Experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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What is it like to live in Riyadh? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I was born and raised in the country (Riyadh). I have gotten used to the customs that I have to follow despite the fact that I'm not Muslim or even a Saudi for that matter (I have to wear an Abhaya, a black cloak to be worn by females of age), by the way, I'm an Indian. Riyadh is a very family oriented place, where women aren't given that much authority in general. Females are not allowed to drive, ever, even if you’re a female with a driving license from another country it won’t be valid in Riyadh, at all.

If you want to live there for a long time I suggest following all rules and regulations and you'll be fine. Also I might add the fines there are ridiculously high for traffic violations, loitering, etc.

What is the student lifestyle like in Riyadh?

Well, I’m not sure about university level studies because I don’t study there, but I did study there from kindergarten all the way to high school, and it’s good. I studied in an international English medium school; the Board of Education was Indian. As a matter of fact there are a variety of schools, not only Indian & Saudi schools. My teachers were Indians but the case will be different for other schools.

How much does it cost to live in Riyadh?

Nowadays, the cost of living there has skyrocketed. I don't have much info on the actual cost and stuff but I do know that it will get difficult to live in Riyadh for expats.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Riyadh? Is there any advice you can give?

Not really hard to find an accommodation, it always depends on much you can cash out per year for example the villa I live in right now in Riyadh costs about 45 000 Riyals (their currency), that is 11, 999$ (1 Riyal=0. 27$). We pay the rent every 6 months so that's around 22, 500 riyals (5999. 52$) every six months.

If you find a place, you must be ready to put a down payment immediately, because apartments & villas don't really stay unoccupied there, that might be the case everywhere actually.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is spectacular. I'm studying abroad right now and I miss the food so badly. You must try the Shawarma, Kabsa, Hummus, Falafel. There’s more but nothing else is coming to my mind... ah yes! Baklava - it’s a sweet that is overwhelmingly sweet but totally worth it.

Also I should add, Pork consumption is prohibited in the country. It is considered unclean, it is not sold in markets or anywhere else; also alcohol consumption is not allowed and it won't be sold anywhere. And don't bother smuggling them from another country, it's not safe to get it through immigration - there will be consequences.

What places would you recommend visiting in Riyadh?

There are a lot of amusement parks, stadiums, dams, a couple of historic sites, places where you can hike in the mountains and a lot of hidden gems all over the place. Be sure to check the link below to see a bunch of places in Riyad: BlueAbayaBlog

Is it good to eat out in Riyadh? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

My favorite place is Maccoys, their garlic mayo is homemade and is amazing, they sell all the basics: roasted chicken, Shawarma, fries, hummus, also you can buy soft drinks from there too.

It is necessary to buy together the roasted chicken + fries + garlic mayo (homemade) + hummus (homemade) + Arabic bread called Kubbus + any soft drink. Buy also a couple of Shawarmas!

Al Baik, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, McDonald's, Burger King, PAUL... there are a lot of places - basically, in Riyadh there are a lot of brands.

I will remind you all that the restaurants don't serve their dishes with pork at all.

Also there are amazing Indian restaurants around.

Is the nightlife good in Riyadh? Where is good to go?

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The city seems to be very safe only when you’re with your family, at least that's how I feel. It is not safe to travel alone in Riyadh; at least it is not for females.

Nightlife in Riyadh is very cool. That is the time when families go out; they go to parks, malls, supermarkets, etc.

What advice would you give future students heading to Riyadh?

Keep calm, pray before considering shifting to Riyadh, its a fun place for indoor people.

Take it from somebody who has spent 19 years of her life there, even though I'm not even a citizen, I feel more at home in Riyadh than in India. I'm more comfortable with an Abhaya on me when I travel out, I got used to it and I had to stop myself from looking for my Abhaya.

If you move there I sincerely hope you get to love and experience the amazing things I experienced there. God Bless!