Security in Saudi Arabia: Succeeding in Your Expatriation Without Stress

Published on April 29, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Saudi Arabia means stepping into one of the most unique and strategic states in the Middle East. A country that is very safe in some respects, very risky in others, deeply conservative but engaged in rapid modernization, the kingdom leaves no expatriate indifferent. To transform this demanding destination into a serene experience, the key is to understand the security context, local rules, and the right daily reflexes in detail.

Good to know:

This article provides a practical guide for future expatriates and their families, based on recent data and official recommendations. The goal is to enable concrete preparation, avoiding both dramatization and naivety.

Understanding the context: a highly controlled country exposed to regional tensions

Saudi Arabia is often perceived through clichés: an ultra-dangerous kingdom for some, a safe haven for others. The reality is more nuanced. Inside the country, crime remains low, infrastructure is monitored, and daily life is highly regulated. But the kingdom is also at the heart of several regional fault lines, notably the conflict in Yemen and tensions with Iran, which fuels a very real terrorist and ballistic threat.

Attention:

Between 2015 and 2022, over a thousand missiles and drones were intercepted, fired from Yemen towards Saudi cities. Attacks have also targeted foreign interests in Jeddah. Structured vigilance is necessary, although daily life is not dangerous everywhere.

For an expatriate, the right approach is to distinguish three levels of risk: geopolitical risk (missiles, regional tensions), terrorist risk (targeted attacks), and personal safety risk (road accidents, petty crime, legal or administrative problems). A serene expatriation requires taking all three seriously.

Red, orange, yellow zones: where can you settle without anxiety?

Official advice – French, Canadian, and others – is very consistent. The country is divided into major vigilance zones, which should weigh heavily in your choice of expatriation city or professional travel.

Zone	Regions concerned	Recommended risk level
Red (to be totally avoided)	Approximately 20-30 km border strip with Yemen (Najran, Asir, Jizan)	Travel formally discouraged
Orange (to avoid except for imperative reason)	Iraq border area (20 km), Al Qatif governorate, localities of Al Awamiyah/Mouawiya and Qatif, strip about 100 km along the Yemeni border including Abha and Khamis Mushait, Al Qassim region (Buraidah)	Travel strictly limited to essential reasons
Yellow (heightened vigilance)	Rest of the territory, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, the major cities of the west and center	Stay possible but sustained vigilance, especially at gathering places

For the majority of expatriates, the main settlement basins – Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam/Khobar – are in a heightened vigilance zone, but not in a formally discouraged zone. This means expatriation is considered possible, provided you closely follow safety instructions, stay away from sensitive border areas, and avoid strategic infrastructure.

Terrorist threats and missiles: how to live with this risk without panicking

Saying there is a “terrorist threat” in Saudi Arabia is not an abstract formula. Real attacks have targeted foreign interests and official ceremonies, notably in Jeddah in 2020 and 2021. Potential targets are known: government buildings, military or energy installations, diplomatic missions, airports, hotels, shopping malls, places of worship, major sporting or religious events.

Simultaneously, the country has been the target of multiple missile and drone strikes from Yemen between 2015 and 2022, particularly against strategic cities and oil terminals. Most of these devices have been intercepted, but debris can fall and cause injury.

Example:

For an expatriate, the challenge is not to live in fear, but to integrate a few simple reflexes, exactly as one would in a country exposed to earthquakes or hurricanes. This means adopting preventive habits suited to the local context to manage potential risks in a serene and effective manner.

What to do in case of a missile alert or drone overflight?

Official instructions are very clear:

– immediately take shelter in the sturdiest part of the building, away from windows;

– do not go outside to observe, film, or photograph;

– after the alert ends, never touch any possible missile or drone debris, which can be corrosive or still dangerous, and alert local authorities.

In practice, expatriates who follow these instructions drastically reduce their exposure. It’s not about living in a bunker, but knowing what to do the day a siren sounds.

