Landing in a new city can make every small task feel urgent. It isn’t. This is the order I would follow to get comfortable without trying to solve your entire life in one week.
Day one: get connected
Start with a local SIM, reliable home internet and the essential government apps you are eligible to use. Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, visa and Iqama details somewhere secure.
Make daily life easy
Save your home address in both English and Arabic, locate your closest supermarket and pharmacy, and set up one transport and one food-delivery app. You do not need every app on day one.
Learn your neighbourhood
Take one short walk or drive at different times of day. Note the nearest mosque, clinic, laundry, café and convenience store. Riyadh is large; knowing your immediate pocket makes it feel manageable.
A gentle tip Give yourself a week before buying everything for your home. Your real routine will tell you what you actually need.
Yours truly,
Saudi