Moving to Saudi Arabia: Your Ultimate Expat Guides & Tips

Thinking of Moving to Saudi Arabia? Start Here.

Relocating to Saudi Arabia is one of those big, bold life moves – exciting, slightly surreal, and full of unknowns (especially if you’re doing it with kids in tow). We’ve made the leap ourselves, armed with colour-coded spreadsheets, last-minute visa scans, and more questions than answers.

This section is your go-to guide for moving to Saudi: from finding a place to live and choosing the right school, to sorting your SIM card, navigating the culture shift, and decoding compound life. Consider it a friendly, no-fluff companion to help you feel informed, prepared, and a little less daunted.

Because honestly? We wish someone had handed us all this when we first arrived.

Meet Hello Riyadh! — Your Smart Sidekick for Life in Saudi

Say hello to Hello Riyadh! — your smart, friendly relocation assistant trained on real expat experience. Get insider tips, checklists and local know-how to make your move to Saudi Arabia simpler, calmer and far less confusing.

Oct 122 min read

What’s On in Saudi Arabia 2025–26: Family Festivals, Riyadh Season & Unmissable Events

From tennis under floodlights to glowing art installations and desert concerts, here’s your insider’s guide to what’s on across Saudi Arabia in 2025–26 — plus where to find tickets before they disappear.

Oct 165 min read

Saudi Relocation Starter Pack: What Expats Really Need in Week One

Your first week in Riyadh can feel overwhelming, but this practical starter kit makes it manageable. From paperwork and SIM cards to groceries, housing, schools and healthcare, here’s your clear checklist for settling in quickly and calmly.

Oct 163 min read

Apps Every Expat Needs in Riyadh

Life in Riyadh runs on apps. From paying bills to ordering shawarma at midnight, your phone is the ultimate survival tool. In this guide, I’ve rounded up the must-have apps every expat should download — covering money, food, transport, events and more. Think of it as your fast-track pass to living like a local.

Oct 95 min read

Moving to Saudi Arabia: Expat Guide for 2025

Thinking about moving to Saudi Arabia? From visas and schools to daily life and where to find lemon mint juice, here’s the honest expat guide I wish I’d had before relocating. Practical tips, cultural insights, and a few hard-won lessons to make your move smoother.

Sep 264 min read

Surviving Your First Weeks as an Expat Family in Riyadh

Moving to Riyadh as an expat family can feel overwhelming — paperwork, heat, housing, schools, and culture shock all hit at once. This guide walks you through those first crucial weeks: from Iqama and banking to finding groceries, compounds, and community. With practical tips and a dose of reassurance, you’ll discover that surviving your first weeks in Riyadh is less about perfection and more about small wins and settling into expat life.

Sep 85 min read

Top IB Schools in Riyadh for Expat Families (2025 Guide)

Curious about the IB school options in Riyadh? This guide covers everything you need to know — from tuition and accreditation to culture, curriculum, and which school might suit your child best. We've even included a downloadable 2025 comparison chart to help you decide with confidence.

Jul 244 min read

Saudi Staycations: Cool Compound Pools & Local Escapes

Looking for a break without the baggage claim? Whether it’s lazy days at your compound pool or a luxe resort escape near Riyadh, this guide to Saudi staycations has everything you need to recharge close to home. Dive in for resort tips, local nature escapes, and poolside hacks to make your summer in Saudi seriously refreshing.

Jul 144 min read

Summer Activities for Kids in Riyadh: Your 2025 Beat the Heat Survival Guide

Struggling with bored kids in Riyadh's scorching summer? Discover the best morning and evening activities, air-conditioned escapes, and seasonal closures (like Boulevard World) in this ultimate survival guide for parents.

Jul 23 min read

Riyadh Rent Prices 2025: A Geography Nerd's Guide to the Madness

Riyadh rent prices 2025 hit record highs as Vision 2030 fuels demand. Get latest costs for compounds (SAR 180K+), apartments & villas, top expat zones like Hittin/DQ, hidden fees (Ejar, agent fees), and how mega-projects like Murabba & the Metro will reshape living. Essential guide for navigating Saudi Arabia's rental crisis.

Jun 245 min read

Cost of Living in Riyadh – Mid-2025 Deep Dive

Thinking of moving to Riyadh or just trying to make sense of your monthly outgoings? This updated 2025 guide breaks down the real cost of living in Saudi’s capital—from rent and school fees to groceries, transport, and hidden extras. Whether you're negotiating a new contract or rethinking your budget, this is your go-to snapshot for expat life in Riyadh today.

Jun 153 min read

Where to Live in Riyadh: Schools & Compounds Mapped Out

Struggling to choose where to live in Riyadh? This curated Google Map highlights the city’s most recommended schools and compounds, with tips on traffic, school runs, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you're new to the city or moving neighbourhoods, this guide helps you plot your next chapter with less stress and more confidence.

May 184 min read