My Life in Saudi

Getting your Iqama (residency permit) is one of the most important steps after arriving in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re an employee or a dependent, this card is your legal identity in the Kingdom — you’ll need it for almost everything, from opening a bank account to signing a mobile contract or renting an apartment. If you’re new to Saudi Arabia and waiting for your Iqama, you might be wondering: Has it been issued yet? In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to check your Iqama issuance status online , what the results mean, and what to do if there’s a delay. 🪪 What Is an Iqama and Why It’s Important The Iqama is a residence permit issued to expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia. It proves that you’re legally allowed to stay and work in the country under your sponsor (Kafeel) or employer. Without a valid Iqama: You cannot work legally in the Kingdom. You cannot access online government services like Absher or Tawakkalna. You cannot open a bank account ...

 Owning property in Saudi Arabia was once a dream for many expatriates — something out of reach due to strict local laws. However, in recent years, the Kingdom has gradually opened up its real estate sector, making it possible for some foreigners to own or invest in property under specific conditions. In this guide, we’ll explain the rules, eligibility, and process for expats who want to buy property in Saudi Arabia in 2025. 🏡 Can Expats Own Property in Saudi Arabia? Yes, expatriates can own property in Saudi Arabia , but only under certain conditions and with official approval from the relevant authorities. The ownership rules depend on your residency status , location , and type of property . Let’s look at the major categories: 1. For Residents with Iqama (Legal Expats) Expats with a valid Iqama (residency permit) are allowed to own one residential property in Saudi Arabia, provided they meet the following conditions: They live in the Kingdom legally. The propert...

 Owning a car in Saudi Arabia is almost a necessity. Public transportation is improving, but most expats and locals still rely on private vehicles for daily commuting, weekend trips, and desert adventures. Buying a used car can be a smart choice: you avoid steep depreciation on new cars and can often find well-maintained vehicles at competitive prices. This guide walks expats through every step of buying a used car in Saudi Arabia in 2025 —from research and inspection to paperwork and registration—so you can drive away confidently and legally. 1. Understand the Saudi Used Car Market Saudi Arabia has a robust secondhand car market because vehicles generally last longer thanks to dry weather and excellent road conditions. Popular platforms include: Haraj.sa – The biggest Arabic online marketplace. Opensooq and Expatriates.com – Popular among expats for English listings. Showrooms and dealers – Offer certified pre-owned cars with some warranty. Before you start br...

Receiving your salary on time is one of the most important aspects of working in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has taken significant steps to ensure transparency in salary payments through its Wage Protection System (WPS) , which is monitored by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). One of the most effective tools introduced for this purpose is the Mudad App , a government-approved platform that helps employees and employers manage payroll, track salary transfers, and resolve issues related to wages. In this guide, we’ll explain how to check your salary transfer status in Saudi Arabia using the Mudad App , along with tips for expats on handling delays and reporting violations. 1. What is the Mudad App? The Mudad App is an official digital payroll system launched in Saudi Arabia to monitor salary transfers and protect workers’ rights. It is directly linked with the Wage Protection System (WPS), ensuring that all employee salaries are paid correctly and on tim...

  Freelancing is one of the fastest-growing ways of working around the world. With the rise of remote jobs, digital platforms, and the global gig economy, more and more people are turning away from traditional employment. Instead of working 9 to 5 for a single employer, freelancers can choose their own projects, set flexible working hours, and work for clients from across the globe. But what about Saudi Arabia? The Kingdom is transforming rapidly under Vision 2030 , opening its economy and encouraging entrepreneurship. Many expats living here wonder if they can also take part in the freelancing trend. Can expatriates legally work as freelancers in Saudi Arabia? What are the opportunities and risks? In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything expats need to know about freelancing in Saudi Arabia. What is Freelancing? Before diving into the Saudi system, it’s important to understand what freelancing means. Freelancing is a form of self-employment where you: Work independ...

  Living and working in Saudi Arabia as an expat comes with rights and responsibilities. The Kingdom has established proper channels to protect workers, residents, and citizens in case of disputes. If you ever face problems such as unpaid salaries, mistreatment at work, contract violations, or other labor issues , you can officially file a complaint. In Saudi Arabia, complaints are usually submitted to either: MOI (Ministry of Interior) – for civil, residency, or security-related complaints. HRSD (Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development) – for labor, employment, and workplace-related complaints. This guide explains when and how to file a complaint , the different platforms available, and what expats should know before taking action. 🔹 When Should You File a Complaint to MOI or HRSD? File a Complaint to MOI if it involves: Iqama (residency permit) violations. Absher-related issues (final exit, sponsorship transfer, huroob cases). Civil or securit...