- Javier Vazquez
I met some great Mexican people to spend my after-work hours with, so I immediately felt at home here in Jeddah.
Connect with fellow Canadians in Jeddah
Thinking about moving to Jeddah or already here and feeling a bit out of place? Don’t worry, finding fellow Canadians in this city is easier than you think! While immersing yourself in Saudi culture is a journey in itself, sometimes you crave a chat with someone who just gets you. Whether you’re looking for advice on where to find maple syrup or you need a friend to watch the Stanley Cup finals with, the Canadian community here has got your back. Special events like Canada Day parties or laid-back meetups are a great way to connect with others who understand what it’s like to live abroad. Whether you’re here for work, family, or adventure, having that little piece of home makes all the difference!
Why you'll love InterNations in Jeddah
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
Expat stats: Who are the Canadians abroad
Every year we launch our global Expat Insider survey — one of the largest of its kind — to find out what expats think about various aspects of their life abroad, including what motivated them to move. Check out some stats about the average Canadian expat below.
The pros and cons of living in Jeddah (according to Canadians)
No place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad, and the ugly. Discover what Canadian expats love about Jeddah — and the challenges they face.
Pros:
- Sun, sea, and a splash of adventure: One of the perks of living in Jeddah is proximity to the Red Sea. On the weekends, you can head out for snorkeling, scuba diving, or a relaxing day by the beach. It’s a fantastic escape from the daily grind.
- Tax-free living: Here’s a real bonus — there’s no income tax in Saudi Arabia! That means your paycheck is all yours. Whether you’re planning to travel, send money home, or build up your savings, this tax-free lifestyle can make a big difference in your financial game.
- Great for families: Many Canadian expats find Jeddah to be a family-friendly city. There are plenty of international schools, including Canadian ones, and loads of activities for kids. Plus, expat compounds often offer pools, parks, and social events, making it easy for families to settle in.
Cons:
- It’s getting hot in here: Jeddah summers are intense. With temperatures soaring above 40°C, outdoor activities can be tough to manage, especially if you’re used to cooler Canadian weather. Thankfully, air conditioning is a lifesaver, and the winters are much milder.
- Cultural adjustments: Saudi Arabia is a conservative country, and while Jeddah is more relaxed than other cities, there are customs to get used to. Women are expected to wear an abaya or cover their head in public, and social gatherings are often gender-segregated. It can take some time to adjust, but you’ll find your rhythm.
- No Tim Hortons or pub culture: If you’re missing your favorite Canadian coffee or a cold one at the local pub, you’ll need to get creative. Alcohol is banned, and pork products are a no-go, so socializing often happens at private gatherings.
Meet Canadians at our weekly events in Jeddah
Making friends and building a network in Jeddah can feel overwhelming, but at InterNations events, you’ll find everyone’s in the same boat.
It’s totally normal to introduce yourself, share your expat story, and ask others about theirs. You’ll meet a diverse group of people, including a good number of fellow Canadians, all eager to connect. You’ll get the inside scoop on everything from the best local spots to tips on navigating life in Jeddah from those who’ve been around a bit longer.
Check out our upcoming events and jump into Jeddah’s expat scene, or, as they say here, “marhaban!” Our Newcomers’ Events are especially geared towards those new to the city, with friendly Ambassadors there to welcome you and introduce you to others who can help make Jeddah feel a bit more like home. It’s a relaxed, welcoming vibe—before you know it, you’ll be saying, “Inshallah,” and feeling part of the community!
Want to meet other Canadians at our events?
Frequently asked questions by Canadians interested in living in Jeddah
You’ve got plenty of options! One of the best places to connect with fellow Canadians is through InterNations, where you’ll find expat gatherings and events that cater specifically to Canadians. Whether it’s a casual meet-up or a bigger celebration like Canada Day, these events are perfect for building connections.
If you’re looking for something more official, the Canadian Consulate in Jeddah occasionally hosts events for Canadian expats, such as Canada Day celebrations or other community-focused gatherings. These events are a great way to meet fellow Canadians and stay connected to your roots. It’s worth keeping an eye on their announcements or reaching out directly to find out about upcoming activities.
For day-to-day socializing, popular spots like the Red Sea Mall and the Corniche are places where expats often meet. Plus, joining local Facebook groups or WhatsApp chats, like “Canadians in Jeddah,” is an easy way to get looped into unofficial meetups and stay in touch with the community.
Al Hamra district: This is a top pick for Canadian expats. Close to the Corniche and the Canadian International School, Al Hamra has modern apartments and villas perfect for families or singles looking for a lively neighborhood. It’s also close to shops and restaurants, so you’re near both work and play spots.
Al Shati district: Located by the Red Sea, Al Shati gives easy access to the waterfront and plenty of outdoor activities. This area has high-end villas and is close to Red Sea Mall, a favorite among expats for shopping and dining. Al Shati’s beach clubs are a nice bonus for relaxing weekends.
