Living in Al Malaz, Riyadh - Complete Neighborhood Guide for Expats

Al Malaz District - Your Complete Guide to Living in Central Riyadh Al Malaz is one of Riyadh's most established and central neighborhoods, offering excellent connectivity and a vibrant community for expats and locals alike. Location Advantages: Prime Central Location - Easy access to all major Riyadh areas Close to King Saud University - Popular with students and academics Near King Khalid International Airport (30 mins drive) Connected to major highways: King Fahd Road and Eastern Ring Road Walking distance to Al Malaz Metro Station (coming soon) What Makes Al Malaz Special: Mature Neighborhood - Established since 1950s with tree-lined streets Mix of Old and New - Traditional Saudi homes alongside modern apartments Affordable Living - More budget-friendly than Olaya or DQ Family-Friendly - Schools, parks, and community facilities Diverse Community - Mix of expats and Saudi families Housing Options in Al Malaz: Apartments: SAR 15,000 - 35,000 per year Villas: SAR 40,000 - 80,000 per year Bedspace/Shared accommodation: SAR 500 - 1,200 per month Furnished units available Mix of older buildings and new developments Shopping and Amenities: Al Malaz Souq - Traditional market for groceries and essentials Mini Markets - Panda, Tamimi, local supermarkets Bakeries and Restaurants - Mix of Arabic, Pakistani, Indian, Filipino cuisine Medical Clinics - Multiple healthcare centers Barber Shops and Salons - Affordable grooming services Nearby Attractions: King Fahd Stadium - Major sports venue (5 mins) Al Malaz Park - Green space for families Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium - Sports and events Close to Riyadh Gallery Mall (15 mins) Near Granada Center and Al Nakheel Mall Transportation: Public Transport: Buses connect to major areas Taxis and Uber/Careem: Readily available Metro Station: Under construction (Riyadh Metro Blue Line) Parking: Generally available, less congested than downtown Driving: 15-20 mins to King Abdullah Financial District Employment Opportunities Near Al Malaz: King Saud University - Academic and administrative jobs King Faisal Specialist Hospital - Healthcare positions Government offices - Various ministries nearby Retail and hospitality - Local businesses hiring Close to industrial areas - Manufacturing jobs Current Job Openings in Riyadh (as of Jan 2026): Food Delivery Drivers - Up to 4,000 SAR/month HVAC Technicians - Immediate hiring Restaurant Staff - Cooks, servers, kitchen helpers Plumbers - Construction experience required Warehouse Workers - 14+ positions available Facility Management - Multiple positions Best For Expats: Budget-conscious professionals Students at King Saud University Healthcare workers at nearby hospitals Small families seeking affordable accommodation Those who want central location without premium prices Cost of Living in Al Malaz: Rent: Lower than Olaya, Diplomatic Quarter Groceries: Affordable local markets Dining: Mix of budget and mid-range options Transportation: Economical due to central location Overall: 20-30% cheaper than premium districts Community and Safety: Safe residential area with regular police patrols Established expat community (Pakistani, Indian, Filipino, Egyptian) Mosques on every corner Community centers and sports clubs 24/7 convenience stores Things to Know: Traffic can be heavy during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) Older buildings may lack modern amenities Summer temperatures very hot (40-50C) - AC essential Friday prayer times affect business hours Ramadan timing changes for shops and restaurants Why Choose Al Malaz in 2026: Upcoming Metro connectivity will boost accessibility Continued urban development and infrastructure improvements Growing dining and retail scene Strong sense of community Value for money compared to newer districts Central hub for reaching all parts of Riyadh Perfect for expats who want: Central location without premium pricing Established infrastructure and services Diverse international community Easy access to universities and hospitals Traditional Riyadh neighborhood feel Are you living in Al Malaz? Share your experience and tips for newcomers below!