Navigating Life in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

Working and Living in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Guide

By: Javid Amin Many people consider moving to the Gulf for job opportunities, and Saudi Arabia is often at the top of the list. With its tax-free income, Islamic environment, and numerous job prospects, it offers an attractive option for many expatriates. However, living and working in Saudi Arabia comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

In this guide, I'll share detailed insights into what it's like to live and work in Saudi Arabia, based on personal experiences and extensive research. This comprehensive overview will help you make an informed decision and plan your move wisely.

Advantages of Working in Saudi Arabia

1. Islamic Environment

One of the most appealing aspects for Muslim expatriates is the strong Islamic atmosphere. Mosques are readily available in offices, malls, highways, and residential areas, making it easy to pray on time and maintain religious practices.

2. Safety

Saudi Arabia is known as one of the safest countries in the region. The crime rate is relatively low, and security measures are stringent, ensuring a safe environment for families and individuals.

3. High Living Standards

The standard of living in Saudi Arabia is high, with modern infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and entertainment options.

4. Proximity to Makkah and Madinah

Living in Saudi Arabia offers the unique advantage of being close to the two holiest cities in Islam. Depending on your city, you can visit Makkah and Madinah multiple times a year.

5. Cultural Exposure

The country is home to a diverse population with expatriates from various nationalities. This exposure broadens your outlook and provides opportunities for cross-cultural interactions.

6. Personal Growth

Living away from home helps you value relationships, social life, and other aspects often taken for granted. It can foster personal and professional growth.

7. Tax-Free Income

Saudi Arabia does not impose income tax on salaries, allowing for better savings potential compared to many other countries.

8. Employment Benefits

Many companies provide additional perks such as paid vacation, annual flight tickets, and end-of-service benefits.

Disadvantages & Challenges

1. Job Suitability & Pay

Finding a job that aligns with your profession, education, and experience is crucial. Many people fall prey to fake agents and end up in unsuitable jobs.

2. Limited Social Life

Living away from home can be lonely, especially for bachelors. Married individuals may also experience limited social interactions, as their families miss extended relatives.

3. Work Pressure & Environment

Work hours in Saudi Arabia are generally longer compared to places with more relaxed work cultures. Standard hours are often 8-10 hours daily, 6 days a week, with high-pressure situations and strict deadlines.

4. Remote Locations

Some jobs require postings in desert areas, far from main cities, making living conditions challenging.

5. Adapting to Lifestyle Changes

Long-term settlement in Saudi Arabia can make it difficult to readjust to your home country’s lifestyle later.

6. Extreme Weather

The summer heat can be intense, with temperatures exceeding 50°C in some regions, making outdoor activities challenging.

Work System & Salary Structure

Salary Components

• Basic salary + 25% Housing Allowance + 10% Transport Allowance.

Working Hours

• Standard contract: 8 hours per day, 6 days a week.
• Some companies extend it to 10 hours daily, 6 days a week.

Overtime

• Paid at 1.5 times the basic salary on an hourly basis.

Vacation

• Typically 21 to 30 days of paid leave per year.

Medical Insurance

• Provided by the employer for the employee.
• Family medical insurance is only covered under family-status contracts.

Annual Air Tickets

• Employers provide economy-class tickets for employees. Family tickets are included only in family-status contracts.

Job Contracts

• Single Status: Employer covers only the employee’s expenses.
• Family Status: Employer covers medical insurance and airfare for a spouse and two children. Family contracts are usually for mid-to-senior-level positions.

Salary Range

• General salaries range from 1,000 SAR to 40,000 SAR per month.
• Higher salaries are usually for management roles.

Ideal Salary for a Family

• To maintain a decent lifestyle and save, a salary of 14K to 18K SAR per month is advisable.

Career Growth

• Salary increments often come through switching companies rather than internal promotions.

Living Expenses in Saudi Arabia

For Bachelors

• If company accommodation and food are provided, expenses are minimal.
• Clothing and mobile expenses are the main costs.

For Bachelors Renting Privately

• Flat-sharing with other bachelors helps cut rent and food costs.

For Families

• Renting a decent apartment costs between 10K to 50K SAR per year (1BHK to 5BHK apartments, paid in 3 to 6-month installments).
• Average family rent: 16K to 22K SAR per year.
• Electricity bills: 250 to 600 SAR per month.
• Grocery & Miscellaneous Expenses: 4,000 to 6,000 SAR per month for a small family.

Transport

• Taxis are expensive; most people buy cars via installments (average 1,500 SAR per month for mid-range cars like Yaris, Elantra, and Corolla).

Internet

• Monthly internet bills range from 200 to 400 SAR.
• Additional expenses for leisure activities can vary.

Family Visa Options

1. Visit Visa

• Short-term (1 year) but renewable annually.
• Cost: Around 15,000 INR per year per person.
• No medical insurance or schooling for kids.
• Must renew every 3 months.

2. Permanent Family Visa (on Iqama)

• Allows family to stay permanently with access to medical insurance and schools.
• Requires 400 SAR per month per family member in advance as tax (e.g., for a wife and two kids, 14,400 SAR per year).

Medical Costs & Insurance

Medical Treatment Costs

• Simple doctor visits: 100 to 300 SAR.
• Surgeries can be extremely costly.

Insurance Coverage

• Employees receive medical insurance.
• Family insurance is only available with family-status contracts.

Emergency Medical Situations

• Without insurance, emergency medical situations can be financially challenging.

Maternity Costs

• Childbirth and prenatal care can be expensive if not covered by insurance.

Impact on Personal Life & Long-Term Considerations

Focus on Career & Family

Daily life in Saudi Arabia often revolves around work, career growth, and immediate family responsibilities.

Parents Visiting

Parents may visit occasionally but often struggle to adjust to the lifestyle and prefer returning home.

Returning to Kashmir

While many expatriates dream of settling back in Kashmir, adjusting after years abroad can be difficult due to:

• Children being accustomed to a different lifestyle.
• Financial liabilities making it hard to start over.
• Risks associated with new business ventures in Kashmir.
• Fear of losing savings in uncertain opportunities.

Reality Check

Some who return to Kashmir regret the decision and eventually return to the Gulf for work.

Final Thoughts & Advice

• Research thoroughly before deciding to move.
• Evaluate your current financial stability. If you have a stable income in Kashmir, staying may be a better option.
• Tawakkul (Trust in Allah) is key—plan and move ahead.
• Instead of always looking at what others have, focus on appreciating and nurturing what you already have—because the grass is greenest where you water it.

https://kashmirpost.org/2025/01/navigating-life-in-saudi-arabia-a-comprehensive-guide-for-expats/