Saudi Life: Unpacked

Moving countries with teenagers is one of the hardest transitions a family can face - but no one really talks about it.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Saudi content creator Ruba Tursun and her mother Dr. Rihab, a marriage and family therapy consultant based in Riyadh.Together they explore the emotional realities of moving countries, raising teenagers between cultures, and how families can navigate big transitions while protecting their relationships.Ruba shares her experience moving from Miami to Saudi Arabia at 17 and the identity shift that came with it, while Dr. Rihab offers expert insight into parenting through cultural transitions, supporting teenagers during relocation, and why therapy is becoming increasingly important in Saudi Arabia.The conversation also dives into the evolving openness around mental health in the Kingdom, the pressures expat families face when relocating, and how parents and children can stay connected through life’s biggest changes.If you’re an expat moving to Saudi Arabia, raising children abroad, or curious about family life and mental health in the Kingdom, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice.SHOWNOTES:What it’s really like moving teenagers between culturesRuba’s experience leaving Miami and returning to Saudi ArabiaThe identity shift that happens when you relocate as a young adultWhy moving countries can challenge marriages and familiesHow parents can support teenagers during relocationThe importance of maintaining routines when moving abroadHow Saudi Arabia’s culture and lifestyle have evolved over the past decadeBreaking the stigma around therapy in Saudi ArabiaWhy communication between parents and children is essential during transitionsThe unique mother-daughter relationship between Ruba and Dr. RihabStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What is the Red Sea Project really like - and is it worth visiting right now?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily record live from SLS Red Sea, one of Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury resorts.We share our first impressions, what surprised us the most, and answer the questions we constantly get from expats: How do you get there? Can you bring kids? Is it worth the price?From the futuristic airport arrival to the electric-blue water, family-friendly activities and incredible food, we unpack what a stay at the Red Sea actually looks like right now - including the exciting parts and the realities of visiting a destination still being developed.If you're living in Saudi or considering visiting, this episode gives you an honest look at one of the Kingdom’s most talked-about new destinations.SHOW NOTESRecording live from SLS Red Sea, one of Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury resortsHow to get there from Riyadh, Jeddah and DubaiFirst impressions of the Red Sea ProjectWhat the arrival and airport experience is likeTravelling to the Red Sea with kidsKids club, water sports and family activitiesFood, service and overall resort experienceSafety and atmosphere compared to other destinationsPricing and value compared to places like Dubai or the MaldivesWhat to expect while the Red Sea is still being developedStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What’s really hidden inside Old Riyadh?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Fatimah Abusrair, a licensed tour guide, communication consultant and cultural storyteller who is helping people experience a different side of the city.Fatimah runs the first tip-based walking tour in Saudi Arabia, guiding guests through the historic Qasr Al-Hukm district - home to Masmak Fort, traditional souqs, Friday auctions and some of Riyadh’s most fascinating cultural stories.Through her tours, she brings the history, traditions and everyday life of the area to life in a way many visitors and even long-term expats often miss.In this conversation we talk about the inspiration behind her tours, the cultural details hidden in plain sight around Riyadh, and why understanding the roots of the city can completely change how you see Saudi Arabia today.If you’ve ever driven past Old Riyadh and wondered what’s actually there, this episode might just inspire you to go and explore it for yourself.SHOW NOTES• Meet Fatimah Abusrair and her unique tip-based tour concept• Exploring the historic Qasr Al-Hukm district in Old Riyadh• The cultural stories behind Masmak Fort and the surrounding souqs• Why authentic walking tours are still rare in Saudi Arabia• The famous Friday antique auctions in Old Riyadh• Why tipping culture feels unusual in Saudi• Understanding Saudi traditions and everyday cultural moments• Keeping up with the rapid changes happening across Riyadh• Fatimah’s vision to inspire more local tour guides in the KingdomStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What would you do if your life changed overnight?