Terrorism: targeted vigilance rather than paranoia

Recent attacks have mainly targeted symbols (consulate, official ceremony, international rally) and visible interests. For an expatriate, several strategies reduce the risk:

Tip:

For your safety, avoid frequenting sensitive sites like official buildings, areas near embassies, or major energy infrastructure unnecessarily. Limit your presence at large gatherings (national holidays, ceremonies, major sporting events) during sensitive periods. If security measures are heightened, scrupulously follow the instructions of local authorities.

For French citizens, registering on the Ariane portal of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs allows you to receive notifications in case of a security situation deterioration and facilitates consular assistance.

Road users but not always careful: the real major daily threat

For most expatriates in Saudi Arabia, the most concrete and frequent risk is neither terrorism nor missiles, but the road. The kingdom has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world. The combination of large highways, powerful cars, a speed culture, and road incivility makes it a major danger.

Available figures show the scale of the problem: several thousand deaths per year, a fatality rate that was around 28.8 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants a few years ago, and still about 18.5 per 100,000 in 2021 despite recent efforts. In other words, Saudi roads remain significantly more dangerous than those in most European countries.

Why are the roads so dangerous, and how to protect yourself?

The quality of the infrastructure is not the issue: the network is vast, well-maintained, with several six- or eight-lane highways. The problem comes mainly from behavior:

Attention:

Driving is characterized by very high speeds and aggressive overtaking, with frequent disregard for safe distances and use of turn signals. It is sometimes the work of young, insufficiently trained drivers, operating powerful vehicles like SUVs. These risks are compounded by significant heavy truck traffic on certain routes, creating a particularly dangerous driving environment.

For a new arrival, jumping behind the wheel alone, as soon as the Iqama is obtained, is a bad idea. Foreign diplomats state it plainly: an observation period is recommended, even for an experienced driver.

Drive or be driven? Strategic choice for expatriates

The strategy depends mainly on your profile, your place of residence, and your risk tolerance.

Option	Advantages	Disadvantages / Limitations
Driving yourself	Total autonomy, discovering the country, flexible hours	Direct exposure to risk, difficult adaptation at first, intense stress in large cities
Private driver (individual or via the company)	Greatly reduces risk, local driver manages traffic, travel time usable for work or rest	Cost, dependence on a third party, need to seriously check the driver’s references
Taxis / Ride-hailing (Uber, Careem…)	Flexibility, no parking worries, reasonable cost in the city	Variable driver quality, vigilance required on route and seatbelt use, dependence on apps
Public transport (bus, developing metro)	Economical solution, useful for certain urban trips	Network still under construction, not always suited to family expat life

For a “serene” expatriation, many families opt for a mix: driver or ride-hailing for regular long urban distances, limited personal driving to certain well-mastered routes, especially outside peak hours.

In case of an accident: procedures and pitfalls to know

In Saudi Arabia, a road accident is never trivial, especially if there are injuries. The standard procedure is strict:

Attention:

In case of an accident, it is imperative to call the police (993) and the NAJIM insurance call center (920000560). Do not move vehicles before authorities arrive, except in case of immediate danger. Avoid any financial engagement and do not attempt to settle the matter privately without an official report.

In case of a death, the driver deemed responsible is systematically incarcerated for a variable period, while the question of responsibility and the “blood money” (diya), a financial compensation mechanism provided for by Islamic law, is settled.

Hence the crucial importance:

– of taking out solid comprehensive insurance, not just minimal coverage;

– of always wearing a seatbelt, and insisting that everyone does, including in the back;

– of regularly checking the condition of the vehicle (tires, brakes, lighting), especially before a long-distance trip.

Legal and police security: a very safe country… if you strictly respect the rules

Many expatriates report a strong sense of security in daily life: low crime rate, omnipresence of law enforcement, ability to leave belongings without fear of theft. But this apparent security comes with an extremely strict legal framework, based on Sharia, with very severe penalties for certain behaviors that elsewhere would have no criminal consequences.

