Riyadh - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Not needed for most expats. Large population of service workers speak English. It is great to develop deeper relationships etc. as always, but truly not needed. Believe there are local language teachers. - Dec 2024
None. - Jul 2021
You don’t need any Arabic to live here. However, I think that speaking some Arabic opens up worthwhile experiences that you can’t get any other way. Since most expats don’t learn Arabic there aren't as many classes and tutors as there are at some posts, but there some options. I am glad I speak Arabic because I feel less isolated here. - Feb 2018
None -- almost everybody can speak English after a fashion, although it would be helpful to know a little bit of Arabic, even just to be polite. - Oct 2017
You will be able to get by fine with English in 90% of your interactions. - Jan 2017
None. - May 2016
A bit helps. Many here speak English, and like to prove it. - Nov 2015
English is enough. - Oct 2015
None- everyone speaks English - Oct 2015
Very little. Most vendors or workers speak English. - Jan 2015
If you speak English, you're good. - Sep 2014
None -- most everybody can speak English after a fashion, although it would be helpful to know a little bit of Arabic, even just to be polite. - Mar 2014
You can get by with English but it would help if you knew your numbers for shopping. And of course, it is always nice to be able to say hello, goodbye, thank you in Arabic. - Dec 2013
Arabic is the official language but you can get around with speaking English as most locals know it, but learn some Arabic! - Oct 2013
None. The people who work in shops/restaurants, etc. are South-East Asian expats who speak broken English. You'll hardly ever need to interact with Saudis, unless it's your job to seek their company. - Mar 2013
It is helpful to know the basics for better service. However, many shop assistants are foreigners also and speak english. - Apr 2011
None. - Jul 2010
None really. - Mar 2010
Depends. If you live on the Dip Quarter, you can get by with just English. - Jan 2010
No one you'll deal with in the grocery stores or restaurants is actually Saudi (and likely not even Arab), so English is the lingua franca for such scenarios. For official contacts, your interlocutors will almost all speak some modicum of English, but Arabic helps to smooth any ruffled feathers. - Dec 2009
English is fine. - Oct 2008
It helps but is not required. - Aug 2008
