Moving to Saudi Arabia is a bit like swapping your local pub for a palm tree and a prayer call. It’s exciting, eye-opening, and occasionally baffling. But no matter how well you settle in, there are a few things every Brit finds themselves pining for—usually around week three, when the novelty wears off and you’d give your left arm for a proper bacon butty.
Here’s a light-hearted look at the Top ten things Brits miss most in the Kingdom —and how to track down a decent substitute:
1. Bacon (and All Things Pork)
Let’s get the big one out of the way. Pork is strictly off the menu in Saudi Arabia. No sausages, no gammon, no sneaky rashers.
Workaround: Turkey bacon. Chicken sausages. Or, if you’re lucky, a compound BBQ where someone’s smuggled in a stash from somewhere…… Just don’t ask too many questions.
2. A Pint at the Pub
Alcohol is banned in Saudi Arabia, so your local won’t be pouring you a Guinness anytime soon. And no, there’s no secret speakeasy behind the kebab shop.
Workaround: Mocktail culture is strong here. You’ll find elaborate, fruit-laden drinks with names like “Virgin Mojito Royale.” Not quite the same, but they do come with tiny umbrellas.
3. Rainy Days
Believe it or not, some Brits miss the drizzle. There’s something comforting about grey skies and soggy socks.
Workaround: Wait for winter. Riyadh gets a few dramatic downpours, and Jeddah occasionally floods. It’s not quite the Lake District, but it’ll do in a pinch.
4. Proper Tea
Yes, you can find tea. But it’s often Lipton Yellow Label, and it’s served with enough sugar to fuel a toddler for a week.
Workaround: Bring your own stash of Yorkshire Tea or PG Tips. And guard it like treasure. Bonus points if you pack a teapot and a tin of Hobnobs.
5. British TV
No BBC, no Channel 4, and no Bake Off. You’ll miss Mary Berry more than you thought possible.
Workaround: VPNs are your best friend. Set one up, subscribe to your favourite streaming service, and binge away. Just don’t forget to turn it off before your Zoom call.
6. High Street Shopping
No M&S, no Boots, and definitely no Primark. You’ll miss the comfort of knowing exactly where to find plasters, pants, and Percy Pigs.
Workaround: Riyadh and Jeddah have massive malls with Zara, H&M, and Sephora. For British brands, online shopping via international delivery is a lifesaver—just brace for customs fees.
7. Dog Walks in the Park
Pet ownership is growing, but public dog-friendly spaces are still rare. And walking your Labrador in 45°C heat? Not ideal.
Workaround: Early morning strolls in quiet neighbourhoods or compounds. Some expats even drive to the desert for a proper run. Just bring water—and maybe a camel treat, just in case.
8. Driving Etiquette
Lane discipline? Optional. Indicators? Decorative. Roundabouts? Chaos.
Workaround: Deep breaths, defensive driving, and a good playlist. And remember—everyone’s just trying to get somewhere, preferably fast.
9. British Holidays
Christmas, Bonfire Night, Pancake Day—they’re not celebrated publicly, and you’ll need to DIY your traditions.
Workaround: Expat communities go all out. From compound Christmas markets to Guy Fawkes BBQs, you’ll find ways to keep the spirit alive. Just don’t expect fireworks at Waitrose.
10. Sarcasm and Banter
British humour doesn’t always translate. Your dry wit might be met with polite confusion—or total silence.
Workaround: Find your tribe. British expats tend to gravitate toward each other, and once you’ve found your people, the banter flows like tea at a village fête.
Final Thoughts: Yes, you’ll miss things. That’s part of the adventure. But you’ll also gain new favourites—shawarma at midnight, Red Sea sunsets, and friendships that span continents. And when you finally visit home, you’ll appreciate the rain, the roast dinners, and the weird joy of queuing more than ever.
