Inside Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is changing fast, and people around the world are starting to pay attention. In this first ever Inside Saudi Live, we bring together three very different perspectives on what life in Saudi is actually like. Ali Almeshaal is a Saudi media professional and tourism entrepreneur who began his career in television and now works across communications and tourism in the region. Micah Nicole is a long time Saudi radio host and musician who has lived and worked in the Kingdom for more than a decade, witnessing the country’s cultural shifts firsthand. Coach Kaiser is a fitness creator who came to Saudi for five days and ended up quitting his job and moving to Riyadh shortly after. Together we talk about misconceptions about Saudi, how the country has changed over the past decade, what it’s really like living here as an expat, and why so many people are suddenly curious about the Kingdom. From culture and social media to tourism and expat life, this conversation explores the realities of building a life in Saudi Arabia. If you are curious about Saudi or thinking about visiting or moving here, this episode is for you. Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Inside Saudi Live 01:40 Welcome to the live podcast 02:28 How the live show came together 05:18 Introducing Ali Almeshaal, Micah Nicole and Coach Kaiser 06:24 Ali Almeshaal’s first viral YouTube video 08:15 How music used to operate in Saudi 09:46 Saudi fitness culture vs Australia 11:12 Communicating in Saudi culture 12:46 Handling negativity online 14:38 Why creators are documenting Saudi 16:44 Coach Kaiser’s five day trip that led to moving to Saudi 18:46 How Riyadh became international 21:00 Advice for people moving to Saudi 23:25 Misconceptions about living in Saudi 25:28 Riyadh vs other Saudi cities 26:40 The moment Saudi started feeling like home 28:12 The phases every expat experiences 30:30 The viral video that started Coach Kaiser’s content 32:01 Why expats sharing Saudi is valuable 34:58 Understanding Saudi culture as a foreigner 38:50 Saudi tourism and the Red Sea projects 42:22 Why the world is curious about Saudi 43:32 Work life balance in Saudi 44:22 Travel habits in Saudi vs the West 46:14 The biggest assumption about living in Saudi

It’s just us, Carly Overman and Vesna Petrovic, for a real time Ramadan catch up in Riyadh. We’re recording on Day 6 of Ramadan and yes, we’re fasting, with a short pause while traveling. In this episode we share what it actually feels like as non Muslim expat moms. No water. No coffee. The midday slump. Breaking fast with our kids. Ramadan events. And the unexpected reset we didn’t see coming. We also talk about: • Why we paused fasting during our Qatar trip • How workouts change during Ramadan • The charity side of Ramadan and what is actually allowed • Why being on the same wavelength as Riyadh matters If you’re in Saudi or just curious about Ramadan from an expat perspective, this one is for you.   00:00 — Ramadan catch-up: it’s just us 00:22 — Day 6 of Ramadan (and yes, we’re fasting) 01:42 — What fasting really means (no water, no coffee) 02:32 — Iftar breakdown: dates, Arabic coffee & traditions 03:34 — Qatar trip: why we paused fasting 04:36 — Ramadan rules + social media reactions 05:00 — Why we chose to fast as expats in Riyadh 08:40 — Events vs wholesome family iftars 11:26 — The Ramadan reset: discipline & clarity 16:44 — Spiritual side + charity intentions 19:08 — Charity rules confusion + official ways to give 22:02 — Gym & workouts while fasting 25:58 — Ramadan travel tip: hotel deals + weather 29:06 — “Why are you fasting?” + local encouragement 32:00 — The daily stages of fasting 33:36 — Q&A + community call-out

He started with one penny. At 16 years old, Rayan set himself a challenge to turn a single penny into something bigger. That decision changed his life. From couch surfing in New York to almost playing Cristiano Ronaldo for 1 million dollars, to gaining 100,000 subscribers from one short, this is one of the wildest creator journeys we have heard. In this episode we talk about: • The 1 penny challenge • Getting a call connected to Mr Beast • Almost competing in a 1 million dollar Ronaldo challenge • Living in the Bronx during his US challenge • The hook strategy that changed his content • Growing from 23K to 400K subscribers • Why one video can change everything If you are building something, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more real stories from Inside Saudi Arabia.   Follow Rayan here: https://www.youtube.com/@RayanShaded https://www.instagram.com/rayanshaded/  https://www.tiktok.com/@rayanshaded?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc    00:00 First Ever Podcast Appearance 00:21 How He Found Us Through 5M Twitter Views 02:06 Growing Up in Saudi Arabia 04:14 “When I’m Sad, I Make Content” 06:36 The Mr Beast Call 07:04 The $1 Million Ronaldo Challenge 08:20 The 50 Meter Bungee Jump 09:28 Wanting to Skydive 10:54 Transition From Gaming to Serious Content 12:36 The 1 Penny Challenge Begins 14:22 Making Money in Dubai 17:42 The Car Crash Before Meeting His Idol 19:18 The Moment That Changed His Life 20:04 Selling Water to Survive 21:22 Starting With the Hardest Challenge First 23:18 Running Out of Money in Dubai 26:04 Learning the Power of the Hook 28:00 100K Subscribers From One Short 28:24 Trying to Break Into Ronaldo’s House 29:44 5 Million Views Overnight 31:00 The Truth About YouTube Money 33:10 “Now I Can Make Any Video Go Viral” 33:48 The ChatGPT Watermelon Video 37:42 Becoming the “Ronaldo Pizza Guy” 39:42 The 30 Day Football Challenge Idea 41:28 The $100 US Challenge 43:00 Couch Surfing in New York 46:58 Living in the Bronx 48:04 Getting Kicked Out in Miami 49:26 Buying the Car 50:46 Selling the Car for an iPhone 52:00 Is Saudi Good for Creators 53:42 Advice for Young Creators 59:16 23K to 400K in One Year 01:01:00 Meeting Georgina 01:03:00 The 1 Million Subscriber Goal  

