A guide to moving from the UK to Saudi Arabia with your family

Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich country in the Middle East encompassing most of the Arabian Peninsula. Previously a desert state, the discovery of vast oil fields in 1938 led to rapid economic and urban growth, which has seen the population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) increase rapidly. More than 40% of the current population of 35 million are expats who mainly work in the construction, oil and gas IT, healthcare and education sectors. There are some 30,000 British expats living in Saudi Arabia, mainly in the capital city of Riyadh or the port city of Jeddah.

KSA is an absolute monarchy and Islamic state governed by the dynasty of the House of Saud. In 2016, the leader, Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) unveiled Saudi Vision 2030 an ambitious plan to transform Saudi Arabia’s economy from oil-dependent to a global investment hub. Many sectors are opening up, and the country has become a tourist attraction in the past few years.

It is an economically progressive but socially conservative country. The rule of law is defined by Sharia (Islamic law). Historically, Saudi women have had few rights but a number of reforms since 2017 have seen some positive change; women are no longer compelled to cover up as the requirement for the abaya (loose-fitting robe) and head covering was lifted in 2019 and they have been allowed to drive since 2018. As much as KSA is modernising, however, it is still a far more restricted and traditional society than the West.

Five reasons to move from the UK to Saudi Arabia

1. High earning potential

Tax-free salaries, high wages and generous benefits make KSA attractive to many professionals.

2. Fantastic job opportunities

The International Monetary Fund predicts economic growth in the KSA to be around 4.1% in 2026, following a projected 3.3% growth in 2025. The UK’s is a sluggish 1.0% to 1.4% by comparison. The economic diversification of Vision 2030 is driving increased demand for white-collar roles in IT, banking, accounting, legal professionals, marketing and tourism.

3. A high standard of living

Good wages and a lower cost of living than the UK means expats can live very well in Saudi Arabia. KSA is currently offering premium residency and work permits to attract skilled workers from other countries who live in fully furnished apartments and villas in modern compounds with added benefits such as swimming pools and tennis courts.

4. Cultural immersion

Saudi Arabia has a rich history and culture, a blend of Islamic heritage, Bedouin traditions and ancient trading history. It is also ideally located as a base from which to explore the whole Middle East region.

5. Great weather

The climate in Saudi is warm, dry and sunny. Although it can be very hot in summer, it stays warm all year round and its combination of sun, sea and sand makes it very attractive to British families with children.

Education in Saudi Arabia

The educational system in Saudi Arabia comprises public and private schools organised into three educational levels: elementary, intermediate, and secondary schooling. Public schools, which are free and mandatory for Saudi citizens and some expats, operate on a national curriculum emphasising Arabic and Islamic studies. The Saudi school week runs from Sunday to Thursday, with holidays for religious festivals and the summer. KSA’s education system has undergone significant reforms in recent years, aligning its system with the goals of Vision 2030.

Private international schools

Most expat children in KSA are enrolled in private international schools. There is a wealth of international schools in Saudi Arabia catering for different nationalities and cultures with schools following British or American curricula, for example. There are several British international schools in Saudi Arabia; these are international schools that teach in English and focus or follow the British curriculum. This kind of school is aimed at parents who want their children to receive a British education while living abroad.

A number of big British names in the education business are also opening new schools in Saudi Arabia. September 2025 saw the opening of Sherborne School Jeddah, an international satellite of the famous Dorset boarding school. And Eton House International, a Singapore-based schools group, has opened a pre-school and international school in Riyadh in September 2025. Aldenham Education Group – owners of the 425-year-old school Aldenham in Hertfordshire, has announced plans to open its second campus in Saudi Arabia in Riyadh in 2026. Malvern College has announced plans to open a Riyadh campus in 2027 and Harrow, one of Britain’s most historic and traditional public schools has announced plans to open its first school in the Middle East when Harrow International opens in Abu Dhabi in August 2026.

