At a Glance
The best areas to live in Saudi Arabia for families depend on your priorities. Riyadh offers strong career opportunities and a fast-paced city lifestyle, Jeddah has a more relaxed coastal feel, while Dammam is known for quieter communities and family-friendly living. Read on to compare each city and find the best fit for your family.
What are the best areas to live in Saudi Arabia for families?
The best place to live in Saudi Arabia will depend on your family’s priorities, lifestyle and reasons for moving. Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are three of the most popular choices for expat families, each offering a different balance of career opportunities, schools, community, cost of living and pace of life.
This guide compares the three cities to help you understand what each has to offer and decide which could be the best fit for your family.
Riyadh: The Ambitious Capital
Riyadh is the Kingdom’s capital and its business brain. It’s where decisions are made, skyscrapers rise, and the pace of life is fast and focused. If your move is linked to a new role, our guide to moving from the UK to Saudi Arabia for work covers visas, sponsorship, living costs and preparing for the move.
Why families might like Riyadh:
- Education Options: International schools are plentiful, with British, American, and IB curricula. One mum shared that her daughter’s school had a “uniform policy stricter than Buckingham Palace,” but the pastoral care was second to none.
- Compound Living: Most expats live in gated compounds with pools, gyms, and even corner shops that stock Walkers crisps and PG Tips. One dad joked that his compound was “like Centre Parcs, but with more sand and fewer squirrels.”
- Entertainment: Riyadh is catching up fast. There are cinemas, trampoline parks, and even indoor snow zones. Yes, snow. In the desert.
Tip: Invest in blackout curtains and a decent air purifier. Riyadh’s dust storms are no joke, and your lungs (and furniture) will thank you.
Jeddah: The Coastal Charmer
Jeddah is the Kingdom’s laid-back, sea-loving sibling. It’s more relaxed, more diverse, and often the favourite among families who want a bit of culture with their sunshine.
Why families adore Jeddah:
- Beach Life: The Red Sea is right on your doorstep. One expat dad described his weekend routine as “school run, work, snorkel, repeat.”
- Cultural Blend: Jeddah’s long history as a port city means it’s a melting pot of cultures. You’ll find everything from sushi to shawarma and a more relaxed approach to dress and social norms.
- Community Feel: There’s a strong sense of togetherness among expat families. One mum said, “We arrived knowing no one, and within a month we had a WhatsApp group for playdates, brunches, and emergency babysitting.”
Tip: Keep a stash of swimsuits, towels, and snacks in the car. You never know when a spontaneous beach trip will happen—and trust me, they happen often.
Dammam: The Quiet Achiever
Dammam, in the Eastern Province, might not be the first name that springs to mind—but it’s a hidden gem for families who value calm, community, and affordability.
Why Dammam works for families:
- Cost of living: Housing is more affordable here, and you’ll get more space for your money. One family moved from Riyadh and said, “We swapped a two-bed flat for a four-bed villa with a garden—and still saved money.”
- Neighbourly charm: Dammam has a quieter, more residential feel. It’s perfect for families who prefer a slower pace and a strong sense of community.
- Proximity to Khobar and Bahrain: These nearby cities offer great schools, shopping, and dining. One dad shared, “We pop over to Bahrain for IKEA and a cheeky Nando’s. It’s like a weekend in Milton Keynes, but with palm trees.”
Tip: If you’re driving to Bahrain, keep your passports handy and your boot tidy. Border crossings are efficient, but they do love a good rummage.
Which City Suits Your Family?
Tip: If you’re driving to Bahrain, keep your passports handy and your boot tidy. Border crossings are efficient, but they do love a good rummage.
Riyadh
• Best for: Career
• Family Vibe: Structured, secure High
• Cost of Living: High
• Climate: Hot & dry Jeddah
• Best for: Career
• Family Vibe: Structured, secure High
• Cost of Living: High
• Climate: Hot & dry Dammam
• Best for: Career
• Family Vibe: Structured, secure High
• Cost of Living: High
• Climate: Hot & dry
Settling into Family Life in Saudi Arabia
Living in Saudi Arabia as a British family can be a rewarding experience, but settling in naturally takes time. There may be moments of culture shock, alongside plenty of opportunities to build a new routine, meet other families and become part of the local expat community.
Whether you’re getting used to life in Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam, family life will look a little different in each city. For a more everyday look at adjusting to life in the Kingdom, read our guide to what British expats miss most in Saudi Arabia and where to find familiar comforts from home.
Planning Your Family Move to Saudi Arabia
Choosing between Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam will come down to what matters most to your family, from work and schools to lifestyle, community and cost of living. Each city offers something different, so taking the time to think about your priorities can make settling into life in Saudi Arabia much easier.
If you’re planning a move from the UK, Eurogroup can help manage the practical side of your relocation, from packing and shipping to customs and delivery, giving you one less thing to worry about as you prepare for your new chapter.
