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Welcome to Saudi Life Unpacked, the podcast where we literally unpack the expat life in Saudi Arabia.Are you Saudi quisitive? Whether you’re already here or considering making the move, this podcast is your go to resource for everything you need to know about life in Saudi Arabia.Moving to Saudi Arabia can feel like an unknown. We are here to demystify the desert and explore the vibrant and dynamic experiences of expats living in the kingdom.Frankie and Lily are here to answer your burning questions about being an expat in Saudi, as well as shining a light on the many positive aspects of living and working in this fascinating part of the world.
66 Episodes
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Welcome back, it’s our first catch up of 2026 and we’re kicking off the year with a proper life update!Frankie and Lily kick off the new year with big updates - including Saudi Life: Unpacked officially launching on YouTube and a brand new recording space in the works before diving into a real, honest catch-up on winter break travels (UK + Ireland), expat family life, and the reality of getting back into routine after the holidays.We also get into the stuff no one really talks about: post-travel reset with kids, screen time culture shocks, and the emotional side of expat life - all while keeping it light, funny, and very us.Plus, we answer your burning questions about moving to Riyadh - from short-term rentals and job hunting, to how to meet people as a newcomer (especially if you’re arriving solo).SHOWNOTES:- Our first catch up of 2026 + what’s been happening behind the scenes- SLU updates: YouTube launch + a new recording space coming soon- Winter break travel recap: UK highlights, Ireland trip, and expat holiday realities- Frankie’s renovation / project house update (and the chaos that comes with it!)- The post-travel routine reset: kids, emotions, and back-to-school transitions- Screen time culture shocks + parenting abroad- Why Saudi winter is an underrated time to explore (or stay put)-QA: Your burning questionsDo you need a “perfect plan” before moving?Short-term accommodation options in RiyadhJob hunting in Saudi - what the market feels like right nowHow to make friends and build community as a newcomer (at any age)Resources Recommendations:Opal (screen time + focus app)Pinterest (vision boards / goal setting inspiration)Fairmont (near Olaya / Ramla Plaza) - long-stay studio apartment area optionAntara Compound - short-term compound stay optionThe Botanist (mentioned as an example of a small business journey)Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
What does it really take to walk across Saudi Arabia on foot - as a woman?In this extraordinary episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Lily sit down with Alice Morrison, a British explorer, journalist, and adventurer who has just completed a world-first journey: walking 2,195km across Saudi Arabia over 112 days, from the Jordan border all the way down through the Kingdom.Recorded only moments after she finished (still in her desert expedition gear!), Alice takes us behind the scenes of one of the most ambitious overland journeys ever attempted in Saudi Arabia. We talk about the reality of daily life in the desert - no bathrooms, limited water, blistered feet, survival logistics and the deep human moments that made it unforgettable.Along the way, she shares what she learned about Saudi hospitality, cultural respect (ehdram), the kindness of strangers, and why Saudi Arabia felt not only welcoming but surprisingly safe - even as a solo female traveler.If you’ve ever been curious about Saudi Arabia beyond the headlines, this episode is a rare window into the country’s landscapes, people, and spirit - told through a journey few could imagine.Listen now, and if you’re navigating life in Saudi (or thinking about moving), this one will leave you inspired.SHOW NOTES:Walking across Saudi Arabia solo: route + logisticsDesert survival: water, navigation the role of her support teamThe mental game of solitude and enduranceCamel culture (yes, emotional support camels!)Saudi hospitality, safety what locals really thought of the expeditionWhat Alice is doing next (book + possible TV series)
What is life in Jeddah really like - beyond the stereotypes?In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie Lily sit down with Rawan Al-Turki, a Saudi photographer born and raised in Jeddah, to explore the city through truly local eyes. From the historic streets of Al-Balad to fish markets, fashion shoots, and everyday moments most visitors never see, Rawan shares how photography has become a way to tell Saudi Arabia’s untold stories.We talk about growing up in Jeddah, the city’s deep cultural mix, the role of women in Saudi’s creative industries, and how heritage and modern life coexist in powerful, unexpected ways. Rawan also reflects on how Saudi Arabia has changed over the years - especially for women and why storytelling through art matters now more than ever.This conversation is an honest, inspiring look at Jeddah’s culture, creativity, and people and a reminder that Saudi Arabia is far more layered than many imagine.This episode is a must-listen for expats, creatives, and anyone curious about modern Saudi Arabia, female perspectives, and the beauty found in everyday moments.Shownotes:- What it is really like to grow up and live in Jeddah as a Saudi woman- Why Jeddah feels culturally different from other Saudi cities- The history and beauty of Al-Balad and Hijazi architectureHow photography became a storytelling tool for capturing Saudi life- The rise of female creatives in Saudi ArabiaShooting fashion, heritage, and everyday life - from old houses to fish markets- Why art, culture, and people are central to understanding modern Saudi Arabia- How Saudi stereotypes fall apart when you experience daily life on the ground
