Arriving in Riyadh: Essential Tips for Navigating the

Airport Arrival

Forget the stress of complicated arrival procedures, landing in Riyadh today is a remarkably smooth and well-organized experience. Immigration is efficient, the process is straightforward, and officers are often warm and welcoming.

If it’s your first time visiting, head to the right-hand lane at immigration, where you’ll have your photo and fingerprints taken. If you hold an Iqama (residency permit) or a multiple-entry visa, you're free to use the other lanes for a faster experience.

Expect a friendly welcome, many immigration officers speak fluent English, especially those who have studied abroad. That’s great news if, like me, your Arabic is still a work in progress!

Arrival Tips for Women

Women should pack an abaya or similar modest outerwear in their hand luggage and put it on before landing. While Saudi Arabia has relaxed its dress code in recent years, it's still respectful to observe local customs, especially when arriving.

Where You'll Stay

If you're relocating for work (hopefully through People Group), your employer will likely arrange temporary accommodation for 2–4 weeks. This gives you time to find a long-term place, whether downtown or in one of Riyadh’s popular expat compounds (more on those in a future post!).

Most companies also arrange airport pickups, or your hotel might provide a pre-booked car service. If not, you’ll find taxis right outside the terminal. With a printed address and Google Maps, getting to your accommodation should be easy as most drivers know the city well.

Best Areas to Stay in Riyadh

Riyadh has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. If your company is covering your stay, they’ve probably secured corporate rates with nearby hotels. Popular areas include:

Downtown Riyadh – Central and convenient, ideal for work and city access
Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) – Green, secure, and highly popular with expats
Near the Airport – Handy for short business trips or layovers

Getting Around: Uber in Riyadh

One of the best surprises? Uber is reliable, fast, and widely used in Riyadh. Unlike some other Gulf cities, the service here is punctual and professional.

Uber tips for Riyadh:

Choose the 4x4 option for more comfort, especially helpful during busy traffic hours.
Most drivers follow Google Maps closely, but hotel staff can help with directions if needed.
In my experience, drivers are consistently on time, much more so than in Kuwait, Qatar, or even Dubai!

If you're here for business, your company may arrange a private driver for your first day. Some hotels also offer chauffeur services, which can be a convenient option for meetings.

Final Thoughts

From a smooth airport welcome to easy transportation, getting settled in Riyadh is easier than ever. Whether you're visiting for business or relocating long-term, Saudi Arabia is increasingly open, modern, and welcoming, especially for expats.