23 Questions You Always Wanted to Ask About Saudi Arabia

Cheryl Obal
16 min readFeb 1, 2023

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If you open your mind, you can have an unexpectedly wonderful experience in this Arab Gulf country!

Saudi Arabia is an enigmatic place with a not-so-positive image in the international media and popular opinion. But I am here to show you another side.

I was lucky enough to live in Saudi Arabia for 4 years, and for the last 2 years, I have been visiting Saudi every few months and working with many clients based in Saudi. Therefore, my experience spans a total of 6 years, which were some of the best years of my life both professionally and personally.

I had an extremely positive, and in fact, life-changing experience. I encourage others to open their mind and see what Saudi Arabia has to offer.

Most of what you hear about Saudi is out of date, very negative, or just downright false.

Contrary to the vast misperceptions out there, Saudi is a very safe country.

Saudi Arabia is:

  • Open to & accepting of expats
  • Has extremely hospitable people
  • A wonderful place to work or take a vacation

Saudi has gone through some amazing and rapid changes in the last 6 years. Many sectors are developing at break-neck speed, and the result is plenty of opportunities. Now is one of the most exciting times in history to visit the Kingdom, or even spend some years working there, since it currently offers some of the highest salaries in the world for expats!

After four years of working in Saudi, I was able to come home to Italy, buy two apartments, and start a business. Prior to working in Saudi, this had all been merely a distant dream.

But far beyond the economic benefits are the wonderful experiences you will have and the lifelong memories that you will create while living there.

Now, onto the questions:

1. Do women have to cover up?

No, women no longer have to cover up. The Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared in 2018 that it is no longer necessary to wear the abaya.

However, most women in Saudi still wear it. It’s a matter of culture and tradition, and in fact, many women even still wear the hijab and/or niqab or gata.

Abaya = long gown

Hijab = head cover

Gata = full face cover

My dear friend Shouq and I

2. Then what should I wear if I go there?

Generally speaking, for both men and women, Saudis prefer a conservative and formal style of dress in the office and in public areas.

General rules for women are to wear:

  • high neck shirts
  • long sleeves
  • loose-fitting clothes
  • skirts below the knee
  • no transparent clothes
  • no collarbone or shoulders exposed

Even though it is not required, I always wear an abaya when I’m in public in Saudi Arabia.

I always wear an abaya in public.

3. Why do you wear an abaya if it’s not required?

Personally, I love the abaya. I find it to be elegant, beautiful, and comfortable. Moreover, I feel better when I wear an abaya because I feel it shows respect to their cultural values and helps me blend in. Already I look different and it’s obvious that I’m a foreigner. If I’m also dressed in normal Western clothes, it may draw unnecessary attention. Finally, if I’m not sure whether my clothing is appropriate or not, wearing the abaya over it covers everything.

Me in Saudi Arabia

4. What do men wear, then?

As for men, foreign men usually wear suits, or at least button-down, collared shirts with dress pants and dress shoes. Saudi men normally wear a thob and shemagh.

Thob = long gown (white or other solid color)

Shemagh = Headscarf

Please note that formal dress is necessary to enter government offices in Saudi Arabia. If you are wearing shorts, chances are you will not be able to enter. So please save yourself the trouble and dress formally when you go out.

Formal dress is required to enter government offices in Saudi Arabia.

5. Will I be treated fairly as a woman?

Of course, and you will find that treatment is actually quite special as a woman. There are separate lines in airports and other public places, which in many cases means less waiting time. And as an expat woman, you will find that they will roll out the red carpet for you.

They really want to make sure you are feeling comfortable and happy in their country. I have never once felt disrespected in my years of living in Saudi Arabia, and I was working mostly with Saudi men.

My Saudi colleagues and participants in courses that I taught all called me “Sister” from day 1.

They assured me that I could call on them if I ever needed help, and I was sure that if I ever needed help, they would arrive at any given moment of the day or night.

Nowadays more and more Saudi women are entering the workforce. A BBC news article on February 17, 2022 mentioned that 28,000 Saudi women applied for 30 open positions as a train operator.

Also, a couple weeks ago, I read an article in Arab news which reported that there are currently more female tech start-up entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia, than in all of Europe.

6. Can women drive?

Yes, it became legal for women to drive on June 24 (my birthday!) in 2018 when I was living there. Expats have to get a Saudi license, your foreign license is not valid in Saudi Arabia, so please keep that in mind. In fact most expats do get cars when living in Saudi Arabia.

