Highlighting the attractiveness of Saudi Arabia, residents in the Kingdom who responded to a Western Union survey praised the country for a variety of reasons.

Respondents to the survey commented on the peace of mind, the comfortable lifestyle in Saudi Arabia, the ability to raise a family in addition to the safety standards and lasting friendships that they have forged over the years. Working in the Kingdom has also been beneficial to the expatriate community in helping them to achieve several personal goals. Buying a home, having a better lifestyle and better savings were some of the reasons highlighted in the survey.

The results of the survey and its interesting insights were drawn from the My Yellow Brick Road Saudi Arabia campaign, which was launched by the Western Union Company, an international money transfer company.

According to the survey, high levels of safety and making good friends stood out as key factors in helping expatriates feel at home in Saudi Arabia while better savings stood out as the top personal goal for expatriates residing in the country.

Hatem Sleiman, regional vice president — Middle East at Western Union, said: “For many residents, Saudi Arabia has truly become a home away from home giving them a supportive environment to prosper.”

Aghiad Albirais, a Syrian who has made Saudi Arabia his home for the past 9 years, said: Working in Saudi Arabia has helped me save money, have a better lifestyle, and pay debts.”

According to Badria Salloum, a Yemeni national, “Having been in the Kingdom for the last 26 years, it really feels like home because I have made good friends, I feel safe here and I have more peace of mind.”

During the survey, participants were requested to fill an online questionnaire focusing on their personal and professional experiences in the country of their residence.