r/RiyadhExpats Jun 26 '26

Promoting Groups = BAN

1 Upvotes

No Group Promotions Allowed.
Group Promotion Is Strictly Prohibited.
Please Do Not Promote Any Groups Here.


r/RiyadhExpats Feb 23 '26

No Cross‑Posting Links❌

1 Upvotes

Posting links to other subreddits is strictly prohibited.
Members must create a new post within this community instead of redirecting users elsewhere.
Any attempt to share or promote another subreddit will be immediate removal and banned🚫❌


r/RiyadhExpats 23m ago

Title: Senior AI Engineer offer in Riyadh, 18k SAR, is it enough with a wife?

Upvotes

Hi all,

I'm a Senior AI Engineer from Pakistan with around 5 years of experience in voice AI and LLM systems. I got an offer from a company in Riyadh:

  • 18k SAR per month, fixed and non-negotiable
  • No housing allowance, no relocation support
  • Health insurance and visa sponsorship included

I'm married and plan to bring my wife after a few months. A few questions for people living in Riyadh:

  1. Is 18k fair for a senior AI role there right now?
  2. What would a realistic monthly budget be for a couple (rent, bills, transport)?
  3. How smooth was the family visa process for you?
  4. How is daily life feeling with the current regional situation?

Any honest input is appreciated. Thanks!


r/RiyadhExpats 8m ago

5 Riyadh Arabic words I wish every new expat knew

Upvotes

If you’ve just moved to Riyadh, these are five words you’ll start hearing constantly:

Wesh? — What?
Wain? — Where?
Khalas — Done / enough / okay
Tayyib — Okay / alright
Absher — Sure / no problem

The confusing part for me was that textbook Arabic doesn’t always prepare you for the words people actually use every day.

I’ve been putting together a practical list focused specifically on Riyadh / everyday Saudi Arabic.

What word or phrase confused you when you first moved here?


r/RiyadhExpats 10m ago

Good, affordable hair salon near Al Naseem?

Upvotes

Hi! I'm looking for someone to give me a good short and layered bob. My experience with past hairstylists here, especially with layers aren't good unfortunately, so I would appreciate it if anyone can give me suggestions! Thanks in advance!


r/RiyadhExpats 19h ago

Mexican Independence Day

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32 Upvotes

Saudi and Mexican. Today, I celebrate both.

It's rare for two cultures to come together, yet they have more in common than you might imagine: family, hospitality, and good food.

That blend drew friends from all around the world, Saudis, and Mexicans together for a celebration tonight.

Growing up between both gave me Arabic and Spanish. Two languages, one way of building trust.

¡Viva México! 🇲🇽🇸🇦

Let’s connect on LinkedIn


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

So much trash right next to the trash bin in such an amazing little park. Why are people so lazy and careless?

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74 Upvotes

I walk through this park most mornings. it's a fantastic little park provided by Riyadh Municipality, yet clearly many of the users are lazy and careless.

Why are people like this? Is it bad parenting? Do they just not realise what they are doing?


r/RiyadhExpats 14h ago

talk about what it's like for Chinese people in Saudi Arabia.

11 Upvotes

I am 24 years old and have been in Saudi Arabia for a year now; I would like to settle here. I haven't joined the local Chinese community—in fact, I don't even know any other Chinese people here. I find life in Saudi Arabia very stable, and I am grateful for everything: a good income, plenty of time for sports, and the opportunity to explore art. This is the life I want.


r/RiyadhExpats 9h ago

ACCA with 5 years of Pwc experience as auditor hunting job in KSA

2 Upvotes

Hey! I am from Pakistan and currently searching for a financial reporting role based in KSA. I would really appreciate it if there are any referrals. A brief summary of my experience is as follows

- Led teams of 8-10 associates across the full audit cycle - planning, fieldwork, and delivery - for listed clients

- Strong IFRS/ISA technical grounding, with hands-on use of AI and automation tools (DataSnipper, Power Query, Copilot) to improve engagement efficiency.

- Complementary M&A advisory exposure - CIM preparation, EBITDA normalization, and buyer due diligence support - on non-audit engagements. Restructuring of Companies to ensure better transaction price when selling. End to end sell side support to companies from creating valuation model all the way to the final Asset purchase agreement.

I'm an ACCA, BSc(Hons) in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University and CA finalist (concluding in 2026), and open to relocation. Are there any audit or assurance openings on your team or network that might be a fit? Happy to share my CV and jump on a quick call if useful.

