Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
A fast-changing desert capital with big ambition
Overview
Riyadh is the best all-around base in Saudi Arabia for expats and digital nomads because it combines the country’s biggest job market, strongest infrastructure, and the widest range of housing, schools, healthcare, and international dining. The city is large, modern, and rapidly evolving, with new districts, entertainment venues, and business hubs appearing every year under Vision 2030. You will find a mix of gleaming towers, traditional souqs, and restored heritage sites, plus easy domestic connections to Jeddah, AlUla, and the Eastern Province. It is not a cheap city by regional standards, but for professionals relocating to Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offers the deepest expat ecosystem and the most practical long-term setup.
Why Expats Love It
Expats choose Riyadh because it is the kingdom’s political and business center, with the highest concentration of multinational employers, diplomatic missions, international schools, and private compounds. Digital nomads and remote workers who can legally base themselves there appreciate the reliable services, good coworking options, and a social scene that is far livelier than Saudi Arabia’s old reputation suggests.
Must Dos
The essential, top gem experiences for the full tourist experience.
Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
Head up the Sky Bridge in Kingdom Centre for one of the best panoramic views over Riyadh’s skyline, especially around sunset when the city lights come on.
Masmak and Diriyah
Visit Al Masmak Fortress in old Riyadh, then explore At-Turaif in Diriyah, the UNESCO-listed mud-brick district that tells the story of the first Saudi state.
Souq Al Zal Walk
Browse carpets, antiques, incense, and traditional goods around Souq Al Zal and the adjoining old market streets near Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque.
National Museum Visit
Spend a few hours at the National Museum in the King Abdulaziz Historical Center for the clearest introduction to Arabian history, Islam, and the formation of Saudi Arabia.
Boulevard City Night
Experience Riyadh’s entertainment boom at Boulevard City, where restaurants, live events, seasonal attractions, and late-night crowds show the city’s new social energy.
Edge of the World Trip
Take a guided desert excursion northwest of Riyadh to Jebel Fihrayn, known as the Edge of the World, for dramatic escarpment views over the vast plains below.
Off the Beaten Path
Live like a local. Special, lesser known experiences for adventurers who want real local flavor.
Wadi Hanifah Stroll
Go for a quieter local-style outing along parts of Wadi Hanifah, especially around the landscaped stretches near the Diplomatic Quarter and Diriyah side.
Tahlia Coffee Hopping
Skip the flashiest venues and wander side streets off Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Road, still widely called Tahlia, for specialty coffee shops and people-watching.
Al Aqiq Weeknights
Spend an evening in Al Aqiq, where newer residential blocks hide low-key cafes, dessert spots, and casual restaurants popular with young Riyadh locals.
Al Nakheel Park Time
Join families at neighborhood parks in Al Nakheel in the early evening, when the heat drops and daily life feels more local than touristic.
Granada Backstreets Eats
Explore the lesser-known restaurant clusters behind the big retail areas of Granada, where you can find solid shawarma, grilled meat, and South Asian casual dining.
Diplomatic Quarter Trails
Walk the palm-lined paths and public art areas in the Diplomatic Quarter, a calmer, greener pocket of Riyadh that many visitors miss outside its major event venues.
Cost of Living
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$1100/mo
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$2100/mo
Restaurant Meal
$20
Monthly Groceries
$260/mo
Monthly Transportation
$40/mo
Monthly Healthcare
$130/mo
Climate
Riyadh has a hot desert climate with very long, intensely hot summers and mild winters. From June through September, daytime heat is extreme, while December through February is pleasantly warm during the day and cool at night.
Best Time to Visit
November to February
Visa & Residency
Written for US citizens
US passport holders can usually apply online for a Saudi eVisa for tourism, which is useful for short stays but does not grant work rights. For long-term relocation, expats typically need an employer-sponsored work visa and iqama residency permit. Saudi Arabia has also expanded options for investors, entrepreneurs, and some premium residency categories, but remote workers should confirm the latest rules before planning a long stay.
These notes assume a US passport. If you hold a different nationality, your visa options and timelines may vary. Always confirm current rules with the official embassy or consulate before you commit.
Safety
Riyadh is generally very safe for everyday life, with low street crime by big-city standards. The main concerns are strict local laws, aggressive driving, occasional regional security tensions, and the need to stay current on US travel advisories and local guidance.
Healthcare
Riyadh has some of Saudi Arabia’s best private hospitals and specialist clinics, and many doctors speak English. Most expats rely on employer-provided private insurance, and quality is usually strong at major facilities such as Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib, Kingdom Hospital, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
Culture & Lifestyle
Culture
Saudi society is conservative but changing quickly, and visitors should still dress modestly and behave respectfully in public. During Ramadan especially, daily rhythms shift, and understanding local etiquette around prayer times, public conduct, and gender norms helps a lot.
Lifestyle
Life in Riyadh is centered on work, malls, cafes, family gatherings, and an expanding calendar of concerts, sports, and cultural events. You will probably rely heavily on cars or ride-hailing, but the city now has a growing metro and bus network that is making daily movement easier.
Language
Arabic, English is widely used in business and expat settings
Currency
Saudi riyal (SAR)
Timezone
AST (UTC+3)