What happens when life forces you to stop - and start again?In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie & Lily sit down with Umniah Alzahery, a Saudi entrepreneur based in Jeddah, to talk about career ambition, burnout, illness, and building a business that brought joy back into her life.Umniah shares her journey from a high-pressure corporate HR career to surviving cancer during the pandemic - and how that experience completely reshaped her relationship with work, health, and success. We explore what it is really like to navigate Saudi Arabia’s corporate world, the healthcare system, and female entrepreneurship, and how a simple love of food evolved into a taco truck business that went all the way to Formula 1 events.This is an honest, powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what life and business can look like when you choose purpose over pressure.A must-listen for those at a crossroads - For anyone feeling burned out, rethinking their career, building something new, or finding their place in Saudi Arabia.SHOWNOTES:- Working in Saudi Arabia’s corporate world and the pressure to succeed- Burnout, health challenges, and navigating cancer during COVID- The Saudi healthcare system and personal care experiences- Leaving corporate life and redefining success- Building a food truck business in Jeddah from scratch- Turning a side hustle into a Formula 1-level business- Female entrepreneurship and startup culture in Saudi Arabia- Life lessons on resilience, purpose, and starting again For community questions tips, join our Whatsapp community here:Khobar; https://chat.whatsapp.com/K8Dk4iX50tNLukqgHHLnvV?mode=ems_copy_cJeddah; https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kv6MxVrWKwG3pjv2XXFciH?mode=ems_copy_cRiyadh; https://chat.whatsapp.com/DysXvVVswHoHhUNMxALH1s?mode=ems_copy_c
In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down for an honest, end-of-year conversation about expat life in Saudi Arabia - the highs, the challenges, and the moments that make the Kingdom start to feel like home.They share personal life updates, winter travel plans, parenting reflections, and what it really looks like to raise happy children while living abroad. The conversation also dives into community questions, including practical expat topics like shipping, Christmas traditions, events, and navigating everyday life in Saudi.Frankie and Lily pull back the curtain on building Saudi Life Unpacked as a podcast, business, and community platform - from authenticity and monetisation to why listening to the community has shaped everything they do. They also reflect on expat wins, buying property, finding identity after moving countries, and the small moments that signal you are no longer just visiting, you belong.A thoughtful, reassuring listen for anyone living abroad, re-evaluating their journey, or stepping into a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.Show Notes:- Expat family life, parenting, and school holidays- Winter travel plans and life updates- Community QA on shipping, Christmas, and everyday logistics- Building Saudi Life Unpacked as a podcast, business, and community- Events, WhatsApp groups, and bringing Saudis and expats together- When Saudi Arabia starts to feel like home- Personal wins, identity, and settling into life in the KingdomFor community questions tips, join our Whatsapp community here:Khobar; https://chat.whatsapp.com/K8Dk4iX50tNLukqgHHLnvV?mode=ems_copy_cJeddah; https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kv6MxVrWKwG3pjv2XXFciH?mode=ems_copy_cRiyadh; https://chat.whatsapp.com/DysXvVVswHoHhUNMxALH1s?mode=ems_copy_c
Ep. 60 Drinking Water!!!! Everything you need to know (with all the research done!)
Ep 59. Rozana Albanawi: The Heartbeat of Human-Centred Leadership (and golden Insights into Jeddah!)
Ep 58. From Identity to Anxiety: Psychologist, Carl Garner on the Real Emotional Impact of Moving Abroad
Ep. 57 "So Here's the tip...." We answer some FAQ's & give some tips on 'what to wear' to 'how to drive' (and all in-between)
Through His Eyes: A Husband’s Take on Moving to Saudi Frankie sits down with her husband Michael to unpack the highs, lows,
Ep. 54 Bonjour Arabia! Frankie Lily sit down with Cecilia Pueyo, co-founder CEO of Bonjour Arabia (formally 'Bonjour Saudi') - expert on cultural experiences in Saudi.
The Stories Behind the Hosts – Frankie & Lily’s Path to Saudi Arabia
Ep 53. Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Dr Felwa AlMarshad joins Lily & Frankie for a practical and honest discussion on her mission to educate (Men & women) in the region.
Ep 52. Frankie & Lily catch up - Start of a new school year and we're off and running! Events, concierge and Riyadh season (and great weather!)
Ep.51 *Special SLU update* SL Concierge Launch! - hear about how 'Saudi Life: Unpacked' is expanding
Ep 50. Q A with Lama Alhamawi: Saudi journalist, Head of Diplomacy Foreign Affairs at Arab News, and founder of the Discussions podcast - to unpack her powerful career journey. If you're still bringing assumptions about the Kingdom in your carry-on, this episode will change that.
Ep 49. Q A with Tulin Meric Sahin, makeup artists and skincare professional - talking bringing up children through their formative years in Saudi, practical tips tricks on everything from skin care to parenting grounded children - we cover it all.
Ep 48. Q & A with Palavi Kele, Cross-cultural Psychologist. We discuss her work helping individuals and organisations navigate the rich and nuanced cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia.
Frankie & Lily 'post summer' catch up - Changing schools & feelings about returning to Saudi after a long summer break abroad.
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I’m so excited to see what you’re going to produce! I can’t wait to listen and explore the amazing content you’ll share.