Al Arid is Riyadh's most affordable district for yearly rent: 29 apartments available at prices starting from 57,960 SAR, with an average of 65,005 SAR per year. It is also the only one of the five major northern districts offering all three categories – one, two and three bedrooms – despite its relatively small supply.
Prices and bedroom counts in Al Arid
| Bedrooms | Available units | Starting from | Average yearly rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| One bedroom | 25 units | 57,960 SAR | 61,382 SAR |
| Two bedrooms | 3 units | 73,080 SAR | 73,080 SAR |
| Three bedrooms | One unit | 131,339 SAR | 131,339 SAR |
Prices are from units actually listed in August 2026.
The cheapest in the city, and the difference builds up over the years
The average one-bedroom unit in Al Arid costs 61,382 SAR a year – the lowest among the sought-after northern districts. The difference against its neighbours over a single yearly lease:
| Compared with | Yearly difference | Difference over 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Al Malqa | 6,178 SAR | 18,534 SAR |
| Al Nafal | 6,510 SAR | 19,530 SAR |
| Al Aqiq | 7,268 SAR | 21,804 SAR |
| Qurtubah | 8,670 SAR | 26,010 SAR |
The differences are calculated on the one-bedroom average. In yearly leasing – where a stay runs for years rather than months – this accumulation is the most important consideration after location.
The usual trade-off: a relative distance from the business centres in the middle of the city. It is a trade-off that deserves closer calculation on a yearly lease than on a monthly rental, because you will pay for it every day for at least a full year.
Al Arid vs. neighbouring districts
- Al Aqiq – average 68,650 SAR, a narrow range and one-bedroom units only.
- Al Nafal – average 69,963 SAR, with closely clustered prices.
- Al Malqa – average 72,414 SAR, plus four three-bedroom family units.
- Qurtubah – average 75,528 SAR, the deepest supply and the widest choice for families.
Where is Al Arid and what is around it?
Al Arid sits at the far north of Riyadh, bounded by King Salman Road to the south, King Fahd Road to the west and Abu Bakr Al Siddiq Road to the east, and extends north as far as Bunyan Road. It is one of the fastest-growing districts in the north: new subdivisions, wider streets and newer units with more space than you would get for the same price in the districts closer to the centre. On a yearly lease, the price difference becomes a sum worth counting: Al Arid's average is about seven thousand SAR a year below Al Malqa and more than ten thousand below Qurtubah.
The price is distance: King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is about 15 to 20 minutes away and Al Olaya about 25 to 30 minutes, while its location puts King Khalid International Airport and Princess Nourah University within about 20 minutes. For families, many international and private schools have chosen Al Arid as their base, the major supermarkets and shopping centres sit on the main roads, and there are medical centres within the district, with the major hospitals in the neighbouring districts to the south. The rule: if your work is in the north of the city or near the airport, or you work remotely, Al Arid gives you the most space for the lowest price in Riyadh.
Who is a yearly lease in Al Arid right for?
- Tight budgets: the lowest entry price in the city, at 57,960 SAR a year.
- Anyone planning to stay for years: the difference comes to nearly 26 thousand SAR over three years compared with Qurtubah.
- Anyone who needs two bedrooms: three units at 73,080 SAR – a category not available in Al Malqa, Al Nafal or Al Aqiq.
- Anyone not tied to a fixed workplace: flexible or remote work turns the trade-off in your favour.
Tips before signing in Al Arid
- Test the commute before you sign: drive to your workplace at peak time at least once – a year's commitment starts with a single day's decision.
- Units near 57,960 SAR are limited: they are the cheapest in the entire city.
- Two-bedroom units are a rare option: only three units, with no alternative in the four neighbouring districts.
- The only family unit costs more than its peers: 131,339 SAR versus 95,000 in Qurtubah – larger families will find better value there.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest yearly rent in Al Arid?
From 57,960 SAR a year for a one-bedroom unit, and the average for this category is 61,382 SAR – the lowest among the northern districts.
Is Al Arid really cheaper?
Yes. The district average is 65,005 SAR, compared with 68,650 in Al Aqiq, 72,414 in Al Malqa and 75,528 in Qurtubah, and the difference adds up to around 26 thousand SAR over three years.
Are there two-bedroom apartments in Al Arid?
Yes, three units at 73,080 SAR a year – and Al Arid is the only one of the major northern districts currently offering this category.
What is the difference between yearly and monthly in Al Arid?
The district also offers 29 units on a monthly basis, at an average of 7,193 SAR, and it is the most affordable on both tracks. See the monthly rental guide for Al Arid.
Browse available units
Browse apartments for yearly rent and filter by Al Arid, or see the guide to yearly rent prices across all districts.
