How safe is Saudi Arabia for Westerners?

Saudi Arabia is mainly safe but there are extremely unsafe areas, particularly near the border with Iraq and Yemen. Some of the biggest concerns for tourists in Saudi Arabia should be disrespecting their moral codes, as this is followed by severe punishments.

What life is like for citizens in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia. Regardless of their racial origins, the people of Saudi Arabia have two common characteristics: they speak Arabic and are of the Moslem faith. They are intensely proud people and have a deep respect for personal dignity and country, whilst their customs of generous hospitality are well known.

Is Saudi Arabia a nice place to live?

About people. Saudis can be very hospitable and welcoming. They enjoy a slow pace of life and appear to love shopping and eating out, have park picnics during the winter and like desert trips. They drive USVs especially people with families.

What is it like to live in Saudi as an expat?

Saudi Arabia has a lower cost of living than many other Middle Eastern destinations. Most expats enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, especially if their employment package includes housing, transport and education allowances. Compound accommodation is expensive and international school fees are high.

Is it safe to walk in Riyadh?

OVERALL RISK : LOW. Riyadh is mainly safe but there are extremely unsafe areas, as in most major cities of the world. Some of the biggest concerns for tourists in Riyadh should be disrespecting their moral codes, as this is followed by severe punishments.

Are expats safe in Saudi?

So, how safe is Saudi Arabia for expats or tourists? In general, Saudi Arabia is a very safe country for residents, visitors and tourists. Threat levels are low. There are few if any instances of muggings, terrorist attacks, street violence, personal injury and very little crime.

Are expats happy in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia polarizes expat opinion like few other places. While some enjoy living in traditional expat compounds, others struggle to deal with cultural aspects such as gender segregation and the country’s intolerance to alcohol.

Why do expats love Saudi Arabia?

There is no question that expats love living in Saudi Arabia. They love the Saudi people, making friends with other nationalities, the weather (in winter), the lifestyle, the work opportunities and spending time in an awesome desert environment.

Can you drink alcohol in Riyadh?

Alcohol of any kind is banned in Saudi Arabia. Those who break the law are subject to hundreds of lashes, deportation, fines, or imprisonment. You may be able to access alcohol on the flight over, but if you are deemed to be intoxicated at customs, you risk arrest.

What is life like in Saudi Arabia?

Re: Westerners, Women,and Life in Riyadh Saudi Arabia is not a Democracy, it is ruled by the Royal Family and this is how it is. It is difficult to get visas to come live/work here and if you don’t want to follow the rules then they have the right to say don’t come.

Is it easy to be a woman in Saudi Arabia?

It’s not easy. As the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is very strict and conservative. Most women in Riyadh still cover their heads in public, even though it’s no longer legally required.

How to live in Saudi Arabia as a foreigner?

Make sure your company can arrange for you to live on a decent Western compound. Arabian homes is one of the better ones, though you will pay dearly for an apartment with them. But the segregation and covering rules don’t apply on Western compounds, meaning you can recapture some freedoms and some sanity while ‘at home’.

What is it like to live in Riyadh?

Life in Riyadh is very much governed by the prayer time schedule*. Five times a day, all shops close for prayer, and woe betide the unlucky shopper who has not carefully planned the day. Super market trips can be reduced to mad dashes through the aisles, in order to beat the sun setting and the fate of being stranded at the till.