In a surprising shift for expatriates, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the second-best country in the world for working abroad, according to the latest Expat Insider survey. The kingdom has made a significant leap from 14th place in 2023 to the runner-up position.

The survey’s Working Abroad Index ranks countries based on career prospects, salary and job security, work-life balance, and work culture.

Saudi Arabia excelled in career opportunities, with 75% of expats agreeing their move improved their career prospects. Additionally, 62% view their career opportunities favorably, surpassing both the US and UAE.

Economic strength is another highlight, with 82% of expats highly satisfied with the state of the local economy. This contributes to Saudi Arabia’s second-place ranking in the salary and job security subcategory.

However, longer working hours are a consideration for potential expats. The average workweek in Saudi Arabia sits at 47.8 hours, compared to the global average of 42.5 hours. This translates to the kingdom’s lowest rankings in the index for working hours (23rd) and work-life balance (27th).

Beyond the work environment, Saudi Arabia also performs well in the Expat Essentials Index. This index assesses factors like ease of obtaining visas, bureaucracy, housing affordability, and digital infrastructure. Ranking 6th globally, Saudi Arabia surpasses established expat destinations like Singapore, Mexico, Indonesia, and Kenya.

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