Moving to Saudi Arabia

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East where it measures 2,149,690 square kilometers (830,000 sq mi). Saudi Arabia has an estimated population of 25.7 million of which 5.5 million are non-citizens. Known for owning the world's largest oil reserves, the country is also known as one of the largest Islamic nations of the world. Westerners usually move to Saudi Arabia to enjoy tax-free salaries. They usually live in compounds specifically for Western-style living and avoid traditional Saudi life.

As you consider your move to this amazing country, it is good to remember that there will be both positive and negative factors. For starters, you will save money by living in Saudi Arabia. First of all, housing and airplane tickets are unbelievably cheap. You will also find some natural wonders that will amaze you. From the desert to the coral reefs to the sand dunes, there is an array of events such a camping, hiking and sand dune sports that will keep anyone busy enough.

There are no taxes taken from salary in Saudi Arabia. You will find many nearby countries that provide opportunity for travel. There are many interesting attractions and sites to see in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and other nearby countries. There are also many unusual sites to see in Saudi Arabia that you won't find anywhere else. For example, some places to visit would be the ancient city of Diriyah, the ancient architecture of Najran and Jeddah, Nabatean tombs of Madain Saleh and the Hijaz Railway that was once destroyed by Lawrence of Arabia.

There are also a few different aspects of life in Saudi Arabia that some would consider to be negative or a disadvantage to moving here. One is the very hot summers that often boast of temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 50 degrees Celsius. Sometimes all outdoor activities will be banned if temperatures get too high. Keep in mind that in Saudi Arabia, women are never allowed to drive. Women also have a strict dress code that must be adhered to in public. Sometimes people are disappointed to learn that there are no bars or movie theaters in Saudi Arabia.

Religion lies at the crux of the lifestyle and culture of Saudi Arabia. They hold to deep Islamic laws which dictate nearly all areas of their lives. This includes the law that dictates no alcohol permitted in the country. While the penalty for importing alcohol into the country is very severe, many expatriates do consume alcohol within their own compounds.

Those moving into the country must also come to terms with the very different ideas that they have regarding the differences between the sexes. Women are considered of less value than men. They are not permitted to have conversations with other men than their own husbands or family members. There are religious police present who will watch closely and enforce these laws. No matter where you come from, if you move to Saudi Arabia, you are expected to abide by their rules and laws without exception. As you can see, it may take several months before an expatriate can start to feel that he is a part of the community at all.

On a more positive note, there are many modern, Western stores and restaurants in the area. For example, there are many Starbucks, McDonald's, Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants. The shopping malls are very much like western malls and you can also watch satellite television programs in your home. The western compounds are the ideal place for those moving into the country to relax and be able to feel a little more at home. However, it's best to not completely alienate yourself from the Saudis, as you need to understand them so you can communicate with them, make friends and understand their culture better.

When moving into Saudi Arabia, you will need a visa, which is only granted to those who have been sponsored to work there. Tourist visas can be difficult to obtain. Anyone entering the country must have a valid passport that is valid for six months, a valid visa and a return ticket. Women cannot enter the country alone unless they are being met by a sponsor or male relative.

To those coming from the Western world, relocating to Saudi Arabia will be a challenge. Many have moved there, however, for their employment and have found the country to be unique and full of interesting culture and patriotism. Having an open mind about what to expect and knowing that it may take awhile to get used to living there are the best attitudes one can adopt when moving to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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