Podcast
Saudi Life: Unpacked
Hosted by Lily Moffatt & Frankie Hilton · EN
Welcome to Saudi Life Unpacked, the podcast where we literally unpack the expat life in Saudi Arabia.Are you Saudi quisitive? Whether you’re already here or considering making the move, this podcast is your go to resource for everything you need to know about life in Saudi Arabia.Moving to Saudi Arabia can feel like an unknown. We are here to demystify the desert and explore the vibrant and dynamic experiences of expats living in the kingdom.Frankie and Lily are here to answer your burning questions about being an expat in Saudi, as well as shining a light on the many positive aspects of living and working in this fascinating part of the world.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 83. Frankie and Lily Catch Up: AlUla, Red Sea & Exploring Saudi More
3d ago00:23:05Tap to summarizeWhat if the best family memories you’ll make in Saudi are the ones just a road trip away?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down for a catch-up episode reflecting on a whirlwind few weeks of recording, exploring, and experiencing more of Saudi Arabia than ever before.From AlUla and The Red Sea to authentic Saudi homes, desert discoveries, local restaurants, family travel, and female solo adventures - this episode is all about why now feels like the most exciting time yet to properly explore the Kingdom.We chat about why domestic tourism in Saudi is booming, the destinations expats are loving right now, why more people are staying local for Eid, female travel and road trips around the Kingdom, what’s surprised us most about Saudi culture, creating family memories while living here, life lately in Riyadh, and why expats really shouldn’t wait to properly experience Saudi.We also reflect on the incredible guests we’ve recently spoken to - from exploring ancient archaeological sites and hidden desert gems, to learning about Eid traditions, Saudi hospitality, food, and the rapid transformation happening across the country.This episode is your reminder to stop putting Saudi travel off and start exploring the incredible experiences right on your doorstep.SHOW NOTES:Why domestic tourism in Saudi is boomingWhy more expats are staying local for EidAlUla, Red Sea & Saudi travel experiencesFemale travel & road trips around the KingdomSaudi culture, hospitality & traditionsFamily travel & creating core memories Life lately in Riyadh School decisions, health & routinesWhy expats should explore Saudi moreStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
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Ep 82. The Red Sea Saudi Arabia: Inside The Kingdom’s Most Luxurious Destination with Olly Wood
1w ago00:52:26Tap to summarizeYou can visit Saudi’s Red Sea - and still have no idea how big it really is.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Olly from The Red Sea to unpack what’s really happening behind one of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects. From Desert Rock and Six Senses to SLS, St. Regis and the upcoming wellness destination Amala, this conversation goes far beyond beautiful resorts. We explore the stories behind the architecture, the meaning of Saudi hospitality and “hafawa,” the untouched landscapes of the Red Sea, and why this destination feels completely different from anywhere else in the region.We also dive into the adventure side of The Red Sea from surfing and diving to yacht clubs, wellness retreats, golf courses and family Eid escapes, and why so many expats are now choosing to holiday within Saudi instead of flying abroad.If you’re planning your escape for Eid, this episode might just convince you to book The Red Sea next. This episode is a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Saudi Arabia is building an entirely new luxury travel destination in real time - and why the rest of the world is starting to pay attentionSHOW NOTESWhy Saudi’s Red Sea is unlike anywhere else in the regionThe vision behind The Red Sea destination developmentDesert Rock, Six Senses, SLS, St. Regis Shura Island explainedThe stories and Saudi culture behind the architectureWhat “hafawa” means and why Saudi hospitality feels differentAdventure experiences: surfing, diving, wakeboarding golfThe upcoming wellness destination Amala explained Yacht clubs, wellness retreats luxury travel in SaudiWhy expats are now choosing Saudi for staycations Eid escapesWhat’s opening at The Red Sea this year Family-friendly experiences Eid activations Olly's personal recommendations for where to stayWhy Saudi tourism is moving faster than anywhere else in the worldThe future of travel in Saudi ArabiaStay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
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Ep 81. What It’s Really Like Inside a Saudi Home (Hi Home Experience)
