Life in Saudi Arabia
Life in Saudi Arabia has recently been in the news for modern reforms pioneered by MBS. Whether it is allowing women to drive or Justin Bieber in Jeddah performing to a full house in jeddah. Such steps represent the outlook and direction in which the leaders of the country want the country to grow. The new Saudi Arabia is more accepting towards western culture. This acceptance of different world views and tolerance of different cultures allows Saudi Arabia to grow both economically and culturally. This soft stance towards the rest of the world and growth focused outlook towards the future is very much welcomed by the rest of the world.
Most recently Saudi announced The Line’, 75-mile-long mirrored desert skyscraper city in NEOM. Such projects clearly represent the will to move from a outdated oil centric economy. Saudi Arabia is consciously trying to take the country and its image away from an Islamic orthodox kingdom to a modern and inclusive country.
Apart from these announcements in infra structural projects the job market is also opening up for expats. This is important to bring in work culture from outside to make a more international and inclusive work. Sudi arabia is slowly but steadily working towards a economy outside of the oil industry.
If you are planning to move Saudi you need to take a look at following parameters.
- Income.
- Cost of living
- Transport
- School
- Banking facilities available to expats
Average income and life in Saudi Arabia.
The average income in Saudi Arabia is 9000-15000 sar for mid-level employees in private companies. While the minimum wage is 4000 Sar for Saudi Nationals.
Salaries in Saudi Arabia vary wildly between the minuscule and the exorbitant, depending on your experience, training, and your passport. The unfortunate reality is that Western expats get the bulkiest compensation packages; followed by Arab expats, and then non-Western, non-Arab expats.
Western expats who receive a work offer will likely receive a salary offer, insurance, transport, living expenses as well as various possible benefits. These might include medical insurance, education stipend for children, annual/biannual plane tickets home, housing (or housing allowance), and a car (or travel allowance). Knowing this, you should make sure you negotiate to get the best possible package so that you and your family can afford the expenses you plan to have.
Women in the workforce.
Women’s unemployment is the highest in the world. Of the ones that are employed on an average women are paid 56% less than their male counter parts. Saudi Arabia is still an orthodox Muslim country with majority of the people outside of the big cites follow strict Islamic laws. There are many fields where women are still not
Employment contract.
The most important part of joining a company is the contract. Once the dotted line is signed and terms are agreed there is practically very little that can be done. Hence it is very important for you to do your research and negotiate for the best salary before you sign the contract. Read the fine print and clarify all the points before you join.
Banking facilities for Expats in Saudi Arabia.
Once you have secured employment, banks and NBFCs will be more than happy to offer their products to you. In December of 2022 the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency raised the Repo Rate by 50 BPS to a total of 5%. Until the beginning of 2022 the repo rate was at 1%.
Inflation in November was at 3%. Which compared to make south east asian and asian countries is much better. Saudi Arabia typically follows the US central bank policy because the Riyal is pegged to the dollar.
Because of these reasons, expats take a loan from Saudi Arabia instead of their home country. There are 2 major reasons for this,
- Currency rate is almost always going to rise.
- The price of the loan or interest rate is also much higher in their home country.
You can get a short term loan, or a personal loan. Also available are auto loans and credit cards. For mortgages you will need to provide proof of at least 3 months of employment. 3 months salary slips,3 months bank statements and Salary Certificate attested by the chamber of commerce.
If there are any unpaid loans or credit cards that are pending in Saudi Arabia you can click here to book your first complimentary consultation.
Transport in Saudi arabia.
Obviously the price of petrol and gas is cheap in Saudi Arabia hence a private vehicle is the best mode of countries. Railways are not as well connected as roads throughout the country. while metro is available on in Mecca the Riyadh Metro is expected to start operating imminently, while there are proposals for metro systems in Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina. Bus services are available in all cities with ease most recent being Riyadh with an upgrade in its fleet.
Schools In Saudi Arabia.
There are many good options when it comes to schools in Saudi Arabia; a few are listed below for your reference. They are at par with international schooling standards. These options are limited to only the bigger cities such as Jeddah and Dammam. Outside of big cites there are limited options.
- Al Safi international (Dammam)
- Creative International School (Dammam)
- International Future School (Dammam)
- American International School (Jeddah).
- British International School (Jeddah).
- Pakistan International School (Jeddah).
- International Indian School (Jeddah).
- International Indian School (Jeddah).
- Jeddah Campus International (Jeddah).
These above parameters will have you started in the right direction to decide if you want to lead a life in Saudi Arabia. If you wish to check for a travel ban or immigration ban in Sauid Arabia you can click here to book your service.
