Saudi Arabia is becoming the go to destination for expats

‘Zero Income Tax and 25% Higher Pay Than Dubai’: The New British Expat Dream

Saudi Arabia’s Cosmopolitan Transformation is Attracting Entrepreneurs and Professionals Alike

The Middle East’s economic landscape is experiencing a seismic shift, and at the centre of this transformation lies Saudi Arabia—a nation rapidly reinventing itself as the next premier destination for British expatriates seeking lucrative opportunities abroad. What was once considered an unlikely prospect for Western professionals has now emerged as an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional expat havens like Dubai and Singapore.

President Donald Trump’s inaugural foreign trip following his return to the White House was laden with symbolic significance. Speaking to assembled business leaders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Trump declared in his characteristically bold fashion that “the United States is the hottest country, with the exception of your country.” This endorsement from America’s highest office reflects a broader international recognition of Saudi Arabia’s remarkable economic metamorphosis.

Trump’s enthusiasm is far from unique. Tens of thousands of British expatriates have already made Saudi Arabia their home, drawn by an irresistible combination of zero personal income tax and salaries that not only match but frequently exceed those offered in the more established expat destination of Dubai. The financial incentives are compelling: senior positions in certain sectors command salaries between 15% and 25% higher than comparable roles in Dubai, whilst the cost of living remains approximately 34% lower than in Britain, according to data from numbeo.com.

The Economic Appeal: Financial Freedom in the Desert Kingdom

The mathematics of expatriate life in Saudi Arabia present a compelling case for relocation. Like its Gulf Cooperation Council counterparts—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—Saudi Arabia levies no personal income tax on residents. This fundamental advantage, combined with substantially higher gross salaries, creates an opportunity for dramatic improvements in net income and savings potential.

Consider the practical implications: an executive personal assistant working within the energy sector might command a salary ranging from £50,000 to £90,000 annually, entirely tax-free, according to recruitment specialists Oriel Partners. Educational professionals, meanwhile, can expect average monthly salaries of £2,700, supplemented by comprehensive benefits packages including private healthcare and complimentary accommodation. The broader expatriate salary spectrum, as reported by recruitment consultancy Hays, typically ranges from £2,010 to £7,036 monthly—figures that, when considered alongside the absence of income tax, represent substantial improvements over equivalent UK positions.

The housing market tells a similar story of rapid appreciation and investment opportunity. Knight Frank’s analysis reveals that apartment prices in Riyadh, the nation’s capital, have surged by an extraordinary 70% since 2019. This dramatic increase reflects not merely speculative investment but genuine demand driven by the Kingdom’s expanding expatriate population and ambitious development programmes.

Vision 2030: The Blueprint for Transformation

Central to Saudi Arabia’s appeal is the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, a comprehensive national transformation programme designed to diversify the Kingdom’s economy away from its traditional reliance on petroleum exports. This sweeping modernisation encompasses renewable energy development, technology sector expansion, financial services growth, tourism infrastructure, and sports industry investment.

The programme’s scope is breathtaking in its ambition. Thirty-five major infrastructure projects, collectively known as “giga projects,” form the backbone of this transformation. The crown jewel among these developments is NEOM, a futuristic mega-city planned for a corner of desert adjacent to the Red Sea. Originally conceived as a linear city stretching 170 kilometres, NEOM represents perhaps the most audacious urban planning project in human history. Whilst the project’s scope has been recalibrated—the initial phase will now span 2.4 kilometres by 2030—its ambition remains undiminished.

The housing market’s rapid evolution reflects these broader economic changes. International property ownership rules have been progressively liberalised, with the Premium Residency scheme expanded significantly in recent years. This “golden visa” programme represents a fundamental shift in the Kingdom’s approach to foreign investment and residency.

