Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#142
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Jeddah is a major urban center on the western coast of Saudi Arabia, known for its bustling economy and cultural diversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD. Banks like Al Rajhi Bank and National Commercial Bank are widely used. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include STC, Mobily, and Zain; prepaid options are readily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, along with local banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels like Al Hamra Residence offer affordable stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Al-Balad, known for its historical sites and souks. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Riyadh Street area and Corniche offer a blend of work-friendly cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Haven Coworking offers a vibrant community and various amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bateel has a great atmosphere and Wi-Fi for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and networking events are held in coworking spaces like Qareer. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Jeddah Expat Community hosts monthly meetups through social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are popular for rideshare services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available through services like Lime; bikes are less common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Corniche beach is easily accessible and great for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Flynas is a major low-cost carrier for regional travel. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is the national carrier, connecting Jeddah to many international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways like Makkah Expressway allow convenient travel around the region. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Jeddah Central Station serves as the main hub for trains and intercity buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is primarily by bus; passes may vary by routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis provide affordable options to nearby cities like Makkah and Medina. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | King Fahd Hospital is a major healthcare facility open to residents and expats. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Jeddah offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness First provide a range of fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Wash & Fold are widely available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | HungerStation is a popular platform for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mandi is a must-try; a flavorful rice dish often served with chicken or lamb. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are available at restaurants like Karam Al Luz and The Raw Place. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kudai is known for its delectable local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Al Andalus Mall features various food markets and eateries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com and Noon.com for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HungerStation also offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Corniche area has several cafes and outdoor lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is mostly prohibited; instead, try local beverages like Jeddah's special juices. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Alcoholic drinks are generally not served; however, some hotel bars may offer non-alcoholic alternatives. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors offer Shawarma and Falafel across various neighborhoods. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Chilis and Domino's are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Al-Balad historic district and the King Fahd Fountain are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum is a notable cultural site. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Qishla of Jeddah is a significant heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Floating Mosque and King Abdulaziz Mosque are worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Jeddah Season is a prominent cultural festival held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Al-Balad is rich in history and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Jeddah Theatre hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souk Al Alawi is an authentic shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are hosted in various venues and cafes throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Street Art | There are murals and local artworks found in Al-Balad area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes offer insight into traditional Saudi cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | ArtSpace Jeddah showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many traditional buildings are found in the Al-Balad area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Jeddah is known for its unique architecture and vibrant culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Red Sea coast is perfect for diving and snorkeling. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wadi Al-Faras National Park is within driving distance. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche has dedicated paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Jeddah Corniche offers beautiful views of the Red Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | North Obhur is a popular site for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas near the Corniche have designated spots for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Jeddah Electronics provide tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Many gyms and community centers have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Linguascope offer Arabic language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Jeddah Central Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers hold events and gatherings for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes are available in malls with high-speed internet. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 10,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 400,000 SAR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 7,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 300,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 9,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 570,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 6,800 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 408,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 8,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 680,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 5,800 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 464,000 SAR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% for foreign shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No income tax on individuals; taxes apply to corporate income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction fees vary but generally around 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No personal income tax, which is favorable for digital nomads. |