People are endlessly curious about what being an ex-pat in Saudi Arabia is like and what it entails. Often I get contacted regarding what it’s like to live in the Middle East and how to go about getting a job here, so I thought I would discuss the pros and cons to living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. My perspective is that of a western woman. If you’ve been reading my blog for anytime you likely know that I’m a Canadian educated nurse and that I’ve spent most of my career working in large U.S. hospitals. I’m currently working in Riyadh the capitol of Saudi Arabia in a large teaching hospital. So here are my top 10 reasons why you should consider working in the Kingdom:
1. You will most likely save money. Money is the #1 reason most people come to the Middle East. The income you make is most likely tax free depending on your residency status and tax laws in your home country. For many ex-pats housing is included with their hiring package, so no rent=more money in your pocket. Also the cost of living is WAY lower than any western country, which also makes it easy to save money assuming you’re not blowing it on designer shoes and first class plane tickets. I should note that at least for most western nurses the myth that “you’re making huge money in Saudi Arabia” is a flat out lie. What I make tax free is pretty darn close to what I made in Canada or the U.S. taxed. But I don’t pay rent or have a car payment, so at the end of the day I come out ahead. But I’m required to work about 32hrs more a month than I would back home so essentially hourly I’m actually making less, although monthly I’m making more.
2. You will meet many awesome people. Ex-pats are super fun, and also maybe a little bit crazy. I’m sure there are studies proving this. You will make friends from all over the world. New Zealand. Australia. Malaysia. The Philippines. You have to be a bit of an adventurer to want to uproot your life and move to Saudi Arabia. You will also meet people who are extremely passionate about traveling. Or salsa if that’s your thing. Or running. Or tennis. Whatever you’re into, rest assured you will find people with similar interests here.
3. You can travel the world. I get 54 vacation days per contract. Yes. 54. No joke. That’s a lot of vacation time. In fact in the year I’ve been here I’ve already visited Qatar, Cyprus, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, the UAE, the Maldives, Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and Germany. The last time I worked here I traveled to Hungry, Austria, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Oman, India, Turkey and Greece. You can pack a lot in in a one-year contract. Trust me. I’m a professional at it. And depending on where you’re from it’s so much cheaper to travel from Saudi Arabia than it will ever be back home. For $500 the only place I can get to from the west coast of Canada is the U.S. and maybe Mexico if I found a great deal. From Riyadh I can get to Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Africa as well as Asia.
4. This is the only way you will get to see Saudi Arabia. Unless of course you’re Muslim. Cause they aren’t issuing tourist visas. So it’s quite a privilege to get to see a country and culture so vastly different than your western one. Working here gives you a perspective on a country and culture that is separate from what western media leads us to believe. Not every local you meet wants to kill you or convert you. Did you know that Saudi’s are actually very funny people? Granted sometimes they don’t get my sense of humor, but if I’m honest I laugh a lot at work. Many of my Saudi co-workers are very light-hearted. In fact, I refer to most of our male Saudi co-workers as my “brothers.” Also, being in Saudi Arabia allows you to see parts of the country that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Did you know that the famous site of Petra in Jordan has a sister site in northwestern Saudi Arabia? Have you ever been to a camel race? Did you know that camel beauty pageants are actually a thing? Take a job in Saudi Arabia and see for yourself.
5. Your life will be anything but dull. Especially if you happen to be a blond western woman like me. Trip to the grocery store=marriage proposals. Go to the bank to deposit money= getting offered tea and cookies by the male teller. Going out for dinner could turn into a full-on photo shoot with a group of local girls. Earlier this week I walked into my patients room and the patients mother held up her hands and yelled “beautiful” and then pinched my cheeks. Trust me. This kindof stuff never happened to me in North America. It’s pretty entertaining how the most seemingly easy thing can turn into some strange encounter. I personally live for this type of daily entertainment.
