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Welcome to Nursing in Saudi Arabia

Preparing for a nursing role in Saudi Arabia--whether it's your first move or a return contract--can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive FAQ has been designed to give you clear, practical information about living and working in the Kingdom. From licensing and accommodation to cultural expectations and social life, you'll find everything you need to settle in with confidence.

Saudi Arabia FAQ for Nurses

Q: What language is spoken in Saudi Arabia?

Arabic is the official language used in government, law, and daily life. However, English is widely spoken in healthcare, business, and education. Most hospital staff communicate in English, and many signs and documents are bilingual, making everyday tasks much easier for expatriates.

Q: Do I need to register with a Saudi nursing authority?

Yes. All nurses must be licensed by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). Your recruitment agency--such as Profco--will guide you through the registration and dataflow process.

Q: What is the typical working schedule for nurses?

Nurses usually work 42-44 hours per week, depending on the hospital and department.

Q: Are contracts renewable?

 Yes. Most contracts are for 1-2 years and can be renewed. Some employers offer short-term contracts (e.g. 90 days) with the option to extend. Always review your contract for details on salary, accommodation, transport, and leave.

Q: Is it okay to practise my religion in Saudi Arabia?

Islam is the official religion of the Kingdom. Muslim nurses will find numerous prayer facilities in hospitals and public spaces. Non-Muslims may practise privately, though public religious displays, gatherings, or symbols are not permitted.

Q: What should I wear in Saudi Arabia?

At work, female nurses continue to wear professional hospital scrubs. Outside of work, clothing should follow the standards set out in Saudi Arabia's Public Decorum Charter, which requires all visitors to dress modestly in public places. This means avoiding clothing that is revealing, tight, transparent, or displaying offensive images or slogans.

For women, an abaya is not mandatory for foreign visitors, and covering the hair is only required when entering mosques or religious sites. However, modest dress remains essential--shoulders, elbows, and knees should be covered, and loose-fitting clothing is recommended. Carrying a scarf is useful for religious visits or more conservative areas.

For men, modest clothing is also required. Visit Saudi advises that men must not go shirtless in public and should ensure their clothing covers the knees. Shorts above the knee, sleeveless tops, or any attire with inappropriate wording or imagery should be avoided.

Overall, the expectation is simply to present yourself respectfully, following local customs while enjoying the country's modern and welcoming tourism environment.

Q: Should I only bring summer clothes?

No -- you shouldn't pack only summer clothing for Saudi Arabia. While the country is known for its intense heat, the climate varies widely by season and region.

Saudi Arabia experiences very hot summers, with temperatures climbing towards 50°C, so lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen are essential. However, the winter months (November to February) can be surprisingly cool, especially in central and northern areas. For example, winter nights in Riyadh can fall to 8°C or lower, while places like AlUla or Tabuk may approach freezing and even see snowfall. Coastal cities such as Jeddah stay milder but can still feel cool in the evenings. 

For this reason, travellers are advised to bring:

Light, breathable clothing for daytime heat

A warm layer (e.g., a cardigan, jumper, or jacket) for cooler nights

Extra layers if visiting northern regions or high-altitude destinations

In short: pack for both heat and cooler evenings to ensure comfort throughout your stay.

Q: Can I wear jewellery or makeup?

Yes, modest jewellery and makeup are acceptable both at work and in public. Avoid overly extravagant styles.

Q: How do I open a bank account?

You'll need:

  • A valid Iqama
  • Your passport
  • A salary letter from your employer
  • A Saudi mobile number
  • National address registration
  • An active Absher account

Popular banks include Al Rajhi, SNB, and Riyadh Bank.

Q: Can I send money home?

Yes. Use:

  • Banks (e.g. Al Rajhi)
  • Remittance centres (e.g. Enjaz, Tahweel)
  • Mobile apps (e.g. STC Pay, UrPay)

Transfers are legal and untaxed.

Q: Can I travel during my contract?

Yes, you can travel internationally with an exit/re-entry visa, issued via Absher.

Q: Can my family join me?

Some contracts allow family sponsorship, but the majority of staff nurse positions are single-status. Senior clinical or leadership roles may offer family benefits.

Q: Will I need to find my own accommodation?

Most hospitals provide furnished accommodation, including utilities and transport to work. In some cases, a housing allowance is provided if you prefer to rent privately.

