Remote Work
Working While Visiting Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is not an established digital nomad destination. There is no dedicated remote worker visa, and the country's regulatory framework has historically been oriented around sponsored employment. That said, Saudi Arabia's eVisa (90 days, multiple entry) makes it feasible to visit and work remotely as a tourist — provided your employer is not Saudi-based and you are not earning from Saudi sources.
Infrastructure has improved substantially since 2019. Riyadh and Jeddah have reliable 4G and 5G networks, a growing number of cafes with strong wifi, and a small but expanding coworking sector. If you are visiting for tourism and need to keep up with work, both cities are functionally workable. If you are looking to base yourself in the region for months at a time, the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) or Qatar remain the more established options with dedicated freelancer visas.
Practical Information for Remote Workers
Visa Situation
Saudi Arabia offers a tourist eVisa for 49 nationalities — 90 days, multiple entry, renewable. There is no digital nomad or freelancer visa. Working for a Saudi employer without a work permit is illegal. Working remotely for a non-Saudi employer during a tourist visit is in a legal grey area — the same situation as most countries without explicit nomad visas. Use the full visa guide for current eligibility.
SIM Cards
STC (Saudi Telecom Company) has the best national coverage and is the recommended choice. Zain and Mobily are solid alternatives. Tourist SIMs are available at the airport on arrival with your passport. Data plans are affordable — typically 50–100GB for SAR 50–100 ($13–26) per month. eSIM options are available through Airalo and other providers for hassle-free setup before you arrive.
Coworking in Riyadh
Riyadh has a growing coworking sector driven by the Kingdom's start-up ecosystem. Spaces worth considering include Impact Hub Riyadh, Regus locations across the city, and WeWork at the Riyadh Park development. Day passes typically run SAR 100–200 ($26–53). Most require membership registration in advance.
Cafes with Good Wifi
Both Riyadh and Jeddah have strong cafe cultures. In Riyadh, the Al-Olaya and Sulaymaniyah districts have the highest concentration of work-friendly cafes — Brew92, % Arabica, and Starbucks Reserve locations are reliable. In Jeddah, the Al-Andalus and Al-Hamra districts are the most cafe-dense areas. Wifi quality varies — have a mobile hotspot as backup.
Internet Quality
Saudi Arabia has among the fastest average mobile internet speeds in the Middle East. 5G coverage is widespread in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Fixed broadband in hotels is generally reliable. VPN usage is technically restricted — some services are blocked. Verify your tools work before relying on them for critical work calls.
Cost of a Working Visit
Saudi Arabia is not a budget destination. Riyadh mid-range hotels run SAR 300–600 ($80–160) per night. Eating out ranges from SAR 30 (shawarma) to SAR 200+ (restaurant dinner). A daily coworking pass, accommodation, and meals in Riyadh would comfortably cost $150–250 per day. Jeddah is marginally cheaper. Plan accordingly.
Plan your Saudi Arabia trip