“My partner just got an incredible job offer in Riyadh which will be a great chance for us to grow as a family but I’m anxious because I don’t know what to expect upon arriving there.”
“I am at the airport to board my first flight to Saudi Arabia and I’m freaking out because I forgot my abaya at home!”
“My kids really enjoy the lifestyle in our current city and I’m not sure we can expect the same in Riyadh.”
In my six years working in the Kingdom as a Cross-cultural Consultant and facilitating customized coaching sessions for Families in Global Transition (FIGTs) on Living and Working in KSA, I’ve heard countless such statements. Statements often tinged with concern and uncertainty about their destination country, Saudi Arabia.
I completely empathize with my assignees as I’ve experienced a similar rollercoaster of emotions when my husband broke the news of moving to Riyadh back in 2018. I had no idea what the dress code was, how I’d make friends or whether I could even leave the house without him accompanying me!
My only trusted source of information was my husband who moved a few months earlier and shared his first-hand observations of professional and social life. “The Director of Finance, a Saudi woman, greeted me with a handshake on my first day in the office!” he’d said. “Guess what, a female Uber driver drove me to work today!” That’s when I knew – things were about to change. Change fast and for the better.
But little did I anticipate remarkable, ground-level shifts such as increased gender-mixing in public spaces, amended prayer time regulations, openness for tourism and boost in entertainment. A phenomenal socio-cultural transformation that set the Kingdom on the global map, full of endless possibilities and opportunities to grow.
Fast-forwarding to 2025, having experienced these historic changes firsthand, many of them have now become stories that I share in my coaching sessions. So here are top 5 things you should know if you’re considering a move to KSA so you don’t have to hear yourself say “Wish I knew this before moving”.
Safety
The Kingdom is one of the safest I’ve been in, and I speak from my travels to over 40 countries. You may have come across social media reels showing people leaving their laptops or wallets unattended in cafés. Personally, my laptop’s too precious for that stunt, but I can confidently say this: you don’t need to constantly look over your shoulder while walking the streets or using public transport, worried about your phone/bag being snatched. Riyadh has a strong late-night culture, and I’ve often taken Uber rides home past midnight, while my family slept peacefully at home.
Dress Code
This one is specially for the ladies. You do not need to invest in an Abaya before traveling or relocating to KSA. I recall nervously putting on my black Abaya upon landing in Riyadh in 2019 only to see a fellow female expat dressed in leggings and a jumper hailing a cab outside the airport! The dress code is ‘modest’ meaning you’re welcome to wear loosely fitted clothing covering your arms and legs. Should you like to adapt to the local dressing, there are many Abaya stores selling latest trends in a variety of colors, fabrics and designs. I personally feel more at ease putting on a bright linen Abaya when I visit a traditional Souq or am training a corporate team of senior Saudi nationals. That said, you’ll always have a choice.
Weather
More often than not, it’s your visa timeline that determines when you arrive. But if you’re lucky, you might experience Saudi Arabia at its best between October and March, when temperatures can drop as low as 0°C in January. If you arrive during peak summer, especially in August, when temperatures can soar up to 50°C – then congratulations, you’ve experienced the toughest part of the year, and it only gets better from there! Riyadh has a very dry and dusty climate, and I recommend investing in a good humidifier and moisturizing your skin generously.
People Make Places
The capital has a beautiful blend of local and multicultural soul which in my opinion sets it apart from other GCC capitals. Generosity runs deep and it’s not uncommon to see two locals playfully arguing over wanting to pay the bill at a restaurant! It’s much easier to make friends with Saudi nationals and connect with the international community now than ever with social platforms like @riyadhwriters, @meetup, @thediwan, @clubDQ, @ypclub and so on. Networking is key to doing business in the Kingdom and thriving in any new city, and these platforms are gold standard for social mixers.
Travel and Recreation
Not all of KSA is a desert which gives its residents a wonderful chance to explore the topographically diverse gems from Abha’s lush green mountains to Jeddah’s sparkling Red Sea coast. Riyadh itself boasts of several indoor and outdoor entertainment options year-round. Think: latest movie releases, art galleries and exhibitions, world-class shows like Cirque du Soleil and Broadway performances, major sporting events like boxing, football and tennis, and much more. The capital also has a fantastic café and culinary scene, adding more flavor and excitement to the city.
Relocating to Saudi Arabia can feel like stepping into a world of contrasts – rooted in tradition yet rapidly modernizing, reserved yet generous. While the initial transition can be overwhelming, embracing the pace, people, and possibilities makes all the difference. The more open and curious you are, the more rewarding the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned expat or a newbie, I hope these insights help you feel a little more prepared and a lot more excited for your journey ahead in the Kingdom.