Brandie Janow moved from Tennessee to Riyadh in 2009.. long before Saudi’s creative boom, design strategy conversations, or packed cultural calendars.   In this episode, she shares what early Riyadh was really like (when grocery stores were the hangout), how she founded Smuug to celebrate Saudi culture through design, and how she's part of building the foundation of design and the creative economy in Saudi.   We talk about:   The evolution of Saudi’s creative ecosystem   Starting Riyadh Coffee Club before mixing was normal   Launching Kingdom Creatives   Researching and documenting the future of Saudi design   “Saudi time” and life on fast forward   And why being intentional matters more than ambition   If you’re curious about women building careers in Saudi, the creative economy here, or what it’s like to grow alongside a country in transformation.. this one’s for you.     CHAPTERS 00:02:15 Welcome + the Tennessee accent 00:03:20 From Tennessee → Chicago → DC → Riyadh 00:06:25 What early Riyadh was really like 00:07:45 Watching Saudi evolve “like a plant growing” 00:10:40 The origin of Smuug 00:12:45 Why Saudi culture inspired her first brand 00:15:10 Why Saudi is an amazing place for designers 00:15:40 “We’re building a country” 00:17:20 Researching Saudi’s creative ecosystem 00:20:30 Riyadh Coffee Club (and mixing before it was normal) 00:22:25 The first meetup was packed 00:24:35 How coffee culture changed in Riyadh 00:26:30 Why Kingdom Creatives was created 00:30:35 “Saudi time” and life on fast forward 00:33:55 What her role looks like now 00:36:15 Documenting Saudi’s creative growth 00:41:50 Perfectionism and taking your time 00:43:05 Design futures + continuous learning 00:47:00 Why saying yes to everything can hurt you 00:48:05 Living intentionally, not just working 00:50:00 What really matters at the end of your life 00:54:55 Riyadh recommendations: JAX, Diriyah & more 00:59:00 What’s next + Ramadan reflections

Mariana De’ Carli Orti is a Riyadh-based author and publisher with a global story that runs from Brazil to London to Saudi Arabia. In this episode, she explains how her English novel hit #8 on Saudi’s bestseller list, what publishing really pays authors, and why Riyadh feels like home. We also dive into AI in books, the future of publishing, and the Riyadh Writers Conference (Feb 6–7). Topics covered: Expat life in Riyadh and why Saudi feels like home Writing a book in Saudi + #8 bestseller in Saudi Publishing realities, royalties, and AI bans Riyadh Writers Conference and Saudi creatives Chapters 00:00:00 Intro: Mariana De’ Carli Orti + Accent Mystery 00:00:55 Book Release + AI “Bible Model” Moment 00:01:25 Guest Intro: Riyadh-Based Advisor + Author 00:02:35 Global Background: Brazil, Miami, London 00:03:50 Family Story + Expat Kid Life 00:04:45 King’s College + Neuroscience Pivot 00:05:40 Languages, Law, and International Career Path 00:06:15 Move to the Middle East: Why Saudi 00:07:30 London vs Saudi Lifestyle + Community 00:09:10 Financial Crisis → Dubai Opportunity 00:10:40 Zero-Hour Contracts Explained 00:12:05 Dubai Work Culture + Regional Travel 00:12:35 Egypt + Seeing the Nile 00:13:10 Move to Riyadh in 2020 00:14:55 London vs Dubai vs Riyadh Work Culture 00:16:05 Changing Industries + Curiosity Mindset 00:17:05 Riyadh Writing Community Begins 00:18:20 Imposter Syndrome → Book Published 00:19:20 Book Success: #8 Bestseller in Saudi 00:20:45 Saudi Character Representation in the Novel 00:22:35 Second Book Coming This Year 00:22:55 How She Balances Work, Writing, Conference 00:24:05 Productivity: Block Scheduling 00:25:00 Writing as Self-Care + Creativity 00:26:10 Riyadh Social Life + FOMO 00:27:35 Boundaries + Time Off 00:28:20 AlUla as a Writing Retreat 00:30:30 AlUla Recommendations + Hidden Spots 00:31:15 Languages Spoken + Arabic Goal 00:32:00 Save the Cat + Story Structure 00:33:40 Writing Resources + Courses in Saudi 00:35:30 Publishing Disrupted by Tech 00:36:40 AI in Books + Amazon De-platforming 00:37:10 AI Lawsuits + Industry Controversy 00:39:05 University AI Policy + Ethics 00:40:30 Copyright Risks for Authors 00:41:50 Law + Writing Crossover 00:42:25 Being a Woman in Saudi + Safety 00:44:30 Misconceptions About Saudi 00:46:30 Why Riyadh Feels Like Home 00:48:00 Publishing House Mission in Saudi 00:49:15 Publishing Royalties Reality 00:50:50 Bestseller Math + Amazon Categories 00:52:20 Why Start a Publishing House 00:54:55 BookTok + Social Media Marketing 00:56:55 Riyadh Writers Conference Feb 6–7 00:58:35 Where to Follow Mariana 00:59:40 First Draft Advice + Outro

