Your First 30 Days in Saudi Arabia: What New Expats Should Do After Arriving
New expats moving to Saudi Arabia can settle comfortably by focusing on housing setup, essential apps, transport, banking, SIM cards, and first-weekend ideas. Saudi Corporate Homes streamlines the housing process by connecting you with suitable compounds or apartments in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other key cities right from day one.
Week 1: Foundations and Connectivity
Upon arrival, prioritize establishing your local identity for seamless integration.
Get a local SIM card (STC, Mobily, or Zain) immediately at the airport or nearby mall using your passport—this is essential for government apps, deliveries, and daily communication.
Register for Absher, Saudi Arabia’s government “Super App,” where your employer initiates the iqama (residence permit) process; activate your digital ID by providing biometrics at an Absher kiosk in most malls. Saudi Corporate Homes can guide you to housing near these kiosks for convenience.
Once your iqama is issued, open a bank account—banks like Al Rajhi or SNB allow expats to start online with an active Absher account.
Week 2: Essential Digital Toolkit
Build your daily toolkit with these must-have apps.
- Tawakkalna: Acts as your digital wallet for ID, driver’s license, insurance, and health status.
- Ejar: Official platform to register residential rental contracts, protecting your legal rights—Saudi Corporate Homes ensures all properties comply with Ejar requirements.
- Careem & Uber: Reliable ride-hailing for transport until you get a local license or buy a car.
- HungerStation or Jahez: Quick food and grocery delivery during your move-in phase.
Week 3: Finding Your Home
Saudi Arabia offers two main housing categories tailored to expat needs.
Compounds: Popular gated communities provide Western-style amenities like gyms, pools, and built-in social circles—perfect for families and newcomers. Saudi Corporate Homes specializes in premium compounds with immediate availability.
Apartments/Villas: Offer more privacy and affordability; use the Aqar app to browse listings filtered by neighborhood, budget, and proximity to work. Saudi Corporate Homes matches you with vetted options and handles paperwork.
First Weekend Ideas: Unwind and Connect
Ease into your new life with low-key, social activities near your housing.
- Riyadh: Stroll Kingdom Centre Mall or join a compound Friday brunch to meet neighbors.
- Jeddah: Walk the Corniche at sunset or explore Al Balad’s evening lights.
- Compounds: Most host welcome events, pool parties, or movie nights—check with Saudi Corporate Homes for properties with active expat communities.
Visit the Saudi Corporate Homes website to explore housing options, service details, and relocation support customized for your city and lifestyle needs.
Manahil Farooq or Manoo, transform complex local knowledge into clear, compelling articles for businesses focused on Saudi Arabia. Her specialty? Writing about the dynamic sectors of Jeddah and Riyadh, from top company analysis to the intricate details of relocation and housing. She believe great articles should feel like the ultimate, most helpful guide.if you need help let’s connect.