Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is a bustling metropolis and the hub of commerce, culture, and entertainment. Here is an exciting list of the top compounds in Riyadh compiled by Living in Saudi.
For expatriates, the city offers a diverse mix of experiences and the chance to experience a unique way of life. Among the most sought-after living arrangements for expats are the city’s well-facilitated compounds. These gated communities offer a range of amenities and a sense of familiarity with a foreign culture.
Expat Life in Riyadh’s Compounds: An Oasis of Comfort
Life within Riyadh’s expatriate compounds offers a host of creature comforts to its residents. Shielded from the city’s hustle and bustle behind heavily guarded gates, these self-contained communities present a wealth of leisure opportunities. With standard features including swimming pools, gyms, and various sports grounds, they allow residents to enjoy their downtime in familiar ways.
Enjoy the Relaxing Environment
The compounds are areas where Saudi Arabia’s religious police, the mutawwa, are unable to enter. Therefore, the strict local standards that are commonplace outside the compounds are somewhat relaxed within. Women can dress more freely, gender mixing is allowed during leisure activities, and residents can sometimes even enjoy home-brewed or smuggled alcoholic beverages at expat-only parties.
For those seeking a quiet evening at home, high-speed internet connections and satellite television are typically available. While most local TV programs are in Arabic, satellite TV provides a variety of international channels for entertainment.
For book lovers, the digital revolution has made it easier to maintain a steady reading habit with Amazon Kindle.
However, for those who still prefer the feel of a paperback, the Jarir Bookstore offers a selection of foreign-language books.
Now that you have an idea of what life within these compounds can look like, let’s explore some of the top compounds in Riyadh for expats.
1. Kingdom City Compound
Kingdom City is a massive residential project that provides a mix of luxury and comfort. Its lush green surroundings, spacious villas, and world-class amenities make it a preferred choice for expats. The compound boasts a range of facilities including a gym, swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, and playground for children.
2. Al Hamra Oasis Village Compound
Located in the North of Riyadh, Al Hamra Oasis Village Compound is a favourite among expats. It offers a variety of living options, from apartments to villas, all designed with a modern touch. The compound is equipped with a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, sports courts, and even a supermarket for residents’ convenience.
3. Al Nakhla Residential Resort
Al Nakhla Residential Resort is a luxurious compound that promises a five-star living experience. It offers a choice of fully furnished apartments, duplexes, and villas, all beautifully designed. The resort also offers a variety of recreational facilities, including a gym, spa, swimming pools, restaurants, and cafes.
4. Cordoba Oasis Compound
Situated close to King Khalid International Airport, Cordoba Compound offers a tranquil living environment with its tree-lined streets and landscaped gardens. The compound offers spacious villas and apartments, a gym, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a mini-market for daily needs.
5. Seder Village Compound
One of the oldest and most established compounds in Riyadh, Seder Village Compound is renowned for its wide array of amenities. It offers an array of housing options to suit different needs and preferences. The compound also houses a gym, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a children’s play area. With a supermarket and restaurant on site, it’s truly a self-contained community.
6. California Resort
Taking its name from the sunny state in the USA, California Resort aims to bring a piece of that sunny, relaxed lifestyle to Riyadh. The resort offers a selection of stylish villas and apartments, and a suite of amenities including a gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, tennis court, and children’s playground.
7. Arizona Golf Resort
Arizona Golf Resort brings a touch of the American Southwest to Riyadh, offering a peaceful lifestyle within a bustling city. The resort is famed for its 9-hole golf course, providing a rare golfing opportunity within the city. It also offers a range of villas and apartments, and other amenities including a swimming pool, gym, and restaurants.
8. Ishbilia Compound
Located in a prime location in Riyadh, Ishbilia Compound provides an ideal living environment for families. It offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to larger villas. The compound is equipped with a fitness center, swimming pool, spa, restaurants, and even a coffee shop. The safe and secure environment, along with the world-class amenities, makes it a popular choice among expats.
9. Al Bustan Village
Designed with a vision to create a comprehensive and comfortable living community, Al Bustan Village offers an array of residences, from three to six-bedroom villas. Residents can take advantage of the compound’s extensive leisure facilities including a gym, swimming pools, football pitches, tennis courts, and even a shopping mall for all your needs.
Living in Riyadh’s compounds can offer a comforting balance of local and familiar experiences. They provide a haven where you can retreat to a sense of home after a day out in the vibrant city. With their world-class facilities and tight-knit communities, these compounds offer a unique and comfortable lifestyle for expats in Riyadh.
Expat Costs and Other Essential Details
Living in Riyadh as an expat, it is crucial to understand the cost of living and other necessary details related to daily life. In this section, we’ll take a look at these aspects to ensure you’re well-prepared for your move to this vibrant city.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Riyadh is generally less expensive than many other major global cities. However, your individual costs will depend on your lifestyle, family size, and housing choice. Here is a rough breakdown of some of the costs you can expect:
- Housing: Rent in a high-end expat compound can range from SAR 10,000 to SAR 20,000 per month for a two to three-bedroom villa. Lower-cost compounds or apartments outside compounds can start from SAR 3,000 per month for a two-bedroom unit.
- Utilities: On average, utilities including electricity, water, and internet for a two-bedroom apartment can cost around SAR 200 to SAR 500 per month, depending on usage.
- Transportation: Petrol is very cheap in Saudi Arabia compared to the western world. Car rentals can start from SAR 1,500 per month for a basic sedan. If you prefer to use taxis, a 5-kilometer trip would typically cost around SAR 10-15.
- Food and Groceries: The cost for food and groceries is relatively affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant may cost around SAR 30-50 per person. Groceries for a family of four may cost around SAR 1,000 to SAR 1,500 per month.
- Schooling: International schools can range from SAR 25,000 to SAR 50,000 per year, depending on the school and grade level.
Healthcare
Riyadh offers excellent healthcare facilities with state-of-the-art medical technologies. Expatriates typically have health insurance provided by their employers, covering most of the healthcare services. The cost of private health insurance can vary significantly depending on the coverage.
Language
The official language in Riyadh is Arabic. However, English is widely spoken in business settings and expat communities. It’s also the teaching language in international schools. Knowing some basic Arabic phrases, however, can make your daily life more manageable and enrich your cultural experience.
Safety
Riyadh is generally a safe city. The crime rate is low, and the compounds offer additional security measures. However, it’s always wise to take usual precautions such as not displaying valuables in public and avoiding deserted areas at night.
Culture and Etiquettes
Riyadh is a city deeply rooted in its traditions. Respecting the local customs and laws is vital for a smooth expat life. Women are required to wear an abaya (a loose-fitting black cloak) in public. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothes. The local culture places a high emphasis on hospitality, so you might often be invited to join local families for a meal.
As an expat in Riyadh, you’ll have the unique opportunity to experience a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. With its world-class amenities, friendly communities, and vibrant culture, Riyadh offers an enriching experience for expats from around the globe.