Saudi Arabia

When I first found out we would be moving to Saudi Arabia, I’ll be honest, it was on my expat “NO” list.

Like many people, my perception had been shaped almost entirely by headlines. The unknown felt intimidating, and the Middle East wasn’t somewhere I had ever imagined calling home.

But before we moved, a close expat friend who was already living there changed everything. She shared what daily life actually looked like; the community, the hospitality, the safety, the rhythm of family life. I realized I wasn’t informed, I was influenced.

So we went.

And we lived in Saudi for nearly four years.

Those years reshaped us. Some of my closest friendships were formed there and so were my children’s. We found a welcoming, family-centered community, generous neighbors, and a culture deeply rooted in hospitality and pride.

Saudi Arabia is evolving quickly under Vision 2030, an ambitious national transformation plan focused on economic diversification, tourism, cultural exchange, and global engagement. The country is actively opening itself to visitors, investing heavily in infrastructure, and positioning itself on the international stage, including hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

It’s easy to rely on media narratives about the Middle East. It’s harder and more meaningful to experience a place firsthand. Living there taught me that perspective changes when proximity replaces assumption.

Saudi wasn’t just somewhere we lived. It became part of our story.

Below you’ll find our blogs, travel experiences, and practical tips from nearly four years on the ground.