Looking for the best residential compounds in Riyadh for expats? This guide compares top residential compounds in Riyadh - Florentina Compound, Mena House Compound, Mena Al Muruj, Manhal, AL Maria, Mena Village, and Ishbilia Village Compound—with a focus on safety, amenities, and commute. Expect furnished apartments, 24/7 security, pools, gyms, kids’ areas, and reliable maintenance, plus central access to business hubs like KAFD and popular areas such as Al Olaya and Al Malqa. We explain how to choose (commute first, unit type, what’s included), typical lease terms, and what to check on viewings (internet speed, parking, noise/light). Whether you want a calm family setting or a central base near cafés and shopping, you’ll find options from apartments to 2–3 bedroom villas. Use this page to shortlist compounds, confirm inclusions (utilities, internet, parking), and book early—good units go fast.
Finding the right place to live in Riyadh can be one of the biggest challenges for expats moving to Saudi Arabia. With the city’s fast growth and diverse population, residential compounds in Riyadh have become the top choice for those seeking comfort, safety, and community. These gated developments offer a lifestyle similar to what many expats are used to, complete with swimming pools, gyms, cafes, schools, and 24-hour security.
Whether you’re a professional relocating for work or moving with your family, compounds in Riyadh provide everything you need to settle in smoothly. Let's explore some of the best compounds in Riyadh for expats, what makes them unique, and how to choose one that suits your lifestyle and budget.
Florentina Compound Riyadh is in Al Malqa, North Riyadh. It’s a quiet, well-connected area close to Anas Ibn Malik and King Fahd roads. You can reach KAFD and other business areas in a short drive. Boulevard Riyadh City, Boulevard World, and Makan Mall are also nearby for shopping and leisure. The location feels calm but still close to everything you need.
The homes are made for real life. Units come fully furnished, from studios and one-bedrooms to larger two-bedrooms and duplex or penthouse layouts. Interiors are modern and comfortable, with practical kitchens, bright living rooms, and good storage. Many apartments look over gardens or pools, so the view is pleasant and the space feels open.
The compound has many useful facilities. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools you can use year-round. The gym is properly equipped, and there’s a small cinema and gaming rooms for evenings at home. If you work remotely, the e-library and business area make it easy to focus. Everyday needs are covered with basement parking, storage rooms, bike rails, and a café space for a quick break.
Security and services are handled well. Entry is controlled, there is 24/7 security and cameras, and the team is present without being intrusive. Housekeeping and laundry services are available, and maintenance is responsive. Internet is fast and stable, which helps a lot for work calls and streaming.
Life here is simple and convenient. On weekdays, you can finish work, go to the gym, and watch a movie without leaving the compound. On weekends, you can reach the Boulevard or nearby cafés in minutes. Commuting to KAFD is straightforward, and getting to the airport is easy for frequent travelers. Families like the safe, walkable areas and kids’ spaces. Singles and couples enjoy the low-maintenance lifestyle with social options close by.
There are a few things to consider. Furnished homes with many amenities usually cost more than basic apartments outside compounds. The best units can get booked quickly, so it’s smart to plan early. Always check what the rent includes—utilities, internet, parking, and service fees—and read the contract for deposits and renewal terms. If a phase is new, some landscaping may still be growing, so it’s good to visit at different times to see light, noise, and traffic.
Overall, Florentina Compound offers what many expats want in Riyadh: a strong location in the north, comfortable furnished apartments, reliable security, helpful services, and plenty of facilities. If you value time, comfort, and a calm community, it’s a solid choice that works well in daily life.
Mena House Compound is a modern, furnished apartment community in As Sulaymaniyah—a central Riyadh district that makes daily life simple. You’re close to major roads like King Abdulaziz Road and King Fahd Road, with quick access to city landmarks such as King Salman Park, Kingdom Tower, Al Faisaliyah Tower, and dining on Tahlia Street. The location works well if you want a calm home base with fast routes to work, shopping, and leisure.
Apartments come fully furnished in 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom layouts, finished in a clean, contemporary style. Interiors typically include modern kitchens, good lighting, and practical storage—ready to move in without extra hassle. If you’re an expat or a busy professional, the “plug-and-live” setup is a big plus because you don’t need to spend weeks buying furniture or arranging services.
