- Javier Vazquez
I met some great Mexican people to spend my after-work hours with, so I immediately felt at home here in Jeddah.
New to Jeddah? Connect with Indian expats!
Thinking about moving to Jeddah or already here and feeling a bit out of place? Arre yaar, don’t worry! Meeting fellow Indians in Jeddah is easier than you might think!
While exploring Saudi culture is amazing, sometimes you just want to chat with someone who gets your love for cricket or knows exactly how to make a proper chai. Whether you’re looking for advice on where to find favorite spices or are after a friend to watch the IPL with, the Indian community here has your back.
There are events like Diwali celebrations or laid-back meetups for a dose of desi vibes. And trust me, whether you’re here for work, family, or adventure, having that little piece of home around really makes a difference!
Why you'll love InterNations in Jeddah
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
Why do Indians move abroad? And do they like it?
Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys for expats — Expat Insider — where we ask people living around the world about every aspect of expat life.
We’ve rounded up key facts about the typical Indian expat: what motivated them to move to a new country, what they enjoy about life abroad, as well as what they struggle with the most.
The pros & cons of living in Jeddah
Of course, no place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad, and the ugly. Discover what Indian expats love about Jeddah — and the challenges they face.
Pros:
- Sun, sea, and adventure: Living near the Red Sea is a treat if you enjoy water activities or just unwinding by the beach. Weekends can mean snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing by the water. And with Jeddah’s warm weather all year, you’ll always have a sunny escape right at your doorstep.
- Keep your earnings tax-free: One of the best parts about working in Jeddah is that there’s no income tax! This means your paycheck is fully yours to save, send home, or invest in travel plans. It’s a great way to get ahead financially while you’re working abroad, especially if you’ve got goals like supporting family or building savings.
- A great spot for families: Many Indian expats find Jeddah family-friendly, especially with neighborhoods and compounds that offer amenities like pools, parks, and grocery stores. There are also international schools, some even with Indian curriculums, so your kids can feel right at home. And with organized social events within these communities, it’s easy for everyone to make friends.
- Community and culture: With a sizable Indian expat community, there’s always a chance to stay connected to your roots. From Diwali celebrations to regular meetups, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy Indian festivals and food, all while living in Jeddah. It’s like bringing a piece of home with you!
Cons:
- It’s getting hot here: Summers in Jeddah are no joke, with temperatures often hitting 40°C or more. If you’re used to India’s mix of climates, the long, intense heat might take some adjustment. Thankfully, air conditioning is everywhere, so you’ll have plenty of options to stay cool indoors during the hottest months.
- Cultural adjustments: Saudi Arabia has a conservative culture, and even though Jeddah is considered more relaxed than other Saudi cities, certain customs may feel restrictive at first. Women need to wear an abaya in public, and social gatherings often follow strict gender segregation. While it might seem challenging initially, most expats say they adjust over time and find their rhythm.
- Finding familiar flavors: Missing your favorite Indian spices or dishes? While Jeddah has a good selection of Indian restaurants, certain ingredients and flavors can be hard to come by. Alcohol and pork are strictly banned, which might feel limiting to some.
- Traffic and public transportation: Driving in Jeddah can feel chaotic, with limited public transportation and quite a bit of road congestion. Expats usually rely on cars, but adapting to local driving norms and finding a reliable commute takes time. If you’re not comfortable driving, it’s worth exploring ride-sharing options.
Meet Indian expats at our events in Jeddah
Making friends and building a network in Jeddah can feel a bit daunting, but at InterNations events, everyone’s truly in the same boat, dost!
It’s totally okay to introduce yourself, share your story, and ask others about their journey. You’ll meet a friendly, diverse crowd, including plenty of fellow Indians, all eager to connect. Whether you’re looking for recommendations on where to find your favorite Indian spices or tips on settling into the local culture, these events are a perfect starting point. You’ll get firsthand insights on everything from navigating life in Jeddah to discovering the best places for a chai and a chat!
Check out our upcoming events and dive into Jeddah’s expat scene. Especially our Newcomers’ Events are perfect for those who are new to the city. Friendly Ambassadors are there to welcome you and introduce you around, helping Jeddah feel a little more like home.
