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Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. With a land area of approximately 2,150,000 square kilometers, it is the largest country in the Middle East and the fifth-largest in Asia. Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. It also has maritime borders with Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea across the Red Sea to the west. The country's landscape varies from the lush, green mountains of Asir in the southwest to the vast Empty Quarter desert in the southeast, the largest continuous sand desert in the world. The capital and largest city is Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is known for its significant oil reserves and is the world's largest oil exporter, which has shaped its economy and political influence. The Kingdom is a leading member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The country's economy is heavily dependent on oil, but it is diversifying under its Vision 2030 program, which aims to reduce the economy's dependence on oil and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. The country is an absolute monarchy, governed by the Al Saud royal family since its founding in 1932 by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud. It is a conservative Islamic country, and Islam is the state religion. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina. The legal system is based on Islamic law, or Sharia, with the Quran and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) as its constitution. Saudi society is also undergoing significant changes, with recent reforms aimed at improving human rights and social freedoms, including increased rights and opportunities for women. However, the country still faces criticism for its human rights record. Tourism in Saudi Arabia has historically been largely centered around religious pilgrimages, but the country is increasingly opening up to international tourists, showcasing its diverse heritage, including ancient archaeological sites, and its varied natural landscapes, from the Red Sea coast to the mountain ranges and deserts.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is considered high, especially in major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah. Housing, education, and private healthcare can be particularly expensive, although this is often offset for expatriates through employment packages that include allowances for these expenses.

Weather

Saudi Arabia has a predominantly dry climate with extreme heat during the day and cooler temperatures at night. The country experiences very little rainfall, and the weather can be quite harsh with sandstorms occasionally occurring. Coastal areas may have slightly milder climates with higher humidity levels.

Educational System Saudi Arabia

The educational system in Saudi Arabia is overseen by the Ministry of Education and is structured to provide free education to all Saudi citizens from primary to higher education. The system is divided into three stages: primary education, intermediate education, and secondary education. Primary education begins at age six and lasts for six years, followed by three years of intermediate education. Secondary education also lasts for three years, and students can choose between a general or specialized track, the latter focusing on scientific or literary streams. The academic year typically runs from September to June. Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in education, with a strong emphasis on Islamic studies, but also includes science, mathematics, and English language in the curriculum. The quality of education has been improving with the government's Vision 2030 reform plan, which aims to enhance educational outcomes and skills development to meet the demands of the job market. After completing secondary education, students may take the General Secondary Education Certificate examination (Tawjihiyah), which determines their eligibility for higher education.

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia

The healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is a mix of public and private services. The government provides free or low-cost healthcare to Saudi citizens and, to a lesser extent, to residents through a network of medical facilities. The Ministry of Health is the major government provider of healthcare services, and there is a significant push towards privatization and public-private partnerships. The quality of healthcare in Saudi Arabia is generally considered high, especially in major urban areas where there are well-equipped hospitals and clinics. Private healthcare is also available and offers high-quality services, often preferred by expatriates and those who can afford it due to shorter waiting times and more luxurious facilities. The cost of private healthcare can be high, but many employers provide health insurance to their employees. Expatriates and digital nomads can access public healthcare if they have a residence permit (Iqama) and health insurance, which is mandatory for all residents. However, most expatriates and digital nomads opt for private healthcare services.

Best Places to Live in Saudi Arabia
Discover the top-ranked towns in Saudi Arabia. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Universities in Saudi Arabia

The university system in Saudi Arabia consists of public and private institutions, with the government providing substantial funding to the public universities, making them an attractive option for higher education. The system is open to international students, although the majority of attendees are Saudi nationals. Undergraduate degrees typically take four to six years to complete, depending on the field of study, with engineering and medicine often requiring a longer period of study. Graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, are also available and vary in length. The academic year is divided into two semesters, with a summer term offered by some institutions. Admission to universities is competitive and based on the Tawjihiyah scores, as well as other standardized tests and criteria. English is the medium of instruction for many programs, particularly in the sciences and engineering. The government has invested heavily in scholarship programs to enable Saudi students to study abroad, and it also extends scholarships to international students to study in Saudi universities, covering tuition, accommodation, and sometimes even providing a monthly stipend.

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Living in Saudi Arabia

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia

The healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is a mix of public and private services. The government provides free or low-cost healthcare to Saudi citizens and, to a lesser extent, to residents through a network of medical facilities. The Ministry of Health is the major government provider of healthcare services, and there is a significant push towards privatization and public-private partnerships. The quality of healthcare in Saudi Arabia is generally considered high, especially in major urban areas where there are well-equipped hospitals and clinics. Private healthcare is also available and offers high-quality services, often preferred by expatriates and those who can afford it due to shorter waiting times and more luxurious facilities. The cost of private healthcare can be high, but many employers provide health insurance to their employees. Expatriates and digital nomads can access public healthcare if they have a residence permit (Iqama) and health insurance, which is mandatory for all residents. However, most expatriates and digital nomads opt for private healthcare services.

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