1w ago00:26:38Tap to summarizeYou can live in Saudi for years - and still never experience this.What if the most authentic way to understand Saudi Arabia isn’t through what you see, but through who you sit with?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily step inside a Saudi family home joined by their host Fatima through the Hi Home experience and it completely shifts their perspective on what Saudi hospitality really means. From the moment you’re welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, to trying on traditional dress, cooking together, and sitting down for an open, honest conversation, this is a rare, immersive look at Saudi culture that most expats never get to experience.We unpack the traditions, the generosity, and the deeply rooted values behind Saudi homes and why experiences like this are changing the way people understand life in the Kingdom.If you’ve ever felt like Saudi culture is hard to fully grasp from the outside, this episode brings you one step closer to understanding it from within.SHOW NOTESWhat the Hi Home experience is and how it worksWhat it’s like to be welcomed into a Saudi family homeThe role of the majlis in Saudi cultureTraditional Saudi hospitality rituals (coffee, dates, incense)Trying on regional Saudi dress and learning traditional skillsCooking Saudi dishes like mandi, sayadiya, and sambosaFood culture and how meals are shared in Saudi homesCultural etiquette: what to bring when visiting a Saudi homeThe meaning of generosity and gift-giving in Saudi societyHow Vision 2030 is opening up cultural experiencesWhat Eid really looks like inside a Saudi familyWhy community and hospitality are central to Saudi lifeStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
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Ep 80. Exploring Saudi Food: Traditional Dishes, Modern Twists and Eid Feasts with Chef Elia Kaady
2w ago00:22:48Tap to summarizeWhat is Saudi cuisine really like - and what should you expect when dining in Saudi Arabia? In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily head to Maiz restaurant in Bujairi Terrace for a special on-location episode, sitting down with Chef Elia Kaady to explore the richness of Saudi food, culture, and tradition. From iconic dishes like jareesh, salig, and kubeba to the role of dates, Arabic coffee, and sharing-style dining, this episode breaks down what makes Saudi cuisine so unique. We also explore how modern Saudi dining is evolving - balancing tradition with fine dining, and catering to different dietary needs including vegetarian options. We also talk about:The diversity of Saudi cuisine across its 13 regionsWhat expats should expect when exploring Saudi foodThe importance of hospitality and communal diningHow Eid is celebrated through food and family gatheringsMust-try dishes if you’re visiting Saudi Arabia Whether you're living in Saudi, planning a move, or just curious about the culture - this is your inside look at one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the Middle East. SHOW NOTESRecording at Mays, Bujairi TerraceChef Elia Kaady's journey to Saudi cuisine KeySaudi dishes: jareesh, salig, kubebaRegional diversity of Saudi foodSharing-style dining and hospitalityVegetarian options and modern twistsCamel, dates, and traditional ingredientsEid traditions and family food cultureMust-try dish: kubeba Experiencing Saudi culture through food Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
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Ep 79. Two Expat Mums Share Their AlUla Experience With Kids with Cami and Emma
2w ago00:37:27Tap to summarizeWhat is it really like to move to Saudi Arabia with children and can you actually travel to places like AlUla as a family? In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily are joined by two expat mums at different stages of their journey - Cami recently moved from Sydney with her family and is navigating the early stages of settling in, while Emma, originally from the UK, has been in Saudi for over a year and a half and offers a more established perspective on expat life. Together, they share an honest conversation about raising children in Saudi, the realities of adjusting to a new culture, and the role community plays in making the transition easier. The conversation also explores their recent Eid trip to AlUla - covering everything from travel logistics and where to stay, to whether AlUla is truly family-friendly and what there actually is for kids to do.If you’re considering a move to Saudi, navigating expat life, or planning a trip to AlUla with children, this episode offers a real and practical perspective from those living it. SHOW NOTES:Meet Cami and Emma and their move to Saudi Relocating with kids and early adjustment stagesWhat surprised them most about life in Saudi Safety, community and compound livingKids settling in and making friends Traveling within Saudi and why it’s growingTheir Eid trip to AlUla Is AlUla family friendly Where to stay and what to expectTop things to do in AlUla Travel tips for families visiting AlUlaFinal thoughts on life in Saudi as an expat family Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
