Moving to Maldives from Saudi Arabia

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What to Expect

Considering a move from Saudi Arabia to Maldives? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Saudi Arabia to Maldives, and you’d need to navigate life in Maldivian. You’ll also switch from driving on the right to the left.

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Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Maldives compared to Saudi Arabia.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

per 100,000 people per year

SA
0.8
MV
0.6
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

SA
18.5
MV
1.3

Maldives performs significantly better than Saudi Arabia across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

SA
$3,475
MV
$2,288
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

affects wait times and access to care

SA
30.8
MV
21.6

Maldives generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Saudi Arabia leads in doctors per 10,000 people.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

SA
91.0
MV
29.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

SA
18.5t
MV
3.6t

Maldives performs significantly better than Saudi Arabia across all environment metrics.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

SA
37.0
MV
17.4
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

SA
974.2%
MV
15.7%

Saudi Arabia generally does better on infrastructure, though Maldives leads in water stress level.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

SA
4.9%
MV
4.1%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

SA
$49,600
MV
$22,400

Saudi Arabia generally does better on employment & economy, though Maldives leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

SA
76.7 yrs
MV
76.9 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

SA
12.3
MV
25.7

Saudi Arabia generally does better on family life, though Maldives leads in life expectancy.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Saudi Arabia and Maldives. To live, work, or study long-term in Maldives, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Maldives's immigration authority.

Saudi Arabia passport

Saudi Arabia passport holder visiting Maldives

Visa on Arrival
Saudi Arabia passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Maldives.
Maldives passport

Maldives passport holder visiting Saudi Arabia

Visa on Arrival
Maldives passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Maldives?

Connectivity is usually fine (Maldives: 17.4 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Maldives offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Maldives safe for expats?

Maldives performs significantly better than Saudi Arabia across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in Maldives is 0.6 per 100,000 people, compared to 0.8 in Saudi Arabia.

How is healthcare in Maldives compared to Saudi Arabia?

Maldives generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Saudi Arabia leads in doctors per 10,000 people. There are 21.6 doctors per 10,000 people in Maldives, compared to 30.8 in Saudi Arabia. Maldives scores 61 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Saudi Arabia: 74).

What language do they speak in Maldives?

The official language in Maldives is Maldivian. In Saudi Arabia, the official language is Arabic.

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At a Glance

SA MV
Population 35,354,380 390,164
Currency Saudi Riyal (SAR) Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Languages Arabic Maldivian
Driving side Right Left
Calling code +966 +960
Time zones 1 1
Emergency number 911