you surround yourself with.

Furthermore, networking isn’t limited to formal events or professional settings. It often happens in more casual, everyday interactions—whether over coffee, meetings, or even online forums. It’s crucial to see networking as a long-term investment rather than a one-off transaction. By consistently nurturing relationships and showing genuine interest in others’ success, you create a positive feedback loop where opportunities and resources naturally flow both ways.

Ultimately, the value of networking in Saudi Arabia isn’t just about who you meet, but how you cultivate those relationships to build a support system that helps you navigate the unique challenges and opportunities present in living and working in the Kingdom. By actively expanding your network and offering yourself to the service of others, you establish a strong basis for thriving in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic environment.

To Integrate or not?

As you begin to get a feel for life in Saudi Arabia, you will inevitably face the dilemma of asking yourself: "How far do I integrate myself into this new society?" Some who really enjoy the culture and traditions find themselves assimilating to the point where you wouldn't be able to distinguish them from the locals, haha! Now, while there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to how far you decide to integrate yourself, I do believe that it is important to integrate a bit beyond the superficialities of learning a couple of basic Arabic words, photo op pictures in the desert sipping Arabic coffee, and sunset pictures along the coastal Red Sea line.

A caveat to this is that while integration will open up so many unexpected doors to you when developing relationships with local Saudis, this should never come at the detriment of changing your core values or identity. The key is to find a balance between respecting and embracing the local culture while staying true to yourself.

Here are a few ways to meaningfully integrate into Saudi society:

• Learn the language: Go beyond basic phrases and invest time in understanding Arabic at least to a beginner level. This will not only help in daily interactions with expats and locals alike who don't speak English, but it will also enable you to relate deeper with the locals and get a glimpse into their language and culture.
• Understand and respect local customs: Familiarize yourself with Saudi etiquette, dress codes, and social norms. This goes a long way in showing respect and helps avoid unintentional offence. For example, did you know that showing the soles of your feet is considered disrespectful? I certainly didn't when I first arrived, and you can bet I made that mistake!

[Check out this article for more on the significance of foot etiquette in Saudi & Arabian culture Article Link ].

• Explore the country: While many take advantage of Riyadh and Jeddah as travel hubs for cheap travel, it’s worth taking some time to visit places within Saudi Arabia to experience the diverse regional cultures and geographies that make this country unique.

While it’s hard to find a detailed manual listing all customs, it’s valuable to seek out locals or experienced expats for guidance. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn from their experiences.

Lastly, integration is a personal journey. It's about finding your place in a new society while maintaining your identity as well. Embrace the aspects of Saudi culture that resonate with you, be open to new experiences, but never feel pressured to change who you are in the process.

Low-cost of living and Lifestyle Creep

As you've begin to get accustomed to life in Saudi, you'll be very tempted to start to incorporate the amazing amenities at your disposal. Whether it's the delicious food, specialty cafes, delicous desserts, or services within the self-care industry, dry-cleaning, and beyond. A whole new lifestyle can open up to you if you decide to indulge, and for some, that can lead to the difficulty of lifestyle creep.

The Allure of Luxury in Saudi Arabia:

• Amazing Food: From high-end restaurants to local street food, the food scene is very diverse and tempting. You might find yourself dining out more frequently than you’re used to or ordering exotic dishes you’ve never tried before.
• Exquisite Cafe Culture: There is an abundance of never-ending Specialty coffee shops each offering their unique design and taste.
• Wellness and Self-Care: Spas, salons, and wellness centers are often more accessible and affordable compared to Western countries, making it easy to indulge in regular treatments.
• Convenience Services: Dry-cleaning, housekeeping, and personal shopping services are readily available and can quickly become part of your routine.
• Luxury Shopping: With so many high-end mega malls and shopping markets offering both local and international brands, retail therapy is always a corner within reach.
• Entertainment: From desert excursions in Al-Ula to scuba diving in Jeddah, there are a lot of special activities to busy yourself with. The cost of which can soon add up though.

Now in light of all the wonderful luxuries Saudi Arabia has to offer it is crucial to understand how this might start eating away at your finances leaving you either in a sub-optimal or bad financial situation at the end of the month.

The concept of Lifestyle Creep:

Lifestyle creep basically happens when your standard of living improves as your discretionary income increases. While this isn't inherently negative, it can lead to financial challenges if you don't manage it carefully. In the context of expat life in Saudi, here are several factors that contribute to this phenomenon:

• Higher Disposable Income: Many expats find themselves with higher salaries and lower taxes, leading to more discretionary spending.
• Social Pressure: The expat community often has a culture of frequent social gatherings and events, which can be costly.
• "When in Rome" Mentality: There's a natural desire to experience everything your new home has to offer, which can lead to overspending.
• Perceived Temporariness: Some expats view their time in the Middle East as temporary, leading to a "live it up while you can" attitude.
• Affordable Luxury: Services that might be considered luxuries elsewhere are often more accessible, making it easy to incorporate them into daily life.

While it's important to enjoy and immerse yourself in your new environment, it's equally crucial to make sure that all of this falls within your budget.

Here are some strategies to help:

• Set a Budget: Allocate funds for experiences and indulgences but within reason.
• Prioritize Experiences: Choose activities and services that truly enrich your life and align with your values. The memories and reflections you will be able to derive from them will stay with you forever.
• Save and Invest: Take advantage of your potentially higher income to boost your savings and investments.
• Regular Financial Check-ins: Periodically review your spending habits and adjust as necessary.
• Maintain Perspective: Remember that your lifestyle in Saudi may not be sustainable long-term or in other parts of the world.

Cultural Diversity: Where are the Locals?

The number of foreigners in Saudi Arabia according to the latest census done in 2022, is at 13.38 Million. That accounts for 41.6% of the total population of 32.2 million (Saudi Census).

Now what is also more fascinating to dive into is the nationality composition of the 41.6% of non-Saudis, as illustrated below:

It quickly becomes clear just how culturally diverse Saudi Arabia is when you look at its population makeup.

As you begin to navigate the city you live in, you will undoubtedly encounter people from many different backgrounds—whether at the supermarket, café, mall, workplace, or on the street. This makes it all the more important to approach the experience with an open mind and a curiosity to learn about the diverse communities that call Saudi Arabia home!

Final Remarks

While there’s so much more that could be discussed—like navigating the details of everyday life, such as choosing between company-provided housing or finding your own place, deciding on furnished vs. unfurnished accommodations, buying a new or used car, or understanding the various banking options—I hope this guide helps you address the major considerations necessary to thrive in Saudi Arabia. With the right mindset and preparation, however, you can navigate the challenges and fully embrace the opportunities that life in Saudi Arabia has to offer!

All the best in your endeavours!