Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has rapidly transformed under Vision 2030, opening to international tourism and expat professionals for the first time in its history. Riyadh and Jeddah host substantial Western expat communities, with English widely used in business, healthcare, and major hospitality venues, though Arabic remains the official language and is essential outside professional settings. The State Department maintains a Level 2 advisory (Exercise Increased Caution) primarily due to terrorism and missile threats from Yemen near border regions. Cost of living is moderate by Gulf standards—lower than UAE but with similar lifestyle access. Housing in compounds (favored by Western expats) commands premium pricing but offers Western amenities and relaxed dress codes. Healthcare in major cities is high-quality through private hospitals like King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, with most expat employers providing mandatory health insurance. Saudi Arabia introduced a Premium Residency program in 2019 and expanded visa pathways for investors, skilled workers, and remote professionals as part of economic diversification.