Al Zahra district: For a more laid-back, suburban vibe, Al Zahra is ideal. It’s filled with expat compounds, offering facilities like pools, gyms, and mini-markets, providing a bit more space and comfort. Families love it here as it has a quiet feel but has all the essentials nearby.
Gated compounds: Many Canadians opt for expat compounds like Arabian Homes or Al Basateen Village. These communities provide amenities like pools, gyms, and social spaces where Canadians and other expats can feel closer to home. Plus, the compounds offer more relaxed dress code rules and organized activities, making it easy to settle in and socialize.
- Basic costs: For a single person, a decent salary would be around 10,000–15,000 SAR per month (2,600–4,000 USD), covering rent in a modest apartment, food, transportation, and utilities. If you’re living with a family or in a more luxurious compound, you’ll want to aim for 20,000+ SAR (5,300+ USD) per month.
- Housing: Rent is usually the biggest expense. A one-bedroom apartment in a decent area can range from 2,500–5,000 SAR (670–1,300 USD) per month, while compounds and larger family-friendly homes can go as high as 10,000+ SAR (2,600+ USD).
- Lifestyle costs: Groceries, eating out, and entertainment are generally affordable. You can expect to spend about 1,500–3,000 SAR (400–800 USD) monthly on food and going out, depending on how often you indulge in international restaurants and entertainment.
- Schooling (if you have kids): International school fees can be a big expense. Tuition at international schools like the Meedo Creisat Canadian School can be anywhere between 40,000 and 70,000 SAR (10,000–18,500 USD) annually per child.
Your best bet is to start with job boards like LinkedIn, Bayt, and GulfTalent. They often have listings specifically for English-speaking roles, especially in sectors like teaching, IT, and healthcare. Don’t forget to check out the websites of multinational companies based in Jeddah — many have positions that require English, particularly in management or technical roles.
You may also want to look into international schools. They’re always on the lookout for qualified teachers, and being a native English speaker is a big plus. Some other places to explore include the American School of Jeddah and the British International School, which frequently hire English-speaking staff.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Join expat groups on Facebook or LinkedIn and attend events through InterNations or the Canada Saudi Business Council. You’d be surprised at how many opportunities
Yes, you can definitely get by in Jeddah without speaking Arabic, especially as an expat. English is widely spoken in business settings, expat communities, and by younger Saudis. In places like shopping malls, international restaurants, hospitals, and schools, English will serve you just fine. Many signs are in both Arabic and English, and the expat population is significant, so you’ll find English being used frequently.
However, knowing some basic Arabic phrases will go a long way in making your life easier, especially when interacting with local services like taxis, smaller shops, or government offices, where English may be limited. Plus, locals appreciate the effort, and it can help build better relationships.
To make your time in Jeddah smoother, we collected some services (not affiliated with or endorsed by InterNations) that cater to English speakers:
General practitioner (GP) | The First Clinic A full-service clinic. The staff speak English. https://www.thefirstclinic.com/en |
Dentist | Harasani Dental Clinics A dentist clinic with multiple English speakers on staff and great reviews. +966 9200 12355 |
Dentist | Bently Dental Clinics Another dentist option in the corniche area of Jeddah that offers various services with English-speaking staff. https://www.bently-clinics.com/?lang=en |
Urgent care | IMC International Medical Center Hospital Offers emergency and urgent care in the corniche of Jeddah. https://www.imc.med.sa/en |
Immigration assistance | Emigrantz Global Consultancy – Jeddah Offers relocation and visa services with a full-service approach. https://www.emigrantz.com/ |
Tax advisor | Tax Services in Saudi A tax advisory firm with English staff. https://www.taxe-file.com |
Instant interpreting service | Al Shanawani Translation Office Get connected to a native Arabic and English speaker on your phone and use the phone’s loudspeaker to have an instant interpreter with you. +966555599790 |
Meet other Canadians in Jeddah
Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with new friends
Want to continue your hobbies or try something new while living in Jeddah? InterNations offers a range of Groups you can join, from fitness and sports to dining and culture. Each group is led by dedicated Consuls who organize at least one event a month, making it easy to meet people with similar interests.
Fancy a night out? There are groups that host dinners at Jeddah’s top international restaurants. Love the outdoors? Join the hiking or beach groups that explore the Red Sea coastline or take trips to the desert. Whether you're into photography, exploring local markets, or just want to enjoy a good meal with fellow expats, there’s something for everyone.
These groups are the perfect way to pursue your passions while connecting with a fun, international crowd!
Find other Canadians to share your hobbies with
Enjoy the international experience with InterNations
We’re not just in Jeddah! InterNations has lively communities in 420 cities around the globe.
So if you’re thinking about relocating or are simply in the mood for a nice night out while traveling, InterNations is your go-to platform. As a member, you’re welcome to join events in any of our InterNations Communities](https://www.internations.org/all-internations-cities/).
- Javier Vazquez
I met some great Mexican people to spend my after-work hours with, so I immediately felt at home here in Jeddah.
- Ava Sneijders
InterNations is a very good mix of professional setting and casual atmosphere. Expats on InterNations have and share a global mindset.
