top of page


Expat Life in Riyadh: A Friendly Guide to Settling In
Moving to Riyadh can feel like stepping into a new world — exciting, busy, occasionally baffling. This guide shares warm, practical tips to help you navigate expat life in Riyadh with more confidence, from grocery shopping and schools to finding your rhythm in a brand-new culture.
Sarah Green
Dec 17, 20255 min read


Riyadh Fine Dining on a Budget: The Saudi Winter Treat-Dinner Guide (Riyadh, Jeddah & Eastern Province)
Looking for winter treat dinners across Saudi Arabia? From our family night at Fez to the best fine dining spots in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province, here’s your curated shortlist for visitors, celebrations and nights when you want somewhere genuinely special.
Sarah Green
Nov 18, 20256 min read


Navigating Riyadh with Kids: Parks, Play Areas & School Runs
Riyadh with kids is equal parts adventure and endurance test. Between school runs, sandstorms, and the city’s two rush hours, expat parenting takes patience — and good snacks. From safe parks to sanity-saving cafés and realistic ride-hailing tips, here’s how families actually navigate life with little ones in the desert metropolis.
Sarah Green
Oct 23, 20258 min read


What’s On in Saudi Arabia 2025–26: Family Festivals, Riyadh Season & Unmissable Events
From tennis under floodlights to glowing art installations and desert concerts, here’s your insider’s guide to what’s on across Saudi Arabia in 2025–26 — plus where to find tickets before they disappear.
Sarah Green
Oct 16, 20255 min read


Saudi Relocation Starter Pack: What Expats Really Need in Week One
Your first week in Riyadh can feel overwhelming, but this practical starter kit makes it manageable. From paperwork and SIM cards to groceries, housing, schools and healthcare, here’s your clear checklist for settling in quickly and calmly.
Sarah Green
Oct 16, 20253 min read


Riyadh Park: Dessert First, Movie Later — A Family Night Out in Riyadh
A family night at Riyadh Park — dessert first, laughs at Freakier Friday, brisket for dinner — all made better with The Entertainer Saudi Arabia app and a few buy-one-get-one-free wins along the way.
Sarah Green
Oct 14, 20253 min read


Meet Hello Riyadh! — Your Smart Sidekick for Life in Saudi
Say hello to Hello Riyadh! — your smart, friendly relocation assistant trained on real expat experience. Get insider tips, checklists and local know-how to make your move to Saudi Arabia simpler, calmer and far less confusing.
Sarah Green
Oct 12, 20252 min read


Apps Every Expat Needs in Riyadh
Life in Riyadh runs on apps. From paying bills to ordering shawarma at midnight, your phone is the ultimate survival tool. In this guide, I’ve rounded up the must-have apps every expat should download — covering money, food, transport, events and more. Think of it as your fast-track pass to living like a local.
Sarah Green
Oct 9, 20255 min read


So I Finally Tried The Entertainer Saudi (and Why I’m Sticking With It)
Rediscover Riyadh with The Entertainer Saudi — the app turning ordinary weekends into mini adventures, with buy one get one free offers on dining, wellness and travel.
Sarah Green
Oct 9, 20253 min read


Where to Shop in Riyadh: Expat Supermarket Guide 2025
From Spinneys’ gourmet aisles to Lulu’s global pantry, Riyadh’s supermarket scene in 2025 has something for every expat. Whether you’re after British biscuits, American cereals, or budget bulk buys, this guide breaks down the best spots to shop, the quirks of each store, and the apps that deliver it all to your door.
Sarah Green
Sep 18, 20256 min read


Surviving Your First Weeks as an Expat Family in Riyadh
Moving to Riyadh as an expat family can feel overwhelming — paperwork, heat, housing, schools, and culture shock all hit at once. This guide walks you through those first crucial weeks: from Iqama and banking to finding groceries, compounds, and community. With practical tips and a dose of reassurance, you’ll discover that surviving your first weeks in Riyadh is less about perfection and more about small wins and settling into expat life.
Sarah Green
Sep 8, 20255 min read


Top IB Schools in Riyadh for Expat Families (2025 Guide)
Curious about the IB school options in Riyadh? This guide covers everything you need to know — from tuition and accreditation to culture, curriculum, and which school might suit your child best. We've even included a downloadable 2025 comparison chart to help you decide with confidence.
Sarah Green
Jul 24, 20254 min read


Summer Activities for Kids in Riyadh: Your 2025 Beat the Heat Survival Guide
Struggling with bored kids in Riyadh's scorching summer? Discover the best morning and evening activities, air-conditioned escapes, and seasonal closures (like Boulevard World) in this ultimate survival guide for parents.
Sarah Green
Jul 2, 20253 min read


Riyadh Rent Prices 2025: A Geography Nerd's Guide to the Madness
Riyadh rent prices 2025 hit record highs as Vision 2030 fuels demand. Get latest costs for compounds (SAR 180K+), apartments & villas, top expat zones like Hittin/DQ, hidden fees (Ejar, agent fees), and how mega-projects like Murabba & the Metro will reshape living. Essential guide for navigating Saudi Arabia's rental crisis.
Sarah Green
Jun 24, 20255 min read


Cost of Living in Riyadh – Mid-2025 Deep Dive
Thinking of moving to Riyadh or just trying to make sense of your monthly outgoings? This updated 2025 guide breaks down the real cost of living in Saudi’s capital—from rent and school fees to groceries, transport, and hidden extras. Whether you're negotiating a new contract or rethinking your budget, this is your go-to snapshot for expat life in Riyadh today.
Sarah Green
Jun 15, 20253 min read


Where to Live in Riyadh: Schools & Compounds Mapped Out
Struggling to choose where to live in Riyadh? This curated Google Map highlights the city’s most recommended schools and compounds, with tips on traffic, school runs, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you're new to the city or moving neighbourhoods, this guide helps you plot your next chapter with less stress and more confidence.
Sarah Green
May 18, 20254 min read


Weekend Getaways from Riyadh: 5 Easy Escapes for Families
Looking to escape the Riyadh routine? From desert adventures to beachside fun, this guide rounds up five easy weekend getaways for families living in Saudi Arabia – plus bonus ideas for short-haul breaks like Yas Island, Dubai, and Bahrain. Whether you fancy hiking, heritage, or waterparks, there’s something here for every kind of traveller (and every age). Ideal for expats, explorers, and anyone craving a quick change of scene.
Sarah Green
May 11, 20254 min read


Taking Kids to Sands Sports Park South Gate: What You Need to Know
Thinking of tackling Riyadh’s newest mountain biking trails with the kids? Sands Sports Park South Gate is a brilliant adventure — if you’re prepared. Here’s what to expect, what to pack, and why helmets (and a sense of humour) are essential.
Sarah Green
May 7, 20253 min read


How to Make Friends in Riyadh as a New Expat
New in Riyadh? Making friends takes coffee, courage, and a few WhatsApp groups. Here’s how to find your people.
Sarah Green
Apr 21, 20256 min read


5 Common Mistakes Expats Make When Moving to Saudi Arabia
So, You’re Moving to Saudi? Here’s What I Wish I’d Known… Moving to Saudi Arabia was my first big expat adventure. I’d lived abroad...
Sarah Green
Apr 14, 20254 min read

Honest Expat Tips for Life in Saudi Arabia
Subscribe for helpful tools, expat tips, and inside info on living in Saudi
