Moving to Eastern Province

Situated between Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province is a sprawling desert area bordered by a long and winding eastern coast. If you're moving to the Eastern Province, you're sure to find ample opportunities to travel to neighbouring countries.

Major Eastern Province cities include Al-Khobar, Dammam, Jubail and Al-Hasa – expats who move here do so primarily for the wealth potential, low cost of living and the accompanying tax-free status.

The hot and humid desert climate can be challenging, to say the least. The harsh Saudi summer begins in March and only ends in October. Another challenge for expats is the limited options for entertainment, due in part to the strict Islamic mandate associated with the country. That said, women are subject to fewer regulations than they have been in the past, a welcome relief to expats living in Saudi Arabia.

Still, life in the Eastern Province can take a lot of getting used to. The lure of lucrative salary packages for positions most often linked to the hydrocarbon sector are the obvious pull to the province, rather than the opportunity for a life of opulence in an idyllic destination. Expats coming here with an open mind and an intention to respect and understand the local customs are sure to have a fulfilling, if challenging, experience.

Moving to Al-Khobar

Al-Khobar, conveniently located between Dammam and Dhahran, is one of the three main cities in the Eastern Province, and is the area’s centre of export-import activity. Formerly a tiny fishing port, the discovery of oil transformed the village nearly overnight into a commercial hub of the region and a gateway to Bahrain and the Gulf.

When moving to Al-Khobar, you'll find yourself living in what is considered the most attractive of the Eastern Province centres. You'll likely be provided accommodation in any of the nearby expat compounds (ranging in size from six to hundreds of units). If you're sourcing your own accommodation in Al-Khobar, keep in mind that it’s best to live as close as possible to your place of work, due to the traffic and erratic driving behaviour of others. 

The city is home to many of the country’s major banks, substantial public and private hospitals, and fine hotels. And of course, there's an array of shopping options where you can find an extensive offering of goods and products, including imported goods.

Al-Khobar is known as the most liberal of all the cities in the Eastern Province. Western expat women typically do not need to cover their heads here, though in Dammam, the seat of government in the Eastern Province, they should consider doing so as a sign of respect.

Moving to Al-Jubail

The northernmost expat-friendly centre in the Eastern Province is Al-Jubail, also located on the Persian Gulf. The expat community in this tiny beach town is small and tight-knit. The majority of expats moving to Al-Jubail are those who have received job offers from large companies in the petrochemical sector.

Housing in Al-Jubail for Western expats is hard to come by because of the security requirements, and it’s advisable to use a relocation consultant for assistance.

Moving to Al-Hasa

Al-Hasa is the oldest oasis in the Kingdom, and with its history comes a noticeable conservatism. Expat women should do their best to learn about local customs and expected behaviour here.

One of the most alluring aspects of the city is the Thursday morning camel market. Additionally, expats can visit a dairy farm and the old souq area, which sells fresh spices and various other produce.