What it’s like living in Riyadh, from the people who help transferees move there.
Is Riyadh’s rental market currently rising or stabilizing? Rents had been climbing fast enough that companies budgeting two years ahead were often working off outdated numbers. That changed recently when the Saudi government introduced a five year freeze on rental rate increases, effective immediately. Landlords can no longer raise rents during that period, which brings real stability for both incoming employees and the companies budgeting for them.
What is the EJAR system for renting in Riyadh? EJAR is a government platform that makes a lease legally official and protects both tenant and landlord. Registering requires a valid address, which the employer or relocation company typically provides, along with a mobile number, since accounts in Saudi Arabia are tied closely to mobile numbers. It’s a required step, not an optional one, for any standard lease.
Are there short-term housing options in Riyadh for shorter assignments? Yes. Beyond standard year-long leases, there are furnished apartment blocks and Airbnb-style options for stays as short as a month. Some residential compounds even convert villas into hotel-style rooms with full facilities included, priced around 400 SAR a night, roughly 100 US dollars, which works well for assignments of three to six months.
How much does Riyadh’s metro system cost to use? A typical two-hour journey costs about 4 SAR, close to one US dollar, and a 30-day pass runs about 140 SAR, or roughly 37 dollars. The metro launched in December and is already widely used, including by school-age kids who take it home from school before compound buses pick up the rest of the route.
What do you need before you can open a bank account in Riyadh? You can’t open an account until you receive your iqama, the residency permit. Depending on the bank, you may also need your passport and a letter from your employer confirming you work for a company in Saudi Arabia. Once the account is active, salary is typically paid directly into it and digital payment apps like Apple Pay become available.
Does Saudi Arabia charge for income tax or sales tax? There’s no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia, which is a notable advantage for relocating employees. There is, however, a 15 percent VAT applied to most goods and services, so day to day costs carry that built in rather than showing up as a separate tax at the register.
What is Boulevard World in Riyadh? Boulevard World is a seasonal attraction running roughly from October through April, built like a walkable global village with pavilions themed around different countries, from the US to Egypt to Greece, each with its own food and atmosphere. It takes about three hours to walk through and includes outdoor concerts and events throughout the season.
How should newcomers greet people in Riyadh? Handshakes are common but should be initiated by the other person rather than offered first, and men typically shake hands with men while women shake hands with women. If a handshake isn’t extended, placing a hand over the heart with a smile is a traditional greeting. Learning the phrase “as-salamu alaikum,” meaning peace be upon you, is worth doing right away since it’s used constantly.