In this episode of Inside Saudi, we're joined by Yasmin, a Muslim expat mother who has lived in Riyadh for five years and made the bold decision to homeschool her children. We talk honestly about why international school fees, often 40–75k SAR per year, and long school hours didn’t feel right for their family, why she chose no nanny, and how homeschooling has changed their daily life. Yasmin also opens up about what it’s like to live between cultures, not fully fitting in anywhere, and why raising children in Saudi Arabia feels safer and calmer than life back in the UK. This conversation also dives into: • motherhood without family nearby • identity, faith, and belonging • Ramadan and the meaning behind fasting • a powerful, emotional story about being on Westminster Bridge during the 2017 attack and what it was like to be Muslim in the aftermath This is a raw, thoughtful conversation about motherhood, faith, safety, and choosing a different path. 🎧 Listen now and let us know what resonated most with you. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:50 Trying a nanny in Riyadh 05:45 Choosing no nanny and teamwork 14:10 Living between cultures 16:05 School fees in Riyadh 18:10 Why we chose homeschooling 19:25 School hours for young children 28:00 Safety and raising kids in Saudi 30:45 Parenting anxiety and feeling calmer 33:15 Why she is starting a moms circle 41:45 What Ramadan really means 46:50 Being on Westminster Bridge 51:10 Being Muslim in the aftermath 59:30 Final reflections

Cecilia, the French founder of Bonjour Arabia, shares how she built a cultural tourism business in Saudi Arabia—from early exploration trips to launching in Riyadh and expanding into AlUla. We talk the realities of starting a company, building community outside compounds, creating heritage-based experiences (food, crafts, desert nights), and how tourism is growing under Vision 2030—plus a viral moment that led to an unexpected royal visit.   Chapters 00:00 — Intro: Cecilia from Bonjour Arabia 01:15 — Welcome + what Bonjour Arabia does (Vision 2030 tourism growth) 02:00 — How you first discovered her content after moving to Riyadh 02:40 — Deep dive: where she’s from + travel background 03:30 — Moving to the UAE during COVID (and what that was like) 05:15 — Energy sector job + working with Emirati women (real immersion) 07:30 — Starting cultural experiences / first company in the UAE 08:00 — Saudi road trip in 2022 (before the big expat wave) 09:45 — Moving to Riyadh in 2023 + early shocks & challenges 11:45 — No compound: finding a flat + building life from zero 14:50 — Building community: ladies gatherings + meeting Saudis 18:50 — French community + embassy/cultural work in Riyadh 19:05 — When she decided: “I’m going to build my own thing here” 20:00 — Discovering Diriyah-area/Nia: the coffee shop moment 20:45 — Viral video → message from Mansour (future business partner) 21:50 — Becoming business partners + entrepreneur license process 23:30 — Opening the first “house” + restoring heritage space 24:55 — Why that neighborhood matters + the hidden-gem vibe 26:15 — What Bonjour Arabia offers now: trips + heritage corporate events 27:00 — Workshops, artists, and how Instagram built the network 28:00 — The chef collaborations + viral cooking experiences 31:05 — Where they run trips: south (Abha), eastern region, beyond 33:05 — Her top Saudi must-visits (Jeddah, AlUla, + more) 36:10 — Kids-friendly travel: why AlUla works for families too 36:20 — Building a team + learning to delegate 40:05 — “Saudi dream”: energy, opportunity, creativity 42:10 — Royal visit story: how it happened (X/Twitter went viral) 47:15 — Saudi business culture: relationships, patience, last-minute plans 48:45 — Ramadan rhythms: working nights + adapting your business 52:50 — Top cultural experiences: cooking, desert, coffee culture 56:00 — Expanding to AlUla: why it’s different + what’s next 59:20 — Learning Arabic: classes, tools, and tips 01:02:25 — Advice to newcomers: get out, explore, it’s easier than you think 01:04:10 — Eid myth-busting: what’s actually open + where to go 01:07:05 — Final thoughts + goodbye