Laws, customs, religion: the red line never to cross

Saudi Arabia recognizes Islam as the only authorized religion. Any public manifestation of another faith (worship, proselytism, ostentatious symbols) is prohibited. Similarly, the moral penal code is very rigorous: extramarital sexual relations, homosexuality, unmarried cohabitation, adultery are crimes that can lead to prison, corporal punishment, or even the death penalty.

In daily life, these rules translate into several prohibitions or obligations for the expatriate:

Good to know:

It is forbidden to officially live in a common-law union, with increased risks in case of pregnancy. Alcohol and narcotics are totally prohibited (import, possession, consumption). Non-Muslim religious symbols are forbidden in public spaces. It is also forbidden to photograph or film official buildings, military installations, uniformed personnel, and certain strategic infrastructure.

On the digital front, freedom of expression is tightly regulated. Criticizing the kingdom, the royal family, institutions, Islam, or supporting online groups considered extremist by the authorities can lead to years in prison. People have been sentenced to very long terms for messages or “likes” on social media, even for content published abroad years earlier.

For the expatriate, this implies making a drastic review:

– clean up your profiles before arrival (old political or religious posts that could be problematic);

– avoid, while in the country, any public comment on Saudi politics, religion, or sensitive regional issues;

– refrain from using VPNs, officially banned and largely blocked technically.

Women, couples, LGBTQ+ individuals: specific security issues

Recent reforms have undeniably improved the situation for women: right to drive, right to work without the formal permission of a male guardian, diminished power of the “religious police,” end of mandatory separate entrances in restaurants. However, the legal framework remains profoundly unequal, especially in matters of personal status (marriage, divorce, child custody).

For a female expatriate, security issues are both cultural and legal:

– adopt modest attire: the abaya is no longer legally mandatory for foreign women, but loose clothing covering shoulders and legs is strongly recommended in public spaces;

– avoid public displays of affection, frowned upon and potentially problematic;

– in case of pregnancy, be imperatively married from the authorities’ viewpoint: being pregnant out of wedlock can lead to detention or expulsion.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, the situation is significantly riskier: same-sex relations and transgender identity are criminalized. Risks range from fines to the death penalty, not to mention social violence. For these profiles, expatriation to Saudi Arabia therefore involves a very high level of legal and personal risk.

Judicial system, child custody, disputes: anticipate to avoid deadlocks

Saudi justice is based on Sharia, with a wide margin of interpretation left to judges. Procedures can be lengthy and opaque, pre-trial detentions extended, and travel bans frequent (in case of disputes, debts, legal proceedings).

For a mixed couple (one Saudi spouse, one foreign spouse), legal security involves:

– serious legal counsel before any long-term settlement;

– thorough reflection on the children’s domicile;

– awareness that Saudi Arabia is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

Crime, theft, and petty crime: a limited but real risk

Compared to many global metropolises, Saudi Arabia shows a relatively low level of common crime. Armed robberies, street assaults, or burglaries are rarer than in many large Western cities. Many expatriates emphasize that they feel safer in Riyadh or Jeddah than in some European or American capitals.

This doesn’t mean there is no risk. Petty crime is increasing, and pickpocketing, bag or phone thefts exist, especially:

– in highly frequented places (shopping malls, markets, emerging tourist sites);

– at religious sites, notably during pilgrimage peaks in Mecca and Medina.

Basic recommendations therefore remain valid:

– do not display signs of wealth (luxury watches, flashy jewelry, wads of cash);

– keep your papers in a safe place, use paper or digital copies for routine checks;

– avoid leaving valuables visible in the car;

– prefer monitored parking lots, especially at night.

Health and medical safety: a high-performing but expensive system to master

The Saudi healthcare system is dense and of fairly good standard, especially in major cities. Private hospitals offer high-quality care, with modern equipment and doctors often trained abroad. However, all this comes at a cost, and the bill can rise very quickly in case of hospitalization or medical evacuation.