Choosing the right school

If you are planning a move to Saudi, choosing a school in an unfamiliar country can be daunting. Here are a few key considerations:

Curriculum choice: Saudi has a well-established network of international schools catering for the needs of an expat community. These schools follow the UK curriculum (IGCSEs and A-levels), International Baccalaureate schools, the US curriculum (AP or IB programmes), or French and Indian systems. You will be able to find a school that follows the curriculum of your home country or find one that offers a globally recognised curriculum. Simply Learning Tuition can help with all parts of your school search and relocation to Saudi.
Work out your budget: On average tuition fees range from SAR 40,000 to SAR 100,000 (approx. £8k to £20k) per child per year depending on their age.
Co-ed? In line with practice in many Middle Eastern countries, Saudi schools are co-educational until Years 4 or 5. Students then move into single sex schools.
Accreditation: Look for schools that are inspected and accredited by global bodies such as the British School Overseas (BSO), members of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) or UK associations such as HMC or IAPS. The BSO offers optional inspection for international schools outside the UK, measuring them against UK independent schools standards.

Five of the best British international schools in Riyadh

1. Kings College Riyadh

Opened: 2021
Curriculum: British, IGCSE, A-Level
Grades: Primary (Secondary school planned)
Overview: King’s College Riyadh is partnered with King’s College, Taunton, in the UK and is part of the Woodard Corporation group of schools. The school offers a high-quality British education and plans to expand to a full secondary school in the near future.

2. Aldenham Prep Riyadh

Opened 2022
Curriculum: British
Grades: Primary
Overview: A smaller school with deep roots in its original school in London, founded in 1597. The teaching programme at this school mirrors that of its UK parent school. It is part of a partnership between the Aldenham Education Group and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

3. British International School Riyadh

Opened: 1979
Curriculum: British, IB Diploma Programme
Grades: Nursery to Year 13
Overview: One of the oldest and most prestigious British international schools in Riyadh.

4. Reigate Grammar School Riyadh

Opened: 2022
Curriculum: British (National Curriculum of England), IGCSE, A-Level
Grades: Nursery to Year 13
Overview: Reigate Grammar School Riyadh (RGSR) is one of the newest additions to Riyadh’s growing list of international schools. This school operates under a partnership with Reigate Grammar School in the UK, a prestigious institution founded in 1675. It has a strong SEND department and can address a broad spectrum of additional needs including mild autism, Down’s Syndrome, cognitive delay and ADHD.

5. Downe House School Riyadh

Opened: 2022
Curriculum: British, IGCSE, A-Level
Grades: Primary to Year 13 (Girls-only from Year 5)
Overview: Downe House School Riyadh is the first premium British girls’ school in Saudi Arabia. The school operates in partnership with Downe House Independent Girls’ School in the UK, offering an education based on the British National Curriculum.

Five of the best British international schools in Jeddah

1. Jeddah Prep and Grammar School

Opened: 1967
Curriculum: British IGCSE, A-Level
Grades: Nursery to Year 13
Overview: One of the first schools in Saudi Arabia to offer a traditional British education with an excellent reputation for academic achievement.

2. British International School Jeddah

Opened: 1977
Curriculum: British, IGCSE, IB Diploma
Grades: Nursery to Year 13
Overview: A not-for-profit organisation, originally known as ‘the Conti’ due to the expected influence of continental Europeans, the BISJ was renamed in the nineties. With 1,500 enrolled students from 60 countries, it now has a more global ethos.

3. Sherborne School Jeddah

Opened: 2025
Curriculum: British, IGCSE, A-levels
Grades: Currently Pre-school to Year 6 but will expand into senior years
Overview: The new kid on the block aims to bring world-class British education to Saudi Arabia. It is a franchise, however, a collaboration between the Qatar-based Sharaka Education group (who opened Sherborne Qatar in 2009) and Maarif Education, one of the largest education companies in Saudi Arabia.

4. Al Wadi International School

Opened: 1998
Curriculum: British, IGCSE, A-levels
Grades: Nursery to Year 13
Overview: A well-established British curriculum school owned and run by the Al-Fayez Group, a not-for-profit family organisation. The school has a strong focus on holistic education.

5. Al Waha International School

Opened: 1992
Curriculum: British, IGCSE, A-levels
Grades: Nursery to Year 13
Overview: Previously known as the Jeddah Montessori School, it was founded to cater to the educational needs of a growing expatriate community in Jeddah.