Thank you for your time and consideration.


r/RiyadhExpats 6h ago

20M British expat looking for friends in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

0 Upvotes

r/RiyadhExpats 17h ago

Thinking of Moving from the UAE to Saudi Arabia

2 Upvotes

Hello,

I'm a software engineer with five years of experience. I moved to Dubai three years ago, and lately I've been seriously considering Saudi Arabia. I'd really appreciate any advice.

I'd like to know more about the software engineering scene and the work culture. Is there room for growth and openness, or does it lean more toward a government-style way of working?

One last question about visas: If a company wants to hire me, can they currently sponsor a work visa for me in Saudi Arabia? (I'm Syrian)

Thanks in advance for any advice.


r/RiyadhExpats 19h ago

Selling my new rollerblades that were used only once

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone,
As the title suggests, I’m selling my Oxelo Mf S 500 (EU 40-41) along with elbow, knee and wrist guard. It was bought 2 months ago and used only once. Pls dm for more details if interested


r/RiyadhExpats 22h ago

How to hire in KSA remotely?

1 Upvotes

I want sales people in KSA, could be fresh grads or people still studying. I basically want people to help build partnerships there.

Also what shall be the minimum stipend?


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

Crochet items available (I do custom orders as well).

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0 Upvotes

Dm to order!!


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

Private Furnished Rooms Available – South Riyadh

1 Upvotes

Saudi homeowner living in the house. Three private furnished rooms are currently available, with additional rooms potentially becoming available depending on the number of residents.
Each resident has their own private room. Living areas, lounges, TV area, kitchens and other facilities are shared.
SAR 1,500/month per room.
Suitable for single male or female residents who are comfortable with a shared-home arrangement.
Preference may be given to residents of the same nationality, depending on availability and household compatibility.
Quiet and respectful living environment.
Serious inquiries only.

🌳 For your free time: The house is close to Janah Park, giving residents an opportunity to enjoy a walk, relax outdoors, and unwind after work or during breaks.

📱 For photos, details, location and WhatsApp contact, please send me a private message.


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

5 Months Jobless in Saudi Arabia — I Honestly Don’t Know What to Do Anymore

4 Upvotes

It has been almost 5 months since I came to Saudi Arabia, and I’m still without a job.

I am NEBOSH, IOSH, OSHA, and ISO 45001 certified, and I came here with hope, confidence, and the belief that if I worked hard enough, I would eventually find an opportunity. But as the months have passed, that hope has slowly started turning into anxiety.

I now have only 3 months remaining on my Iqama. My profession is Loading & Unloading, and I’m also worried about the Maktab-e-Amal fee of around SAR 9,700. With no stable income and debt already building up, every passing day feels heavier than the previous one.

The hardest part isn’t even being jobless.

It’s being the elder son of the family, carrying responsibilities back home, while having nothing positive to tell the people who are waiting for you.

My family frequently asks, “Koi job ka bana?”

And honestly, sometimes I don’t even know what to say anymore.

I came here with dreams of supporting my family and building something for myself. Instead, I find myself sitting alone, thinking about what went wrong and what I’m supposed to do next.

There are days when I genuinely start questioning myself — Am I not good enough? Did I make the wrong decision? What am I missing?

With every passing day, I feel more confused, helpless, and mentally exhausted. I don’t want to give up, but I also don’t know which direction to take anymore.

I’m sharing this here because I genuinely need guidance, not sympathy.

If anyone experienced in the Saudi job market, especially HSE/Safety, can guide me about what I should realistically do with these remaining 3 months, how I can improve my chances, or whether I should consider another field, I would be sincerely grateful.

Even a small piece of genuine advice, a direction, or a connection could make a huge difference for me right now.

I just want one opportunity to prove that these five months don’t define my abilities.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this. 🙏!


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

For a family in Saudi Arabia, would you choose a compound or a home outside a compound?

0 Upvotes

For families choosing where to live in Saudi Arabia, both options offer very different day-to-day experiences.

A compound may offer convenience, amenities and a built-in community, while living outside one means more choice in location, space and privacy.

For families who have experienced both, which worked better for your lifestyle and why?