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Ep 78. Traveling Saudi Arabia: Beyond the Resorts and Uncovering Hidden Gems with Izabella Rekiel
3w ago00:31:33Tap to summarizeWhat if the most interesting place to travel right now… isn’t somewhere you fly to - but somewhere you live? Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about destinations in the world, yet for many, what travel here actually looks like still feels unknown. In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Izy - a sports media presenter whose journey in Saudi started with motorsport, but evolved into something much deeper. After first arriving for Formula E, Izy quickly realised that the reality of Saudi Arabia was completely different from what she expected. What began as short work trips turned into a full life in the Kingdom - one that’s taken her far beyond the cities, into remote landscapes, hidden heritage sites, and parts of Saudi most people never see. From road trips through Ha’il to discovering ancient rock art dating back thousands of years, this conversation explores how living in Saudi changes the way you experience it. We talk about what it really means to travel Saudi as an expat, why the country feels so different from anywhere else, and how culture, community, and curiosity shape the experience in ways you can’t plan for. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to live, explore, and discover Saudi Arabia from the inside, this episode offers a perspective you rarely hear. SHOW NOTES:Izzy’s journey into life in Saudi Arabia Expat life as a single woman in theKingdom Traveling Saudi beyond the citiesHidden destinations: Ha’il, AlUla, Jeddah Discovering Saudi’s ancient history heritageHow living here changes the way you travel Tourism, culture Vision 2030The reality of Saudi hospitality and communityWhy Saudi is more than most people expect Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
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Ep 77. Frankie and Lily Catch Up: This Is the Conversation We Have Been Having All Week
Apr 1400:25:52Tap to summarizeWhat does life in Saudi Arabia actually feel like right now?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down for a raw, unfiltered catch-up after a month of unexpected change, uncertainty, and emotional highs and lows.From leaving the Kingdom temporarily, navigating homeschooling and disrupted travel plans, to returning and adjusting to a new “in-between” reality - this is an honest conversation about what expat life really looks like behind the scenes.We talk about:– the mental load of uncertainty– how differently people cope in the same situation– raising children through unfamiliar moments– the contrast between everyday normality and underlying anxiety– and why community has never felt more importantThis isn’t a news update. It’s not a polished take. It’s simply two expat mums sharing their real experience in the hope it helps you feel less alone, wherever you are.If you’re living in Saudi, considering a move, or just curious about what life here is really like right now - this conversation is for you.SHOW NOTES:A real catch-up after a month of unexpected changeWhy we chose to temporarily leave Saudi (and come back)The reality of life on the ground vs what people see onlineNavigating uncertainty, anxiety, and the “what if” feelingHow differently people cope — and why that’s okayManaging conversations with kids during confusing momentsBalancing normal daily life with underlying stressThe mental load of not knowing what’s nextFinding comfort in routine, community, and connectionWhy no one really has the answers right nowStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
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Ep 76. Expat Life in Saudi Arabia, Motherhood & Identity with Dani in KSA
Apr 700:30:18Tap to summarizeWhat is it really like to live in Saudi Arabia as an expat mum?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Dani (Dani in KSA), a luxury media founder, content creator, and mum of four, to unpack her journey from the West to building a life in Riyadh.From navigating cultural differences and early challenges to raising teenagers between identities, Dani shares a deeply honest look at expat life in Saudi Arabia.We talk about motherhood, belonging, misconceptions about Saudi culture, and why the Kingdom is becoming one of the most exciting places to live and raise a family.We also dive into life at the Red Sea, as a holiday destination destinations like SLS Red Sea and the evolving tourism landscape shaping the future of Saudi Arabia.If you’ve ever considered moving to Saudi - or are curious about what life here actually looks like - this episode gives you a real, grounded perspective.SHOW NOTES:Dani’s journey to living in Saudi ArabiaExpat life, motherhood raising kids in KSACulture, identity common misconceptionsFamily support life inRiyadhHow Saudi changed her perspectiveThe Red Sea Saudi’s growing lifestyle sceneAdvice for moving to Saudi ArabiaStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
