Housing, Daily Living, and Safety

Types of Housing and Rental Practices

Saudi Arabia offers a range of housing options catering to the needs of expatriates. The type of accommodation you choose depends on your family size, budget, and lifestyle preferences.

1.Accommodation Types:

  • Compounds: Popular among expatriates for their Western-style amenities, including gyms, swimming pools, and community spaces. They provide a secure and comfortable environment but are more expensive than other options.
  • Apartments: Found throughout urban areas, apartments range from budget-friendly studios to high-end, fully furnished units.

  • Villas: Ideal for families seeking spacious accommodations, often equipped with gardens and parking spaces.

  • Townhouses: A middle ground between villas and apartments, offering privacy and affordability.

  • Serviced Apartments: Provide hotel-like amenities such as cleaning and maintenance, making them suitable for short-term stays.

2.Rental Practices:

  • Lease Terms: Most rental agreements are for one year and may require post-dated cheques or a lump-sum payment.
  • Iqama Requirement: An iqama (residency permit) is essential for renting properties.
  • Security Deposits: Typically equivalent to one or two months’ rent. Ensure terms for refunding the deposit are clearly stated.
  • Real Estate Agents: Trusted agents or online platforms like Bayut and Haraj can help locate suitable properties.
  • Maintenance: Confirm with the landlord who is responsible for maintenance and repairs.

3.Ejar Platform:

Ejar is an online platform developed by the Ministry of Housing to streamline the rental process in Saudi Arabia. It offers a secure and efficient system for leasing residential properties.

Key Features : 

  • Allows tenants and landlords to sign rental contracts electronically.
  • Facilitates payments and receipts for rent and maintenance costs.
  • Offers a secure platform to ensure both parties adhere to the contract terms.
  • Provides a transparent mechanism for documenting disputes or issues related to the rental agreement.

Benefits for Expats:

  • Simplifies the rental process, reducing paperwork and administrative hassles.
  • Offers protection for both tenants and landlords, ensuring a fair and transparent rental experience.
  • Helps in tracking payments and contract validity.

You can access the platform via the official Ejar Website

Utilities and Maintenance Tips

Managing utilities and maintenance is a key part of daily life in Saudi Arabia. Utilities include electricity, water, and internet services.

1.Electricity:

  • Bills can increase during summer due to air conditioning.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances and maintain your air conditioning units to reduce costs.
  • Payments can be made online or through apps provided by companies like SEC (Saudi Electricity Company).

2.Water:

  • Water is subsidized and affordable. However, conservation is highly encouraged given the Kingdom’s arid climate.

3. Internet and Mobile Services:

  • High-speed internet is widely available from providers like STC, Mobily, and Zain.

  • Compare packages for the best deals on data and connectivity.

4. Maintenance Tips:

  • Keep emergency contacts for plumbers, electricians, and building maintenance personnel.

  • Regularly clean and service appliances to prevent breakdowns.
  • Report minor issues promptly to landlords to avoid escalating repair costs.

Family Life and Childcare

Saudi Arabia is a family-friendly destination that values privacy and community life.

1. Childcare

  • Nurseries and daycare centers are common in major cities. Options include international and local facilities.

  • Fees vary depending on the curriculum and location.

2. Education:

  • Expatriate families often choose international schools offering British, American, or Indian curricula. Admission requires iqama details, academic records, and application fees.

  • Waiting lists can be long, so apply early.

3. Recreational Activities:

  • Parks, malls, and family-friendly entertainment centers like Sky Zone and King Abdullah Park are popular weekend destinations.

4. Domestic Help:

  • Many expatriate families employ domestic helpers for childcare and household tasks. Ensure they have proper visas and are compensated fairly.

General Dos and Don’ts for Daily Living

Living in Saudi Arabia requires adherence to cultural norms and legal guidelines to ensure a respectful and harmonious experience.

1. Dos:

  • Dress modestly in public. Women should wear an abaya, and men should avoid shorts.
  • Dress modestly in public. Women should wear an abaya, and men should avoid shorts.

  • Be mindful of prayer times; businesses close briefly during these periods.

2. Don’ts

  • Avoid public displays of affection or loud arguments, as they are frowned upon.

  • Refrain from photographing individuals, particularly women, without consent.

  • Do not criticize religion, politics, or the royal family, either in person or online.

Personal Safety Tips and Emergency Numbers

Saudi Arabia is considered a safe country, but taking precautions is always advisable.

1. Safety Tips:

  • Be vigilant when using ride-hailing services and ensure the vehicle matches the app description.

  • Secure your valuables, particularly when visiting crowded areas like markets.

  • Be cautious with online transactions to avoid financial scams.

2. Emergency Numbers:

  • Police: 999

  • Ambulance: 997
  • Fire Department: 998
  • Traffic Accidents: 993

Keep these numbers accessible and ensure you are familiar with your local area’s emergency services.

3. Road Safety:

  • Always wear seat belts and avoid using mobile phones while driving.

  • Traffic laws are strictly enforced, and violations result in heavy fines.