Important information on relocating with your family to Saudi Arabia

1. Obtaining the correct visa – getting your Iqama in Saudi Arabia

Once you have arrived in KSA you will want to get your Iqama as soon as possible. The Iqama is your residency permit and your official identification document in Saudi Arabia. In order to work in the Kingdom, you need to have a local sponsor, and this document is proof that you are legally employed (or attached to someone who is). It allows you to open a bank account, sign rental agreements, enter government buildings and even get your first Saudi SIM card.

Who needs an Iqama?

All expats from the very young to the old need an Iqama. If you are planning to bring your family to KSA you must sort your permit first and you can then sponsor your family. It is important to know that the Iqama must be renewed every year.

How to apply for an Iqama

This is your employer’s responsibility. They will begin the paperwork while you are still in the UK; you will need to provide them with a copy of your passport, two to four passport-sized photos, and a medical certificate showing a clean bill of health.

Requirements for the Iqama

Once the paperwork has gone through you will be issued a work visa that allows you to enter KSA. You employer then has 90 days to complete the process and obtain your Iqama. This will include you undergoing an Iqama medical – to confirm you are in good health.

Family visas
Once you have your Iqama you can apply to sponsor your family. Your employer will help with this process.

2. Financial and practical considerations

Life in Saudi Arabia isn’t cheap; housing can be expensive; your family will need private healthcare and there are school fees to pay.

What is housing like?

Most expats prefer to live in expat compounds which offer amenities and a community of fellow expats.

Owning a house

A new law is coming into force in January 2026 that will allow non-Saudis to own a residential property. As of 2026 foreign real estate ownership will be allowed in designated zones, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah.

What is a good monthly salary?

Living can be expensive in Saudi Arabia. For a family to ‘live well’ you will need a monthly salary of 25,000 to 40,000 SAR (approx. £5,000 to £8,000)

What cultural considerations are there?

Dress appropriately – cover your arms and legs, familiarise yourself and your family with Saudi customs and the Arabic language. Be aware of your behaviour in public. Alcohol is banned and displays of public affection not welcomed.

Frequently Asked Questions about schooling in Saudi Arabia

How do I register for a school?

Most private international schools will have their own admissions department. Look at their website and admissions criteria as a first port of call. Typically, you will need to submit an online enquiry and then complete an application form provided by the admissions team with all supporting paperwork.

What supporting documents will I have to provide?

You will have to provide some or all of the following:

Your child’s and your passport
Child’s birth certificate
Your child’s visa
Your Iqama – Saudia Arabian residency permit – and that of your child
National Civil Id & Family ID (for Saudi applicants)
A criminal record certificate – proof of good conduct
Previous school reports
Vaccination record
Medical reports (if applicable)

Will my child have to learn Arabic?

Yes, Arabic lessons and Islamic studies are mandatory in all private international schools in Saudi. Unlike the public schools, where the teaching is heavily weighted towards Islam and Arabic, however, the specific curriculum and language of instruction can vary in international schools.

What will the school uniform be?

Most international schools in KSA have a western-inspired school uniform featuring modern, structured attire. In 2024, Saudi competition law made it illegal for schools to force parents to buy school uniform from an exclusive supplier. This has typically brought down the costs for parents.

Will students have male and female teachers?

Until 2023 female teachers were allowed to teach girls and boys until Grade 4 (UK Year 5) but since then this ruling has extended until Grade 6 (Year 7). After this point teaching is segregated by gender.

How Simply Learning Tuition Can Help

At Simply Learning Tuition, we offer expert, personalised support for every aspect of the move to a new country and schooling system. Our services include:

Introductions to trusted legal, financial, and property specialists.

Schools shortlisting to ensure you find the best fit school for your children.

Support through the entire application process including preparation for school admissions tests

Mock interviews and interview coaching

Browse our success stories to see how we’ve helped other families relocate with confidence.

Explore our Relocation Services

To find out how we can help your move from the UK to Saudi Arabia, please contact us today.

Phone Email Enquiry Form