Onsite amenities and services cover most daily needs: 24/7 security with controlled entry, housekeeping, and well-kept shared areas. Residents also benefit from nearby essentials—hypermarkets, banks, cafés, and restaurants—so errands are easy and quick. The aim is simple: safe, comfortable living with the basics handled, so you can focus on work and family.
If you’re comparing compounds, think about three things: commute, what’s included in the rent (utilities, internet, parking, services), and availability—good units can lease fast in central Riyadh. Thanks to its central address, furnished apartments, and reliable services, Mena House Compound is a practical choice for expats who want comfort and convenience in one place.
Mena Village is a villa-style residential compound in As Sulaymaniyah, right in central Riyadh and a short walk from Tahlia Street. The community is purposely small and private—about 30 exclusive villas behind secure gates—so daily life feels calm while you stay close to dining, shopping, and main city routes. It’s designed for expats, professionals, and families who want space, privacy, and an address that keeps weekday routines simple.
Homes here are fully furnished with a choice of two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas, giving you real living space instead of an apartment feel. Interiors are modern and practical, with bright living areas and well-equipped kitchens, so you can move in and settle quickly without weeks of setup. Some three-bedroom options are promoted with extra space and premium touches, making them a good fit for families who want room to spread out.
The compound’s amenities cover the essentials for comfortable, steady routines: an outdoor swimming pool for downtime, a fully equipped gym for daily workouts, a BBQ area and lounge for relaxed evenings, private parking, and high-speed internet included. Just as important are the services behind the scenes—24/7 security with CCTV, gated access, and housekeeping—so the place stays safe, tidy, and easy to manage week after week.
If you’re planning a visit or want to pinpoint it on a map, the site lists the address as 8384, As Sulaymaniyah, Riyadh 12223. From this location you can reach city hubs quickly, step out to cafés and stores nearby, and still come home to a quieter residential setting.
In short, Mena Village Compound offers what many expat families actually want in Riyadh: central location, furnished 2- and 3-bedroom villas in Riyadh, reliable security and housekeeping, and a compact, well-kept environment that feels like a real neighborhood—not a massive complex. It’s a practical, comfortable base if you value privacy and convenience in the heart of the city.
Mena Al Muruj Residence is a modern, well-managed community in Riyadh’s Al Muruj district, designed for expats and professionals who want a calm home base with quick access to the city. The location is a real advantage: you’re in the north of Riyadh with straightforward routes to KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District) and other business areas, plus everyday needs like supermarkets, cafés, clinics, and gyms are only a few minutes away. It feels residential and quiet, yet you’re not cut off from the places you’ll visit most during the week.
Apartments are fully furnished and ready to move in, which removes a lot of hassle for new arrivals. Layouts are practical bright living rooms, efficient kitchens, comfortable bedrooms, and good storage, so you don’t waste space or time. Finishes lean modern and neutral, which makes it easy to add your own style. If you’re working hybrid or from home, you’ll find the rooms proportioned well enough to set up a proper workstation without crowding the living area.
The overall setup focuses on simple, reliable living. Security is 24/7 with controlled entry, and maintenance requests are handled promptly, so the building runs smoothly behind the scenes. Internet is fast and stable for calls and streaming. Common areas are kept tidy, and management keeps the day-to-day service consistent, which matters more than flashy extras in the long run.
Life here is designed to be low-stress. On weekdays, the commute to KAFD and nearby offices is direct; after work, you can unwind in a quiet apartment without the noise of busier districts. Weekends are easy too, you’re close to popular dining streets and shopping spots in north Riyadh, and quick trips for groceries or coffee don’t turn into long drives. For families, the area’s organized layout and nearby services make school runs and errands straightforward. For singles and couples, it’s a clean, no-drama base that keeps routines smooth.
Pricing reflects the convenience of furnished units in a central-north location, but you typically save time and extra costs on furniture, appliances, and setup. If you’re comparing options, check what’s included in the rent, utilities, parking, and internet differ by lease, and review terms for deposits, renewals, and notice periods. Because the location is in demand, good apartments tend to be taken quickly, so it’s smart to view early and have your documents ready.
In short, Mena Al Muruj Residence gives you what most expats actually need in Riyadh: a calm address in the right part of town, comfortable and fully furnished apartments in Riyadh near KAFD, reliable services, and a management team that keeps things working. It’s not about show; it’s about a home that supports your week, easy to move into, easy to live in, and easy to maintain.