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Ep 75. Luxury Travel, Vision 2030 and the Future of Tourism in Saudi with Thomas Staunton
Apr 200:40:59Tap to summarizeWhat if the world’s next luxury travel destination wasn’t in Europe or the Maldives - but in Saudi Arabia?Saudi Arabia is becoming one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world, but most people still have no idea what travel here actually looks like.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Thomas Staunton, a luxury tourism expert working at the forefront of the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving tourism industry.After arriving in Saudi from Australia, Thomas quickly realised the reality of life and travel here was completely different from what many people imagine. From untouched desert landscapes and coral reefs in the Red Sea to emerging destinations like AlUla, Saudi is quietly building a luxury tourism ecosystem unlike anywhere else.We talk about what luxury travel in Saudi actually means, why privacy and authenticity are defining the Saudi travel experience, and how Vision 2030 is transforming the country into a global destination.If you’ve ever been curious about visiting Saudi Arabia or wondered why so many people are suddenly talking about it, this episode will give you a fascinating look inside the Kingdom’s tourism boom.SHOWNOTES:Thomas’s journey from Australia to Saudi ArabiaHow Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is growing faster than anywhere in the worldThe role of Vision 2030 in shaping the country’s travel industryWhy Saudi luxury tourism is built around privacy, authenticity and spaceThe concept of “hafawa” - the Saudi spirit of generosityHow destinations like AlUla, the Red Sea and Riyadh are transforming global tourismWhy Saudi’s untouched landscapes give it a “late mover advantage” in sustainabilityThe difference between luxury travel in Saudi vs Europe or other destinationsWhat expats often misunderstand about Saudi before arrivingWhy embracing local culture makes the biggest difference when living hereStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
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Ep 74. A Mum & daughter duo; Navigating Culture, Family & Identity in Saudi Arabia with Ruba Tursun, and Dr. Rihab Alsaeed.
Mar 2400:43:44Tap to summarizeMoving countries with teenagers is one of the hardest transitions a family can face - but no one really talks about it.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Saudi content creator Ruba Tursun and her mother Dr. Rihab, a marriage and family therapy consultant based in Riyadh.Together they explore the emotional realities of moving countries, raising teenagers between cultures, and how families can navigate big transitions while protecting their relationships.Ruba shares her experience moving from Miami to Saudi Arabia at 17 and the identity shift that came with it, while Dr. Rihab offers expert insight into parenting through cultural transitions, supporting teenagers during relocation, and why therapy is becoming increasingly important in Saudi Arabia.The conversation also dives into the evolving openness around mental health in the Kingdom, the pressures expat families face when relocating, and how parents and children can stay connected through life’s biggest changes.If you’re an expat moving to Saudi Arabia, raising children abroad, or curious about family life and mental health in the Kingdom, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice.SHOWNOTES:What it’s really like moving teenagers between culturesRuba’s experience leaving Miami and returning to Saudi ArabiaThe identity shift that happens when you relocate as a young adultWhy moving countries can challenge marriages and familiesHow parents can support teenagers during relocationThe importance of maintaining routines when moving abroadHow Saudi Arabia’s culture and lifestyle have evolved over the past decadeBreaking the stigma around therapy in Saudi ArabiaWhy communication between parents and children is essential during transitionsThe unique mother-daughter relationship between Ruba and Dr. RihabStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.
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