It became legal for women to drive in Saudi Arabia on June 24, 2018.

All expats must obtain a Saudi driving license.

7. Is it safe?

Despite what you may have heard in the news, Saudi Arabia is a very safe country. There have been countless stories of people leaving their personal belongings unattended in public places, and nobody touches them. It’s very rare that your things will get stolen if you leave them sitting somewhere. In fact, there is very little crime in all of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia ranked:

And don’t believe it if you have heard that it’s not safe for women — Saudi Arabia is one of the safest places in the world for women, with strong rules and protection laws in place. Personally I have never once felt unsafe as a woman there.

Saudi Arabia is one of the safest places in the world for women!

Speaking of gender, this brings me to the next question about Saudi Arabia:

8. Can you talk to the opposite gender?

Of course you may talk to the opposite gender. The thing is to respect the invisible boundary between you and the other person.

The general rule is that there is no touching, not even a handshake, fist-bump or a friendly pat on the shoulder, between opposite genders.

Note: Shaking hands is becoming more common, especially with expats.

  • If you are an expat man greeting a Saudi woman, wait to see if she extends her hand.
  • If you are an expat woman greeting a Saudi man, wait to see if he extends his hand.

The general rule is that if the other person doesn’t extend their hand, don’t extend yours.

Also, certain topics should be avoided. You should not reveal much about your personal life back home, and refrain from talking about your past relationships, partying, drinking alcohol, or anything else that falls outside the scope of their societal rules. The bottom line is to be respectful, and adopt a cordial attitude.

Tip: Be discreet, cordial, and respectful.

The topics that are always safe to talk about with Saudis are the following:

  • Anything about Saudi culture, food, & history
  • Family
  • Travel within Saudi & abroad
  • The Vision 2030
  • Business, entrepreneurship, & economic changes
  • Cars
  • Sports
  • Films
  • Free time activities

9. What is driving all the changes in Saudi society at the moment?

If you guessed the Vision 2030, you were right. The Vision 2030, which came out in 2016 is the government’s plan to diversify the economy away from dependence on oil revenues.

The result is that there is massive development happening in many sectors, and many mega projects, including NEOM, a completely new city being built in the Tabuk region of northwest Saudi.

In addition to the development, you also see a lot of positive reforms for example in terms of women’s rights and labor law. And the way I see it, the Vision 2030 is also something that has kind of united the country and instilled a lot of hope in people, by asserting that the country’s best resource is not oil, but its people.

70% of Saudi’s population is under age 30!

So as a result you see many new initiatives in training and education as well as opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop themselves and compete for funding for their businesses. And the Vision 2030 is also the reason why there are so many opportunities for expats like you and me, right now.

10. What is it like to work there as an expat?

You will find that office culture is quite similar to the US or in Europe, with a regular schedule of usually 8–5. The difference is the workweek is Sunday-Thursday in Saudi which takes some getting used to, but it’s not a big deal.

About the work environment, you will find a positive, easy-going and generally non-competitive atmosphere. Saudis are easy to work with, extremely flexible, and will always go out of their way to help you.

Also, if you’re wondering about the conditions, Saudi has really strong Labor Law in place, which applies to Saudis and expats alike. Then even go as far as to prohibit certain behaviors specifically, so as to prevent any sort of workplace abuses.

— > Find out How Saudi Arabia Changed my Life

Have a look at this amendment to Saudi Labor Law which came out on October 20, 2019: The Protection Against Behavioral Abuses.

Excerpt from Saudi Labor Law Amendment: the Protection Against Behavioral Abuses

I was working in Saudi during the pandemic, and my employer was quick at responding to all of the needs that the pandemic created. They quickly put into place a remote working policy and once travel became possible again, people were allowed to take their remote working period in another country. By the way,

Saudi was #2 in the world for their handling of the pandemic! (The UAE was #1.)

11. How can I find a job there?

The best way to find a job in Saudi Arabia is to search on LinkedIn and set up alerts.

Click on “jobs” then enter the type of role you’re looking for. Type the location as Saudi Arabia, and if you want, you can also enter the specific city, like Riyadh. All the jobs of that type will come out, and then click on the toggle for “set alert.”

You can also search on the following websites:

And don’t forget to apply to work in the giga projects:

Most of the interviews for jobs in Saudi Arabia are conducted online. Once in a while you’ll find an employer who wants to fly you in to the country for your interviews, or maybe meet you in a major city, but most of the time it’s done online.