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with artist Aida Murad, whose life changed overnight when she became partially paralysed with rheumatoid arthritis in her early twenties. Instead of focusing on what she had lost, she chose to focus on the 1% she could still use - and that decision led her to a completely new purpose through art.Now based in Saudi Arabia, Aida is an artist-in-residence at the St. Regis, a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, and an advocate for creativity as a tool for healing, innovation and personal growth.We also explore what it’s really like building a creative career in Saudi today - the opportunities, the relationship-driven culture, the need for patience and flexibility, and why this moment in the Kingdom feels like a once-in-a-generation opportunity for creatives and entrepreneurs.If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build a creative life in Saudi Arabia - this episode is for you.SHOWNOTESRecording live at St. Regis with artist Aida MuradFrom burnout and paralysis to finding purpose through artThe powerful “focus on the 1%” mindsetHow art supports healing, perspective and wellbeingWhy she chose to move to Saudi ArabiaThe growing opportunities for creatives in the KingdomUnderstanding relationship-based business culture in SaudiThe importance of patience, flexibility and long-term thinkingHer book Life is a Miracle and the message behind itAdvice for expats and creatives considering a move to SaudiStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What is the Red Sea really like - and is it worth the trip for expat families in Saudi?In this special catch-up episode, Frankie and Lily record live from the SLS Red Sea, sharing their first impressions of one of the Kingdom’s newest destinations.From the striking contrast of desert, mountains and turquoise water to how established the resorts already feel, they talk through what surprised them most and what the experience is really like on the ground.They also explore how family-friendly the Red Sea is, from kids’ clubs and activities to the rare chance for parents to properly switch off.With a flight time of around 90 minutes from Riyadh, no time difference and easy transfers, it’s quickly becoming a convenient option for weekends, Ramadan, Eid and school holidays.If you’re living in Saudi and looking for an easy escape or wondering whether the Red Sea is worth the visit, this episode gives you an honest expat perspective.SHOWNOTESRecording live from the Red Sea at SLS ResortFirst impressions: desert landscapes, turquoise water and mountain viewsWhat surprised us most about the destinationHow family-friendly the Red Sea really isKids’ clubs, activities and time to actually switch offWhy the Red Sea works as an easy escape from Riyadh (90-minute flight, same time zone)Visiting during Ramadan, Eid and school holidaysThe reality of ongoing development and what to expectWhy short domestic getaways are becoming part of expat life in SaudiRESOURCE AND RECOMMENDATIONDestination: SLS Red SeaBest Time to Visit: October to April for the most comfortable weatherRamadan and Eid for a quieter, slower atmosphereStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What does it really look like to build a company, raise a family, and make Saudi home - all at the same time?In this episode, Frankie and Lily were joined by Kris Stephan - a business owner, mum of two, and CEO in the fast-growing esports industry.Kris shares her journey from growing up in Saudi as an expat child to returning years later as a founder and working mum.We talk about what it’s really like to set up a business in the Kingdom, the opportunities Saudi currently offers entrepreneurs, and how she balances motherhood with building a company in a male-dominated industry.This is an inspiring conversation for anyone considering starting something of their own in Saudi - especially mums wondering if it’s possible to do both.SHOW NOTESGrowing up on a compound in Saudi - then returning as an adultWhy Saudi is becoming a global hub for gaming and esportsWhat it actually takes to set up a business in the KingdomThe realities of paperwork, timelines, and costsFemale leadership in male-dominated industriesBalancing entrepreneurship with motherhoodWhy Saudi can make working motherhood easierThe opportunity Saudi offers for long-term expat lifeKris' advice for anyone wanting to start a business: don’t overthink itRESOURCE AND RECOMMENDATIONSSaudi Vision 2030 (entrepreneurship industry growth)MISA (Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia) – business licensingEsports World Cup (Riyadh annual event)Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Ramadan Kareem! If this is your first Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, or you’re simply wondering what to expect, this episode is your practical, expat-friendly guide.Frankie and Lily share what really changes during Ramadan, from working hours and supermarket schedules to iftar etiquette, traffic patterns, and the cultural rhythm of daily life. They also talk about the spirit behind the holy month and how expats can show respect, patience, and kindness while embracing this special time in the Kingdom.Think of this episode as your gentle guide to navigating Ramadan with confidence, kindness, and an open mind. Whether you’re new to Saudi or many Ramadans in, this episode will help you feel more prepared, confident, and connected.SHOWNOTESWhen Ramadan starts why dates are confirmed last minuteWhat changes during Ramadan (work, school business hours)Fasting explained public etiquette for expatsIftar basics and what to expectIf invited: what to bring what to wearSupermarket hours, restaurants daily routinesTraffic patterns and the shift to evening lifeTips for families and children during RamadanThe Ramadan atmosphere: slower pace, family time communityFinal advice: be flexible, patient and embrace the experienceRESOURCES AND RECOMMENDATIONSIftar ExperiencesFairmont Hotel – Ramadan iftar experiencesLilou Restaurant – featured Saudi Life Unpacked community iftarShopping SupermarketsDanubeSpinneysRamadan Fashion (modest wear ideas)COSHMNextMarks SpencerEducation EventAnderson Education – UK Boarding School Exhibition (Fairmont, Riyadh)Travel Ideas During RamadanAlUlaRed SeaAbhaStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What happens when you say yes to moving somewhere most people don’t understand?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Sharn, an Australian social media manager who recently moved to Riyadh and has already made waves online sharing her experience of life in the Kingdom.From going viral with a falcon video to navigating culture shock, homesickness, and Riyadh traffic, Sharn opens up about the real highs and lows of starting over abroad. The conversation explores how social media is reshaping perceptions of Saudi Arabia, what it takes to build a community as an expat, and why curiosity and kindness go a long way.They also talk about Saudi’s evolving entertainment scene, mental health during big life transitions, and Sharn’s goal to keep learning and growing - especially as she prepares to experience her first Ramadan in the Kingdom. If you’ve ever wondered what expat life in Saudi Arabia is truly like, this episode offers an honest, modern, and refreshingly human perspective.SHOW NOTESSharn’s move from Australia to Riyadh and starting over inSaudi Building a social media presence and going viral while sharing real expat lifeLearning cultural nuances with curiosity, respect, and a few lessons along the wayMaking friends from scratch and finding community abroadAdjusting to daily life in Riyadh - traffic, systems, and patienceExperiencing Saudi’s evolving entertainment and social sceneNavigating homesickness, mental health, and the balance between honesty and positivityEmbracing growth and looking ahead to learning more about Saudi culture and RamadanStay Connected: 📍Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What is it really like living and working in Saudi Arabia as an expat woman in leadership?In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie Lily sit down with Noirin Hegarty, Editor-in-Chief of List Magazine Saudi, who shares her honest journey from once believing the media stereotypes about Saudi Arabia… to now calling it one of the most exciting places she’s ever lived and worked.We talk about women in leadership in Saudi, the reality of expat life in Riyadh, misconceptions about Islam and Saudi culture, and what it’s like moving to the Kingdom when you’re the one with the big career opportunity - and your husband is the “supportive spouse.”Noirin also gives us an insider look at Saudi’s rapidly growing media and tourism industries, why Vision 2030 feels different on the ground, and the destinations in Saudi Arabia she believes the world is seriously sleeping on including the Red Sea luxury resorts, AlUla, and beyond.If you’ve ever wondered what life in Saudi Arabia is truly like for expats, professionals, and families, this episode is for you.SHOWNOTES- From media stereotypes to real life in SaudiExpat life in Riyadh: expectations vs reality-When the wife moves for work: the supportive spouse dynamic-Loneliness, community, and life beyond the compound-Compound vs city living in Saudi ArabiaWomen in leadership in the Kingdom-Working culture and gender perceptions-Misconceptions about Islam and Saudi society-Hospitality, family values, and daily life-Storytelling and media from inside Saudi-The shift from print to digital in the region-Vision 2030 and Saudi