Living in Saudi Arabia - Study in Saudi Arabia

Living in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia pairs modern cities like Riyadh and Jeddah with a conservative culture and a country in the middle of rapid change under Vision 2030. For students it offers a distinctive mix: no personal income tax, generous scholarships that often include housing, halal food everywhere, and a society where respecting local norms matters. This guide covers the practical reality of student life — finding housing, banking with your Iqama, the desert climate, the food, getting around, the social rules, and the reforms reshaping daily life. The honest version, so you arrive ready.

Finding Housing

For many international students, housing is the simplest part of moving here.

Scholarship and university accommodation

Many scholarships and universities provide on-campus or affiliated housing, so you may not need to search at all. This is the easiest and cheapest option, and it removes the biggest expense from your budget. Ask your international office exactly what your offer or scholarship includes before you arrive — arranged housing also takes the stress out of settling in.

The private market

If you rent independently, Riyadh and Jeddah have modern apartments and residential compounds, while smaller cities are cheaper. View the property — or have a trusted contact view it — and confirm the landlord is genuine before transferring any money. The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the currency, and you will usually need your Iqama to sign a formal lease.

Banking

Once you have your Iqama (residence permit), you can open a local bank account, which makes daily life far easier. You typically need your Iqama, passport, and university enrolment documents. A local account lets you receive a scholarship stipend, pay for housing and bills, and use Saudi Arabia's well-developed digital payment apps. Ask your international office which bank is most convenient for students and whether it has a branch on or near campus — the Iqama is the key that unlocks the account.

The No-Income-Tax Economy

A genuine financial advantage: Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax. Any scholarship stipend or permitted on-campus earnings are not taxed, which stretches your money further than in many study destinations. Note that a value-added tax (VAT) applies to most goods and services, so everyday purchases include it, but your income itself is untaxed. Combined with scholarships that often cover tuition and housing, this makes the country financially attractive for funded students. Model your full budget with the cost-of-study calculator, and see the costs and funding guide for the detail.

Getting Around

Saudi cities are car-oriented and spread out:

• Ride-hailing apps — Uber and the regional Careem — are widely used and convenient
• Driving is common, and women have been able to drive since 2018
• Riyadh's metro network has been built out to ease congestion
• Intercity travel uses buses, trains on some routes, and domestic flights between major cities

Outside the big urban centres, public transport is limited, so most people rely on cars or ride-hailing. Budget for transport accordingly and use registered ride-hailing services, especially for late-night trips.

The Desert Climate

Saudi Arabia is predominantly hot and dry. Expect:

• Very hot summers, often well above 40 degrees Celsius inland
• Mild, pleasant winters, with cool desert nights
• Humid heat in coastal Jeddah; drier air in inland Riyadh
• Very little rain

Practical tips: live with air conditioning indoors, plan outdoor activity for cooler parts of the day or the winter, pack light, breathable clothing that also meets modest-dress expectations, and stay hydrated with sun protection.

Food and Daily Life

Food is a highlight and overwhelmingly halal, which suits many international students:

• Saudi and Middle Eastern dishes — kabsa, grilled meats, rice, hummus, dates
• A huge range of international restaurants and fast food in the big cities
• Strong coffee culture, and social life centred on cafes and restaurants rather than bars
• Well-stocked markets and supermarkets

With alcohol banned entirely, social life revolves around food outings, cafes, family gatherings, and increasingly the new entertainment options. Vegetarian and other dietary needs are increasingly easy to meet in Riyadh and Jeddah, though more limited in smaller towns.

Social Norms and Culture

Saudi Arabia is a conservative, Muslim-majority country, and respecting local norms matters:

• Dress modestly in public
• Alcohol is banned entirely
• Many businesses pause briefly at the five daily prayer times
• During Ramadan, avoid eating and drinking in public during fasting hours out of respect

Approach the culture with respect and an open mind, and you will find people generally warm and hospitable to international students.

Vision 2030 and a Changing Country

It is important to understand that Saudi Arabia is changing rapidly under its Vision 2030 reform program:

• Women have been able to drive since 2018
• Entertainment, concerts, cinemas, and major events have expanded significantly
• The social environment in the big cities is evolving quickly
• New economic and tourism sectors are opening up

For students, this means daily life is more varied than the older reputation suggests, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah — while the conservative foundations remain. We cover the career side of these reforms in our work and career guide.

Language

Arabic is the national language and genuinely useful in daily life, government services, and friendships, so learning some pays off. English is widely understood in universities, many workplaces, shops, and the large international community, and many programs — especially in science, engineering, and at research institutions — are taught in English. You can manage day to day in English in the big cities, but an effort with Arabic is appreciated and opens doors, particularly in smaller towns.

Staying Connected

For a phone, a prepaid SIM from STC, Mobily, or Zain is easy to set up once you have your Iqama — plenty of data at reasonable rates. Home internet is fast and often included in university or compound housing, so check before paying for a separate connection. Set up the local digital payment and ride-hailing apps early, because they are used everywhere for transport, food delivery, and bills.

Health and Safety

Saudi Arabia is generally safe, with low rates of street crime, and a large international community makes it a comfortable place to be a newcomer. A few practical notes:

• Use registered ride-hailing and ordinary caution late at night
• Keep your Iqama, passport, and documents secure — carry your Iqama day to day
• Hospitals and clinics are modern, especially in the big cities; check what health cover your scholarship or university provides
• Respect local laws and customs, which are stricter than in many home countries

Settling In and Making Friends

Saudis are generally hospitable to international students, and the large student and expatriate community means you are rarely the only newcomer. The fastest routes into a social life:

• Join student societies, sports, and your program's groups early
• Say yes to food and coffee outings — the heart of social life here
• Explore the new entertainment and cultural events in the big cities
• Connect with other international students through your university

A Quick Glossary

A few terms you will meet constantly:

• Iqama — your residence permit, used for almost everything
• Riyal (SAR) — the Saudi currency
• Vision 2030 — the national reform and diversification program
• Careem — a widely used regional ride-hailing app
• Kabsa — a popular spiced rice-and-meat dish
• Souq — a traditional market

Next Steps

1. Work and career — the honest picture on working and Vision 2030 sectors
2. Costs and funding — scholarships, stipends, and budgets
3. Visa and arrival — university sponsorship, the Iqama, and your first weeks
4. The 10-step guide — the whole journey in order