Cultural Evolution: Navigating Social Change

Yet Saudi Arabia’s transformation extends far beyond economic metrics. The Kingdom is undergoing profound social evolution, gradually shedding decades of restrictive practices whilst maintaining its cultural identity. The lifting of the ban on women driving in 2018 marked a watershed moment, symbolising broader changes in gender equality and social mobility.

Sarah, a 40-year-old British expatriate who relocated to Riyadh with her husband following his appointment in the sports industry, observes significant cultural shifts since her arrival. “Saudi Arabia is evolving into an entrepreneurial society,” she explains. “The people I’ve encountered are friendly, helpful, and possess a wonderful sense of humour. The atmosphere reminds me greatly of Oman during its period of rapid development.”

The transformation is particularly evident in women’s participation in the economy. Government statistics indicate that women now comprise approximately 36% of Saudi Arabia’s workforce—a dramatic doubling from the 17% recorded in 2017. Sarah has witnessed this change firsthand, noting an influx of female entrepreneurs, particularly in fashion and retail sectors, with numerous pop-up businesses and independent ventures emerging across major cities.

Dress codes, whilst still conservative by Western standards, have become considerably more relaxed. The traditional abaya (full-length robe) is no longer mandatory, though it remains commonplace. Women are expected to maintain modest dress standards—covering arms and legs—but this requirement is interpreted more flexibly than in previous years. Gymnasium attire, for instance, typically consists of leggings and T-shirts, representing a significant departure from historical restrictions.

The Expatriate Experience: Lifestyle and Community

Life as a British expatriate in Saudi Arabia increasingly resembles the familiar rhythms of other Gulf destinations, albeit with distinctive local characteristics. Weekend activities centre around pool parties, shopping mall visits, diverse indoor entertainment options designed to provide respite from the intense heat, and camping expeditions into the surrounding desert landscapes.

The expatriate community typically resides in purpose-built compounds—secure, self-contained residential developments that provide familiar Western amenities alongside enhanced security. These communities have evolved into sophisticated microcosms of international life, complete with recreational facilities, social clubs, and educational institutions.

Sarah’s family rents a three-bedroom home within such a compound at an annual cost of £30,000. Like most expatriate families, they employ both a driver—essential given minimal public transport provision and Riyadh’s rapidly changing road network—and domestic staff. These arrangements, whilst expensive by UK standards, remain economically viable given the favourable salary structures and tax advantages.

The compound lifestyle extends beyond mere accommodation, fostering tight-knit communities among international residents. Social activities, children’s recreational programmes, and informal networking opportunities create supportive environments for families adjusting to life in the Kingdom.

Educational Infrastructure: Meeting Growing Demand

The rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s expatriate population has created unprecedented demand for international educational facilities. Established institutions like the British International School have become “massively oversubscribed,” according to current residents, prompting significant investment in new educational infrastructure.

Recent developments include an affiliated campus of Sherborne School in Jeddah and two new institutions from the SEK Education Group launched this year. School fees reflect the premium nature of international education: primary-age children typically incur annual costs of approximately £10,000, rising to £20,000 for secondary education. Reigate Grammar School Riyadh, representing another recent addition to the educational landscape, charges £15,000 annually.

These educational investments represent more than mere accommodation of expatriate families; they signal the Kingdom’s commitment to establishing itself as a long-term destination for international professionals rather than a temporary posting.

Regional Comparisons: Beyond Dubai’s Dominance

Julie, another British expatriate who transitioned from Dubai to Saudi Arabia over three years ago, represents a growing demographic of professionals seeking alternatives to traditional Gulf destinations. Her husband’s airport sector appointment offered superior remuneration compared to equivalent Dubai positions, illustrating broader regional competitive dynamics.

“Like many expatriates, he pursued enhanced career opportunities unavailable in Dubai,” Julie explains. “Salaries are demonstrably higher, and as expatriates, we naturally gravitate towards optimal financial arrangements. The future trajectory of life here remains uncertain, but current conditions are increasingly favourable.”

