What happens when you say yes to moving somewhere most people don’t understand?

In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Sharn, an Australian social media manager who recently moved to Riyadh and has already made waves online sharing her experience of life in the Kingdom.

From going viral with a falcon video to navigating culture shock, homesickness, and Riyadh traffic, Sharn opens up about the real highs and lows of starting over abroad. The conversation explores how social media is reshaping perceptions of Saudi Arabia, what it takes to build a community as an expat, and why curiosity and kindness go a long way.

They also talk about Saudi’s evolving entertainment scene, mental health during big life transitions, and Sharn’s goal to keep learning and growing - especially as she prepares to experience her first Ramadan in the Kingdom. If you’ve ever wondered what expat life in Saudi Arabia is truly like, this episode offers an honest, modern, and refreshingly human perspective.

SHOW NOTES

Sharn’s move from Australia to Riyadh and starting over in
Saudi Building a social media presence and going viral while sharing real expat life
Learning cultural nuances with curiosity, respect, and a few lessons along the way
Making friends from scratch and finding community abroad
Adjusting to daily life in Riyadh - traffic, systems, and patience
Experiencing Saudi’s evolving entertainment and social scene
Navigating homesickness, mental health, and the balance between honesty and positivity
Embracing growth and looking ahead to learning more about Saudi culture and Ramadan

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Ep 67. What It’s Really Like Moving to Saudi as a Young Woman with Sharn Jaye