Why are more and more people choosing Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the most dynamically developing healthcare centers in the Middle East in recent years. Modern hospitals, a high standard of living and a rapidly changing socio-cultural environment have created an environment that is particularly attractive to international doctors. Large cities – such as Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam – are now multicultural professional centers, where many foreign specialists work together with local colleagues.
Salaries and benefits
The biggest attraction is undoubtedly the salaries. Saudi Arabia is one of the best-paying medical labor markets, where earnings are tax-free, so the net income is much higher than in most European countries. Residents typically earn between 10,000 and 16,000 Saudi riyals per month, while specialists earn between 22,000 and 40,000 riyals, while consultant positions, or senior medical positions, can earn upwards of 50,000 and 60,000 riyals.
Benefit packages are also generous: they often provide a service apartment or housing allowance, health insurance, and an annual airfare. These benefits allow doctors working here to accumulate significant savings over a few years.
Working hours and working conditions
Working hours typically range from 40 to 48 hours per week, which creates a more predictable work schedule than can be found in many European countries. Most hospitals have modern infrastructure and advanced technology, and many institutions hold international accreditations.
The on-call system varies depending on the specialty, but typically comes with a separate fee. Vacation is around 30 days a year, which, when combined with local holidays, provides adequate recovery time.
Professional recognition and language requirements
The Saudi healthcare system places great emphasis on professional credibility and quality assurance. The verification of diplomas and qualifications is mandatory, and in certain fields, a knowledge test or competency assessment may also be required.
The language of everyday communication is predominantly English, as the majority of patients and staff are foreign. Patient care therefore takes place in a fundamentally international environment, which provides many doctors with a particularly inspiring professional experience.
Life in Saudi Arabia: modern, safe and constantly changing
Doctors arriving in Saudi Arabia not only benefit financially and professionally: they find themselves in a unique, rapidly changing cultural space. The country has made huge strides towards openness in the past decade. In the big cities, a vibrant restaurant scene, modern shopping malls, seaside promenades and plenty of leisure opportunities await foreigners.
Everyday life is safe, the standard of living is high, and the diversity of the foreign communities makes it particularly easy to integrate. Professional benefits, financial stability and cultural experiences are mixed in the years spent here - it is no coincidence that Saudi Arabia is attracting more and more doctors from all over the world.