Looking for Pakistani Expats in Riyadh?

Thinking about moving to Riyadh as a Pakistani? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what Pakistani expats in Riyadh wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• It's stable and safe. 89% of expats in Riyadh rate political stability positively and 88% personal safety, against global averages of 58% and 81%.

• Careers and the economy are strong. 87% rate the state of the economy positively and 73% say the move improved their career prospects, with 49% rating the local job market positively (above the 38% global average).

• Healthcare and services reassure. 76% rate healthcare affordability positively and 81% the quality of medical care, alongside modern shopping and amenities.

• The food and culture appeal. Pakistanis praise the cuisine and a welcoming cultural fit, with 80% rating culinary variety positively.

• Belonging can be hard. Only 34% of expats in Riyadh say making local friends is easy and 52% rate friendliness positively, and some describe attitudes toward South Asians.

• Work and balance can disappoint. Only 52% are happy with their work-life balance, and overall happiness (49%) sits well below the global average of 70%.

• The heat and thin nature wear on people. Just 43% rate the climate and weather positively and 48% air quality.

• Entertainment is limited. Culture and nightlife rate 49%, and Pakistanis wish for more for families to do.

For Pakistanis, Riyadh offers stability, safety, strong careers, and good healthcare, often close to home by flight. The trade-offs are the heat, limited entertainment, and a social scene that can be hard to break into. It rewards those focused on work and saving.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our Pakistani members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

At InterNations, Pakistanis in Riyadh can enjoy a platform on which they can share their experiences and tips on living abroad. Ar-Riyāḍ, meaning "the gardens", has a great community of Pakistanis that can help you make the most of your expat experience.

• Surf through our network of Pakistani expats in Riyadh and get to know the local expat crowd.
• Join today to receive trustworthy, first-hand advice from fellow Pakistanis in our Riyadh forum.
• Take full advantage of the Expat Guide for Riyadh and find useful information on your new hometown.

The InterNations community in Riyadh is also a very lively offline network. Our regular expat events organized by our Ambassadors at the best venues in town are a fantastic way to meet fellow Pakistanis in Riyadh. The possibilities for interacting offline are sure to satisfy a wide range of tastes, from a hip dining experience in one of Riyadh’s trendy restaurants to a joint trip to the humid western coastal region of Timahah. Our InterNations events and activities are a great way to get to know other Pakistani expats in your city and Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia. Interested? Then simply sign up to become a member and you will soon be warmly welcomed among our Pakistanis living in Riyadh.