Living

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Saudi Arabia: Living

Communities of Expatriates

The Number of Expatriates: Around 6.14 million expatriates are living in Saudi Arabia. The country has many expiates from China, Gulf Countries, Italy, France, Mexico, Japan, Lebanon and India.
Blogs For Expats: ExpatExchange
Hotel reservation websites: About Saudi Arabia culture
Immigration Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia
Transportation Companies For Moving/Removals: List of transportation companies

Ranking of Cities

Cost of Living: According to the latest available edition of the Cost of Living Worldwide City Rankings Survey by Mercer, Riyadh and Jeddah are ranked 85th and 101st respectively out of 227 cities worldwide in terms of cost of living.
Quality of Life: According to the latest available edition of the Quality of Living Worldwide City Rankings Survey by Mercer, Riyadh and Jeddah are ranked 164th and 168th respectively out of 231 cities worldwide in terms of quality of living.
Hotel reservation websites: Quality of Living Worldwide City Rankings (Survey by Mercer)
Cost of Living Worldwide City Rankings (Survey by Mercer)

Renting an Apartment

Average Lease Term: This could vary from 6 months to 2 years.
Average Rental Costs: A rental agreement or lease is signed which specifies rights and responsibilities. Since this is usually in Arabic, be sure to get the rental contract translated in English.

One may be required to pay a year's rent in advance. It is a normal practice to pay a lump sum deposit at the beginning of the rental agreement against any losses/damages to the property or against any default on rental payments. This is held by the letting agent or property owner and will be reimbursed at the end of rental period provided all is in order.
Hotel reservation websites: Sublet.com

School System

The Education System: General education in the Kingdom consists of six years of primary school and three years each of intermediate and high school. The Government provides free general and higher education, and financial help for male and female students in some areas of general education. University students receive financial help and free housing. In addition, meals, books, and transportation are provided at subsidised prices. Female students are provided with free transportation. For more details, visit: Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia.
International Schools: There are a large number of international schools in all the main cities. For details, visit: The Saudi Network.
Hotel reservation websites: The Saudi Network

Health System

The Healthcare System: Medical facilities in the Kingdom are generally of a high standard, but treatment is expensive. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is responsible for health care in the country, providing general and specialised hospital services. Participation of the private sector in country's health care is becoming increasingly important.
Also visit: Saudi Association for Health Informatics Conference
International Hospitals: Healthcare facilities of a high standard are available in most cities. While most towns are equipped with a basic health centre, serious cases need to be transfered by ambulance or by air to hospitals in a major city that might be some distance away.

For a list of recommended hospitals in the country, visit the website World Hospital Search.
Health System Insurance Body: Cooperative Health Insurance Council (CHIC)
Health Ministry: Ministry of Health (MOH)

Tourism and Culture

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical: Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities of Islam are the most important part of historical tourism in the country.
Jeddah is home to numerous historical landmarks and buildings such as the Old Jeddah Wall and Gates, the old quarters and mosques.
Cultural: Islam is the focus of Saudi Arabian culture, for which festivals and family events form an integral part of daily life.
Nature: Saudi Arabia is known for its desert landscapes and wildlife of the Asir, a range of coastal mountains and the only part of the Kingdom where there is significant wild vegetation. There are settlements of fishermen and weavers on Tarut Island, which is also the site of the oldest town on the peninsula.
Religious: - Al-Masjid al-Haram (The Holy Mosque), Mecca
- The Ka'ba and Black Stone, Mecca
- The Prophet's Mosque, Medina
- Floating Mosque of Jeddah
Thermal: Though thermal energy is the main source of power in Saudi Arabia, there are no natural hot springs. However few hotels provide hot spring spas.
For more details, visit Trip Advisor.
Beach: Some prominent beaches are Durrat Al-Arus, Shums, Bait Albahar, Salhia and Al Nakeel.
Winter Sports: None
Outdoor Activities: Scuba diving, windsurfing, and sailing, golf, horse and camel racing are popular touristic attractions. The King's Camel Race which takes place in April or May during the national Heritage and Cultural Festival at Jenadriyah is a popular highlight of local cultural events.
Shopping: Saudi Arabia offers both traditional open-air markets and modern air-conditioned shopping malls. The shops are closed on Fridays and during prayer times.

Top Highlights in the Main Cities
Riyadh National Zoo
Al Musmak Castle
Riyadh Museum
Al Thumairi Gate
Al Douh Park
Diplomatic Quarter
Al-Murabba'a Historical Palace
Olaisha Park
Ad'Diriyah
E'Sense

Top Highlights of the Country
Riyadh: the capital city.
Hasa (vast coastal areas and teeming fish market).
Mecca: sacred centre.
Jeddah: a very important historical city.
Hejaz: region of western south Arabia.
Medina: the second-holiest city in Islam.
Arafat and religion: Jabal Rahmah and Masjid Numrah.
Mina (Masjid Kheef, Masjid Kauthar, the three Jamaraat)
Taif (the grave of Abdullah Ibn Abbasis).
Abwa: (birthplace of 7th Imam Musa al-Kadhim, grave of Amina)

Tourism Organisations: Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH)
Visit Saudi
Cultural Organizations: Ministry of Culture and Information
Al Mansouria Foundation
Hotel reservation websites: US Department of State
Tourist Guide

Individual and Civic Freedoms

Civil Liberty: 7/7
: World Ranking of Freedom of the Press According to "Reporters sans Frontières", 2021 report : 170/180

Religion

Beliefs: Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia. Most of the population is Sunni, including the ruling family. A Shia Muslim minority is also present.

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