I am a Girl Who Moved From UK to Saudi Arabia. My Life Is Higher Now.

This as-told-to essay relies on a dialog with Banke Adebola, 31, an accountant who moved from the UK to Saudi Arabia. She moved to the capital metropolis, Riyadh, in Might 2024. It has been edited for size and readability.

My husband accepted a job supply three years in the past, so I match my life in about three suitcases and left my dwelling in London.

Now, I am an accountant working remotely in Saudi Arabia.

I am not going to lie. When my husband moved to Riyadh, I stated, “Let’s keep a 12 months or two, then come again to London.” I had no concept what it might be like residing right here as a Christian Black lady, however my tune has modified. I’ve stunned myself with how a lot I prefer it right here.

There have been issues about Riyadh that stunned me

Since my husband already had buddies residing in Riyadh, discovering an condominium wasn’t arduous.

For the primary 12 months, we rented an condominium, however we reside in a compound now as a result of it is nearer to the place my husband works.

Expats are likely to flock to compounds as a result of there aren’t any costume restrictions and there are facilities. Europeans, Individuals, and folks from all around the world reside in a compound, which is a bit pricer than a standard condominium. However, another expats wish to reside with the locals.

One of many first issues I needed to come to phrases with was that Riyadh is closely reliant on automobiles and driving, so most locals do not depend on public transport. The Riyadh Metro Station opened final 12 months, which is sort of in style, however you continue to should drive to the metro.

In London, I’d dedicate my Saturday mornings to strolling across the city and grabbing a espresso on the best way again. You’ll be able to’t actually do this right here as a result of there aren’t as many locations round as in London.

The Saudi authorities is attempting so as to add extra greenery, but it surely’s probably not a walkable metropolis but. It is too sizzling to stroll half the 12 months anyway as a result of temperatures can attain 113°F.

One other was tips on how to costume. While you hear about Saudi Arabia, you may assume, “Oh, I would like to purchase a shawl or put on an Abaya.” You do not want to do this as an expat.

In the event you’re not Muslim or if you happen to’re not from Saudi Arabia, there aren’t any expectations to cowl up just like the locals do. You’ll be able to put on no matter you need so long as you’re dressed modestly and respectful of the tradition.

Many Saudis, or individuals who reside in Riyadh, are Muslim, so it is embedded within the tradition, and you’ll hear prayer calls all day. Throughout Ramadan, many shops are closed in the course of the day as a result of individuals are fasting. The native espresso store shall be open from about 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., which I hadn’t skilled earlier than. Being Christian, it form of inspired me to take my religion extra severely as a result of they take theirs very severely.

Additionally, the workweek in Saudi Arabia is Sunday to Thursday. I nonetheless get confused typically, and it is taken me some time to regulate to it.

Up to now, the most important affect that it is had on my life is that my psychological well being is a lot better right here. It isn’t like I hated the UK, however I at all times had seasonal despair.

When it was winter in London, I by no means wished to depart the home, however I haven’t got any of that right here. Even in the course of the winter in Riyadh, it is at all times sunny. It is improved my high quality of life and psychological well being. I simply really feel lighter right here. Particularly coming from the company world in London, the place every little thing’s fast.

Riyadh is a contemporary metropolis that is persevering with to develop

Riyadh has grown since I first visited. My husband and I’ve met extra expats within the final six months than ever earlier than.

The federal government has one thing referred to as Saudi Imaginative and prescient 2030. They’re attempting to make Saudi Arabia a prime journey vacation spot, in order that they’ve launched numerous new leisure. There are many boxing matches now, and final 12 months, we hosted a tennis event with Rafael Nadal.

In the event you go to, you may be stunned how a lot you want Saudi Arabia. There are such a lot of issues vacationers can do, like visiting the museums or Boulevard World, which has exhibitions of various international locations showcasing the meals and tradition.

Saudi Arabia is far more fashionable than individuals give it credit score for.