Inside Saudi Arabia

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 Matters01:48 – 04:18 | Common Misconceptions About Women in Saudi Arabia04:18 – 06:47 | Day-to-Day Life as Women in Riyadh06:47 – 07:54 | Driving, Traffic & Why Some Women Choose Drivers07:54 – 10:06 | Nannies, Household Help & Cultural Differences10:06 – 12:55 | Motherhood, Choice & Mental Load12:55 – 14:48 | Saudi Women, Social Life & Daily Presentation14:48 – 17:50 | Safety in Saudi Arabia as a Woman17:50 – 21:27 | Dress Code Explained: Daily Wear21:27 – 23:17 | Gym Wear, Running & Casual Outfits23:17 – 27:51 | Evening Wear & Events in Saudi Arabia27:51 – 31:10 | Women-Only Spaces & Community31:10 – 34:47 | Working Women, Vision 2030 & Opportunities34:47 – 38:07 | Visas, Travel & Practical Differences38:07 – 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.
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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 Move00:09 – The Fears We Had About Raising Kids Abroad02:33 – Why Moving Abroad Is Actually So Good for Kids03:38 – Multicultural Exposure & A Bigger Worldview07:07 – Confidence, Resilience & Social Skills Blooming12:52 – Compound Life & That ‘Village Feel’18:17 – Inside International Schools & Education Abroad21:00 – Making New Friends in a New Country21:51 – Real Confidence: What New Experiences Teach Kids22:37 – Growing Up Multilingual & Culturally Aware23:41 – School Trips, Travel & Independence for Kids27:41 – Raising Grateful Kids in a Life Full of Opportunity32:05 – How Parenting Changes When You Live Abroad36:55 – 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 202510:32 Mindset Shifts: Tapping into Riyadh’s Buzzing Energy13:11 Visas for Expat Wives: Can You Work in HR or Marketing?15:00 Niche Job Opportunities: Why Pilates Is Growing in Riyadh16:00 Moving Our Dogs to Saudi Arabia (£4,000 Cost Breakdown)17:02 International Schools: Admissions, Waitlists & Competition20:40 Compound Living vs New Developments (How to Choose Accommodation)23:18 Do Arabic Women Welcome Foreigners? + Handling Online Trolls25:18 Why We REALLY Moved to Saudi (Hint: It Wasn’t for the Money)27:29 Affordable Compounds: Why Prices Are So Outrageous29:14 How We Monetise Social Media in Saudi (No TikTok Creator Fund!)31:07 The Biggest Shock After Moving: We Didn’t Expect to LOVE Saudi34:55 How We Met & Started This Podcast in One Week39:00 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

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 we’d packed (and what we really didn’t need). Join Carly and Vesna for a conversation that’s equal parts style, self-care, and cultural discovery — all Beyond the Abaya.
Timestamps:
00:00 — Introduction
01:48 — Dressing Differently in Saudi
04:55 — Semi-Permanent Beauty Treatments
06:12 — Riyadh’s Salon Scene
08:10 — Women-Only Spaces & Girls’ Days Out
08:55 — Million Dollar Facials & Lip Blushing
11:51 — Botox in Riyadh: What’s the Norm?
14:10 — Nails, Manicures & Local Trends
15:42 — Hot Beauty Tips We’ve Learned
17:29 — Fashion Finds & Souk Al Zal
18:49 — What Not to Pack for Riyadh
22:53 — What You Should Pack Instead
24:58 — Shops & Local Brands We Recommend
26:36 — Hot Fashion Tips to Live By