First Week Priorities
These seven actions form the foundation of your Saudi life. Some have time limits. Do them in order.
Get a Saudi SIM Card
STC (Saudi Telecom Company) is the largest network in the Kingdom, with the best English-language customer support and the widest coverage including rural areas. Airport kiosks are available at all major international airports — look for STC, Mobily, or Zain stands before you leave the arrivals hall. You only need your passport and visa stamp. Monthly plans start from SAR 75 for basic data. You will upgrade to an Iqama-registered SIM once your residency permit is issued — the visitor SIM holds you over in the meantime.
Set Up WhatsApp and Local Contacts
WhatsApp is the primary communication channel in Saudi Arabia — for business, government liaisons, building managers, and social arrangements. Save your employer's HR contact, your company PRO (Public Relations Officer), your building manager or housing contact, the nearest hospital's emergency number, and your country's embassy or consulate. Saudi unified emergency number: 911 (all services — police, ambulance, fire). Direct lines: Police 999, Ambulance 997, Civil Defence/Fire 998.
Register for Absher — Do This Today
Absher is the Saudi government's all-in-one digital services platform. It is how you will track your Iqama, renew your residency, issue exit re-entry visas, manage your dependents, and access dozens of government services. Registration: download the Absher app (iOS/Android) → select "Create Account" → enter your passport number and border crossing date → verify with the OTP sent to your Saudi SIM → complete your profile. If you experience issues, visit an Absher self-service kiosk at most government buildings and malls.
Important: You can and should register on Absher with your visa and passport before your Iqama is issued — select "Visitor" registration type. Your account automatically upgrades to a resident account once your employer's PRO links your Iqama to your national file. Do not wait for your Iqama to register.
Open a Temporary Bank Account or Get a Prepaid Card
Opening a full bank account requires your Iqama. In the meantime, some banks offer visitor or non-resident accounts — Al Rajhi and Riyad Bank are worth asking. Alternatively, get an STC Pay prepaid card (available at STC stores) which can be loaded with cash and used for payments, Careem rides, and online shopping. This bridges the gap until your Iqama is issued and your full account can be opened.
Confirm Your Accommodation Arrangement
If your employer provides housing, confirm the exact dates and location in writing. If you are arranging your own accommodation, ensure your current booking covers your entire search period. Short-term furnished apartments are widely available via Dubizzle, Bayut, and Airbnb. Do not rush into a long-term rental before you know the city — spend at least two weeks experiencing your area before signing a 12-month lease.
Get Your Bearings and Download Transport Apps
Download Careem and Uber before you need them — both operate in all major Saudi cities. Careem is locally founded and often has better coverage in less central areas. Google Maps works well for navigation. Note that many Saudi addresses use GPS coordinates or what3words rather than street numbers — this is normal. Locate your nearest supermarket (Danube, Panda, Tamimi Markets), pharmacy (Al-Dawaa, Nahdi), petrol station, and mall in your first day or two.
Contact HR and Start the Iqama Process — In Writing
This is the most important action of your first week. Contact your employer's HR or PRO officer and ask: (a) what step are they on in the Iqama process, (b) what documents do they need from you, and (c) what is the expected timeline. Request written confirmation. The Iqama process involves your employer's PRO submitting documents to the Ministry of Human Resources. You cannot do this yourself — it must go through your sponsor. Follow up every three to four days.
Week 2: Essential Bureaucracy
This week is about completing the formal requirements that unlock the rest of your Saudi life — medical exam, biometrics, and your permanent bank account.
Book and Complete Your Medical Examination
Saudi Arabia requires all expats to complete a medical examination at an approved GAMCA (Gulf Cooperation Council Approved Medical Centres Association) centre. Your employer should direct you to the approved centre they use. The examination checks for communicable diseases including tuberculosis and HIV. Typical cost is SAR 200–400 and results are available within 1–2 business days. Bring your passport, a copy of your visa, and passport-sized photos. A failed medical can result in cancellation of your work visa — speak to your doctor before travelling if you have any concerns.
Biometric Appointment via Absher
Biometric fingerprinting and photo capture are required as part of the Iqama process. Your employer's PRO creates this appointment on your behalf via the Absher employer portal. Confirm with HR that the appointment has been booked and note the date and location. Biometric centres operate in major cities at Ministry of Interior offices. Bring your original passport and any documents HR specifies. Treat the appointment date as firm — rescheduling is difficult.
Open Your Permanent Bank Account
With your Iqama (or a formal employment letter stamped with company details), head to Al Rajhi Bank or Saudi National Bank (SNB) — both have English-speaking staff and extensive ATM networks. Required documents: original passport, Iqama or visa (if Iqama not yet issued), employer letter on company letterhead, and proof of address (a hotel booking confirmation or housing contract is acceptable). Once set up, link to Apple Pay or Google Pay for daily transactions. Read our full banking guide here.
