Our quick reference guides have vital information on pay, benefits, tax and visas - everything you need to work and live in Saudi Arabia:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula. As the world’s leading petroleum producer and exporter, oil accounts for more than 90% of exports and 75% of government revenue, with Saudi oil reserves the largest in the world.
Roughly six million foreign workers play an important role in the Saudi economy, in a variety of sectors. Most expat employment opportunities have traditionally been in the oil and gas industry, but the boom in the retail and construction sectors has provided many new jobs.
Saudi Arabia’s goal is to become as self sufficient as possible in terms of its work force. For a candidate to be employed from overseas they must have experience and skills that cannot be found locally. For those candidates with skills in demand, a move to Saudi could be life changing; remuneration and benefits packages are among the best in the world.
A major incentive to move to Saudi Arabia is its status as a free economic zone. You don’t pay income tax here.
To obtain a driving licence, bank account or health insurance you need a Residence Visa. Your employer will act as your sponsor during your stay and it will be their responsibility to organise your Residence Visa.
The life led in Saudi, especially by Western women, is starkly contrasted inside and outside living compounds. Outside the compound, women are required to wear the long black cloak of the Abaya, strictly enforced by the Mutawa’a - religious policemen. Women are also restricted on visits to leisure facilities as they must be accompanied by a male relative or husband.
Inside the compounds there are spacious, furnished and air-conditioned villas, Western dress codes, unisex swimming and gymnasium, satellite TV and internet access. Saudi is a very family oriented culture and their indulgent approach to children ensures that parents never need worry about their whereabouts. As a parent in Saudi, your status is automatically elevated.
Theatres, cinemas and clubs can be found in the private compounds. If you’re an active person, the Saudis are obsessed with sport, especially football, hiking, diving and golf.
We recommend that you be covered for healthcare at all times. There are a number of international companies that specialise in private health insurance - comprehensive, regional cover costs around £35 per month.
Long waiting lists are almost unheard of, with every city and major town having at least one modern hospital. They are listed in telephone directories, yellow pages and tourist publications. When choosing a hospital, your best bet is to seek advice from colleagues and friends.
The term ‘clinic’ is used to denote a general practitioner’s surgery. There’s a high ratio of doctors to patients and a routine first diagnostic visit costs about £40, with additional costs for any tests.
The majority of dentists are from Scandinavia, Britain and Russia - embassies keep details of nationals practising dentistry here. Dentists and orthodontists also advertise in telephone directories, expatriate magazines and tourist guides.
If you need to get to A&E, the most reliable method is to use your own transport or go by taxi. On arrival in Bahrain take note of the emergency telephone numbers, the location of the major hospitals and the quickest route there.
Several of the world’s leading banks and their subsidiaries have branches in Saudi Arabia. A number of foreign banks, including the British Bank of the Middle East, Citibank and Standard Chartered have a major presence here. Setting up an account is easy, as is transferring money home. You’ll be given a cash card to withdraw money from ATM machines and credit cards are widely accepted.
Saudi Cairo Bank ATMs are linked to the Cirrus and Plus networks.
In Saudi Arabia expats only have the option to rent. There’s a variety of accommodation available, from unfurnished apartments to fully furnished villas. Executive apartments provide additional amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, gym or sauna.
Flats and houses can be rented for any length of period, from a day to a decade and beyond. The longer the rental period, the better the deal. Prices vary depending on size and location: one-bedroom apartments start around 2800 SAR; 2 and 3 bedroom apartments cost upwards of 3750 SAR and villas can go for anything up to 11200 SAR per month.
To find accommodation, contact real estate agents, scour the newspapers or ask friends and colleagues. Your Michael Page consultant will also be happy to help.
There are three international airports in Saudi Arabia, located in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. Regional flights within the Middle East are easily available.
Roads within Saudi are well maintained, although driving styles can be erratic. Cars can be leased or bought, but only driven by men. Women must be driven by their husband, a male relative or one of the taxi companies licensed to take women. Most compounds offer bus services to and from popular local destinations such as shopping malls.
Saudi Arabia is not a cheap place, but it's possible to live relatively inexpensively if you put your mind to it. The price of almost anything is negotiable. In Bedouin markets you can haggle incessantly.
