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11. Moving to Riyadh

Riyadh at a Glance

Moving to Riyadh

The job prospects in Riyadh attract a considerable number of foreign nationals every year.

As an expat moving to Riyadh, you may feel slightly insecure. Since Saudi Arabia does not have a tourism industry, you will not be acquainted with the country from your travels. Practicing Muslims are the notable exception. Every year, millions of believers make the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, moving to Riyadh and onwards to the Holy City. For those unfamiliar with the Saudi capital, our guide on moving to Riyadh will serve as an overview.

Moving to Riyadh: Geography and History

Moving to Riyadh brings you to Saudi Arabia’s capital and largest city. It is located in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula, in the Central Province. The region where Riyadh is situated is called nedjid or najd (there are several transcriptions from the Arabic): a rocky highland in the desert, about 600 meters above sea level. Unfortunately, the city’s elevation is not quite high enough to have an effect on the local climate. Expatriates moving to Riyadh will face temperatures of up to 50°C in summer. Sandstorms are also a frequent occurrence.

Considering the hot weather in Riyadh, it may seem somewhat incongruous that Ar-Riyadh means “the gardens”. This description refers to the date palms around the capital, which gave the city its current name in the 17^th century. Before that, the settlement – dating back to the pre-Islamic era – was called Hajir. A couple of centuries after Hajir had become Riyadh, it was designated as the Saudi capital for the first time. But the so-called Second Saudi State in the early 19^th century was brought down by a rival dynasty.

Riyadh had to wait until 1932 to become the capital of modern Saudi Arabia. Back then, it had an estimated population of 40,000 people. 80 years later, it has exploded into a metropolis covering about the same surface area as Greater London. Since the Saudi capital is the richest city in the entire Arab world, moving to Riyadh can be an attractive prospect.

Moving to Riyadh: People and Languages

It’s hard to say how many inhabitants Riyadh has exactly. The capital’s rapid population growth is driven both by the Saudi birthrate of two or more kids per woman and the many foreign nationals moving to Riyadh. According to the 2004 official census, Riyadh had slightly more than four million residents. However, a survey in 2006 estimated the number at 4.6 million. In 2012, the population is said to have grown to 5.5 million people.

It’s equally hard to say how large the percentage of foreign residents is. Up to 40% of all inhabitants may be non-Saudis. Those moving to Riyadh from Africa as well as other Arab states make up the biggest share. Approximately 10% of the foreign nationals moving to Riyadh are Western expatriates or come from South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. Especially those Asian residents with menial jobs, e.g. in the construction industry, often suffer from poor working conditions and unfriendly treatment. Western expats, however, tend to be treated with courtesy on an individual level, regardless of the political climate.

Due to the many non-Saudis moving to Riyadh, you needn’t be fluent in Arabic. English is spoken in Riyadh’s business world and widely understood among the urban middle and upper classes. Of course, a little politeness goes a long way everywhere. Some basic Arabic phrases will help you feel more welcome. Brush up your language skills before moving to Riyadh!

Moving to Riyadh: Safety

When it comes to personal safety, there are a few things you should keep in mind after moving to Riyadh.

• There is a certain ongoing risk of terrorist attacks against non-Muslim foreigners, although the last major incident took place several years ago. Register with your embassy and check their travel warnings regularly.
• Avoid political demonstrations.
• If possible, keep your original passport and visa in a safe place. If your sponsor has your passport, make sure to have several copies at hand.
• Always carry your iqama (ID card) with you.
• The crime rate in Riyadh has been on the rise, but it’s still comparatively low. The most common crimes are petty theft and car-jacking.
• Moving to Riyadh, you should be aware that the city is more conservative than Jeddah. Remember that alcohol consumption, drug abuse, adultery, homosexuality, and prostitution are all criminal offenses. Don’t argue with the mutawwa (religious police). They have no sense of humor but lots of power to detain people. 
• Adhere to the local dress code (long pants and long-sleeved shirts for men, abaya and an “emergency” headscarf for non-Muslim women).
• Expat women shouldn’t socialize in public with men that aren’t relatives and use the “family section” of public buildings.
• Respect the Ramadan and prayer times.