Inside Saudi Arabia

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 grat...

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...

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...

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 Dir...

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 ev...

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,...

When it comes to fashion and beauty in Saudi Arabia, nothing is quite what we expected. From abayas and modest dressing to beauty treatments that rival any global city, this episode is your inside look at how women express themselves in Riyadh today. We share what it’s really like to shop, dress, and feel good here — from lip blushing and luxury facials to nail salons, souk finds, and what we wish...

This week on Inside Saudi, we’re diving into the question everyone keeps asking — why are so many families, expats, and professionals moving to Saudi Arabia right now?   Carly and Vesna share their real-life story of finding out about the potential move, navigating contracts, visas, and goodbyes — from the moment they found out they might move, to flying out with kids (and dogs!) in tow. Expect ho...

When we first moved to Riyadh, we carried every misconception you can imagine: the heat, abayas, women’s freedom, whether our kids would settle, even if our dogs could adapt. In the first episode of Inside Saudi, we share what we thought life here would be like—and the reality instead. From our first Saudi National Day to shopping for abayas at Andulas Mall, it’s a mix of culture shock, surprises,...