In our first-ever guest episode, we sit down with the one and only Mama Sandie. The Realest Housewife of Riyadh. From becoming a mother at 18, to building a career, surviving sepsis, a spinal fracture, and eventually relocating to Saudi Arabia, Mama Sandie shares her unfiltered story with honesty, humor, and depth. We talk about: Identity loss and reinvention after moving to Saudi Postnatal depression, loneliness, and COVID lockdowns Motherhood across different life stages Authenticity vs toxic positivity on social media Expat culture, stereotypes, and finding your people Health, resilience, and rebuilding after trauma Love, marriage, and starting over later in life Why Saudi Arabia is one of the most misunderstood countries in the world This is a long, raw, laugh-out-loud and deeply emotional conversation about womanhood, survival, and choosing yourself.. again and again. Settle in. This one stays with you. Podcast Chapters: 00:00 – Cold open & Real Housewives energy 01:30 – Welcome to Inside Saudi + introducing Mama Sandie 03:15 – Why Mama Sandy was the perfect first guest 04:05 – Motherhood: four kids across four life stages 05:30 – Life before Saudi & identity shift 07:15 – Postnatal depression & loneliness 08:05 – COVID lockdowns in Saudi Arabia 10:00 – Shame, struggle & toxic positivity 11:05 – Authenticity and being “the realest housewife” 12:20 – Social media, perfection & showing real life 14:20 – TikTok fame & being recognised in Riyadh 16:05 – Confidence, anxiety & self-image 17:25 – Becoming homeless at 18 with a newborn 19:15 – Survival, grit & refusing stereotypes 21:35 – Career, ambition & hustling as a single mum 22:40 – Entering the fitness industry 24:00 – Sepsis, organ failure & rebuilding health 27:00 – Slowing down & redefining success 28:00 – Horse riding accident & spinal fracture 31:00 – Recovery, pain & listening to your body 33:00 – Misconceptions about Saudi Arabia 35:00 – Raising grounded kids in a privileged environment 37:00 – Unexpected pregnancy & second chapter of motherhood 38:30 – Love story: meeting her husband 42:15 – Marriage, femininity & partnership 44:00 – “Jane”: expat culture & social satire 47:00 – Finding your people & protecting your energy 49:20 – Labels: expat, immigrant & identity 51:00 – Almost leaving Saudi & why she stayed 53:00 – Social media criticism & boundaries 55:00 – Mother guilt & choosing presence 58:00 – Brand deals, boundaries & integrity 59:30 – Speaking, purpose & future plans 01:02:00 – Healthcare in Saudi Arabia 01:06:00 – Medical trauma & reconstructive surgery 01:10:00 – Gratitude, resilience & paying it forward 01:12:30 – Finding friends in Saudi 01:14:45 – What expats should stop doing 01:18:30 – Real Housewives of Riyadh casting 01:28:00 – Final reflections & goodbye

In this episode of Inside Saudi, we’re sharing our 2026 goals and intentions — from wellness and family life to growing a podcast and building a business in Saudi Arabia. After a huge year that included moving to Saudi, growing our families, launching Inside Saudi, and navigating burnout, we both felt the need for a reset. This episode is an honest, reflective conversation about health, motherhood, balance, boundaries, and what it really looks like to build a life intentionally while living in Riyadh. We talk about: Resetting wellness goals in a realistic, sustainable way Fitness, nutrition, and routines that work for busy mums Setting phone boundaries, improving sleep, and avoiding burnout Being more present with our kids and creating family rituals Letting go of perfection and getting help at home Our vision for Inside Saudi in 2026 Building community, hosting live events, and staying authentic Lessons we’re taking into the new year from Mel Robbins and Rick Rubin If you’re starting 2026 craving intention over perfection, this episode is for you. 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen 📍 Recorded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia   00:00 Welcome to Inside Saudi   01:30 Why We Needed a 2026 Reset   02:45 Reflecting on 2025: Moving to Saudi & Big Life Changes   05:30 The “Season of Saying Yes” (And Why We’re Pulling Back)   08:00 Burnout, Balance & Being Intentional as Working Moms   09:53 Wellness Goals for 2026 (Fitness, Nutrition & Imperfect Progress)   13:12 Sleep, Phone Boundaries & Social Media Burnout   15:20 Morning Routines That Actually Work as Moms   19:30 Fitness Goals in Saudi (Steps, Weights & Realistic Movement)   25:13 Family Goals: Presence, Rituals & Memory-Making   30:50 Letting Go of Control & Getting Help at Home   32:30 Podcast Goals for 2026 & Growing Inside Saudi   35:45 Live Podcast Events, Community & Authentic Content   38:53 Living in Alignment & Holding Each Other Accountable   41:25 Lessons from Mel Robbins & Rick Rubin   44:00 Final Thoughts & Our 2026 Intentions 