Manhal Residence is a modern, fully furnished apartment building in the Al Olaya district of Riyadh—one of the city’s most central, in-demand areas. The residence focuses on simple, comfortable living for professionals and expats who want to be close to business, dining, and everyday services while coming home to a calm, well-kept place.
Apartments are move-in ready and come in two practical options: 1-bedroom from about 80 m² and 2-bedroom from about 105 m². Each unit is designed to feel bright and open, with modern interiors that make it easy to set up a home office, relax after work, and host a friend without feeling short on space. The building includes around 50+ fully furnished apartments, which helps keep the community feel organized and manageable compared with very large complexes.
Day to day, life here is designed to be low-stress. Because the units are fully furnished, you avoid the time and cost of buying furniture and arranging utilities on arrival. The property promotes secure living and premium amenities, so residents can focus on work and routine while the essentials are handled in the background. The location in Al Olaya also means quick access across the city for meetings, errands, and weekends out.
If you’re comparing places in central Riyadh, Manhal Residence stands out for its combination of address, ready-to-live apartments, and clean, modern style. It is a straightforward choice for expats and professionals who want a comfortable base in the heart of the city without the hassle of setting everything up from scratch.
AL Maria Residence is a fully furnished apartment community in Al Sulaymaniyah, Riyadh. It’s designed for people who want a simple, comfortable life in a central location. The building sits close to everyday essentials and city highlights, and it connects easily to the rest of Riyadh. You’re near King Salman Park and the Abu Dhabi Square Metro area, so getting around for work, shopping, or weekend plans is straightforward.
Apartments come move-in ready in 1, 2, and 3-bedroom layouts. Interiors are modern and practical, with bright living spaces and proper kitchens—easy to make your own without buying lots of furniture. The property focuses on hotel-style convenience: everything is organized so residents can settle quickly and keep their routines smooth.
Daily life is supported by useful amenities on site. There’s a rooftop swimming pool with city views and a fully equipped gym for regular workouts. You’ll also find an on-site café and restaurant plus calm lounge areas, so you can meet friends or relax without leaving the building. Security runs 24/7 with controlled access, which helps the place feel safe and well managed.
The address listed on the site is: 8064–8089 Al Bayan, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12233. If you’re visiting for a tour or moving day, it’s an easy spot to find and a practical base for day-to-day living in the city.
In short, AL Maria Residence offers what many expats and professionals look for in Riyadh: furnished apartments Al Sulaymaniyah, Riyadh, everyday services under one roof, steady security, and a central location that makes the whole week easier.
Ishbilia Village Compound is a secure, family-friendly residential community in the Ishbilia district of Riyadh. Apartments are fully furnished and designed for everyday comfort, with landscaped areas, swimming pools, a fitness center, children’s play spaces, and tidy shared lounges that make daily life simple for expats and professionals. The compound focuses on calm living inside the gates—24/7 security, controlled entry, and well-kept facilities—while keeping you close to the city’s main routes and services.
Daily routines are straightforward here. Residents have access to on-site recreation like a pool and gym, plus relaxed social spaces such as a lounge and game room. Practical details are covered too: on-site parking, maintenance support, and internet-friendly work corners help you manage work and home without extra hassle. Several third-party listings also note amenities such as a jacuzzi/sauna area, sports courts, and organized green zones—useful if you want exercise and downtime without leaving the compound.
The location is easy to reach and simple to share with visitors. Ishbilia Village lists its address as Al Hanafi Street, Ishbilia, Riyadh, placing you on the northeast side of the city with convenient access to major roads, business areas, and shopping. Navigation services also recognize the compound on Al Hanafi Street, making directions and ride-hailing straightforward for guests and deliveries.
If you prefer villa living or larger formats from the same “Ishbilia” family of communities, the wider Ishbilia Residential Compound nearby features spacious duplex and executive villas—useful context if you’re comparing apartment-style living with villa options in the same general area. Those villas emphasize size and premium finishes while maintaining the same gated, Western-standard approach to services and security.
Ishbilia Village Compound is a practical choice if you want furnished apartments, steady security, and everyday amenities in a calm setting—close enough to city life to make errands and commutes easy, but peaceful when you come home.
Pin your commute: Map your office (e.g., KAFD, Olaya, Sulaymaniyah) and shortlist compounds within 15–25 minutes.