12. Do I need to speak Arabic?

No, you don’t need to speak Arabic to work in Saudi Arabia. Of course, it’s always a good idea to learn some Arabic, because knowing the language of a place helps you build bridges with people. But you certainly don’t have to, as most Saudis speak excellent English.

Especially in global workplaces like multinational companies, international schools and universities, and international projects that expats typically work in, in Saudi Arabia, the official working language is almost always English.

For you ambitious people out there who want to learn Arabic, I highly recommend these two resources:

Italki is the website I used to study Arabic for more than 4 years. It is a like a giant global marketplace of language teachers, with many options of teachers to choose from, and then do live, online lessons through Skype, Zoom, or other video call method. Studying on italki gives you a lot of flexibility, because you have the lessons from the comfort of your own home.

Arabicpod101 is a wonderful website with recorded lessons in Arabic. The wonderful thing about it is that the lessons are short, informative, entertaining, and well-structured. There are many levels, and the method is based on conversations with native Arabic speakers that the teachers then break down for you line by line.

13. What are the living conditions like for expats?

Most expats live in a compound, which is a kind of tiny village isolated from the rest of Saudi society. If you want my personal opinion, I would suggest not living in a compound, so that you can be fully integrated into Saudi society and have a true cultural experience.

If you do live on a compound, it’s possible that that accommodation will be arranged by the employer as part of your package, and in other cases you may have to arrange your own housing.

Just keep in mind that compounds vary in quality and the facilities they offer, but many are super-nice like resorts, with their own swimming pools, gyms, sports facilities, 24–7 gated security, and people to assist you with things like maintenance on your house, etc.

If you’ve received a job offer and you need to arrange your own housing, just ask around about the different compounds so that you can choose one that suits your preferences.

14. Can I bring my pets with me to Saudi Arabia?

Yes, you may bring companion animals like cats and dogs with you to Saudi Arabia.

I recommend consulting the Facebook group “Pet Imports Saudi Arabia” for more information on import procedures and documentation required.

15. Can I open a business in Saudi Arabia as a foreigner?

Yes, it is now possible to open a 100% expat-owned business in many sectors. Some sectors still require partnership with a local. Keep in mind that Saudi corporate tax will be higher without a Saudi partner.

Also, you must have an already-established business abroad to be eligible to be a partner in a Saudi-based business. This includes having been a sole proprietor or freelancer. In any case, you need to produce 2 years of audited financial statements for your foreign business.

By the way, now is a great time to open a business in Saudi Arabia. Many sectors are rapidly developing and opening up many opportunities in:

  • Entertainment
  • Tourism
  • Food and Beverage
  • Media
  • Technology
  • Education and Training
  • Health Care

If you need help with the logistics of opening a business, like obtaining a business license or finding a potential Saudi partner, or business visit visa support, or just any other information, I recommend contacting AEI Saudi, and don’t forget to tell them that Cheryl sent you.

— > Set up a business in Saudi Arabia

16. Can I find the food I like there?

First of all, I encourage you to try Arabic food, as it is delicious. But if you’re craving foods from back home, don’t worry. Saudi has giant supermarket chains that import international foods from all over the world. You can find just about everything you have back home, even ethnic foods, and foods for special dietary requirements like gluten-free and vegan.

I myself eat a vegan, gluten-free diet, and I never had any problems finding many varieties of all the foods I needed, both in supermarkets and in restaurants. And don’t forget besides the amazing Arabic food restaurants, you can find all the international restaurant chains that you know and love, TGIFridays, Applebee’s, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and many more.

17. How do I get a visa?

Once you have a job offer, the employer will process some documents there in Saudi Arabia and send them to you. Then, you have to take those documents, and your passport and whatever other required documents, and visit the nearest “VFS Tasheel” Visa Processing Center, which is the official agency accepting Saudi visa applications around the world.

The Saudi Embassies and Consulates generally do not accept visa applications directly, so most likely you will go through VFS Tasheel Center. Keep in mind that you will probably have to obtain a “degree attestation” so please plan for the extra time that might take. I think that for me, the whole process, including degree attestation and visa issuance, took around 8 weeks. However, I have heard of it taking several months for some of my expat friends, so the processing time can vary significantly.

www.Vfstasheel.com

Please note that degree attestation and long processing times are part of the employment visa process. Business visit visas generally take only 1–3 business days.

