Backpacking and traveling in Saudi Arabia?

• Saudi Arabia not an easy country for backpackers, but on the rise as a travel destination.
• Features: historic cities, endless distances, colorful souks and strong influence of Islam (though more moderate than in earlier times).
• City spotting: Damman, Dhee Ayn (Marble Village), Jabal Qarah, Khobar, Ryadh.
• Activities spotting: visiting deserts and practicing desert sports (sand boarding for example), camel safaris, snorkeling, trekking, camping, visiting historical cities and cultural sites. 
• Nature spotting: the Elephant Rock in Al Ula, the underwater world of the Farasan Islands and the many incredible deserts.
• Animal spotting: Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, dromedary, Arabian wolf, sand cat, hoopoe, Arabian cobra, dugong, whale shark. 

Studying in Saudi Arabia?

• Education in Saudi Arabia: The quality of education in Saudi Arabia has increased greatly in recent years, with several universities in the country highly rated on a global scale. 
• Language: Arabic is the official language, but many programs are also offered in English, especially at the top universities. 
• Studies: anything is possible! Especially studies in the field of science and technology are highly valued, but also business administration, medicine, engineering (also regarding petroleum and minerals). 
• Study cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Medina. 
• Language learning: it is usually not necessary to learn the language for study, but if you are going to study in Arabic you can go to universities, colleges, language institutes and private language schools. 

Internship in Saudi Arabia?

• Internships: it is not easy to find an internship position. You have the best chance in the field of research at universities or at large companies. 
• Internship cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran.
• Characteristics: dynamic environment, formal with respect for hierarchy and authority, weekend on Friday and Saturday, strict dress code. 
• Competencies: Arabic language, cultural awareness (essential!), good technical and research skills. 

Doing volunteer work in Saudi Arabia?

• Temporary volunteering is hard to find. More general and part-time volunteering in community development, health care, education is possible though. 
• Animal/nature projects: there are some nature organizations that work with part-time volunteers.  
• Characteristics: virtually no options, strict visa regulations. 

Working in Saudi Arabia?

• Jobs: temporary work is almost impossible to find without the right connections and sponsorship. For permanent work, there are opportunities, especially in oil & gas, IT, banking and international companies. It is difficult to find work though, especially for women. 
• Work culture: mainly male, prepare for red tape, influence of religion strong in the workplace, weekend on Friday and Saturday.
• Characteristics: strict little tolerant national legislation, requires a lot of adaptability, expats live separately so integrating is difficult. 

Working as a digital nomad in Saudi Arabia?

• Saudi Arabia is not (yet) a very popular country for digital nomads, but the facilities are certainly there.
• Favorite locations: Jeddah, Al Khobar, Damman.
• Characteristics: large expat community, good facilities and cafes, strict conservative regulations (also regarding LGBT+), hard to get alcohol.   

Living in Saudi Arabia?

• Expats: in many sectors there is a good mix between expats and local employees. If you learn Arabic and immerse yourself in the local culture, you are more likely to be included in society and your stay will be significantly more interesting.
• Quality of life: quality of life depends on your ability to adapt. The laws and regulations are strict and punishments are high. There is also a lot less freedom regarding all kinds of aspects than in the Netherlands. Although the country is slowly becoming more progressive, it is more difficult especially for women and people from the LGBT+ community. Other than that, though, the facilities are good, the costs are not very high and the people are friendly. 
• Culture: there are major differences between men and women, different social classes (especially with regard to foreigners) and strict conservative rules apply, although this has been easing somewhat in recent years. An important aspect is sharaf (honor), a central concept in the culture. Preserving one's own honor and that of one's family is one of the most important things for people in Saudi Arabia. 
• Characteristics: the free Friday and working on Sunday, the temperature in summer, the strong influence of Islam and the royal family.
• Health care: health care is good with modern facilities and broad medical services. Be sure to arrange your own (international) health insurance.

Stories, tips and experiences from Saui Arabia