6. Arabic to English translations are funny. And vice versa. Quite often when I attempt to speak Arabic my patient or their family will start giggling and then clapping like they are congratulating a toddler for using the toilet. I’m not joking. It’s ridiculous. Also accents and poor language skills can lead to some pretty funny misunderstandings. The first time I was in Saudi I worked with a Finnish girl who with a thick accent would say she needed to go “shart” when she was saying she needed to chart. Trust me for 15 months this was never, not funny. Every time she said it my kiwi-sidekick and I would laugh. She probably hated to work with us. Another time an Arabic doctor came up to me and asked me a question. What I heard was him asking me “Do you have painful urination?” That’s seriously what I thought he said. I must’ve replied “what?” to him 3 times because I couldn’t believe he was asking me that. Turns out on the 4th time when he spoke v e r y s l o w l y, that he was actually asking me “Do you have pen for donation?” I’m quite certain he never asked to borrow a pen from a western nurse like that again.
7. Ladies. You will grow to love your abaya. So yes it is true that anytime you leave your housing compound you will need to don your little black dress aka your abaya. The only exception to this is if by some amazing stroke of luck you find yourself living on the DQ (Diplomatic Quarters.) If you do then I’m super jealous, and can we please be friends. Stat. Anyways, back to the abaya. It literally takes humming and hawing over what to wear out of the picture. Going for dinner with friends and not sure what to wear under your abaya? Ummm PJs. Or yoga pants. Or nothing at all. Cause who’s going to know- you’re covered in a head to toe black dress anyways. Going shopping. Same outfit. No one but you will ever know.
8 Learning Arabic will become your party trick when you return back home. After you’ve lived in Saudi and you get asked that stupid question during an interview “Tell us one unique thing about you?” I speak Arabic bitches. That’s what. BOOM. No one will be expecting that. After I left Saudi the first time I returned to my previous job at a large hospital in Seattle. We got a lot of Somali patients, and often we would get Saudi English students from the university in the ER. One time they couldn’t find an Arabic interpreter. So I was all casually like “I can try and help.” And the doctor was like “What now?” Yep. Basic medical Arabic is my party trick.
9. Embassy Parties. When was the last time you went to a Ball or Gala? Never. Work in Saudi Arabia and that will likely change. All those bridesmaids dresses you were led to believe you could wear again. Well pack one and some dancing shoes because you’ll likely need em. Also it’s fun to have the chance to celebrate 4th of July at the U.S. embassy, or St Pats at the Irish, or Bastille Day at the French.
10. Bragging Rights. How many people can look back on their lives and say “Remember that one time I lived in Saudi Arabia…..” You, that’s who if you take an adventure as an ex-pat in Saudi. The downside is that when you are old and in a nursing home chances are people will just think you have dementia, not that you actually did live in Saudi Arabia. But either way you’ll be entertaining someone with your tales.
UPDATE August 2017: Here’s a recent link to a blog post I wrote about working as a nurse in Saudi Arabia.
I LOVE this post! I am seriously considering moving
to Saudi in 2016 and I have been looking all over the
web for western women with blogs. This is great.
Please keep up the good work. I am interested!
Candace, I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog! Keep me posted on whether you’re moving this way!!
Hi
I have 2 interviews for Saudi, I’m a British nurse qualified for 12 yrs with experience in medical, surgical and orthopaedic nursing I’m praying I get a job there soon, I have been reading what it’s like for western nurses and your blog has excited me even more
Kelly- what hospital did you apply to?
My daughter is very concerned about letting her daughter a second year midwife go to Saudi, to do elective ,have you any offers of advice.
Do you know Brits out there.many thanks,
Grandma
Sandra, I’d love to offer advice but I’d need a clearer idea of exactly what the concerns are so please send me an email and I can address the concerns. A lot of people are concerned about safety related to working in Saudi Arabia. As a woman I feel safer here than I did living in several large North American cities if that helps. Kristine
I think this is your best ever. Where can I sign up. Your biggest fan!!
Daddio
Thanks Pops!!!
i like your post, it has a lot of positive energy that surely reflect your nice soul 🙂
i am glad that you are enjoying your life in Riyadh!
keep it up..