Julie’s observations highlight Saudi Arabia’s evolving social landscape. “The Kingdom feels considerably more cosmopolitan than during our initial arrival. Saudi men now engage in casual conversation rather than avoiding eye contact—a significant cultural shift reflecting broader societal changes.”

Her experience illustrates both the opportunities and contradictions inherent in Saudi Arabia’s transformation. Whilst international retail brands like Marks & Spencer, Boots, and upscale establishments like Zuma have established presences, alcohol remains prohibited outside diplomatic quarters. This creates curious juxtapositions: gleaming bars equipped with champagne glasses serve exclusively non-alcoholic beverages, whilst Victoria’s Secret displays provocative lingerie collections in shopping centres.

The prohibition on alcohol has spawned unofficial networks within expatriate compounds, where resourceful residents—colloquially termed “milkmen”—source bootleg alcohol for community consumption. These arrangements, whilst technically illegal, are generally tolerated within expatriate residential areas, reflecting pragmatic accommodation of Western lifestyle preferences.

Property Investment: Emerging Opportunities

Saudi Arabia’s property market represents perhaps the most tangible manifestation of the Kingdom’s economic transformation. International investment restrictions have been progressively relaxed, creating unprecedented opportunities for foreign property ownership. However, this liberalisation process remains cautious and controlled.

Harry Goodson-Wickes, head of Savills Northern Gulf, characterises the current situation: “Misconceptions and mental barriers regarding the Kingdom persist, but for perceptive individuals, Saudi Arabia represents the most compelling global opportunity currently available. Those recognising these prospects approach with realistic expectations. The door to foreign property ownership stands ajar but has not yet swung fully open.”

New residential developments increasingly target international buyers alongside domestic demand. SEDRA, a substantial community comprising 30,000 homes in northern Riyadh, exemplifies this trend. Four-bedroom villas within this development cost approximately SAR 2.8 million (£571,069), complete with dedicated accommodation for domestic staff and drivers—reflecting the lifestyle expectations of affluent expatriate families.

Luxury market developments have embraced international branding strategies. The Armani Residences Diriyah comprises fifteen homes styled by Giorgio Armani, situated within the ancient mud-brick UNESCO World Heritage Site that is being transformed into a futuristic mega-city. This development, recently toured by Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, symbolises the Kingdom’s ambition to blend historical significance with contemporary luxury.

Erick Knaider from Saudi Arabia Sotheby’s International Realty identifies current market dynamics: “We stand at a crucial turning point. International buyers are demonstrating increased curiosity and engagement. Once legal frameworks permit off-plan purchases by foreigners, market conditions will equalise with Dubai’s established property market.”

The anticipated “Freehold Law” remains in final drafting stages, representing potentially transformative legislation for foreign property investment. Goodson-Wickes explains: “The Kingdom is cautiously managing foreign investment influx, ensuring domestic demand receives priority whilst gradually expanding international opportunities.”

NEOM: Living in the Future

Perhaps nowhere is Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision more evident than in NEOM, the futuristic development where Emma, a 44-year-old education consultant, has established her family’s new life. Having grown up in Dubai, Emma’s perspective on regional living standards provides valuable comparative insight.

NEOM represents radical departure from traditional Gulf city development. Rather than the traffic-congested highways characteristic of Dubai or other regional centres, NEOM emphasises sustainable transportation, pedestrian-friendly design, and integration with natural landscapes. Emma’s family enjoys “a remarkably simple existence” within their compound, where her children cycle to the community’s sole school—a lifestyle impossible in most Middle Eastern urban centres.

“Our experience differs significantly from life elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, but we appreciate it far more than anticipated,” Emma explains. “The children cycle independently to school within an exceptionally safe environment that feels more liberated than Riyadh, despite our remote location. We have immediate access to supermarkets and restaurants, though the nearest shopping mall requires a two-hour journey.”

The compound lifestyle in NEOM emphasises community interaction and cultural exchange. Buses provide internal transportation, creating opportunities for Emma to engage with young Saudi women teachers at the local school—interactions that reflect broader social integration efforts.

