If you are planning to move to Jeddah then there are several aspects you need to consider. What is the best way to move there? Can you rent a moving truck or should you hire a شركة نقل عفش جدة ? How many possessions can you bring with you? Is it better to travel by car or bus? What are the legal requirements and which paperwork do you need to complete? Where should you live for the first few weeks? What is the climate like and how does it affect your health? How much does it cost to move there and what are the additional expenses?
To help you make the right decision we have compiled a list of the top 10 things to consider before you move to Jeddah.
Moving To Jeddah
Jeddah is the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and, with a population of around 500,000, is the capital of the country's second-largest province. It is an important city in the region's business, financial and cultural spheres. If you are considering a move to Jeddah then it is essential that you do your research first and make sure you choose a good moving company, as there are many scammers out there who will try to take your money and leave you with a mediocre experience.
The city has a moderate climate that is suitable for living and is close to major international airports, making it easily accessible for those traveling from outside the country. There is an abundance of food and drink options, with a variety of cuisines available, including Middle Eastern, Western and Asian dishes. Nightlife in Jeddah is generally very good with plenty of options for those who want to socialize.
Due to its strategic location on the Arabian peninsula and its status as the region's business hub, many expats choose to live in Jeddah and make the most of its mild climate and abundance of leisure opportunities. There are several international schools in the city, which provide students with a multicultural experience and a great opportunity to socialize with peers from around the world. If you decide to move to Jeddah, you will find many reasons why you should, but remember to do your research first and make sure you pick a reliable moving company. Some of the aspects you need to research are discussed below.
Migration & Naturalization
If you are coming from another country you will need to complete a couple of applications to be able to live in Jeddah. The first one is the migration card, which you will need to present to the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in your country of origin. The second one is the naturalization certificate, which you will need to present to the Jeddah city hall, upon arrival in the city. You can find more information about the requirements for both of these papers on the Saudi Arabian embassy website.
Real Estate
One of the best things about living in Jeddah is the real estate market. The city is home to some of the wealthiest families in the entire country and it is very common for those who move there to make a large profit on their investment. If you are looking to invest in real estate then Jeddah is the place to be. There are several luxurious apartments available for rent that provide luxury and comfort to those who live there. If you want to make a good investment then you should rent a luxury apartment that has been freshly furnished and comes with a white glove service. Otherwise, you will be paying too much for basic accommodation that needs constant maintenance.
Family
Another important factor to consider if you are moving to Jeddah is the family you will be joining. Just like in any other country, in Saudi Arabia people are more likely to get married and have children later in life. There is also a common opinion that men in Saudi Arabia are more of the family-oriented type and are more likely to participate in childcare tasks. If you have children then you will undoubtedly be the best person to take care of them while your spouse works. Make sure to factor in their needs as well when making your decision. You will need to discuss with your spouse what is best for the children and make sure that they understand the why's and wherefores of your decision.
Health
In terms of health, Jeddah is a moderately comfortable city to live in but you should still be careful about the type of food you consume there. Since the majority of the population in the city is made up of expats and their children, the food choices available are almost exclusively western. This can affect your digestion if you are not used to eating such food. Try to eat more traditional Arab dishes instead, as they tend to be healthier.
For those who have pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or heart disease, the city's air quality can be very poor. It is important that you learn how to meditate and breathe correctly, in order to stay healthy. When moving to a new place always take your medications and prescriptions with you. You never know when you might run out of something.
Safety
This is another significant issue that you need to consider if you are moving to Jeddah. Just because the city is home to many wealthy individuals and prominent families, it does not mean that you will be completely safe. There are isolated cases of crime against expats but it is, as a whole, a fairly safe city to live in. The main issue is related to parking. Since there are no signs officially posted in the street, it can be difficult to know where you can and cannot park your car. Always ensure that your car is in a safe place and avoid parking in desolate areas, at night or during bad weather conditions.
There are several bad habits that you need to avoid if you want to live a long and healthy life in Jeddah. These include drinking too much alcohol and using tobacco products. Expatriates have a tendency to work very hard and constantly stay up late, which can result in them being less productive during the day and, thus, expose them to more risks. Make sure to take regular breaks during the day, walk away from your desk for a couple of hours and, when possible, get away for a short vacation, once or twice a year.
Cost Of Living
One of the major issues that you will face, no matter where you choose to live in Jeddah, is the cost of living. While rents are relatively affordable, your food and transportation costs will easily add up. It is a good idea to try to downsize as much as you can, by selling your belongings and getting rid of items you no longer need. With fewer material possessions, you will feel a decrease in your stress levels and be able to enjoy your new life in the city that time forgot.
The cost of living in Jeddah, as with any other city in Saudi Arabia, is high but the salaries of expats make up for it. Most employers, both private and public sector, offer good salaries which help to make up for the high cost of living, as well as provide a good standard of living for those who qualify. The public sector in particular is trying to increase its recruitment of expats, to help meet the growing demands of a youthful population and the increase of those seeking employment abroad. The cost of living in Jeddah is not just made up of your salary, however, as the cost of transportation is also very high. If you are planning on driving then you will need to budget for vehicle costs, as well as the maintenance and licenses. These extra costs are all added into the final price of living in Jeddah.
Climate
Jeddah has a moderate climate that is suitable for living and is close to major international airports, making it easily accessible for those traveling from outside the country. There is an abundance of food and drink options, with a variety of cuisines available, including Middle Eastern, Western and Asian dishes. Nightlife in Jeddah is generally very good with plenty of options for those who want to socialize.
The climate in Jeddah can be characterized as very hot and humid, with thunderstorms being a common occurrence. If you are not used to such weather then you might find it problematic. As with any other place that is very different from your home, adapting will be essential. You must learn how to stay cool in the heat and how to remain hydrated. Just make sure to drink lots of water and avoid dehydration, as it could potentially lead to health issues. When moving abroad, the first thing you will need to do is to check the weather, so you can properly adapt to the conditions. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 47 degrees Celsius, while the humidity is extremely high, making it feel like night time in the city, even at noon. Those who live there must learn to adjust their lifestyle to this new setting and make the most of the mild climate and beautiful surroundings. If you are new to the area then you should take extra care in adapting to the climate and get used to the extreme temperatures, as they can be life-threatening.