Want to meet other Indians at our events?
Frequently asked questions about life in Jeddah
You’ve got lots of options for meeting fellow Indians in Jeddah! InterNations is a popular starting point, hosting regular expat gatherings. Whether it’s a casual meet-up, a Diwali celebration, or cricket screenings, these events are perfect for making connections.
For something more official, keep an eye on events organized by the Indian Consulate in Jeddah. They occasionally host gatherings for Indian expats, especially around Indian Independence Day and Republic Day, creating a great opportunity to celebrate together and connect with others from home.
On the day-to-day, Red Sea Mall and The Corniche are common spots where expats meet up, hang out, and grab a meal. You can also join Facebook groups or WhatsApp chats like “Indians in Jeddah”, which are active with informal meetups, festival gatherings, and community advice. Don’t be shy — there’s always something happening!
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Al Zahra District: Known for its family-friendly vibe, Al Zahra is filled with expat compounds that offer amenities like pools, gyms, and grocery stores. This area is quieter, making it a good choice for families looking for a peaceful neighborhood while still having essential services close by.
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Al Salamah District: Popular among Indian families and professionals, Al Salamah has a strong community feel with local markets, parks, and a range of international schools. The area has a balance of residential and commercial spaces, so you’re near both work and leisure options.
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Al Shati District: Located by the Red Sea, Al Shati is favored for its high-end villas and beach access, providing a mix of relaxation and upscale living. It’s also close to the Red Sea Mall, a favorite spot for shopping and dining.
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Expat compounds: Many Indians choose to live in gated compounds like Arabian Homes or Al Basateen Village. These compounds offer more liberal dress codes and social gatherings, making them feel like a “home away from home”. They include pools, gyms, and event spaces where Indian expats can connect with each other.
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Basic costs: For a single person, a decent salary would be around 10,000 to 15,000 SAR per month (225–340k INR), 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 (450,000+ INR) per month.
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Housing: Rent is usually the biggest expense. A one-bedroom apartment in a decent area can range from 2,500 to 5,000 SAR (56–112k INR) per month, while compounds and larger family-friendly homes can go as high as 10,000+ SAR (225,000+ INR).
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Lifestyle costs: Groceries, eating out, and entertainment are generally affordable. You can expect to spend about 1,500 to 3,000 SAR (34–68k INR) monthly on food and going out, depending on how often you indulge in international restaurants and entertainment.
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Schooling (if you have kids): International school fees can be a big expense. Tuition at institutes like the International Indian School Jeddah can be anywhere between 40,000 and 70,000 SAR (0.9–1.6 million INR) 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 might 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 places to explore include the American School of Jeddah, the British International School, or the International Indian School Jeddah 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 Indian chamber of commerce Jeddah. You’d be surprised at how many opportunities pop up through word-of-mouth in the expat community. Good luck on the job hunt!
Yes, you can definitely get by in Jeddah without speaking Arabic. 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:
Dr. Erfan & Bagedo General Hospital A full-service clinic with different practitioners.
Harasani Dental Clinics A dentist clinic with multiple English speakers on staff. +966 9200 12355
International Medical Center (IMC) Hospital** Emergency and urgent care located in the corniche.
Emigrantz Global Consultancy - Jeddah Relocation and visa services with a full-service approach.
US Tax Services in Saudi A tax advisory firm.
Dayinterpreting Connect to a native Arabic speaker on your phone and use the phone’s loudspeaker to have an instant interpreter with you.
Meet other Indians in Jeddah
Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Want to continue your hobbies or try something new while living in Jeddah? InterNations offers a range of interest-based 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 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.
Find other Indians to share your hobbies with
Enjoy the international experience with InterNations
We’re not just active in Jeddah — InterNations offers lively communities in other Saudi Arabian cities, too. If you’re traveling or moving to elsewhere in the country, check out our expat communities in
Riyadh, Al Jubail, and Khobar.
But that’s not all: If you’re in the mood for a nice night out while traveling further abroad, you can always join in on InterNations events elsewhere, too. You can find us in 420 cities worldwide! Browse all InterNations Communities.
- 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.
