Comprehensive Riyadh

Relocating to Riyadh brings you into the heart of Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation. This guide offers a fresh perspective—no images, just clear, actionable steps—to help you plan every phase of your move.

1. Pre‑Departure Essentials

1. Visa Confirmation
   • Verify the exact visa type (employment, investor, student).
   • Collect all required supporting documents: degree certificates, company letters, police clearances—each attested by relevant authorities.
2. Health Preparations
   • Complete any routine vaccinations (e.g., flu, hepatitis).
   • Secure an international health insurance policy that meets Saudi Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) standards.
3. Financial Arrangements
   • Notify your home bank of your move to avoid card blocks.
   • Consider opening a multi‑currency account or using an international banking service for initial funding.

2. Arrival & Settling In

a. Airport to City Transfer

• Options: Pre‑book a private airport transfer or use metered airport taxis.
• Tip: Keep some Saudi Riyals (SAR) in cash for immediate small expenses (taxi, SIM card).

b. Temporary Accommodation

• Short‑Term Stays: Serviced apartments in Olaya or Furnished Airbnbs in Hittin allow flexibility while you search for permanent housing.
• Duration: Aim for 2–4 weeks of temporary lodging to attend viewings and complete paperwork.

3. Securing Your Long‑Term Home

1. Real‑Estate Platforms: Bayut.sa, Property Finder, and local brokers.
2. Key Criteria:
   • Proximity to work/schools
   • Compound vs. standalone apartment (compounds offer communal facilities—pools, gyms, cafés)
   • Payment structure (single cheque discount vs. multi‑cheque flexibility)
3. Negotiation Points:
   • Maintenance responsibilities
   • Inclusion of appliances (fridge, washing machine)
   • Visitor parking allocations

4. Education & Childcare

• Nurseries & Daycares: Search for licensed nurseries—early application is crucial due to limited spots.
• After‑School Activities: International schools often partner with sports clubs, music academies, and language centers.
• University Pathways: Riyadh hosts branch campuses of several international universities; research enrollment deadlines early.

5. Transportation & Mobility

• Car Ownership
  • Cheapest petrol globally; buying a reliable sedan or SUV is straightforward.
  • Convert your driver’s license within 30 days of arrival.
• Public Transit
  • Riyadh Metro: Five major lines, Phase 1 now operational with 22 stations.
  • SAPTCO buses cover major corridors.
• Micro‑Mobility: E‑scooter and bike‑sharing services are emerging in central districts.

6. Lifestyle & Leisure

1. Shopping & Dining
   • Malls: Kingdom Centre, Al Faisaliah, Riyadh Park.
   • Souks: Al Zal for textiles, dates, and handicrafts.
   • Restaurants: From fine‑dining terraces in Tahlia Street to street‑food stalls in local markets.
2. Fitness & Outdoors
   • Gyms: Gold’s Gym, FitnessTime, and boutique studios in premium compounds.
   • Day Trips: Edge of the World (1.5 hrs NW), Red Sand Dunes (2 hrs SE).
3. Cultural Experiences
   • Museums: National Museum of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
   • Festivals: Riyadh Season (Oct–Dec) with concerts, shows, and pop‑up dining.

7. Utilities & Day‑to‑Day Services

• Utilities Setup
  • Electricity & Water: Register online via the Saudi Electricity Company portal.
  • Internet & TV: Choose from STC, Mobily, or Zain bundles.
• Mobile Connectivity
  • Buy a local SIM at the airport or kiosks—prepaid plans start at SAR 100/month.
• Grocery & Essentials
  • Supermarkets: Carrefour, Danube, Tamimi Markets.
  • Delivery Apps: Nana, HungerStation, Mrsool for groceries, meals, and even parcel pickup.

8. Cultural Adaptation & Etiquette

• Prayer Times: Five daily prayers; expect brief pauses in business operations.
• Social Norms:
  • Public displays of affection are discouraged.
  • Alcohol is prohibited.
• Language & Communication:
  • Learning greetings (“As‑salaam‑alaykum,” “Shukran”) builds rapport.
  • English is spoken widely in professional settings.

9. Safety & Emergency Contacts

• Emergency Number: Dial 999 for police, 997 for ambulance, 998 for fire.
• Expat Communities: Join online forums (Internations, Facebook expat groups) for peer support.