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Life in Riyadh: The Real Expat Experience
Riyadh isn’t just a place you live — it’s a place that lives with you. One moment you’re sipping gahwa under fairy lights in a desert camp, the next you’re decoding a school WhatsApp thread about “National Dress Day” (again). Whether you’ve just unpacked your suitcases or you’ve mastered the art of Friday brunching in abayas and Crocs, this section is your inside scoop.
We’re here to help you navigate the quirks, questions, and quiet joys of expat life in Saudi Arabia’s capital. From finding the best grocery delivery app to knowing why the city falls silent at prayer time — we’ve got real stories, smart tips, and plenty of lived experience. Think of it as your unofficial Riyadh survival guide, with a warm cuppa and a wink.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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
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
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!
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
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...
Oct 10, 20242 min read
Entertaining Visiting Family & Friends in Riyadh: A Two-Day and Seven-Day Itinerary
Today, we're going to help you how the hell you are going to entertain yourselves/visitors/friends by planning the ultimate itineraries...
Sep 27, 20244 min read
Supermarket Safari in Riyadh: Spinneys Joins the Adventure
Discover Riyadh’s supermarkets, from the new gourmet Spinneys to expat fave Tamimi & budget-friendly HyperPanda. Shopping just got exciting!
Jun 30, 20245 min read
A week in the life of an expat in Riyadh - have car will travel
I made the most of having the car all week. Self-care Sunday saw me dashing over to the dentist for my hygiene appointment and then...
Jun 13, 20243 min read
Choosing a Home: My Personal Journey as an Expat in Riyadh
From London to Riyadh: Our family's journey to find the perfect compound, balancing Western comforts with a new community spirit.
Jan 30, 20244 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Shopping Malls in Riyadh
I have a confession. I'm not a mall kinda gal. And I've moved to a city where the mall is ubiquitous. And Saudi does give very good...
Jan 29, 20245 min read
Expat Essentials: Unpacking Family Relocation to Riyadh
I've been chatting up a storm with fellow expats on Facebook, and let me tell you, the scoop on moving to Riyadh with a family is as hot...
Dec 14, 20233 min read
Deciphering the Compound Conundrum in Riyadh
Moving to Riyadh? You're probably grappling with the whole 'compound' thing. Let's face it, the term 'compound' doesn't exactly conjure...
Dec 10, 20233 min read
A Foodie's Guide to Riyadh: Discovering the Best Brunch (and Beyond) Spots
Today, I'm taking you on a cheeky culinary romp through Riyadh's brunch scene. Forget your standard eggs and toast - you can find that on...
Dec 10, 20233 min read
Navigating the Rental Housing Market in Riyadh in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
Let's embark on a jaunt through Riyadh's housing market, shall we? Picture this: a city where ancient traditions shake hands with flashy...
Nov 16, 20232 min read
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