Welcome to The Riyadh Edit: Our Favourite Things of 2025.   In this episode of Inside Saudi, we’re sharing our most-loved places, finds, and everyday favourites from living in Riyadh — from cafés and coffee spots to beauty, shopping, furniture, kids’ activities, and wellness.   Think of this as our insider edit: the places we take visitors, the brands we actually shop, the beauty treatments we love, and the little things that have made life in Saudi feel like home.   Whether you’re living in Riyadh, planning a move, or just curious about life in Saudi Arabia, this episode is packed with practical tips and personal favourites from our first year here.   🎙 Hosted by Carly Overman & Vesna Petrovic 📍 Recorded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia   👇 Jump to your favourite sections using the chapters below.     Chapter Markers     00:00 — Welcome to Our Favourite Things Episode 01:37 — Our Favourite Things & Why We’re Doing This Edit   02:29 — Diriyah: Vesna’s Favourite Area in Riyadh 03:30 — Roshn Front: Quiet, Family-Friendly & Underrated   05:44 — Flour & Firewood & Brunch + Cake: Cafés We Always Take Visitors To 07:34 — Camel Step & Bread Ahead: Riyadh Coffee Favourites   10:10 — Souq Al Zal: Perfumes, Kaftans & Hidden Gems 12:42 — Abayas & Tailoring the Perfect Fit 14:56 — Nocturne, Zara & Cute Matching Sets   16:26 — Kids’ Clothing: Where We Shop 17:03 — Favourite Malls in Riyadh 17:58 — Boulevard World & Riyadh Season Events   19:17 — Furniture Finds: Home Centre 20:45 — Dunya Al Asar: A Hidden Home & Décor Gem 22:30 — Furniture Recommendations: Stylish on a Budget   24:15 — Kids’ Activities in Riyadh (Big & Small) 25:45 — Groceries, Seafood & Food Apps We Love   31:39 — Nails & Salon Finds 35:50 — Tonic The Method: Riyadh’s Wellness Obsession   39:30 — Chinese Cars in Saudi: What We Drive & Why 42:08 — Humidifiers, Air Quality & Health Tips for Riyadh   45:00 — Final Thoughts & Wrapping Up Our Riyadh Edit

A short year-end chat on what this year brought us, what we’re grateful for, and why we’re so excited for 2026. Thank you for being here — we’ll see you in the new year 🤍  

What is it really like being a woman in Saudi Arabia today? In this episode of Inside Saudi, we share our real, lived experiences of living in Riyadh as women — openly addressing the biggest misconceptions around women’s freedom, safety, dress code, work, driving, and daily life. This is not about what Saudi Arabia used to be like — it’s about what life is actually like now. In this episode, we talk honestly about: • Safety as a woman in Saudi Arabia • Whether women can drive and go out alone • What women actually wear day-to-day and at night • Nannies, household help, and the “bad mom” narrative • Women-only spaces and community • Working as a woman in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 This episode is for anyone considering moving to Saudi Arabia, already living here, or simply curious about what life is really like for women in Riyadh today. 🎧 Listen now to Inside Saudi. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown (Chapters) 00:00 – 01:48 | Introduction & Why This Episode Matters 01:48 – 04:18 | Common Misconceptions About Women in Saudi Arabia 04:18 – 06:47 | Day-to-Day Life as Women in Riyadh 06:47 – 07:54 | Driving, Traffic & Why Some Women Choose Drivers 07:54 – 10:06 | Nannies, Household Help & Cultural Differences 10:06 – 12:55 | Motherhood, Choice & Mental Load 12:55 – 14:48 | Saudi Women, Social Life & Daily Presentation 14:48 – 17:50 | Safety in Saudi Arabia as a Woman 17:50 – 21:27 | Dress Code Explained: Daily Wear 21:27 – 23:17 | Gym Wear, Running & Casual Outfits 23:17 – 27:51 | Evening Wear & Events in Saudi Arabia 27:51 – 31:10 | Women-Only Spaces & Community 31:10 – 34:47 | Working Women, Vision 2030 & Opportunities 34:47 – 38:07 | Visas, Travel & Practical Differences 38:07 – 40:31 | Final Thoughts: What It Really Feels Like

