Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#141
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia, known for its modern skyscrapers and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 7.6 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 85 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD, predominantly use Saudi Riyal (SAR). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommended to purchase bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type G and A sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain are the primary providers offering prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Al Rajhi Bank and Samba are expat-friendly and accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and long-term rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and many places use QR code payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb has a significant presence, especially in the Al Olaya district. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'OYO 156 Al Falah Hotel' offer affordable stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Al Olaya is popular for its hotels and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Diplomatic Quarter is recommended for a quieter lifestyle and offices. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Regus - Al Faisaliah Tower is a modern coworking space in a prestigious location. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe e-Eid offers a conducive atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are hosted regularly at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce for entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | International expatriates groups on platforms like Meetup organize regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are available and widely used for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently, bike and scooter sharing services are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Closest beach access is in Al Khobar, approximately 4 hours by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudia Airlines offers extensive regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via the Riyadh Ring Road and Northern Ring Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Riyadh Train Station is currently developing intercity rail options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Riyadh Metro will offer fares and transit passes upon full launch in late 2025. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are available for travel to nearby cities like Jeddah. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | King Faisal Specialist Hospital is a top healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Fitness Time and Fly Yoga offer various wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness Time are popular gym chains in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Various laundromats are available; 'Laundry Room' is a recommended choice. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Mrsool are the most popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kabsa, a traditional rice dish served with meat or chicken. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Greenhouse Cafe' offer vegan-friendly meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Noura serves exquisite Arabic sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local grocery stores and markets like 'Al-Nazaha' offer budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com is a popular online marketplace in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Noon Grocery delivers fresh produce and essentials. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Riyadh has limited nightlife; upscale places like 'The Ritz-Carlton' offer lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is strictly regulated; expect traditional non-alcoholic beverages. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Alcohol is not permitted; seek out non-alcoholic beverage cafes. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell shawarma and falafel primarily around crowded areas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | 'Al Nakheel Restaurant' serves various international dishes, including Indian and Italian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kingdom Centre Tower and Al-Masmak Fortress. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Saudi Arabia showcases rich heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Diriyah ruins are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and must-visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Masjid Al-Haram is the holiest site for Muslims, located in Mecca. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Riyadh Season boasts entertainment and cultural activities annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Al Olaya and Murabba blend modernity with heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Riyadh Theater hosts various performances and cultural shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souq Al Zal is famous for traditional goods and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Concerts and performances happen during Riyadh Season and various venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is emerging, particularly in the Diplomatic Quarter. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes in local cuisine are offered at different cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Athr Gallery showcases contemporary art from regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | King Abdulaziz Historical Center represents Saudi heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional crafts and customs are preserved in local markets. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wadi Hanifah valley offers hiking and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al Ula is about 8 hours away, famous for its rock formations. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | King Abdullah Park features walking paths and green spaces. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Al Faisaliyah Center's viewing deck provides panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Al Sabkha is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Wadi Hanifah allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex offers reliable courier services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various tech repair shops available, including Jarir Bookstore for tech products. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in certain community centers and gyms. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and Arabic classes are offered through various educational institutes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | King Abdulaziz Public Library is a notable study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host events and offer communal activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Various gaming cafes like 'Twitch Lounge' cater to gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 16,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = SAR 800,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 12,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = SAR 600,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 14,000 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = SAR 980,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = SAR 700,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 13,000 per m² (e.g., 90 m² = SAR 1,170,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 9,000 per m² (e.g., 90 m² = SAR 810,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% applicable on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is not based on global income; KSA has no personal income tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | There is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual land tax applies; property tax is minimal. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is around 5% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No personal income tax makes KSA appealing for digital nomads. |