Have the Embassy Details at hand in case you need to contact them
It's always good to have the Embassy Details close by, just in case you need to get in touch with them for any reason. To make it easier for you, we've put the address and phone number of the Saudi Embassy at the bottom of this page.
Be Mindful of Prayer Times
Shops tend to shut for up to an hour during prayer times, so be mindful of when they are and tailor your shopping routines around them!
Accept Religious Values
Life is very different in Saudi Arabia to other countries. Gender segregation is common in almost all public places, and women are very restricted in their freedom of movement and expression, though this is slowly changing.
Weekends fall on Friday and Saturday
Weekends in Saudi Arabia fall on Fridays and Saturdays. Most of the stores are usually closed on Friday mornings until the afternoon prayer, and they begin to open for business around 1:30pm.
Getting a Work Permit
You cannot secure a work permit unless you have a concrete employment offer. In fact, individuals cannot apply for a permit themselves; their sponsor must apply for one on their behalf. Every expat has a sponsor – usually their employer – who acts both as a guardian and a guarantor during their time working in Saudi Arabia.