Inside Saudi Arabia

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...

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 challen...

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...

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 cove...

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...

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 mo...

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 depres...

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...

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 lov...

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 ta...

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 S...

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 Resid...

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,...