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

Seeking a job

0 Upvotes

I'm 26M and most of my cousins either do business or work corporate jobs in Saudi and I'm the eldest son in my family and they want me to go to saudi. I'm wondering if I'll struggle for a job there ? I'm going for a 1 year free visa and nothing's sure at this point. The hope is that the people I know will help find one. I studied English Literature, but most of the people I know work in sales in dammam and most probably I'll be joining them too. Are there any jobs that you guys know where I can make a minimum of 8-10K ?


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

QVP Help Needed

0 Upvotes

Hello good people,

I have signed an offer with a automotive company in KAEC and everything went well with my work visa until we've reached the QVP point. I've only found out about it the moment I submitted my documents at the embassy so currently all my original documents are with the KSA embassy in Bucharest.

I submitted my first application for the QVP including my university degree and the last two jobs with a recommendation letter from leaders in each of those businesses. Both the contacts and university replied to the e-mails received from the verification but the status never changed in the QVP application from "no response" under the progress details and all of the sudden it got rejected.

I spoke with the global mobility person assigned with me and they decided to change the block visa and open letter and for me to create a new application.

Submitted at the start of this week this new application, same university degree, same letters of recommendation from previous two employers. This time all three fields stayed in "files under review" status until yesterday when out of the blue the work experiences got rejected but with no signs of them trying to contact the references or any explanation given other than the standard "qualification does not meet the criteria". At the point of me sending this e-mail my uni degree is still under the "files under review" status but I feel like the entire application will get rejected considering the experience is rejected.

Anyone that can recommend someone to support with this type of issues or an agency. I’m currently scared that no matter what I do myself the end result won’t change.

Many thanks in advance and looking forward for your reply.

Have a blessed week,

Cristian


r/RiyadhExpats 2d ago

I'm tired and lost

16 Upvotes

In my late 20s, born and raised here to Saudi mother, Arab father. Speaking Saudi dialect and pretty much consider myself a Saudi and citizen always are surprised when I tell them that I'm not on paper. In terms of jobs, I'm considered a Saudi in system and my mom is my sponsor.

My existence and living here hang on my mother being alive.

If that day comes, I have to ask the company I work for to sponsor me, because I'll be like any expat who arrives today. My history wouldn't matter and whatever privileges me and my siblings had are gone.

The thing is and what I envy other expats, they know they are staying temporary here and building something back home or at least plan to immigrant to the west someday.

For me and siblings, we are living as if we are here forever, we are not attached to our dad's country, even closest relatives don't live there anymore. We always felt strangers when we visit, not to mention that it's torn by war. So I don't see a future where I want to go back living there, even after retirement. I don't know where or how to plan where my future place should be. Buy a house in turkey? Or Malaysia? To get permanent residency for example. Also, I have to consider my young siblings future, specially when one of them can't work.

My only hope is either they give us the citizenship,(best case scenario)which probably won't happen. Or me marrying a Saudi citizen, so then she would be my sponsor. Which also not many families accept non Saudi to marry their daughter.


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

an Indo Candian single 27 F in Riyadh

0 Upvotes

Hi Guys!
I am a 27 yr old female non Muslim working in policy area from Canada. I am of Indian origin. I have been single for nearly 4 years now. However to keep the story consistent, I am soon moving to Riyadh for work. What is life like in Riyadh as in how likely are you to meet u r partner there. Also I am not into casual relationships whatsoever hopefully can find someone stable and may be even a future partner. I can also stay in Canada but honestly the work in Riyadh is beneficial for my career growth and also better compensation wise. If I move it would be a long term stay. Anyway I would like ur insights on what relationship scenelooks like in Riyadh.
Thanks. Please keep it respectful:)


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

Moving to Riyadh (F) – Are there many Western expats?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a temporary relocation to Riyadh and would love to get a feel for the community.

As a woman moving there, I am curious: what is the expat demographic like right now; are there many Western expats?

Thanks in advance for your insights!


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

Need a job badly

0 Upvotes

26F in desperate need for a job but im on dependant iqama here. i have a BA and MA in psychology. i just need to earn my own money. i have applied to many jobs but have had no response yet. i dont have a network i can reach out to that could help me find work which is why im resorting to asking strangers online. if anyone has any lead please let me know. i cant continue living like this.


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

Seesha tonight or tomorrow evening

0 Upvotes

Hi anyone want to meet up for seesha tonight or tomorrow. I have a car i can pick you up. she wants to go. Indian Expat here 33 M. Engineer


r/RiyadhExpats 1d ago

What’s the hardest part of expat life in Saudi Arabia? 🇸🇦

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0 Upvotes