Surviving Your First Weeks as an Expat Family in Riyadh

Welcome to Riyadh (and the Chaos That Comes With It)

Moving to Riyadh with family is a bit like being thrown into the deep end of the world’s biggest swimming pool — you know you’ll find your rhythm eventually, but the first splash is always a shock.

Come on in, the water is lovely!

The excitement of a new adventure sits right alongside the stress of paperwork, heat, and trying to work out which supermarket sells decent coffee. When we first arrived, I remember standing in a mall clutching bottled water and thinking: Where do I even begin?

If you’re feeling that mix of thrill and overwhelm, you’re not alone. Every expat family in Riyadh has their “first week wobble.” The good news? Riyadh gets easier — and even surprisingly wonderful — once you’ve made it through those crucial first weeks.

This post is here to help you get started. Think of it as a warm welcome, with just enough practical advice to make those early days less daunting.

Before You Arrive: Laying the Groundwork

A smooth landing starts before you even board the plane. Some essentials to get sorted:

• Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork — visas, attested certificates, medical records. The Iqama Saudi Arabia process kicks off soon after you land, so bring every document you might possibly need.

• Temporary accommodation — most families start with a serviced apartment or hotel before moving onto compounds or villas.

• Schools first — applications should be in months ahead. International schools (British, American, IB) fill fast.

• Mental prep — talk openly as a family about culture shock and the changes ahead. Kids adapt quickly, but they need honesty and reassurance, not to be told to just “suck it up, you are going to have a swimming pool!”

Why a Pre-Move Visit Helps

If you can, spend time in Riyadh before making the leap. Settling into life here is much easier if you’ve already had a taste of it.

• Compounds often have waiting lists, and visiting helps you see what community living really looks like.

• Schools also fill quickly, so an in-person visit can clarify which options feel right for your children.

• Traffic is infamous, but only when you’re sitting in it do you understand how it shapes your daily life — from school runs to weekend plans.

• The city’s scale is something else entirely. Riyadh is huge and changing at a dramatic rate, and a pre-move trip gives you a head start on navigating it.

The First 72 Hours: Your Essentials Blitz

Your first few days are less about sightseeing and more about survival mode. Priorities include:

• Getting connected — local SIM cards are essential for banking apps, deliveries, and communication.

• Finding groceries and water — supermarkets like Tamimi, Lulu, Panda, and Carrefour are your starting points.

• Sorting cash — while cards are widely accepted, having some riyals in your pocket makes life easier.

• Making a temporary home — whether it’s a hotel or serviced apartment, unpack the essentials so everyone feels grounded.

• Rest and hydration — the Saudi heat and jet lag combined can be brutal. Don’t underestimate the power of naps and gallons of water and a few rehydration tablets.

Week One: Paperwork and Practicalities for an Expat Family in Riyadh

Once the dust has settled, the “admin marathon” begins.

• Residency permits (Iqama Saudi Arabia) — this involves medicals, fingerprinting, and sponsor coordination. It’s your golden ticket to life in Saudi.

• Bank accounts — most require an Iqama, so be patient.

• Housing viewings — compounds are popular with expats, offering pools, gyms, and social life, while villas offer more space but less built-in community.

• School enrolment — uniform shopping, orientation, and making sure your kids have someone to sit with at lunch.

• Healthcare basics — register with a clinic or hospital early on; Dallah, Dr Sulaiman Al Habib, and Kingdom Hospital are all well-regarded.

Weeks Two to Three: Settling Into a Rhythm as an Expat Family in Riyadh

Once the basics are underway, life starts to take shape.

• School routines — drop-offs, WhatsApp parent groups, and helping kids through the transition.

• Setting up home — internet installation is top of the list, followed by furniture delivery (IKEA is popular; Abyat, Al Rugaib, Pan Emirates, and Home Box are good too).

• Community connections — expat Facebook groups, compound clubs, or school PTA volunteering can be a lifeline.

• Everyday essentials — delivery apps like HungerStation, Jahez, and Mrsool will soon become second nature, along with supermarket apps like Carrefour, Lulu, and Tamimi.

• Arabic basics — greetings and polite phrases go a long way: Shukran (thank you), Insha’Allah (God willing), Mafi Mushkilah (no problem).

Coping With Culture Shock in Riyadh

Even the most seasoned travellers feel it. Culture shock in Riyadh is real, and the city has its own rhythm:

• Dress codes — women no longer have to wear an abaya in public, but modesty is expected all round. Cover your knees and shoulders to avoid stares and offence.

• Prayer times — most places now stay open, but a few smaller shops may still close briefly.

• Ramadan — a special time when daytime eating and drinking in public is off-limits.

• Family orientation — despite the challenges, Riyadh is incredibly family-friendly, with plenty of safe spaces for kids.

• Acknowledge the stages of culture shock — honeymoon, frustration, adjustment — and give yourselves grace.

Small wins count: finding a favourite café (there are many), making a new friend, or simply driving somewhere without getting hopelessly lost.

Why It’s Worth It

Yes, the first weeks are hard. But they’re also full of adventure. Expat families in Riyadh often find:

• A strong community — expats support each other, especially in those early days.

• Cultural gems — from souqs and desert trips to museums and seasonal festivals (Riyadh Season kicks off in October).

• Travel opportunities — weekends by the sea in Jeddah, trips to AlUla, or quick getaways to Dubai, Muscat, or Cairo.

• A safe environment — Riyadh is family-oriented and security is taken seriously.

From Surviving to Thriving

Surviving your first weeks in Riyadh isn’t about doing it perfectly — it’s about keeping the kids fed, the paperwork moving, and your spirits just high enough to laugh when the Wi-Fi man doesn’t show up (again).

Take it step by step. Find your tribe. Drink more water than you think is humanly possible.

Soon, Riyadh won’t feel overwhelming — it’ll feel like home.

Your turn: What was your biggest first-week challenge as an expat family in Riyadh? Share your story in the comments — it might just help someone else starting out.

Next up: I’ll be publishing the full essential guide to surviving your first weeks in Riyadh — with detailed checklists, cultural tips, and resources you can download. Stay tuned!