Your Expat Community in Jeddah

Depending on your priorities, Jeddah can be a very good place for expats. This port city (some 845 km west of Riyadh) offers value for money, friendly locals, and safety according to the Expat Insider survey. On the other hand, expats may struggle to adjust to some of the local customs and bureaucracy as well as the extreme heat of summer. If you’re open to embracing Saudi culture and lifestyle, Jeddah can be an exciting and rewarding place to live, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.  

Visa and residence permit requirements may vary depending on your nationality and purpose of stay. Most expats need an employment visa sponsored by their company, which must be obtained before arrival. The process normally includes a job offer, medical checks, and approval from the Ministry of Labor approval. Once in Saudi Arabia, you'll need to get a residence permit (Iqama) to lawfully live there. The Iqama also provides access to services like healthcare and banking.

Keep in mind the visa application procedure can be time-consuming, so it’s a good idea to plan everything beforehand.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia has all the information you need. 

Accommodation in Jeddah varies widely as it depends on your lifestyle and budget.

Popular neighborhoods for expats like Al-Hamra and Ash Shati offer luxury apartments and villas near the waterfront, with rents ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 SAR per month.

Al-Rawdah and Al-Salamah provide modern housing with rents typically between 6,000 to 12,000 SAR per month.

Expats, who seek a Western-style living experience often choose compounds, where rent for villas or apartments can range from 80,000 to 200,000 SAR annually, depending on the amenities and size.

For families, areas like Al-Naeem and Al-Basateen offer quiet, spacious options.

As with any major city, your cost of living depends on your lifestyle and personal choices. The housing market in Jeddah has seen a rise in demand, which has impacted rental prices. Yet, you can find reasonably priced accommodation depending on the area you choose. Dining out offers a range of options, from affordable local eateries to upscale restaurants. Grocery shopping, especially for locally produced items, tends to be economical. While entertainment and cultural activities are plentiful, especially around the Corniche area, there are also many free activities, such as beach visits and public parks, that can help keep your expenses in check. 

Here’s a breakdown of the monthly cost of living for a single person in Jeddah: As with any major city, your cost of living depends on your lifestyle and personal choices. The housing market in Jeddah has seen a rise in demand, which has impacted rental prices. Yet, you can find reasonably priced accommodation depending on the area you choose. Dining out offers a range of options, from affordable local eateries to upscale restaurants. Grocery shopping, especially for locally produced items, tends to be economical. While entertainment and cultural activities are plentiful, especially around the Corniche area, there are also many free activities, such as beach visits and public parks, that can help keep your expenses in check. 

Here’s a breakdown of the monthly cost of living for a single person in Jeddah:

Finding a job in Jeddah as an expat doesn’t have to be complicated. Job sites like Bayt, GulfTalent, and LinkedIn often list expat-friendly opportunities across various industries. Major companies like Saudi Aramco, STC, and Savola also regularly post openings on their websites, making them great places to target in your search.

For additional support, recruitment agencies like Michael Page and Hays specialize in helping expats secure positions in Saudi Arabia. These agencies have strong connections and can match your qualifications with suitable roles.

You need a job offer first before landing a work visa. Your employer must sponsor it. Once you’re hired, it will help you get an Iqama (residence permit).

Currently, the Saudi government is pursuing a policy of Saudization. This means they want to hire locals more. But expats with special skills, especially in healthcare, IT, and engineering, are still wanted.

Islamic practices: Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and the religion influences daily life. Prayer times are observed five times a day, and many businesses close during these times. Friday is the Islamic holy day, so the weekend typically falls on Friday and Saturday.

Dress code: In public places, it’s important to dress modestly. Men usually wear long trousers, while women typically wear an abaya (a long black robe) out in public. Foreign women don’t have to cover their hair but may do so to show respect.

Gender segregation: Public areas like restaurants and banks have separate sections for men and women or families. In many situations, unrelated men and women don’t interact much.

