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The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Riyadh: What Every Expat Should Know Before Landing (2025 Edition)

  • Writer: Hayak Riyadh
    Hayak Riyadh
  • Nov 22
  • 3 min read

By Hayak Riyadh — Your trusted relocation partner


Moving to Riyadh is exciting, full of opportunity, and often a completely new cultural experience for expats. Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or a new adventure, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to settle confidently and comfortably.

This is your all-in-one resource — from visas to neighborhoods, cost of living, culture, and daily life.


1. Before You Move: Must-Know Essentials


✔️ Check Your Work Visa Requirements


Your employer typically arranges the work visa, but make sure you have:

  • Valid passport (6+ months)

  • Signed employment contract

  • Medical tests (if required)

  • Attested educational certificates

Tip: Keep digital copies of all documents — you’ll need them again later.


✔️ Understand the Sponsorship System


Every expat works under a sponsor (kafeel) — usually your employer.They handle:

  • Your iqama (residence permit)

  • Visa renewals

  • Exit & re-entry permits

Knowing this upfront saves confusion later.


2. Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Riyadh

Riyadh is huge, modern, and growing fast. Here are the top areas expats prefer:


Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) – Premium, secure, green

Ideal for families, diplomats, and professionals seeking privacy.


Al Olaya / Sulimaniyah – Central, vibrant, business-oriented

Close to offices, restaurants, and modern apartments.


Al Malqa / Hittin – New, trendy, lifestyle-friendly

Filled with cafés, gyms, and elegant compounds.


Expats Compounds

Fully serviced with pools, gyms, community events — the easiest way to transition for families.


3. Cost of Living in Riyadh (2025 Snapshot)


Your expenses will depend on lifestyle, but here’s a realistic overview:

Housing

  • 1-bedroom apartment: 50,000–80,000 SAR/year

  • 2-bedroom: 70,000–120,000 SAR/year

  • Compounds: 90,000–200,000 SAR/year

Food & Groceries

  • Monthly groceries: 1,000–2,000 SAR

  • Dining at restaurants: 40–200 SAR per meal

Transportation

  • Car rental: 1,500–2,500 SAR/month

  • Gasoline: Very affordable

  • Uber: 15–30 SAR per ride (average)

Schools

  • International schools: 45,000–90,000 SAR/year


4. Essential Saudi Apps to Download


These apps make life much easier:

  • Absher – government services (iqama, visas, traffic, dependents)

  • Tawakkalna – identity, health, mobile services

  • Nafath – secure log-ins

  • Najm – car accident services

  • Moroor – traffic violations & vehicle services


5. What to Expect Culturally (Respectfully & Honestly)


✔️ Warm hospitality

Saudi culture is extremely welcoming to guests.


✔️ Modesty

Dress modestly; no abaya required for expat women unless they prefer it.


✔️ Family-oriented

Many policies prioritize families and children.


✔️ Work culture differences

Workweeks follow Sunday–Thursday, with Fridays as a holy day.


6. Everyday Life: What It Actually Feels Like


Shopping & Groceries

Riyadh has everything — Carrefour, Lulu, Tamimi, Danube, even Waitrose-level options.

Cafés & Food

Endless restaurants: local, Asian, Indian, Japanese, European — including Michelin-star names.

Entertainment

From Boulevard World to concerts, gyms, cinemas, spas, and hiking outside the city.

Weekends

Fridays are quiet mornings → weekends pick up after 4 PM.


7. How Hayak Riyadh Helps Expats Settle Smoothly


Relocation can be overwhelming — paperwork, housing, schools, culture, orientation.Hayak Riyadh provides personalized relocation onboarding, including:


🟣 Housing Guidance

Neighborhood advice, compound recommendations, partner assistance.


🟣 Family & Lifestyle Setup

Schools, nurseries, medical providers, gyms, clubs.


🟣 Government & Practical Setup

Support and guidance for bank accounts, driving, apps, local services.


🟣 City Orientation

A curated introduction to Riyadh — what to know, where to go, how to navigate confidently.


🟣 First Step Chat

A 1:1 call to understand your move, goals, and support needs.


8. Final Checklist Before Landing


  • ✔️ Passport & visa copies

  • ✔️ Employment contract

  • ✔️ Housing plan or temporary stay

  • ✔️ Travel insurance

  • ✔️ International driving license (optional)

  • ✔️ Currency exchange or a travel card

  • ✔️ Local emergency numbers

  • ✔️ Hayak Riyadh onboarding plan


❤️ Final Thought


Moving to Riyadh is more than a relocation — it’s a life upgrade.With the right guidance, it becomes smooth, empowering, and exciting.

If you're planning your move, let Hayak Riyadh be your partner in a seamless landing.

 
 
 

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