Hi Kristine,
It is great to read this because no 10 most definitely applies to me!
I lived and worked in Riyadh between 2000 and 2001 and have many, many memories of the place. I was living in the Al-Hamra compound and got a great social life with expats at the Riyadh Rugby Club (I hope it is still going?).
As for the holidays, yes I got loads of them too. It got me so into global travel that I’m still doing it to this day.
Great to read of a fellow Westerner in the Saudi lifestyle.
Yes- living here is bragging rights for sure!! And the travel days are so addictive that even though it’s frustrating at times living here it’s hard to give them up!
I’m so glad I found your blog! I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing. Do you happen to have any Nurse Midwives in your group of friends? I’m currently applying for jobs and I’ve been combing the web trying to find any western midwives who are currently working in Saudi Arabia… just to get first hand experience questions answered.
I do know some Australian midwives here- I’ll send you a private message!
Great post some of our clients have given similar feedback so we can totally relate to this
I have an interview in London the 7th April to work as a Nurse king Frazier hospital . Salary less than what I get UK but it’s the experience. I am blonde and I don’t speak Arabic any advise please? I did want dubai and a shorter contact but the contact is 12months
Mel- feel free to privately message me at [email protected] and I would be happy to answer any questions you have!!
It all sounds good, but I’m still afraid of the MERS situation and getting sick, dying there, or not being able to make it back home. It’s just a fear.
Fair enough! I remember when I flew over 2 years ago I was worried about Ebola. Now the latest thing is Zika. For me it came down to feeling a pull towards a real adventure and to test myself in what seemed like (and sometimes still does) an extreme cultural situation. I guess the thing is to not let fear stop you from doing what you yearn to do!
Great post! Thank you for sharing. I am considering taking a contract myself but still have some reservations. One being that 1 month days/ 1 month nights rotation, plus the more hours that are required. It’s like working overtime without being paid for it (22 shifts in a 6 week period, I am used to 18). I still feel there’s so much positive to consider as well. And the more I look into it, the more I feel like, if I don’t do it now then when? Or if I don’t do it, how much I’d miss out on and look back regretfully.
Still praying on it. I told the recruiter, I’d decide by December.
Yes it did often feel like working overtime for free that’s for sure, and if they introduce tax it will be financially pointless for westerners to go. But for travel purposes it is still a great base to travel from (although there are rumors that they are cutting the number of holiday days) so I’m waiting to see what happens!
Is it true that the employers keep your passport after granting the ighama even though it is against the law?
Yes that is true. My hospital keeps either your passport or Igama. I leave my Igama there and always have my passport with me. But technically that aren’t supposed to be able to do that!
From what I read, you cannot travel within saudi even on the streets without igama so how are you able to do without?
I just carry a stamped copy. In 4 years here I’ve never been asked to show my Igama but a copy would suffice if I had to!
Hey Kristine!
Love the blog! Thanks!
I live in Alberta,CAN and I’m very interested in working in Saudi Arabia. I’ve even started learning a bit of Arabic!
I’m very confused as to how apply though. There are so many groups/businesses/staffers. Which company did you apply to? Or how do I apply? Is it better to go through a specific company or through a hospital?
Also, do you know of any expats that have brought pets? I have a tiny dog… not sure what I would do with him if I couldn’t bring him….
Thank you!