Q: How much annual leave will I get?

Leave varies by employer, but nurses may receive up to 61 days of paid leave per year, including public holidays and annual leave.

Q: When can I take my first holiday?

Leave is restricted during the 90-day probation period, except for emergencies. After that, leave is arranged with your manager.

Q: How can I stay in touch with family?

Moving to Saudi Arabia can be an exciting step in your career and personal life, but staying connected with family back home is often one of the biggest concerns for new expatriates. Thankfully, communication in the Kingdom is modern, reliable, and surprisingly easy to set up. Whether you prefer video calls, social media, or traditional methods, you'll find plenty of ways to keep your loved ones close--no matter the distance.

Use Popular Messaging and Calling Apps

Saudi Arabia has excellent digital connectivity, and most expats stay in touch using familiar apps such as:

WhatsApp

FaceTime (iPhone-to-iPhone)

Telegram

Signal

Botim

Skype

Zoom

Get a Local SIM Card with Data

One of the first things many expats do is purchase a local SIM card. Saudi Arabia's main mobile operators--STC, Mobily and Zain--offer affordable prepaid and monthly packages with generous data allowances.

You can buy a SIM card at:

King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)

King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)

Any official mobile operator store

Data coverage is excellent in major cities and strong even in many rural areas, making it easy to stay online when travelling.

Connect through Reliable Home Wi-Fi

If you're living in a compound or apartment, home internet is usually included or easily arranged. Many compounds provide high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. If needed, you can set up your own home connection through STC, Mobily or Salam.

Stay Active on Social Media and Email

Most social media platforms are accessible in Saudi Arabia, including:

Instagram

Snapchat

Facebook

TikTok

X (Twitter

Plan Around the Time Zone

Saudi Arabia operates on GMT+3, which is convenient for communication with:

Europe (1-3 hours difference)

Africa (0-2 hours difference)

South Asia (2-3 hours ahead)

If your family is in the Americas or Australia, calls may require a little planning--but many expats quickly find a rhythm that works for everyone.

Use Travel-Friendly Options When Exploring the Kingdom

When travelling within Saudi Arabia--whether visiting AlUla, Riyadh's old city, or the Red Sea coast--mobile data remains very reliable. For longer road trips, portable power banks and offline maps can help ensure you stay reachable.

Living and working in Saudi Arabia doesn't mean losing touch with home. With strong digital infrastructure, affordable data packages, and widely available communication apps, staying connected with family has never been easier. Many expats say they speak to loved ones just as often as they did before moving--sometimes even more.

Q: Is it safe for women to live and work in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has undergone major social and legal reforms in recent years, significantly improving the living and working conditions for women. While the country remains conservative, expatriate women generally find it safe, structured, and welcoming.

Life as a Woman in Saudi Arabia Today

Many restrictions that once shaped daily life have been lifted. Women can now drive, move more freely in public, and access spaces that no longer require gender separation, creating a more relaxed and accessible social environment for expatriates. 

The once-powerful religious police have had their authority sharply reduced, which has contributed to a more predictable and comfortable public atmosphere.

Q: Can I drive in Saudi Arabia?

Yes -- both visitors and expatriate residents can drive in Saudi Arabia, but the rules differ depending on your visa status and the type of licence you hold.

Visitors

Visitors may legally drive using a valid foreign or international driving licence for up to one year from the date of entry (or until the foreign licence expires, whichever comes first). Your licence must be current and suitable for the type of vehicle you are driving. 

New Residents (Iqama Holders)

Once you receive your Iqama (residency ID), your foreign licence is only valid for a short transition period. Many expatriates have up to three months to continue using their foreign licence before they must convert it to a Saudi driving licence. 

To obtain a Saudi licence, residents must complete the following through the Traffic Department (Muroor):

Medical tests (eye + blood test)

An official Arabic translation of their home-country licence

An appointment via the Absher platform

Driving on a foreign licence after receiving your Iqama -- and after the grace period -- may lead to fines.

Women Driving in Saudi Arabia

Women have been legally permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia since 2018, and both Saudi and expatriate women can drive freely throughout the country with a valid licence. 

Additional Notes

Car rental companies generally require a Saudi licence once you hold an Iqama.

Saudi Arabia enforces strict traffic laws, supported by automated Saher camera system.

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