NEOM’s recreational opportunities compensate for its relative isolation. The development provides vehicle access for family excursions to pristine beaches ideal for snorkelling—conditions Emma compares favourably to the Maldives—alongside mountain camping opportunities. The nearby ancient oasis city of AlUla offers five-star accommodation and cultural festivals, creating sophisticated entertainment options despite the remote desert location.

Visa Pathways: Accessing the Kingdom

For British professionals contemplating Saudi Arabian relocation, visa requirements represent a crucial consideration. Many expatriates, like Emma, obtain residency through spousal employment sponsorship, which typically includes comprehensive healthcare coverage for family members.

However, independent visa pathways exist through the Premium Residency programme—colloquially termed the “Saudi Green Card.” This scheme accommodates five distinct categories: special talents (business sector), gifted individuals (sports, culture, arts), investors, entrepreneurs, and real estate investors committing over four million Saudi riyals (£807,000) to property purchases.

An alternative pathway involves a single payment of 800,000 riyals (£160,857), providing residency rights without specific sector requirements or investment commitments. These programmes represent fundamental shifts in Saudi immigration policy, transitioning from purely employment-based residency towards investment and talent-based immigration models similar to other international destinations.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite compelling financial and lifestyle advantages, Saudi Arabia’s transformation remains incomplete. The Kingdom’s human rights record, whilst improving, continues deterring many potential expatriates. The absolute monarchy’s governance structure limits political freedoms, whilst social conservatism persists in various forms.

LGBTQ+ individuals face particular challenges, with limited tolerance for openly gay lifestyles despite gradual social liberalisation. High-profile cases, such as footballer Jordan Henderson’s abbreviated six-month stint in the Saudi Professional League, illustrate ongoing cultural tensions between international expectations and local social norms.

These considerations require careful evaluation by prospective expatriates. Whilst financial incentives are undeniable, personal values alignment and family considerations must inform relocation decisions. The Kingdom’s rapid transformation suggests continued liberalisation, but the pace and extent of future changes remain uncertain.

Future Prospects: An Evolving Destination

Statistical evidence supports growing British interest in Saudi Arabian opportunities. Relocation company John Mason International moved merely three households between the UK and Saudi Arabia in 2018; by 2024, this figure had increased to 277 relocations. Early 2025 indicators suggest continued growth, with projections indicating this year will surpass previous records.

Current estimates place the British expatriate population between 26,000 and 30,000 individuals, representing substantial community establishment within the Kingdom. This demographic provides essential social infrastructure for newcomers whilst contributing to economic diversification objectives.

The transformation trajectory appears sustainable, driven by substantial government investment, international corporate engagement, and growing expatriate confidence in long-term prospects. Vision 2030’s timeline suggests continued rapid development through the remainder of this decade, creating expanding opportunities for international professionals.

Conclusion: A Calculated Opportunity

Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a premier expatriate destination represents one of the most significant developments in international professional mobility. The combination of zero personal taxation, enhanced salaries, improving social conditions, and ambitious development programmes creates compelling value propositions for British professionals seeking international opportunities.

However, success requires careful consideration of personal circumstances, cultural adaptability, and long-term objectives. The Kingdom’s transformation, whilst remarkable, remains ongoing, with future developments subject to political, economic, and social variables beyond individual control.

For those prepared to embrace change, navigate cultural differences, and capitalise on unprecedented opportunities, Saudi Arabia offers potentially transformative career and lifestyle prospects. The question facing British professionals is not whether the Kingdom represents legitimate opportunity—evidence clearly supports this conclusion—but whether individual circumstances align with the unique demands and rewards of life in this rapidly evolving nation.

The new British expatriate dream may indeed be taking shape in the desert Kingdom, where ancient traditions meet futuristic ambitions, creating unprecedented opportunities for those bold enough to seize them.