Foreigners have a lot of opinion on Saudi Arabia, some rooted in misconceptions or old impressions. Here we try to address some of these questions a foreigner might have:
Many foreigners assume women in Saudi Arabia face severe restrictions based on outdated stereotypes.
In reality, since 2018, women have been able to drive, travel independently, participate fully in the workforce, and control their own finances and destinies. By 2026, female labor force participation has risen to over 35% (from 18% in 2016), with women holding leadership roles in government, business, and tech sectors. Vision 2030 has prioritized gender equality, including initiatives like the National Transformation Program. While cultural norms like modest dress persist in public, Saudi women are increasingly empowered, owning businesses and leading startups. The vail or niqab are not mandatory by law and the old system of male guardianship is gone.
In fact Saudi Arabia is one of three countries in the world were more women than men start businesses and there are a higher proportion of women in the IT sector in Saudi Arabia than in Silicon Valley. Just to mention two facts that probably fascinate a first time visitor to the Kingdom.
Critiques often highlight human rights concerns, such as freedom of expression or treatment of activists. Saudi Arabia acknowledges ongoing reforms under Vision 2030, including the 2021 Personal Status Law improving protections for women and children, and decriminalization of certain offenses. International reports from organizations like Amnesty International note progress in areas like labor rights for migrant workers (e.g., the 2021 kafala system reforms), though many challenges remain. Our belief is that increased contacts, trade and investment will help bring improvements in these areas.
For businesses, there is a stable, investor-friendly environment with strong IP protections and anti-corruption measures via the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Foreign companies report minimal interference, focusing instead on opportunities in sectors like renewable energy and tourism. We've facilitated entries where compliance with local laws ensures smooth operations without ethical compromises.
A common misconception is that Saudi Arabia is plagued by instability. In fact, by 2026, the country has one of the lowest crime rates in the region, with enhanced security measures post-2015 counter-terrorism efforts. The U.S. State Department rates it as Level 2 (exercise increased caution), similar to many European countries, primarily due to regional geopolitics rather than domestic threats. Expats in Riyadh and Jeddah describe it as safer than many global cities, with vibrant expat communities. The atmosphere is welcoming, foreigners enjoy tax-free salaries, world-class healthcare, and family-friendly compounds. Business travel is straightforward, with no recent major incidents affecting commerce.
But as anywhere else in the world: stay street smart and take the advice of authorities.
Foreigners often worry about Sharia law imposing harsh rules. While Islam is at the core of Saudi society, Saudi Arabia has liberalized significantly: Prayer times briefly pause business (5-10 minutes), but apps make it easy to plan around. The business culture is professional and efficient, with English widely spoken in corporate settings. Vision 2030's entertainment reforms have brought cinemas, concerts, and sports events, creating a more cosmopolitan vibe. Alcohol is now available for purchase under certain restrictions, and non-Muslims can practice their faith privately. Our clients find the "warm and friendly" culture fosters strong partnerships.
Respect is a key word in Saudi society. As visitors we are asked to respect Saudi culture and beliefs. In return, the Saudis are open, curious and tolerant.
Critiques point to past corruption scandals, but Saudi Arabia's 2026 Corruption Perceptions Index score has improved to 52/100 (from 36 in 2016), reflecting aggressive anti-corruption drives and ongoing Nazaha oversight. Setting up a business now takes under 10 days via the Saudi Business Center's one-stop portal, with 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors since 2021.
Our services help navigate any bureaucracy, but clients report it's comparable to the EU—transparent tenders, digital licensing, and incentives like tax holidays in economic cities. Misconceptions ignore the tech-savvy ecosystem, with Riyadh ranking among top global startup hubs.
Assumptions about clashing values overlook the adaptive, global mindset of Saudis. Business etiquette emphasizes respect (e.g., relationship-building over coffee), but deals can move quickly with modern tools like virtual meetings. Generational shifts mean a young population (70% under 30) embraces innovation—think Aramco's AI initiatives or local fintech unicorns.
But with any foreign culture, some advise and training is essential to avoid making simple mistakes. The Saudis offer respect, but expects the same in return.
The notion of "whitewashing" suggests reforms are cosmetic, aimed solely at improving the kingdom's image amid human rights criticisms. While human rights groups highlight ongoing issues like repression of dissent and labor abuses in mega-projects, Vision 2030 has delivered measurable, structural changes: non-oil revenue has risen to 65% of GDP by 2026, with societal shifts like women's workforce participation doubling and entertainment sectors booming. A 2026 overhaul emphasizes tech and religious tourism, addressing economic realities amid lower oil prices. Challenges persist, including limited accountability, but our on-the-ground experience shows genuine diversification and investor protections, not just PR—foreign direct investment hit record levels in 2025, driven by real opportunities in renewables and startups.
Critics often portray the Giga projects as unrealistic vanity initiatives, citing recent adjustments due to financial and logistical challenges. By 2026, some recalibrations have occurred: NEOM's The Line has been scaled to an initial 2.4 km segment by 2030 (from the original 170 km), and the Red Sea Project is pausing construction after Phase One completion at year's end, with staff reallocations to other sites like Qiddiya. However, these are strategic adaptations amid lower oil prices and a focus on deliverable milestones, not abandonment—NEOM remains a $500+ billion hub for sustainable tech and innovation, with components like Sindalah island progressing despite delays. Qiddiya is advancing rapidly, with major construction milestones and projections to create 57,000 jobs and $4.53 billion in annual GDP by 2030, while the Red Sea's regenerative tourism model caps visitors at 1 million annually for sustainability.
So there is some realignment but also steady progress. Expo 2030 is around the corner and a lot of these projects are aimed for completion by then. And not everything are Giga projects. Just as impressive are all the other investments and projects aimed at increasing national development. There are at least five new airports being constructed and many others are expanded. New harbours are being built, others expanded. New railways constructed and at least 300,000 new apartments or houses are being built in the coming three years in Riyadh alone.
Concerns about potential backlash stem from rapid societal changes and economic pressures like rising living costs. Critics warn that unmet targets or escalating project costs amid lower oil prices could spark discontent if benefits aren't equitably distributed. However, as of 2026, no widespread public backlash has materialized, thanks to the kingdom's young population (70% under 30) embracing reforms, strong governmental control, and strategic adjustments like prioritizing tech and religious tourism to avoid economic overheating. The government's willingness to defer or cancel projects without hesitation demonstrates adaptability, maintaining stability. Experience shows broad support for diversification, with reforms creating jobs and opportunities that outweigh risks—turning potential challenges into sustained progress.