Moving to Riyadh and wondering how to make friends as an expat? You’re not alone. In this episode of Inside Saudi, we break down the real ways people build community in Saudi Arabia — from WhatsApp groups and fitness classes to saying “yes” more often and pushing past that initial loneliness. We talk about: ✨ Why making friends in Riyadh is easier than you think ✨ How warm, open, and welcoming Saudis truly are ✨ Where expats meet people (walking groups, compound life, events, cafés) ✨ Our own story of meeting and starting this podcast ✨ How to put yourself out there — even when it feels scary ✨ What we’d do differently if we moved here again ✨ How living in Saudi Arabia changes you (in the best ways)   If you’re new to Riyadh, preparing for your move, or already here and craving deeper community — this episode is your guide. https://linktr.ee/insidesaudi 👉 Join our WhatsApp Community 👉 Subscribe to the Inside Saudi Newsletter (Coming Soon) 👉 Follow us on Instagram @InsideSaudiArabia 👉 Listen on Apple & Spotify Podcast Chapters:  0:11 Why Making Friends in Riyadh Matters (The Honest Truth) 1:43 Starting Over Abroad: The Reality of Building Community 3:34 Are Saudis Friendly? Our Real Experiences 4:45 How WhatsApp Groups Help Expats Find Their People 6:00 The Mindset Shift That Helps You Make Friends Faster 7:00 How We Met: From Compound Boot Camp to Close Friends 8:22 Turning a Friendship Into a Business & Podcast 11:50 Big News: Events, Meetups & Community Coming Soon 15:30 The Hard Part: Loneliness as a New Expat in Riyadh 17:55 Making the Most of Saudi Life (Say Yes!) 20:06 If We Moved to Riyadh Again, We'd Do This Differently 23:19 How Living in Saudi Arabia Changes You

If you’re planning to move to Riyadh in 2026, this episode gives you the REAL information you actually need — from visas and family relocation to schools, compounds, and how people are getting jobs in Saudi right now. Carly and Vesna share their honest experiences with the Saudi visa system, family visa challenges, passport tips, and navigating life in Riyadh with kids. We break down Premium Residency, different visa types, relocation packages, and what living in a compound really looks like. Whether you’re a family preparing to move, a partner relocating ahead of you, or someone exploring Saudi work opportunities, this episode cuts through the confusion and tells you exactly what to expect. What you’ll learn: • The truth about Saudi visas in 2025–2026 • How long families can stay apart during processing • Step-by-step breakdowns of Carly and Vesna’s visa routes • School and nanny options in Riyadh • HOT TIPS for passports + Saudi visa appointments • Premium Residency explained • How expats are actually getting jobs in Saudi today • Roles that aren’t open to international applicants • LinkedIn strategies for Saudi recruiters • Compound vs non-compound living • The best (and most popular) areas for new expats This is your realistic, experience-based guide to moving to Riyadh in 2026. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:10 – What We Cover in This Episode (Saudi Relocation Overview) 01:45 – Saudi Visa 101: Entry, Work & Residency Basics 03:51 – Vesna’s Visa Route: How She Moved to Saudi Arabia 11:57 – How Long Couples Can Stay Apart on Different Visas 13:06 – Carly’s Visa Process (Step-by-Step) 16:28 – Family Visa Process + Different Last Names & Passports Explained 18:32 – Schools & Nanny Options in Saudi Arabia 23:37 – HOT TIPS: Booking Passport & Visa Appointments in Saudi 24:40 – Can You Leave Saudi? Exit Rules & Types of Visas 28:01 – Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) 29:24 – How People Are Relocating & Finding Jobs in Saudi 32:25 – LinkedIn Tips for Job Hunting in Saudi Arabia 36:40 – Relocation Packages & Reasons People Move to Saudi 39:10 – Compounds in Saudi: What They’re Really Like 40:50 – Compound vs. Non-Compound Living 47:42 – Choosing a Simple Life in Saudi 48:30 – Best Areas & Neighborhoods in Saudi (Overview)