Hospitality: Saudi culture really shines when it comes to generosity and hospitality. If you visit someone’s home, bringing a small gift like dates or sweets is common. Accepting any refreshments offered is a sign of respect too.

Greetings: Greetings can be pretty formal in Saudi Arabia. Men often greet each other with a handshake or a cheek kiss if they’re close friends. Women usually won’t shake hands with men unless the man offers his hand first.

Public behavior: Couples showing affection in public isn’t really acceptable, and loud or improper behavior is discouraged. It’s important to remain respectful in both behavior and speech.

Ramadan: During Ramadan, Muslims fast from early morning to evening. Expats should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public when the sun’s out as a sign of respect for the local customs.

Public healthcare: The Saudi government offers free healthcare to Saudi citizens, which is funded through oil revenues. However, expats don’t have access to this free care unless they’re employed in the public sector.

Private healthcare: Most expats turn to private healthcare instead. The quality is top-notch. Well-known private hospitals include International Medical Center, Saudi German Hospital, and Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital. They offer many services, from routine checkups to advanced surgeries. Usually, expats have private health insurance included in their job packages.

Every expat must have private health insurance by law. Many employers cover health insurance as part of the job contract. This usually takes care of most medical treatments. Still, it’s a good idea to check what your plan covers because some policies may not include certain treatments or medications.

Emergency services: Jeddah offers reliable emergency services. Both public and private hospitals can handle urgent cases well. If you need emergency medical help, just call 997.

Speaking Arabic is not a must, especially if you’re in international companies or sectors like healthcare, teaching, or tech. English is pretty common, especially at work. You’ll see lots of signs, menus, and official stuff in both English and Arabic.

But you should try picking up some basic Arabic phrases. It’ll come in handy when you’re out and about —like at markets, grabbing a bite, or dealing with government paperwork. Plus, it shows you respect the local culture. It’s a great way to connect with Saudi coworkers & neighbors.

Lots of expats decide to take Arabic classes because it helps them communicate better and makes their time in the country more rewarding.

British International School of Jeddah (BISJ): This is one of the most well-known schools, offering the British curriculum from primary to International Baccalaureate (IB) for older students.

American International School of Jeddah (AISJ): AISJ follows the American curriculum, from Pre-K to Grade 12, and prepares students for American university admissions. It also offers an Advanced Placement (AP) program.

Deutsche Schule Jeddah: For German-speaking expat families, this school offers an education in German from Kindergarten through high school.

Lycée Français International de Jeddah: This French international school offers education in French and follows the French curriculum, from Kindergarten through high school, preparing students for the French baccalaureate.

Jeddah Prep and Grammar School: Following the British curriculum, this school caters to children from ages 3 to 18 and is known for its academic and diverse student body.

Al Waha International School: Offers both British and American curriculums, making it a flexible option for families looking for either system.

The most common mode of transportation in Jeddah is the car. As public transport is still underdeveloped, many expatriates buy or rent a car. Road infrastructure is well developed, but traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour. If you plan to drive, you will need a valid Saudi Arabian driver’s license, which can be obtained by exchanging a foreign driver’s license depending on your country of origin.

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and the local Careem are widely available and very convenient. They are affordable and easily available, especially in urban areas. If you don’t own a car or don’t want to drive, these apps are a good alternative. Taxis are available throughout the city, but fares can vary, and English-speaking drivers are rare, so we recommend using a ride-sharing app.

Public transport in Jeddah is limited but is gradually expanding. SAPTCO (Saudi Public Transport Company) offers affordable buses but they’re not as widely used by expats due to limited routes and schedules. The Jeddah Metro, meanwhile, is an ambitious public transport project currently under construction that is expected to significantly improve public transport services over the next few years.

Cycling and walking isn’t very common due to the hot climate and car-centric infrastructure. But Jeddah’s Corniche area has pedestrian-friendly areas where people can walk or bike.