Amanda from Edmonton
Amanda! Thanks so much for your lovely words! Well done on learning Arabia- it’s definitely not the easiest of languages. I would say that Helen Zeigler is the easiest way for nurses from North America to come to Saudi. They can walk you through the lengthy paperwork process. You can also apply directly with the hospital, but I’m not sure how tedious that process is. If you are thinking of coming to Riyadh shoot me an email and I’ll get you in touch with someone from recruiting at my hospital. Unfortunately, if you come over as a nurse you must take hospital housing and animals are not allowed. I’m not sure what your nursing background is, but you could look at Aramco in Dammam if they have any nursing positions open- they are likely your best option if you want to bring a pet. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Amanda, I have a small dog also, a blind Chihuahua. If you want to go, I will foster your dog. I live in Orlando though, so it’s hot! We also have 3 cats, don’t know how your dog is with them. In return, I will send you money to buy me jewelry…?. Elaine
Hi, my name is Shannon and I am living in Calgary, Alberta. I have been looking for past several years at jobs outside of Canada but never really got up the nerve. But, I think I have reached that point now (plus I really am not enjoying the job I have right now). I have approx 6+ years in emergency/acute medical unit. I would like to get away from this floor job though an am wondering if there are any jobs clinic wise or even just in the hospital doing something a bit different than traditional floor nursing. I love hot weather and Saudi Arabia is beautiful. I hope this post is still active and if you could give me any advice 🙂
Thanks, Shannon from Calgary
Shannon, typically to work in Saudi you are required to have 2 years experience in the area you are being hired into. So if you haven’t worked in a clinic or in education or say research it would be unlikely they would hire you into that role. There is the possibility of applying for a new role after you arrive and have worked a while. Send me an email if you have further questions- I’d be happy to help!
Hi there,I am a Malaysian qualified doctor,do the recruit Malaysian doctors there? I am working as a doctor for 8 years already .can u Please tell me how do I apply for a job there ?
I’m not sure if they recruit Malaysian doctors- I imagine the process of verifying your education will be tedious in order to get licenced in Saudi. Maybe try and contact one of the large hospitals and see what they say!
Hello there does anyone know of anyone who works as a physical therapist in Riyad.i. I got a job offer at King Faisal special hospital and I will like to get an idea of what to expect and how to prepare. I appreciate the information you have provided
Thanks in advance for your assistance
Hi Grace,
I’ll ask around about what it’s like for physical therapists! Kristine
Thanks Kristen for being a great resource to us.If by chance you work in King Faisal special Hospital will you be able to connect me with the HR to clarify some things about the Contract and my education credentials
Thanks
Grace- I think it’s easier to utilize one of the recruiting companies I listed in my post about what it’s like to work as a nurse! They will also recruit for therapists as well!
my husband is going to be working as a diplomat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from my birth country Africa but am a naturalize American citizen and I got my nursing degree in the states. Can I work in saudi
Yes I’m assuming you would be able to work in Saudi but you would be under your husbands residency card so I think there might be a few more steps to it. I would get in touch with Helen Ziegler who recruits for North Americans and see what they can tell you!!
Thank you Kristine for the very positive post! I’ve applied to Riyadh hospital for ICU nurse position and now I’m waiting for work visa and try to prepare for living there. I hope I will not disappoint and will enjoy being there.
Onne, welcome in advance! Get ready for a real adventure!!
Thank you, Kristine!
How can I get a job an English speaking job though. I’m a graduate nurse and currently working with federal government of Nigeria. I am a Nigerian. I would love it if you can assist me get a job process by process over there.
Omozee- I’m not sure excatly who recruits for Nigerian nurses. Have you tried googling it?
Kristine-
I was working on my BSN, late at night and miserable, until I came across your post.
“Shart” – I tell you Kristine I was laughing out loud, alone, so loud my belly hurt.
and “Painful urination” – more howling.
Thank you. Back to the papers but maybe I’ll hide the word shart in there .
Nuri- I’m so glad my post gave you a moment of relief from studying!!
Thank you very much for that post!! I got a job as a nurse in Riyhad as well, and I wasn’t sure about it… but I am starting to change my mind!
Thanks 🙂
Maria- so glad to hear that! Let me know if you have any questions!
Hi kristine,my name is happiness frm south africa,i’m interested in working in saudi arabia next year,i am currently doing my com-serve,i have a degree in nursing,but i don’t know to to go about doing this,some egencies require 2 years working experience and i don’t have it yet,please help me…
thank you so much for sharing. I am working on moving to Saudi For 2 years contract from United State.