Sort Local Transport for the Long Term
Your foreign driving licence is valid in Saudi Arabia while your Iqama is being processed, and then continues to be valid for up to 1 year from your entry date for licence holders from most eligible countries. However, once your Iqama is issued, the practical rule is that you should begin the conversion process promptly — most expats convert within 90 days of receiving their Iqama. The conversion is straightforward for licences from most Western and Arab countries: bring your original licence, Iqama, passport photos, and pass a basic eye test. No full driving test is typically required for eligible nationalities. An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country is advisable as a supplement for the initial period. If renting a car, major rental companies (Budget, Hertz, SIXT, and local brands Lumi and Theeb) operate across all cities. Many expats rely on Careem and Uber long-term — both are widely available and competitively priced.
Weeks 3–4: Settling In
With critical bureaucracy underway, focus on building the foundations of daily life — housing, schools, healthcare, and community.
Find Your Permanent Housing
If housing is not employer-provided, begin your serious search in week 3 once you understand the city and your commute. Use Bayut and Propertyfinder for listings, and join city-specific Facebook groups ("Expats in Riyadh", "Jeddah Expat Community") for real-world recommendations and off-market listings. Compounds offer security, community, and facilities but come at a premium. Standalone villas and apartments in local neighbourhoods are cheaper with more space. See our full housing guide for neighbourhood breakdowns by city.
International School Applications
If relocating with school-age children, start applications immediately — even before your Iqama arrives. Top international schools in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have waiting lists stretching 6–12 months for popular year groups. Contact schools the moment you know your city and intended start date. Required documents typically include: previous school reports, passport copies, immunisation records, and a parent interview. See our Families guide for school listings by city.
Activate and Test Your Health Insurance
All employers are legally required to provide health insurance for expat employees. Ensure you have received your physical insurance card or digital policy details from HR by the end of week 2. In week 3, test it: visit a pharmacy (Al-Dawaa or Nahdi) and attempt to use your insurance card for a prescription. Confirm which hospital network is covered. Major networks include Dallah Hospital, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Group (HMG), Saudi German Hospitals, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
Collect Your Iqama Card
Once the Iqama is ready (4–8 weeks typically), your employer's PRO will notify you. Collect it and check all details immediately — name spelling, date of birth, profession, and expiry date. Any errors must be corrected while you are still with the PRO. Once collected, go into Absher and link the Iqama to your account. This unlocks exit re-entry visas, dependent visas, and the full suite of government services. Do not leave Saudi Arabia without an exit re-entry visa once your Iqama is active.
Explore Your Neighbourhood and Build Routine
Find your nearest supermarket (Danube for produce and international items, Panda for everyday groceries, Tamimi Markets for Western products), pharmacy chain (Al-Dawaa or Nahdi), petrol station, coffee shop (Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and many excellent local specialty coffee brands), and note Friday prayer timing in your area — shops and restaurants close for midday Friday prayers, typically for 1–2 hours. Knowing this rhythm makes weekly planning significantly easier.
Your 30-Day Checklist
Grouped by week so you never lose track of where you are. Print it. Screenshot it. Tick it off.
Arrive and Get Connected
Documents and Banking
Settle, Register, and Explore
Essential Apps
Download these before you land or within day one. They cover government, transport, food, shopping, and housing — the full layer of digital Saudi life.
Cultural Quick Guide
Saudi Arabia in 2025 is significantly more open than a decade ago. Vision 2030 has transformed public life. But some fundamentals remain constant — knowing them makes daily life smoother and more respectful.
Weekend is Friday–Saturday
The Saudi working week is Sunday to Thursday for most government departments and many private companies. Some international-facing firms have shifted to Monday–Friday. Friday is the holy day — malls and shops partially close for Friday prayer around midday for 1–2 hours.
Prayer Times Affect Shop Hours
Five daily prayers mean most shops and restaurants close for 15–30 minutes, five times a day. This is less strictly enforced than in previous years — many mall outlets and supermarkets stay open — but be prepared for it, especially in traditional areas and smaller cities.
Dress Modestly in Public
Since 2019, foreign women are not required to wear an abaya in public. Smart casual dress is fine for malls, restaurants, and tourist areas. At mosques and religious sites, cover shoulders and knees. Men should avoid sleeveless tops in formal settings.
No Alcohol — Ever in Public
Alcohol is prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. This is a firm legal line, not a social norm. There is no legal grey area in public. Penalties include deportation. Alcohol is not available in restaurants or any public venue.
Ramadan: Respect Public Restrictions
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is not permitted. Restaurants operate with covered windows or close until sunset. Working hours are reduced (typically 6 hours/day). Nights become very social and lively.
Hospitality is Genuine and Important
Accepting Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates when offered is respectful. Do not refuse food in a Saudi home. Use your right hand for handshakes, passing items, and eating. Punctuality expectations differ between social and business settings.