In all cases, you must give your fingerprints in the VFS Tasheel Center.

18. Is there a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, Saudi Arabia now has a tourist visa option. You can apply for it online through a simple application that takes around 15 minutes. There is also the visa-on-arrival option for many countries, so please check online to see if your country is eligible.

19. Is there any long-term visa option?

Yes, in 2021 the Premium Residency Visa came out, which costs 100,000 Saudi riyals ($26,666) per year for residence. And if you want to have the right to live and work there forever, you can pay 800,000 Saudi riyals ($213,333) for a lifetime Premium Residency visa.

The Premium Residency Visa gives you the right to live, work, and do business in Saudi without a sponsor.

Cost: 100,000 SAR ($26,666) per year

800,000 SAR ($213,000) lifetime

20. Why should I go there?

I advise you to open your mind and give Saudi a chance, simply because the experience will enrich your life in countless ways.

Trust me, my experience far exceeded my expectations. What I found was an extremely safe, clean place, with welcoming culture, wonderful food, and amazing professional opportunities.

Saudi Arabia:

  • Is extremely safe
  • Is very clean
  • Has welcoming culture
  • Has wonderful food
  • Has amazing professional opportunities

Honestly, working there changed my life for the better, and I will never be the same. I am so grateful to Saudi for all the professional opportunities I have been given. I worked at the wonderful KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) and my original position was a Business English instructor, and later I ended up starting the cross-cultural training program at the university.

The Saudi directors of the HR department were open enough to let me start teaching this new topic as part of my job. Then, 3 years down the road, I thought it might be a good time for a change, so I requested to move into a new role.

They allowed me to move into a new role, which I had never done before, and they even provided me with all the training I needed. It was a wonderful professional experience that I can never forget.

21. Can I live a normal life there?

Saudi Arabia is becoming more and more modern and you will find the Saudi cities to be very similar to cities in other parts of the world. You can find all the familiar and famous international coffee shops and restaurant chains,

You’ll find comfortable accommodation options, and entertainment like spas, beaches, movie theatres, and beautiful resorts. You also have access to all of the communication apps you would want to use to stay in touch with people back home.

You can speak English in the workplace and you will be praised, respected and appreciated for the application of your unique talents in Saudi Arabia.

22. Will I be bored?

No, you will not be bored, because there are plenty of things to do in Saudi. I know that the general perception is it’s all desert and camels. Well, even if I’ve seen many of these cheeky fellows wandering around, Saudi is much more than desert and camels.

There are cinemas, spas, resorts, sports centers, wonderful restaurants and cafes, and plenty of outdoor activities like desert hikes, and a wealth of amazing historic sites to discover. Some of the most beautiful places include:

By the way, the Red Sea is one of the best places in the world to learn scuba diving, due to the following reasons:

  • It’s stunningly beautiful
  • It’s inexpensive to get certified
  • Not as many dangerous sea creatures that can harm you, like in an ocean
  • Warm weather year-round means you can go diving whenever you want

If you want to find activities and meet Saudis as well as other expats, I recommend joining the following three websites and checking out the events in your area:

  1. Internations.org
  2. Meetup.com
  3. Eventbrite.com
  4. EyeofRiyadh.com

23. How can I be respectful of the local culture?

To be respectful of the local culture, just use your common sense. Keep in mind that cultures are different, and that’s what makes the world an interesting and beautiful place.

Understand that you are a guest in their country, so there is a kind of unspoken expectation that you will conform to their society’s rules and laws. Of course, Saudis respect expats and their differences.

By no means do they expect you to convert to Islam and start praying five times a day. But you do have to keep in mind that, if you are a manager, you have to allow time in the workday for your team to have their prayer breaks, for example. So just keep an open mind and please be ready to adapt.

Well that brings me to the end of the 23 questions about Saudi Arabia. You may have been a bit surprised by all of the positive responses. I encourage you to spend some time in Saudi Arabia and see for yourself what an amazing place it is to live and work. It just may change your life, too!

If you want to schedule a consultation with me for personalized job search assistance, a mock interview, and a free packet full of job opportunities in Saudi, get in touch: info@cherylobal.com.

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Cheryl Obal
Cheryl Obal

Written by Cheryl Obal

Countries are like chocolate: you can never see too many of them. Just like you can never eat too many chocolates. Dark please--I'm a vegan.

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