Mecca, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#146
21.420847, 39.826869
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mecca, a sacred city to Muslims, known for the Kaaba and religious significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Up to 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain are popular providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted in major establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodgings include hotels like Al-Masoom and Al-Fakhamah. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nuqat Coworking Space |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brew92, a popular spot for remote workers. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Frequent meetups organized by local expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check Facebook groups for gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Mecca. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; mainly taxis and walking are preferred. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach; the closest coastal area is Jeddah (about 80 km away). |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudia Airlines is the primary regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Saudia Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways available. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Mecca to Jeddah and Riyadh. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Makkah Metro and bus stations available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; taxis preferred. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Mecca with nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | King Faisal Hospital & Research Centre |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited yoga classes, some gyms offer wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Time and Gold's Gym available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and hotel laundry services are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | HungerStation and Talabat are popular. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mandi, a traditional Saudi rice and meat dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but some restaurants offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al-Nakheel Sweets, famous for traditional desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets and souks for snacks and groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon and Souq.com for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Lulu provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Mecca is conservative; social activities are limited. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is prohibited; focus on non-alcoholic beverages. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available due to local laws. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Available near the Holy Mosque in Mecca. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and fast food chains available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kaaba, Masjid al-Haram, Mountain of Light (Jabal al-Nour). |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Makkah Museum offering historical insights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Cave of Hira, site of Prophet Muhammad's first revelation. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Masjid al-Haram, the holiest site in Islam. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Hajj pilgrimage and Ramadan activities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Al-Masjid al-Haram area is rich in culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; focus on religious cultural activities. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Abraj Al Bait Mall for shopping and dining. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Music events are limited due to cultural norms. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Not commonly found; focus on traditional art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited options primarily in local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries, focus mainly on Islamic art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old Mecca buildings near the Holy Mosque. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich Islamic history and tradition. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Al-Arafat and Mina offer natural landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Haramain National Park is approximately 85 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited due to the urban layout; walking paths provide access to sites. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | View of the Holy Mosque from surrounding hills. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mountains around Mecca. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | No designated areas; open fires are generally prohibited. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex, DHL available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops and electronics stores available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; mostly available in large hotels. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Arabic classes available at local institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | King Abdulaziz Public Library. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events held at local mosques. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; focus is more on social gatherings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Strictly prohibited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited rules, expatriates can own businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property transactions. |