Health insurance: a condition for financial survival

For foreign residents, health insurance is mandatory. In practice, two main models coexist:

– local insurance, provided by the employer, focused on needs within the kingdom;

– international health insurance, often more expensive, but also covering care during returns to Europe and medical evacuations.

– hospitalization and surgery;

– emergency and intensive care;

– maternity (for concerned families, taking into account legal constraints on out-of-wedlock pregnancies);

– medical evacuation and medical repatriation.

Saudi authorities also require, for short-stay visas, proof of medical coverage upon arrival. It’s better not to settle for the bare minimum.

Climate, diseases, pilgrimages: risks not to underestimate

The main daily health constraint is the climate: extreme heat, dryness, dust. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C between May and October, with a real risk of dehydration and heatstroke, especially for newcomers.

A few simple reflexes make a difference:

– drink regularly, even without feeling thirsty;

– avoid intense physical activities in the middle of the afternoon;

– monitor children, particularly vulnerable to heat.

– MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), for which there is no vaccine: hand hygiene, avoiding animals (especially camels) and crowded places remain the best protections;

– malaria, present in the west and south of the country: mosquito protection and prophylactic treatment as per travel doctor advice;

– foodborne illnesses: bottled water, caution with raw vegetables, ice cubes, and undercooked animal products.

The major pilgrimages (Hajj and Umrah) also introduce specific requirements, notably mandatory meningitis vaccination for pilgrims, and sometimes for polio or yellow fever depending on the country of origin. Even if you are not a pilgrim, it is prudent to avoid, during these periods, areas of very high human density if you have no professional or personal necessity to be there.

Expatriation, kafala, and work: contractual security and risks of abuse

No security guide on Saudi Arabia would be complete without addressing the issue of work and the sponsorship system (kafala). All foreigners residing and working in the kingdom depend on a “sponsor”: usually their employer, sometimes a family member. This sponsor controls the obtaining of the Iqama (residency permit), but also the issuance of exit/re-entry visas, and even the final exit visa.

Understanding what it means to “depend on a sponsor”

Concretely, this means: it has direct implications on our actions.

The situation has improved in recent years, with reforms intended to loosen the grip of the kafala, and the appearance of premium residencies without a sponsor for some very solvent profiles. But for the vast majority of expatriates, the employer remains the central player in administrative security.

Before signing: check your contractual security

To avoid being trapped, the expatriate must treat legal security with as much seriousness as physical security:

The Premium Residency (Premium Residency Permit) now allows certain foreigners (investors, top professionals, property owners) to free themselves from the traditional sponsor. But the amounts required (several million riyals for some statuses) reserve it for a minority.

Daily life: compounds, transport, digital, children

Security is not only about laws or checkpoints; it is built in the lifestyle choices of everyday life: neighborhood of residence, modes of transport, managing children, digital hygiene.

Compounds: protected bubbles but not detached from reality

A large part of expatriates live in “compounds”, these secured residences with 24/7 guards, often gated and equipped with leisure facilities (pool, gym, grocery, café, sometimes school or daycare). Inside, dress codes are often more relaxed, and male-female mixing is more natural.

For security:

– compounds provide a physical barrier against external risks (intrusions, protests, assaults);

– children benefit from secure play areas;

– the expatriate community allows for quick sharing of practical information in case of an incident (resident WhatsApp group, for example).

The flip side is the risk of cultural isolation and distorted lenses on real Saudi society. Finding a balance between security and openness to the host country is therefore essential.

Children and teenagers: prepare them without frightening them

The safety of the young is not limited to protecting them from physical dangers. It is also about arming them to evolve in a radically different cultural environment.

– teach them, upon arrival, the basic rules: do not separate from the group in the city, know their address by heart, know how to identify a police officer or security agent;

– explain differences in customs (attire, public behavior, persistent segregation in some places) without judgment, to avoid blunders that could create tensions;

– monitor their use of social media: some seemingly innocuous remarks in one country can have heavy consequences in Saudi Arabia.

International schools often play a central role in this intercultural mediation, but the primary responsibility remains that of the parents.

