Saudi Arabi
Population: 27,019,731
Area: 2,149,690 km²
Government: Absolute monarchy
Established: 8th January, 1926
Capital: Riyadh
Why move to the Saudi Arabi?
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle east. It is the worlds largest oil exporter.
Being the world’s leading petroleum producer and exporter, oil accounts for more than 90% of exports and 75% of government revenue, with Saudi oil reserves the largest in the world Saudi Arabia has nearly 6 million foreign expats in various industries.
Most expat employment opportunities have been in the oil and gas however with the growing economy, a boom in the retail and construction sectors are providing many opportunities for expats.
Saudi Arabia is different from Dubai, and other parts of the Middle East known for their Westernisation. All women including Western women are very different for the men due to traditional restrictions placed on women in public. Outside the home, women are required to wear the long black cloak of the Abaya. This is enforced.
Outside of the differences, there are benefits. There are financial incentives and many find that it allows for a more family orientated live to those with children.
While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken. Among the non-Saudi population Urdu, Farsi and Turkish are also common.
One of the great attractions of working in Saudi Arabia is that there is no personal taxation. Candidates with skills in demand can benefit from the tax-free lifestyle and booming market can be a great career move. The tax free pay and lifestyle is far greater than equivalent roles in the UK.
Climate
Saudi is a hot and arid country. The average winter temperature range is 8° to 20°C in January in interior cities such as Riyadh and 19° to 29°C in Jeddah. The average summer range in July is 27° to 43°C in Riyadh and 27° to 38°C in Jeddah.
Money
The currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Arabia Riyal (SAR), which is divided into 100 Hallal.
Passports and visas
Your visa will be organised by your employer once you have secured a job offer from them. For the duration of your stay in the Middle East they act as your sponsor, and all documents such as driving licence, bank account, health cards, etc are reliant on you being in possession of a Residence Visa, which will be organised by your employer