Hello,
Great article, I am Saudi and I am looking for hospitals that have midwives, do you know any ?
Thank you so much
Hi Hind! King Faisal in Riyadh uses widwives!!
Hi. Im a nurse with 5 years experience at adult oncology medical surgical. Recently, i got offered from NGHA riyadh and allocated to peadiatric Hematology. Actually i didn’t expect to get peadiatric hemato because my CV is all about oncology and i have zero experience with hematology. This matter lead me into dilemma. Should i go? or should i stay here in my country.. hope you can give your opinion. Thanks
Lisa,
I think it depends on what type of orientation they are offering you- if they will provide you a proper orientation to Hematology so you will be competent and this is something you are interested in then I say go for it. Do you have Peds training from your home country?
Good day, Am Ijeoma from Nigeria, am interested in working in Saudi Arabia ,am a nurse midwife by profession, I need your reply please. Thanks
Ijeoma, it’s best to find out which agencies recruit nurses from Nigeria and contact them directly!
Minimum experience to get job in saudi??
What is the salary package?
Shelly- most hospitals require 2 years of experience. The salary is dependent on country of origin, country of education, years of experience ect
Hi Kristine!
Thank you for this article, I am hoping to start working in Saudi mid November. Im Canadian as well and have a few questions about the taxes. How you went about them.
Please contact me on my personal email.
Thank you very much!
Marie- feel free to email me regarding more specific questions!
Hello Kristine,
My name is Omar and I am a Canadian American whose parents are from Somalia. I’m just finishing an accelerated second degree BSN here in the States and am hoping to get a job in Saudi Arabia sometime in the near future. My interests are in critical care nursing.
I am a Muslim who happens to be a male in nursing and was wondering what the likelihood of getting a job out there would be for someone like me. I noticed some hospitals require that you’re a female to apply for the job.
Your article here was very informative and I was hoping that I can somehow connect with you via email or something.
Blessings,
Omar
Omar- critical care areas often make exceptions for male nurses so thats’s a good area to go into. I would contact Helen Zeigler as that’s who you’ll use to recruit you to Saudi. You can always email me at [email protected] with other questions- I’d be happy to help!
Hi Kristine
What a Vlog? You made me laugh out loud lovely! And thanks for the positive post. It did inspire me( as i recently been offered a job In Saudi @ King Faisal specialist hospital &RC as Gynecology Nurse 🙂
Im from the UK ( british Citizen) attained all my educations from Here, 6yeqra experience as gyne/Onc Nurse.
I just wished they allowed me to hring my Husband and 2 boys. Do you know by any chance of any agnecy or hospital in Saudi who take families?
Otherwise im Ready for an adventure ( I speak Arabic 😉 thank God) just that feeling that i will leave my 8 and 4 yr old boys.
Bring*
Samira- that’s so sweet. I’m glad you like my blog. As far as I know it isn’t possible to bring your spouse or children under your visa. What does your husband do? Could he possibly get a job in Saudi? If you do decide to come at least the UK is quite close with daily direct flights to London! Let me know if you need any other info- and if you end up coming to Saudi please contact me and I’ll show you around!
Awwwww. Thank you so much for the reply kristine 🙂
My husband is a cheff…. 10 years wxperience and professional he did IT actually. Awww but honestly i appreciate your support on here my dear.
Oh My God I would love to meet you christine. Yes i will contact you once I land in Saudi and I will Bring My Abaya with me I promise hehehe * and im so excited about this oppertunity* just waiting for medical checks ( very lengthy paper works) hehehe??????
Kindest regards to you xxxxx
Samira- the paperwork is the worst part about getting to Saudi. Such a lengthy process. Anyways all the best and keep me posted about your progress!
Samira, could you tell us more about the paperwork and the process please. Thanks
Kristine,
What an awesome, funny, resourceful blogger you are! I’m not sure if you are still checking your replies here but I have a question.