Decide your format: Apartment vs. villa, furnished vs. unfurnished, 1–3 bedrooms.
Check what’s included: Internet, utilities, parking, housekeeping, amenities access, deposit/renewal terms.
Tip: Good units go fast. View early, bring documents (ID, employment letter), and ask for a sample lease.
Internet: Confirm speed and provider; test a video call during the viewing.
Noise & light: Visit at different times (evening/weekend) to check traffic and neighbour noise.
Parking: Ask about assigned spaces and guest parking rules.
Kids & pets: Confirm policies and play areas; some compounds have restrictions.
Commute reality: Do a test drive to your office at peak time.
Choosing the best residential compounds in Riyadh for expats comes down to three things: your commute, the home type you need, and what’s included in the lease. The options in this guide—Florentina, Mena House, Mena Al Muruj, Manhal, AL Maria, Mena Village, and Ishbilia Village—cover the most in-demand areas, from compounds near KAFD to apartments in Riyadh Al Olaya and Al Malqa. Most offer furnished apartments in Riyadh with 24/7 security, pools, gyms, kids’ spaces, and responsive maintenance—everything expats expect from residential compounds in Riyadh.
Before you decide, do a peak-hour test drive, confirm internet speed, check parking, and ask exactly which utilities and services are included. Good units move fast, so shortlisting early helps.
If you want a simple next step, use SaudiCompounds.com to compare listings by area, amenities, and budget, then schedule viewings with your documents ready. With a clear shortlist and the checks above, you’ll find a compound that fits your routine—safe, convenient, and genuinely easy to live in
1) What makes residential compounds in Riyadh popular with expats?
Gated security, furnished apartments or villas, on-site amenities (pools, gym, kids’ areas), and a ready-made international community. They reduce setup time and make everyday life easier.
2) Are compounds more expensive than regular apartments?
Usually yes. You’re paying for security, facilities, and services. Many expats find the extra cost worth it for convenience and peace of mind.
3) Which areas are best for expats—KAFD, Al Olaya, or Al Malqa?
Near KAFD (Al Muruj / North): good for short commutes.
Al Olaya (Central): close to offices, dining, malls.
Al Malqa / North corridors: newer stock and easy driving links.
Choose based on your daily commute first.
4) Do compounds offer furnished apartments?
Yes—most expat-focused compounds provide furnished 1–3 bedroom apartments and, in some cases, 2–3 bedroom villas. Furnished saves time and upfront costs.
5) What should I check in the lease?
Confirm what’s included (internet, water, electricity, parking, amenities access), deposit amount, renewal/exit terms, and maintenance response times. Ask for a sample contract.
6) How far in advance should I start searching?
Start 4–6 weeks before move-in. Good units in prime areas can have waiting lists.
7) Are short-term rentals available?
Some compounds offer 3–6 month leases, but 12-month contracts are most common. Shorter stays can be priced higher.
8) How is the internet speed in compounds?
Varies by property/provider. Test a video call during your viewing and ask for the current plan (speed, data cap, upgrade options).
9) Are pets allowed in compounds?
Policies differ. Some allow pets with size/breed rules and deposits. Confirm before signing.
10) Is parking included?
Often yes (one space per unit), but policies differ for extra or guest parking. Ask about assigned spots and visitor rules.
11) Are compounds family-friendly?
Most are. Look for kids’ play areas, green spaces, pools with lifeguards, and nearby schools. Visit at peak times to gauge noise and activity.
12) Apartment vs. villa—what’s better for expats?
Apartments: easier to maintain and usually cheaper.
Villas: more privacy and space (good for families), typically higher rent.
13) What are typical commute times from popular areas?
Peak-hour traffic matters. Do a test drive from the compound to your office (e.g., KAFD, Olaya, Sulaymaniyah) at your actual start time.
14) What documents do I need to rent?
Passport/Iqama, employment letter or proof of income, and sometimes a local bank account/cheque. Keep copies ready to speed up approval.
15) Can I negotiate rent or inclusions?
Sometimes: especially on longer leases or off-peak seasons. You may secure extras like faster internet, an extra parking spot, or minor furniture changes.
16) How do I compare compounds quickly?
Make a shortlist by commute, unit type, and what’s included. Then book same-day viewings, test internet speed, check parking/visitor access, and walk common areas.