Overview
The world’s largest oil-producing economy offers a fascinating combination of old and new: from futuristic megalopolises to the strict Islamist laws which govern the country. The swathes of harsh desert are punctuated by oases of verdant mountains, Portuguese forts and intimate souks; and there’s the opportunity to dive in the red sea and explore the peaceful Farasan Islands.
Getting around the windswept landscape is easy: modern, air-conditioned buses create dust trails up and down the country, and the Saudi Rail Organization runs the only train line on the Arabian Peninsula. If you plan on hiring a car, a western driving license will be adequate, but remember that women aren’t permitted to drive here.
- Fascinating, completely different culture
- Lots of interesting countries nearby to explore in your holidays
- High salaries and good benefits if you’re well-qualified
- Great weather!
- Beautiful scenery
Things you might not know about Teaching English in Saudi Arabia
- The supposed tomb of the biblical figure Eve is located in Jeddah.
- Saudi Arabia produces more oil than any other country in the world: a staggering 9.5 million barrels per day.
- Saudi Arabia has the largest sand desert in the world, but no lakes or rivers
- They use the Islamic Muslim calendar, so they’re actually 579 years behind the west!
