Move to Saudi Arabia: Expat Relocation Tips & Guides

Real Talk: The Bits No One Puts in the Relocation Brochure

This is where we drop the glossy PR and tell you what expat life in Saudi Arabia is really like. The weird wins. The cultural curveballs. The homesick moments. The joy of finding Weetabix at Danube. Whether you're knee-deep in relocation stress or just wondering if you're the only one Googling “can expats buy gravy granules in Riyadh,” this is your people. Welcome to the unfiltered version.

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

Desert Luxe - Riyadh to AlUla Road Trip

We left Riyadh in the rain and arrived in AlUla by accident at the Banyan Tree. Thirteen hours, one sandstorm and a string of fairy lights to the head later, we’d found luxury, laughter and the quiet beauty of Ashar Valley. A road trip that went wrong in all the right ways.

Sarah Green

Dec 10, 20253 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

Weekend Getaways from Riyadh 2025: Saudi Escapes & Short-Haul Adventures

Dreaming of a quick escape from Riyadh? Whether you fancy a desert adventure, a seaside breeze or a short hop to Amman or Cairo, our 2025 guide to weekend getaways from Riyadh has you covered. From driveable Saudi staycations to easy three-hour flights, discover the best ways to recharge without leaving the region.

Sarah Green

Nov 11, 20255 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

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

Disneyland Paris in a Day: How We Did It (and Survived)

Can you do Disneyland Paris in one day? Yes. Should you? That depends. Here’s how we tackled the park from rope drop to collapse, with kids, sandwiches, and zero regrets.

Sarah Green

Sep 22, 20254 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

Paris with Kids by Train: Why We Skipped Disneyland Hotels and Stayed in the City

Planning a family rail trip to Paris? Here’s how we made the most of our city base with two kids, a backpack full of snacks, and a loose plan. Spoiler: it worked.

Sarah Green

Sep 1, 20254 min read

Planning a Family Interrail Adventure Through Europe (With Teens in Tow)

Escaping the Saudi summer, we set off on a 2,400-mile European train adventure with backpacks, teens, and a spreadsheet in tow. From London to Milan via Disneyland, Legoland, and a lot of train snacks — here's how we planned (and survived) Interrail with teens without actually using the Interrail pass.

Sarah Green

Sep 1, 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

Desert Dreams: A Weekend at Six Senses Southern Dunes, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

A dreamy weekend escape to Six Senses Southern Dunes—Saudi Arabia’s new eco-luxury gem. Think desert calm, private villas, tepache cocktails, and seriously good design.

Sarah Green

May 29, 20254 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