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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
12 hours ago5 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 244 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 23 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 244 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 153 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 184 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 114 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 73 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 216 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 144 min read


The Best Schools in Riyadh: What Expats Need to Know in 2025
A complete 2025 guide to the best international schools in Riyadh for expat families, including locations, curricula, and top insider tips.
Sarah Green
Apr 64 min read


Where to Live in Riyadh: A Guide for Expats
Your guide to the best places to live in Riyadh—find your expat-friendly neighbourhood in the heart of Saudi Arabia.
Sarah Green
Mar 264 min read


Cost of Living in Riyadh: What Expats Really Spend in 2025
Cost of Living in Riyadh Let’s be honest—trying to figure out the real cost of living in Riyadh is like asking how long a piece of...
Sarah Green
Mar 254 min read


What Is It Like Living in Riyadh?
Curious about life in Saudi Arabia's capital? Here's what it's really like living in Riyadh as an expat – from culture shocks to daily joys.
Sarah Green
Mar 254 min read


Riyadh’s Souqs: Where to Shop, Wander, and Soak Up Saudi Culture
Modern Riyadh is all mirrored towers and six-lane highways—but slip down the right side street, and you’ll find yourself in a completely...
Sarah Green
Mar 253 min read


How to Get a Driver’s Licence in Saudi Arabia as an Expat Woman
A friendly step-by-step guide for expat women getting a Saudi driving licence — from medical checks to road tests, in plain English
Sarah Green
Mar 243 min read


Festive Treasure Hunting in a Changing Riyadh
Festive finds in Al Dirah! Shop fabrics, lights, and crafts at Mokhaliah Center. Go early or late, use the metro, and dress modestly for the
Sarah Green
Dec 8, 20240 min read


Desert Roses & Rooftop Cocktails: The Ultimate Girls’ Weekend in Doha
From rooftop cocktails to the stunning Desert Rose museum, Doha is perfect for a girls’ weekend getaway—art, brunch, and Gulf vibes galore!
Sarah Green
Nov 13, 20244 min read


Riyadh Season 101: Your Guide to What It Is, How to Catch Events, and What Not to Miss
Discover Riyadh Season: a months-long festival of culture, concerts, art, and food. From MDL BEAST to Noor Riyadh, there’s something for eve
Sarah Green
Nov 5, 20243 min read


Riyadh's Culinary Revolution: From Segregation to Sensational Dining Experiences
Today, we're diving into the evolving and exciting world of Riyadh's dining scene. The Saudi capital has undergone a gastronomic...
Sarah Green
Oct 10, 20242 min read

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