Are you wondering if Saudi Arabia is a safe place to live? Let’s get straight to the point and give you the knowledge on crime rates and some handy safety tips for this country.
When it comes to crime, Saudi Arabia generally plays it safe. Here’s what you need to know:
General Crime: Foreigners can breathe easy, as most crime is drug-related and doesn’t usually target expats. The crime rate is low, thanks to tough laws and strong cultural norms.
Violence: Violence is rare but has seen a minor uptick due to economic pressures on expats.
Cultural Impact: The country’s deep-rooted Arab and Islamic values help keep crime at bay (Wikipedia).
| Crime Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| General Crime | Low |
| Drug Offenses | Moderate |
| Violent Crime | Rare |
| Pickpocketing | Occasional, higher during Hajj/Umrah |
Is Saudi Arabia a Good Place: Safety Tips for Saudi Arabia
Thinking of living or traveling here? Keep these tips in mind:
Watch for Pickpockets: Be extra cautious with your stuff, especially during Hajj and Umrah in Mecca and Medina. Avoid flashing large sums of cash and keep an eye on your belongings.
Mind the Gender Rules: Saudi Arabia is serious about gender segregation. Knowing and respecting these customs can save you from social hiccups.
Know the Laws: Make sure you’re clued up on the local laws. Stray from the rules here, and you won’t get off lightly because you didn’t know them.
Stay Sharp in Crowds: Crowded spots are pickpocket hotspots. Stay alert and be mindful of your surroundings.
Interested in safe travel elsewhere? Check out our guide on is it safe to travel to Cabo San Lucas.
By following these tips and knowing the local crime scene, you can keep yourself safe while soaking up everything Saudi Arabia has to offer.
Education System
Are you thinking about moving to Saudi Arabia? If so, you’ll want to know how the education system works there. Here’s a quick but thorough inside of schools and more.
Saudi Arabia has a system where primary, intermediate, and high school education is compulsory for citizens. Almost all boys (99%) and a large chunk of girls (96.3%) are enrolled in primary school.
The government is serious about making sure everyone gets a shot at learning.
| Education Level | Boys Enrollment | Girls Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Education | 99% | 96.3% |
| Secondary Education | 116.71% in 2020 | 108.31% in 2020 |
Secondary school offers different routes: go the general education way or hit up technical institutes for vocational training in fields like farming, business, and industry.
That’s not just fancy talk; it’s a real push from the government to open up 3 million jobs in new areas like metals and cars, moving away from just oil.
30,000+ schools, over 50+ public and private universities, and other educational spots exist. These schools and universities prep students for life in a global economy, with top-quality teaching in everything from the arts to science.
Getting In and Getting Ahead
Education in Saudi Arabia isn’t just cheap—it’s free until you finish high school. Even books and health services come on the house.
Got higher education dreams? Over 50 public and private universities got you covered with programs in everything from arts to engineering. The country aims to gear up students for a fast-paced job market.
Women aren’t left out. Girl power is real, with 47% of intermediate students being girls. The system shows a solid commitment to gender equality in schools.
Healthcare Booming in Saudi Arabia
One crucial factor to mull over is healthcare. The Kingdom has been ramping up its healthcare system, pouring money and resources into making it world-class. So let’s take a closer look.
Saudi Arabia’s healthcare is a big deal, and the government knows it. With a $50.4 billion budget for healthcare and social development in 2023, around 17% of the total budget goes to keeping citizens healthy.
Saudi hospitals and clinics are well-equipped to handle everything from routine check-ups to emergencies. They prioritize preventive care meaning regular screenings for diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
They’ve got the numbers backing them too, spending 25-35% of their healthcare budget on chronic conditions in 2021.
| Year | Healthcare Budget (in billion USD) | Percentage of Total Budget |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 50.4 | 16.96% |
Big Bucks in Healthcare
Thanks to the Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is set to invest over $65 billion in healthcare by 2030. They’re planning “health clusters” around the country and boosting e-health services.
Part of this plan is opening doors wider for the private sector. The goal is to push private sector involvement in healthcare from 40% to 65%. This move is bound to open tons of business opportunities, especially for foreign companies (Source: International Trade Administration).
The Saudi pharmaceutical market is also on fire. Valued at $11.72 billion in 2022, it’s expected to hit $15.09 billion by 2027. Local production is on the rise, and there’s a growing need for both branded and generic drugs.
Let’s not forget about medical equipment. Valued at $2 billion and growing at 10% per year, Saudi Arabia is focusing on manufacturing advanced medical products and offering financial perks to boost local production.
If you’re mulling over travel plans, get savvy on safety tips for Cabo San Lucas. Curious about diving into the travel industry? Check out our guide on becoming a travel researcher.
So, considering making a move to Saudi Arabia? Their booming healthcare sector might just tip the scales.
All data/statistics have been taken from the source of the International Trade Administration.
Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia
Let’s talk dollars and cents. With a lower cost of living compared to many Western countries, Saudi Arabia is a convenient choice for expatriates and travelers. According to International Citizens, living in Riyadh, for instance, is about as pricey as settling down in St. Louis, Missouri, or Adelaide, Australia.
Rent’s a biggie. In Riyadh, you’re looking at $693 to $848 a month for a one-bedroom. Swing over to Mecca and rents drop to $275-$336. For three bedrooms, the range is $598 to $731 in Riyadh (Source: International Citizens).
Comparing costs can help you budget. Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Expense Type | Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | United States (St. Louis) |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom Apartment | $693 – $848 | $850 – $1,200 |
| Three-bedroom Apartment | $598 – $731 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Inexpensive Meal | $5.99 – $7.33 | $15.30 – $18.70 |
| Three-course Meal for Two | $30 – $50 | $60 – $75 |
| International School Fee | $5,785 – $7,070/Year | $15,000 – $20,000/Year |
Dining out? Way cheaper in Saudi. An inexpensive meal sets you back $6-$7, while similar food in the U.S. is $15-$19. Want a fancy dinner for two? Under $50.
Schooling? Much more wallet-friendly. International primary schools cost $5,785-$7,070 per kid yearly, about $10K less than in the U.S.
I hope you have a clear idea of the different areas of Saudi Arabia where you can live permanently or temporarily.