Digital security: when cybersecurity also becomes a legal issue

Like all expatriates, those living in Saudi Arabia are ultra-connected: administrative procedures via Absher, online payments, contact with family, geolocation apps, etc. Yet the country combines:

It’s not about imagining a spy behind every router, but integrating a few reflexes:

– always activate two-factor authentication on sensitive accounts (email, bank, messaging);

– be wary of unsecured public Wi-Fi (hotels, cafés) by avoiding banking operations if it’s not possible to use a secure mobile connection;

– never click on suspicious links sent by SMS or instant messaging, especially if they claim to be from a bank or government agency;

– keep in mind that some uses considered harmless elsewhere (VPNs, downloading illegal content, storing “sensitive” documents) can have legal consequences here.

In case of loss or theft of a phone or computer, the priority is to:

– activate location tracking, or even remote wipe if the device contains sensitive data;

– change passwords immediately for main accounts;

– report the incident to your employer if professional data is involved.

Maritime transport and regional travel: risk beyond the borders

Saudi Arabia’s position, bordered by the Red Sea and the Gulf, makes it an unavoidable maritime power. But these sea lanes are also zones of tension: piracy off Somalia, increased military activity in the Red Sea, threats to civilian ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the northern Gulf of Aden.

On the other hand, for regional travel, it is strongly advised:

– to inquire, before any trip, about the situation in the neighboring country (Yemen, Iraq, Syria are to be avoided);

– to avoid air or sea routes flying over or skirting active conflict zones when alternatives exist.

Pre-departure preparation: transforming risks into an action plan

A secure expatriation is largely determined before boarding. Three areas deserve meticulous preparation: administrative, medical, and personal security.

Administrative aspect: leave nothing to chance

Before departure, it is strongly recommended:

– to check passport validity (at least 6 months beyond the planned return date);

– to anticipate visa delays, especially for work visas requiring sponsorship;

– to have key documents translated and apostilled (marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, diplomas, driver’s license);

– to apply for an international driver’s permit if you plan to drive in the first months.

Medical aspect: check-up, vaccines, insurance

A complete medical check-up (cardiological, blood tests, dental, ophthalmological) before leaving allows you not to discover a major problem once on site, where costs can be high.

Regarding vaccines:

– check basic boosters (DTP, MMR, whooping cough, hepatitis);

– discuss with a travel doctor the recommended vaccines for the region (typhoid, hepatitis A/B, possibly rabies depending on activities);

– take into account the specific situation if planning to participate in Hajj or Umrah (meningitis, potential requirements for polio and yellow fever depending on the country of departure).

Personal security aspect: routines and networks

Simple habits can make a big difference:

– scan all important documents (passports, visas, Iqama, contracts, insurance policies) and store them in a digital safe;

– establish a list of key numbers: embassy/consulate, employer, insurance, reference hospitals, local emergency services (police, ambulance, fire);

– agree with your loved ones on a protocol in case of prolonged communication breakdown (relay contact, backup email).

On site, joining expatriate groups (associations, professional networks, forums) allows you to benefit from a collective watch effect: security incidents, regulation changes, or practical issues are reported very quickly there.

Living in security without living in fear: finding the balance

Saudi Arabia is a country of extreme contrasts: low petty crime but frequent death penalty, urban hyper-modernity and social conservatism, futuristic megaprojects and tense border zones. For the expatriate, serenity comes neither from denying risks nor from dramatizing them, but from their lucid integration into an adapted lifestyle.

By strictly respecting local laws, taking road safety very seriously, staying away from risk zones and political or religious discussions, the majority of expatriates live for years without serious incident. Many even report a sense of physical security superior to what they knew in their home country.

Expatriate testimonial

The challenge, for each individual, is to transform a complex environment into a controlled life project: inform without obsessing, protect without cutting oneself off from the country, anticipate without giving up enjoying an extraordinary professional and personal experience. With this approach, security in Saudi Arabia ceases to be a source of anxiety to become simply a parameter to manage – seriously, but serenely.