We were nervous about raising our kids in Riyadh — new culture, new schools, new lifestyle. In this episode, we share the honest truth about what we feared, what actually happened, and how moving abroad has made our kids more confident, resilient, and culturally aware. From the village feel of compound life to international schools, new friendships, nannies, travel opportunities, and learning gratitude, we share what life with kids in Riyadh is really like. Whether you're considering a move to Saudi Arabia or you're already in Riyadh wondering how your kids will cope, this episode is the perspective we wish we'd had before relocating. ⭐ What We Cover in This Episode: Our fears about raising kids in Riyadh Why moving abroad can be the best thing for kids Cultural exposure, confidence, and social skills Compound life and the “old-school neighborhood” vibe International schools and global education Nannies, privilege, and teaching gratitude Travel opportunities in Saudi and beyond How parenting changes when you slow down ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – We Were Scared to Move 00:09 – The Fears We Had About Raising Kids Abroad 02:33 – Why Moving Abroad Is Actually So Good for Kids 03:38 – Multicultural Exposure & A Bigger Worldview 07:07 – Confidence, Resilience & Social Skills Blooming 12:52 – Compound Life & That ‘Village Feel’ 18:17 – Inside International Schools & Education Abroad 21:00 – Making New Friends in a New Country 21:51 – Real Confidence: What New Experiences Teach Kids 22:37 – Growing Up Multilingual & Culturally Aware 23:41 – School Trips, Travel & Independence for Kids 27:41 – Raising Grateful Kids in a Life Full of Opportunity 32:05 – How Parenting Changes When You Live Abroad 36:55 – Would We Do It Again? Our Honest Final Thoughts

Thinking about moving to Riyadh? Wondering what expat packages really include, how hard it is to get into schools, or which compounds are affordable? In today’s Q&A, we answer your biggest questions about expat life in Saudi Arabia — completely honestly. We cover everything from salary negotiations and visas, to school admissions, compound prices, working as an expat wife, culture, moving with dogs, monetising social media in Saudi, and even how we met. If you're relocating with kids, considering a job offer, or simply curious about modern expat life in Riyadh, this episode is packed with practical insight you won’t find anywhere else.   TIME STAMPS 00:00 Welcome to Inside Saudi: Answering Your Burning Questions! 00:45 Do We Work? Building the Brand (Our 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Schedule) 03:05 Our Career Backgrounds + Do We Have Local Saudi Friends? 06:17 Salary Negotiation Power & The Myth That “Everything Is Included” 08:04 What Expat Packages Really Include in 2025 10:32 Mindset Shifts: Tapping into Riyadh’s Buzzing Energy 13:11 Visas for Expat Wives: Can You Work in HR or Marketing? 15:00 Niche Job Opportunities: Why Pilates Is Growing in Riyadh 16:00 Moving Our Dogs to Saudi Arabia (£4,000 Cost Breakdown) 17:02 International Schools: Admissions, Waitlists & Competition 20:40 Compound Living vs New Developments (How to Choose Accommodation) 23:18 Do Arabic Women Welcome Foreigners? + Handling Online Trolls 25:18 Why We REALLY Moved to Saudi (Hint: It Wasn’t for the Money) 27:29 Affordable Compounds: Why Prices Are So Outrageous 29:14 How We Monetise Social Media in Saudi (No TikTok Creator Fund!) 31:07 The Biggest Shock After Moving: We Didn’t Expect to LOVE Saudi 34:55 How We Met & Started This Podcast in One Week 39:00 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Us

Saudi Arabia is changing fast — but what’s actually happening behind all those Vision 2030 billboards, mega projects, and construction cranes across Riyadh?   In this episode of Inside Saudi, Carly and Vesna break down Vision 2030 — what it really is, why it started, and how it’s reshaping everyday life in the Kingdom. We go beyond the headlines and talk about what you can literally see unfolding in Riyadh right now: from Sports Boulevard and King Salman Park, to Historic Diriyah, Boulevard World, and the Riyadh Metro.   We also dive into the huge national projects — NEOM, The Red Sea Project, AMAALA, Qiddiya, and Expo 2030 — and explain how they all fit into Saudi’s long-term plan for life beyond oil. Whether you’re new to Saudi, curious about the transformation, or just want to understand what Vision 2030 actually means, this episode breaks it all down — no jargon, no politics… just real life, lived here. 🕒 Episode Breakdown (Timestamps) 00:00 — Vision 2030: what it is and why it matters 01:00 — A little bit of history: how it all started 02:00 — Vision 2030 goals 02:16 — Why move away from oil (and what the US dollar has to do with it) 03:26 — The three pillars of Vision 2030 06:14 — How it’s rolling out in Riyadh 13:16 — Mega projects across Saudi Arabia 22:08 — Seeing the change in Saudi Arabia: cafés, culture, lifestyle 23:35 — Who pays for all this? (The Public Investment Fund) 24:05 — Wrap-up and reflections   💬 Key Takeaways - The story behind Vision 2030 and why it’s reshaping Saudi Arabia. - How everyday life in Riyadh is changing — parks, art, architecture, and cafés. - The mega-projects turning Saudi into a new global hub: NEOM, Diriyah, Qiddiya, AMAALA, The Red Sea, Expo 2030. - Why diversification away from oil is so critical for the future. - And what it’s like to actually live through one of the biggest transformations in the world. 📍   Mentioned in This Episode @DiriyahGateSaudi @SportsBoulevard @KingSalmanPark @Qiddiya @NEOM @Trojena @Oxagon @RedSeaGlobal @Amaala @VisitRedSea @NewMurabba @Expo2030Riyadh @InsideSaudi @carlyoverman   🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music Follow the journey on Instagram and TikTok → @InsideSaudiArabia Hosts: find us on IG @caroverman & @vesnapetrovicx or TikTok @carlyoverman @vesnapetrovix

