What do expats in Saudi Arabia appreciate most about the local culture?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they appreciate the most about the local culture in Saudi Arabia. They wrote...
"Probably that it's so totally opposite what I knew and was used to, so I learn something new everyday. I know I've grown a lot since being here, in many ways," remarked another expat who made the move to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
"I loved the fact that these people had a lot of time for me, if I liked something they would give it to me and I was often treated like royalty a lot too as I was the only woman who worked amongst the men. I was treated with a lot of respect and also I found that these people were great hosts. The owner of my apartment building and I became good friends and he would often get his manservant to bring me up a plate of every dish he would serve down in his Ramadan tent over Ramadan just so I didn't miss out as I could not enter his enter tent because it was a male only event. But like a good host, I was given a lot of respect by the males in the Kingdom and I will never forget that. It was their kindness and appreciation for me as a westerner that made them do this and I was rather sad when I left because of this," explained one expat living in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Saudi Arabia?
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- What is life like in Saudi Arabia?
- What do expats in Saudi Arabia appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Saudi Arabia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Saudi Arabia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Saudi Arabia like?
- What are healthcare services like in Saudi Arabia?
- What are medical services in Saudi Arabia like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Saudi Arabia?
- What are emergency services like in Saudi Arabia?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Saudi Arabia?
- How are local medical facilities in Saudi Arabia?
- As a foreigner living in Saudi Arabia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do expats in Saudi Arabia appreciate most about the local culture?
If you live in Saudi Arabia, newcomers to Saudi Arabia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of InternationalTravel.ai and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and InternationalTravel.ai, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

