The Land of Mecca, The Ruins of Dir'aiyah,

& The Island Mosque

Information on Relocating to Saudi Arabia

·        The capital city of  Saudi Arabia is  Riyadh with about 4.7 million people. The Administrative centre is in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia is a Monarchy

·        Languages: The language spoken is Arabic. English is spoken in business circles . The TV programs are in their original language and one channel is in English. Cable and Satellite TV is available.

·        Population: The population is about 27.6 million people - 90% are Arab, 10% Afro-Asian.

·        Expat areas: Popular areas for the Expat community are Riyadh and Jeddah.

·        Housing: The housing is available in all cities although quality and price are subject to considerable variations. The majority of the properties are reasonable but the general standard of finish is poor. There are 3 types of properties: Compounds, Villas and Apartments.

·        Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything in Ryiadh from US$ 7200 (2 bedroom apartment) to US$ 35000 annually (4 bedroom detached house) and even higher. In Jeddah you will pay anything between US$ 35000 (2 bedroom apartment) to US$ 40000 annually (4 bedroom villa) and higher. The local currency is Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR)

·        Schools: We have the American, the  British school, the International and the French school available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

·        Transportation: Bus: Services have recently been developed by SAPTCO to serve inter-urban and local needs. Modern vehicles have been acquired, including air conditioned double-deckers. All buses must have a screened-off section for the exclusive use of female passengers. Taxi: Available in all cities, not very expensive. Some have meters, and fares should be negotiated in advance.

·        Bank: The banks are open Saturday-Wednesday 8.30 am - 12.00 and 5.00 pm - 8.00 pm. Thursdays 8.00 am - 12.00. Money-changers stay open longer.

·        Shopping: Is generally done from Saturday-Thursday 9.00 am -1.00 pm and 4.30 pm - 8.00 pm (Ramadan 8.00 pm - 1.00 am). These hours differ in various parts of the country. All the shops are closed on prayer time everyday.

·        Climate: Saudi Arabia has a desert climate. In Jeddah it is warm for most of the year. Riyadh, which is inland, is hotter in summer and colder in winter, when occasional heavy rainstorms occur. The Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter) seldom receives rain, making Saudi Arabia one of the driest countries in the world.

·        Culture: One of Saudi Arabia's most compelling folk rituals is the Ardha, the country's national dance. This sword dance is based on ancient Bedouin traditions: drummers beat out a rhythm and a poet chants verses while sword-carrying men dance shoulder to shoulder. Al-sihba folk music, from the Hijaz, has its origins in Arab Andalusia, a region of medieval Spain. In Mecca, Medina and Jedda, dance and song incorporate the sound of the al-mizmar, an oboe-like woodwind instrument. Note: Women should cover her hair when she is outside her home (not in Jeddah).

·        Public holidays: January/February-Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice); 23rd September-Saudi National Day; November-Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).