Living & Working in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Some of the most attractive aspects of working in the Middle East are:
- Salary Paid Tax-Free
- Free accomodation
- Free flights
- Medical Cover
- Bonus schemes on completion of contracts
Saudi Arabia offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for nurses seeking to expand their careers while experiencing life in a dynamic and rapidly evolving country. With world-class healthcare facilities, ongoing investment in medical innovation, and a strong demand for skilled international professionals, Saudi Arabia provides an excellent platform for career growth and development.
For nurses from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK, the transition is made easier through competitive, tax-free salaries, generous benefits packages, and comprehensive relocation support. Many roles include furnished accommodation, flights, health insurance and paid annual leave allowing you to focus on both your professional and personal experience.
Living in Saudi Arabia as an expat offers the chance to immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage while enjoying modern amenities, vibrant expat communities, and easy access to travel across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Whether you're looking to build your clinical expertise, save money, or embark on a new adventure, Saudi Arabia presents an exciting and fulfilling next step in your nursing career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get registered to work in Saudi Arabia?
Every health care professional is required to obtain a license to work in Saudi Arabia https://www.scfhs.org.sa/en/about/pages/organization.aspx The process is complex. CCM Recruitment will work with you throughout the process.
Am I eligible to work in Saudi Arabia?
To be eligible to work in Saudi Arabia, candidates must have the following:
- Current nursing registration
- Minimum of 2 years nursing experience in the specialty you are applying for (must be acute hospital experience)
- Australian/New Zealand working rights
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
Is English spoken in the hospital?
English is the working language in the hospitals. Translators, and ward clerks who act as translators, are always available to assist in communicating with patients who do not speak English. Hospitals offer free courses in basic Arabic and one quickly picks up the basic Arabic phrases related to one’s job.
Where will I live?
Most expatriate staff either live on the hospital compound or in a private compound.
What is the social life like?
Like anywhere, the social life is what you make of it. There are organised trips to sites of historical interest, sports competitions, and other recreational activities (tournaments, marathons, etc.). Dinner parties, desert parties, and beach parties are common. There are concerts at embassies and expatriates organise amateur theatre companies and musical ensembles in the major cities.
Does Saudi Arabia have a tourist industry?
There is a domestic tourist industry in Saudi Arabia, where large numbers of families both from within the country and from neighbouring states travel to the numerous vacation spots along the Arabian Gulf coast, on the Red Sea, in rural areas such as the Asir National Park, and in mountain resorts such as Taif. Throughout the Kingdom, there are first-class hotels, excellent facilities and all kinds of restaurants, and many places of great historic interest and natural beauty.
What should an expatriate wear in Saudi Arabia?
Expatriates in Saudi Arabia must dress modestly and conservatively in public. Women should wear long, loose clothing, high-necked and long-sleeved. Men should wear jackets or long-sleeved shirts with long pants.
Do Saudi citizens have to pay for health care?
The government’s policy is to offer medical services free for all citizens. Each individual citizen has the right, at no cost whatsoever, to all levels of health care, from emergency first aid to sophisticated transplant surgery. In addition, there are numerous special programs for the disabled and the elderly.
What is the shopping like?
In Saudi Arabia, shopping is a form of entertainment and should be embarked upon in this spirit, especially in the souks where there is so much to delight the senses and tempt the purse. Prices are not fixed, so you will be expected to negotiate, a skill much prized by the Arabs. All of the big names you see at home are also available in Saudi Arabia such as Next, Benetton, French Connections, BHS and Marks and Spencers.
Electronic goods, cameras and watches can often be good value, especially in the markets, but the main attractions for most visitors are naturally the antiques, traditional items and of course the gold jewellery.
What time zone is the Kingdom in?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on Greenwich Mean Time plus three hours. The Kingdom does not adjust to daylight saving time. The UAE is Greenwich Mean Time plus four hours.
What is the local currency?
Saudi Arabia’s unit of currency is the riyal. The dirham is used in the UAE and the dinar in Bahrain. There are no restrictions on currency exchange. You can change money at the banks and transfer funds overseas. Major credit cards are accepted at most large hotels, some restaurants and the bigger stores. Don’t make a trip to the souk without cash. Always take your iqama with you if you intend to change money, pay with a traveller’s cheque or use your credit card.
Banks do business from 08.30 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs Saturday to Wednesday, and 08.30 to 12.00 hrs on Thursday.
Useful Link
Whether you're researching your next career move or picturing your weekends off, these links are a great starting point for understanding what working and living in Saudi Arabia is really like.
The official Saudi tourism portal - your go-to for attraction guides, regional itineraries, and practical travel tips across the Kingdom.
The Globetrotting Detective — 18 Beautiful Places in Saudi Arabia
A first-hand travel blog covering 18 of Saudi Arabia's most stunning destinations - from the UNESCO-listed tombs of Hegra to the mountain village of Rijal Almaa. Perfect for nurses curious about what to explore on days off.
Saudi Ministry of Health - Official healthcare sector information including nursing registration, licensing requirements, and health regulations for internationally qualified nurses.
Signature Luxury Travel — Saudi Arabia
An inspiring editorial feature on Saudi Arabia's transformation as a travel destination - covering AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah, and the Red Sea coast with vivid first-hand storytelling.
InterNations — Saudi Arabia expat community
Connect with a global community of expats living and working in Saudi Arabia - find honest relocation advice, local events, and community support from people who've made the move.
Numbeo — Cost of living in Saudi Arabia
Up-to-date cost comparisons for everyday expenses; groceries, transport, dining, and rent - so you can plan your finances with confidence before you relocate.
TripAdvisor — Top attractions in Saudi Arabia
Browse thousands of traveller reviews and ratings for Saudi Arabia's top sites. A reliable, crowd-sourced resource for planning your weekends and holidays.