national prideLiving in a fast-changing, future-focused country-Saudi’s growing global cultural and entertainment scene-Travel highlights: Red Sea, AlUla, Abha and beyond-Raising global families and redefining “home”Resources RecommendationsList Magazine Saudi – English-language luxury lifestyle, culture, and travel publication based in SaudiSRMG (Saudi Research Media Group) – The media group behind List MagazineTahlia Street, Riyadh – Central lifestyle area known for cafés, restaurants, and walkable city livingSoMatcha / café co-working culture in Riyadh – Example of modern social/work spaces in the citySaudi Compounds – Referenced in discussion about expat housing and community livingLamb Bakery, Paris – Bakery founded by a Saudi former doctor (story featured in List, tied to Saudi pride)Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

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 againFor 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

Can you drink the tap water in Saudi Arabia? And what’s actually the safest, healthiest option for your family?In this research-led episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie and Lily deep dive into one of the most asked (and most misunderstood) expat topics: water quality in Saudi Arabia. From desalinated tap water and delivery gallon bottles, to glass spring water and under-sink filtration systems, they break down the pros, cons, costs, and health considerations of each option.Lily shares the months of independent testing she carried out  including third-party lab testing,  to understand what’s really in common household water sources in the Kingdom. They also discuss microplastics, TDS (total dissolved solids), chlorine, and why water safety can feel different in a desert climate.Whether you’re new to Saudi or have lived here for years, this episode will help you make informed decisions about drinking water, filtered water systems, bottled water, and family health in the region.SHOW NOTES:- Why Saudi tap water is desalinated and why most residents avoid drinking it- The pros and cons of gallon bottled water (cost, convenience, microplastics)- Glass bottled spring water as an alternative- What microplastics are and why heat can make plastic bottles a concern- What TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) means when testing water quality- Installing an under-sink home filtration system and how it works- Independent lab testing results for filtered vs. tap water- Cost comparison between bottled water and filtration systems-  Other home water considerations like shower filters and hard waterResources & RecommendationsWater Filtration & Testing-  Brita – Popular pitcher and faucet-mounted water filters- TDS Meter – Handheld Total Dissolved Solids tester for home water checks-  Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) System – Whole-home/under-sink filtration optionBottled Water Options- Glass Spring Water – Recommended to avoid microplastics and heat leaching-  Delivered Gallon Water Containers – Common expat water delivery choiceHealth & Safety- Third-Party Water Lab Testing – For accurate analysis of minerals, TDS, and contaminantsStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

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)

In this special episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie is joined by her husband Michael for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it’s really like moving to Saudi Arabia as a married couple and raising a young family in Riyadh. From long-distance marriage during the transition and early culture shock, to career growth in the Kingdom, compound life, having children in Saudi, and watching the country transform under Vision 2030, they share the highs, the challenges, and the mindset shifts that made the move life-changing.If you’re considering relocating to Saudi, navigating expat family life, or curious about working and building a future in the Kingdom, this episode offers practical advice and real lived experience from people who’ve been through it.SHOW NOTES:- Relocating to Saudi and managing long-distance during the transition- Adjusting to Saudi work culture and why the Kingdom can accelerate your career- Compound life, community, and building a support system as expats- Raising children in Riyadh, international schools, and family lifestyle- Having a baby in Saudi and navigating healthcare- The mindset needed to make relocation work- How life in Saudi has transformed in recent yearsRESOURCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS:- The 5AM Club – Robin Sharma (mindset & routine) - AlUla (favorite Saudi travel spot) - Kingdom Hospital, Riyadh (maternity care) - Strava (fitness tracking)Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.  

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.