What are the downsides to living in Saudi Arabia?

Cultural and Societal Restrictions Dress codes for men and women. Limited personal freedom (such as not being able to drink alcohol or engage in certain leisure activities) Cultural restrictions (such as not being able to mix with the opposite sex) Limited social activities and entertainment options.

What are the disadvantages of Saudi Arabia?

Is Saudi Arabia good to live in?

Want to live in Saudi Arabia? Expats in Saudi Arabia have a high standard of living, thanks to large disposable incomes that allow them to indulge in luxuries. Many expats, particularly women, may find life in the kingdom restrictive. And some people don't like the insular nature of a housing compound.

Is Saudi a safe place to live?

The crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low, but there is petty crime. There have also been more serious crimes, including crimes against women. Take care when travelling outside towns and cities.

What are the disadvantages of living in Riyadh?

What EXPATS need to know - Life in Compounds - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Is it worth moving to Saudi?

Are you considering relocating to Saudi Arabia? Working and living in this country can be a great experience, with attractive benefits such as tax-free salaries, career development prospects, and opportunities to travel. You'll benefit from hot weather throughout the year and generous employment packages.

What is not allowed in Riyadh?

Can you smoke in Saudi Arabia?

By law, smoking is prohibited in public places such as governmental institutions and public workplaces. Also, the law states that sales of tobacco and its derivatives are prohibited to minors. Tobacco advertisements, promotions, and sponsorship are banned in Saudi Arabia.

What is life like for a woman in Saudi Arabia?

Ever since the country was founded back in the 1930s, it has been ruled by an autocratic monarchy. Human rights, especially those of women, are severely curtailed. Women here are not even permitted to leave their own homes without being accompanied by a male relative. That's the everyday reality facing Kaussar Moussa.

Are Westerners safe in Saudi Arabia?

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism, the risk of arrest based on social media activity, and importation of prohibited items. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Can you get bacon in Saudi Arabia?

Because pork is forbidden in Saudi Arabia, it's not legally available to most people. You might find it in the homes of diplomats,. who are able to bring it in through their diplomatic pouches. Otherwise, you'll need to travel to a neighboring country where it's not forbidden e.g., Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, etc.

Can single woman work in Saudi?

Women are legally allowed to work in Saudi Arabia. However, specific criteria have to be met. For Saudi nationals, they need permission from their male guardian (husband, brother, father, etc.) that would allow them to work.

Is alcohol banned in Saudi Arabia?

Under Saudi law, penalties for consuming or possessing alcohol are extremely severe: imprisonment, public flogging and even deportation for foreigners.

Can you drink in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia, an Islamic nation where drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden, is to get its first official liquor store. There's just one catch: only foreign diplomats will be able to buy booze there.

What is considered poor in Saudi Arabia?

People are hungry." The Saudi government discloses little official data about its poorest citizens. But press reports and private estimates suggest that between 2 million and 4 million of the country's native Saudis live on less than about $530 a month – about $17 a day – considered the poverty line in Saudi Arabia.

Is there freedom of speech in Saudi Arabia?

Multiple forms of media including books, newspapers, magazines, films, television, and content published on the Internet are censored in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government closely monitors media and restricts it under official state law.

Can you live with your girlfriend in Saudi?

What's allowed and not for unmarried couples? In Saudi Arabia, unmarried couples aren't allowed to live together, nor are they allowed to share hotel rooms.

Is it legal to have a girlfriend in Saudi Arabia?

Dating, as we know it in the west, is not allowed in Saudi Arabia, but times are changing! When I lived there from 1974–1985, men and women were not even allowed to see each other before marriage. Of course, they found ways around that.

What age are girls married in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia had no minimum age of marriage until January 2019, when the country's Shura Council, an advisory body, passed a proposal setting the minimum age of marriage at 18 but leaving exceptions for girls ages 15 to 17 to marry with court approval.

Is VAPE legal in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, retail sales of e-cigarette products is legal and their use is prohibited where tobacco use is prohibited with restrictions: health warnings are mandated, there are ingredient controls of nicotine concentration, and certain flavours or ingredients that are toxic or imply health benefits are not ...

What are the illegal rules in Saudi Arabia?

It's against the law to have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage. If you're sexually assaulted, you may face criminal prosecution. Authorities may not consider you to be a victim of crime. In Saudi Arabia, men and women should dress modestly in public.

Can I drive in Saudi with UK Licence?

See driving abroad and road travel in Saudi Arabia. Men can drive in Saudi Arabia for up to 3 months using a full valid British licence. After 3 months, you'll need a Saudi driving licence – your sponsor can help you with this. You must carry your driving licence and vehicle ownership papers at all times when driving.

Are condoms allowed in Saudi Arabia?

Hospitals and schools are often reluctant to distribute government information about the disease because of strong taboos and the stigma attached to how the virus can be spread. For example, condoms are legal, but until recently, they were rarely available anywhere other than certain hospitals or medical supply stores.

Can I wear a cross in Saudi Arabia?

Items and articles belonging to religions other than Islam are not prohibited, as long as they're just used privately. These include Bibles, crucifixes, statues, carvings, items with religious symbols, and others, although the government's stated policy was that such items were allowed for private religious purposes.

Is kissing allowed in Saudi Arabia?

Public displays of affection between couples, including holding hands or kissing, are strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. The government considers such acts to be inappropriate and a violation of Islamic law.