t’s officially Winter Season in Saudi Arabia — and if you’re new here like us, this is when the whole country truly comes alive! From Riyadh Season’s biggest events to outdoor walks, cozy cafés, and family adventures, this episode is your guide to making the most of these cooler months. We’re talking Boulevard City, Boulevard World, Winter Wonderland, and Beast World — plus stunning areas like Diriyah, Al Bujairi Terrace, Roshn Front, VIA Riyadh, and KAFD. Whether you’re exploring Wadi Hanifah, Edge of the World, or catching a show at The Ring or Sandstorm Festival, there’s so much to do this time of year. 🎟 What we cover: What “Winter Season” means in Riyadh Highlights from the Comedy Festival, Tennis Cup & Pluma Circus The biggest upcoming Riyadh Season events Where to go this winter: top attractions, outdoor walks & parks Cafés, restaurants & new spots to try Our personal top 10 must-dos this winter ✨ Perfect for: Expats, locals, and families looking for fun things to do in Riyadh and winter adventures across Saudi Arabia. Keywords: Riyadh Season, Winter Season Saudi Arabia, things to do in Riyadh, Riyadh events 2025, Saudi travel, Riyadh cafés, Diriyah, VIA Riyadh, Boulevard World, Saudi lifestyle, family activities Riyadh.

What does it really cost to live in Saudi Arabia? In this episode of Inside Saudi, we break down the true cost of living in Riyadh — from schooling and housing to groceries, transport, and even dog visas. Whether you’re considering a move, already living here and curious how your expenses compare, or simply fascinated by what expat life in Saudi is like, this episode gives a transparent look at everyday life and what it actually costs. We share what we spend as a family of four, what’s surprisingly affordable, what isn’t, and why, even with rising costs in some areas, life in Riyadh still feels worth it. 📍 Topics include: School fees and education options Nanny and household help costs Compounds vs. private housing Car and fuel expenses Grocery and eating-out costs Pet relocation and visa expenses And a reminder of why we chose to make Saudi home   If you’ve been wondering whether Riyadh is expensive — or where you can actually save — this episode breaks it all down honestly. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram: @ insidesaudiarabia | @ caroverman | @ vesnapetrovicx Follow us on TikTok: @ insidesaudiarabia | @ carlyoverman | @ vesnapetrovicx Episode Breakdown: 0:00 – Is it cheap or expensive to live in Riyadh? 1:58 – The cost of schooling and education options 5:50 – Hiring a nanny or house help: what to expect 7:20 – Housing costs: compounds, villas, and apartments 14:43 – Transport and car ownership in Saudi 20:23 – Dog visas, relocation, and pet transport costs 21:41 – Food, groceries, and takeaway prices 29:29 – Remembering why we moved here 33:29 – Shopping and clothing costs 34:54 – So… is the cost of living in Riyadh worth it?

In this episode of Inside Saudi Arabia, we break down the different kinds of help families can have in Riyadh — from nannies and drivers to cleaners and even masseuses. We share what it’s really like navigating life with (and without) a nanny, the process of finding trustworthy help, and some common challenges to be aware of when hiring. We also talk about drivers — how they work, what they cost, and how they’ve changed daily life and parenting in Saudi Arabia. The conversation rounds out with a look at cleaners, home routines, and the small comforts — like in-home massages — that make family life in Riyadh a little easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a move or just curious about what day-to-day life looks like for expat families in Saudi, this episode offers an honest and practical look at the support systems that make life in Riyadh run smoothly.   Episode Breakdown: 0:00 — Intro 1:12 — Nanny vs. No Nanny 8:31 — Finding a Nanny in Riyadh 11:25 — Common Issues to Watch Out For 13:43 — Influenza A Update 14:41 — Did We Make the Right Nanny Decision? 20:41 — Nanny Judgement 22:03 — Drivers in Riyadh 26:15 — Driving Culture and Daily Realities 28:28 — Our Experience with Drivers 32:00 — How Having Help Has Changed Our Parenting 33:43 — Cleaners and Home Help 37:52 — Massages and Small Luxuries