I am a Canadian RN Home Care Case Manager with 2 years experience looking to move to Saudi to work and experience their culture. I got my Bachelors in Nursing through Athabasca University and took the Nclex but I have been told by some people that Athabasca is not recognized in Saudi and therefore limits my chances of finding a job. Any thoughts?
Tysch, Thanks so much for the compliments. I’d say contact Helen Zeigler and see what they say. I think as long as the Diploma part of your nursing wasn’t thru Athabasca you should be fine. My BSN was online thru UBC and that wasn’t as issue. I think that bigger issue is the rest of the Middle East- I don’t think I can get a job in the UAE given my BSN was via distance ed. Let me know how it all pans out!
Hi Kristine!
I love your Blog!! This is fascinating. I would love to apply myself- but I’m a gay man. Did you meet any fellow nurses or expats in Saudi Arabia that are gay? Is this a reasonable place to meet other gay people or is everyone straight? I am aware of the aspects of the culture in Saudi Arabia about this, but if you have any further experience regarding this please let me know. Thank you!
Hi Kristine!
Were there any gay nurses or expats while you were there? I would love to apply but I’m concerned since I’m a gay man. I’d love to hear any information you have regarding being gay in Riyadh. Thanks!
Hi Ben! I’ll sent you a private message regarding your questions! Kristine
Hi Kristine!
Would you please be able to contact me regarding any information on being a gay male nurse in Saudi / Dubai. I’m looking at applying but need more information to see if it is suitable for me to do so! Thanks
Tom
Hi Tom,
Send me an email and I’d be happy to address your concerns! [email protected]
Kristine
Hi Kristine,
Thanks for the all the info. Is there such thing as part-time in Saudi nursing. Also, currently I work on a women’s surgical floor, taking care of post-surgical GYN and breast patients (hysterectomies, myomectomies, breast reconstruction, etc.) what units do you think are close to where I work in Saudi? Thanks again!
Hi Halima, as far as I know there is not an potion for part time nursing. At least not at my hospital. I’d recommend looking at a Gyne/Onc floor or plastics with your experiences those would probably be a good fit. But really you’d probably manage anything surgical! Hope that helps!
Kristine
Hi Kristine! 🙂
Do you have any idea how Al Khobar is? And what is the duty hours of an OPD nurse? Thanks a lot. -Janella 🙂
Hi Janella,
I’ve actually not yet been to Al Khobar, but it’s on my Saudi travel list. As for outpt nurses they usually work 0700-1630 or 0730-1700 Sunday to Wednesday with a slightly shorter day on Thursday depending on the clinic. Hope that helps!
Kristine
Hi Kristine,
I am so so excited after reading your vlog, I am muslim I am 34 I have a BA in islamic studies, I speak: Arabic, english, and french .just started the prerequisites for my nursing program. I am willing to move to saudi as soon as I am done with school but. I mean I wish I can move now . But yeah no qualifications or experience yet.
But I want you to guide me to the right path to follow to get there ASAP, like do you think it’s better to start with medical assistant and get my foot on the door then start working on my nursing prerequisite while I am getting to work in the hospital and gaining experience at the same time? Also what kind of training or skills would I need to make me a good candidate to get the job?
I have 2 kids and divorced would that interact at all with my dream?
How about housing ? And schooling there if you get the job would your kids be able to go to school?
Please let me know if you have any answeres for me ? Really want to move from usa to saudi and achieve my goals.
Thanks
Hello dear- I’ve replied to your email privately. I hope it helps!
Kristine
Hi Kristine. You made me laugh. I worked in Saudi too from 1996 until 2003. I had the best experience in Male Surgical ward. My boss (Head Nurse) was Scottish. You were right about tax free salary, vacations, etc. Single Nurses have separate accommodation. We’re allowed to go shopping almost everyday ad long as you’re back at 10 pm when off work. I learned Arabic within 3 months. I enjoyed my life in Saudi even though the culture is so different. All you have to do is follow the Saudi law and you’ll be out of trouble.
If anyone wants to ask questions. …feel free to message me on “not si personal email”….ct18205@gmail. com or see below.
Carly