Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#141
24.638916, 46.71601
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia, known for its modern skyscrapers and cultural landmarks. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 7.6 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Saudi Riyal (SAR); 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include STC, Mobily, and Zain. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Abrar Hotel and Hotel Al Faisaliah offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork and Regus are popular coworking spaces in Riyadh. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bateel and Brew92 are known for their work-friendly environments. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Meetup groups often take place. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Riyadh Expat Community on Facebook is a hub for social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Careem are the preferred ride-hailing apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently limited; bike rentals are available at some parks. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is around 3 hours away in Khobar. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudia Airlines is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Emirates offer multiple international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via major highways including the Riyadh-Qassim and Riyadh-Dammam roads. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Riyadh Train Station serves as a central hub for regional trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport passes are available for buses and the Metro. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains offer convenient travel to nearby cities such as Dammam and Jeddah. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | King Faisal Specialist Hospital is a renowned healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House and The Yoga Room are popular studios. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym are widely used. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Various laundromats available, including Lavamaids. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and HungerStation are the leading food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mandi is a traditional local dish to try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try Nourish Cafe and Wild Flora. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastry House and Sugar Daddy's Bakery are highly recommended. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souq Al Alawi offers budget-friendly shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon.com and Souq.com are popular online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and LuLu Hypermarket offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Riyadh does not have a nightlife but many lounges like The Ritz-Carlton are popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is banned; alternative drinks can be found at local cafes. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available due to strict alcohol laws. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks in Al Olaya and Tahlia Street offer local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | There are numerous international restaurants in Al Olaya district. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kingdom Centre Tower and Al Masmak Fortress are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Saudi Arabia and King Abdulaziz Historical Center. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | King Saud Mosque is a significant religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Riyadh Season is a major annual entertainment festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Al Diriyah area showcases traditional Saudi culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souk Al-Thumairi for an authentic local experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Riyadh's music scene is growing, with events held in various venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art exists in select areas, notably in Al Olaya. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops are offered at various cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artspace and Naila Art Gallery feature local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Murabba Palace for historical insights. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Falconry is a significant aspect of Saudi culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Edge of the World is a famous natural attraction nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Rawdat Khuraim National Park is about an hour away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths in King Abdullah Park are popular for outdoor activities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Kingdom Centre offers a sky bridge with stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Al Wabil Park is known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks like Al-Hakeem Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Available via DHL and Aramex. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various shops including iCare and Techno-Serve for repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Berlitz offer Arabic language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | King Abdulaziz Public Library is a quiet study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Riyadh International Community Center hosts various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming zones in shopping malls are popular for entertainment. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not applicable due to local laws forbidding gambling. |
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. 8,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 320,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 11,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 690,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 9,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 540,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 12,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,000,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 10,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 800,000 SAR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% for most businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Saudi Arabia has a straightforward tax system with no income tax for individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | There is no personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations exist for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% tax during property purchases. |