Saudi Life: Unpacked

What does it really look like to build a business, raise a family and dream bigger in Saudi Arabia?

In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Lujain, Saudi entrepreneur and founder of Akwan, for a conversation about motherhood, entrepreneurship, identity and being part of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly changing story.

After growing up between Jeddah, Kuwait and Dubai, Lujain returned home to Saudi with a completely new perspective - and a desire for her children to grow up connected to their country, culture and language.She shares how watching her own son struggle with Arabic became the inspiration behind Akwan, a children’s brand designed to make learning Arabic feel creative, playful and fun rather than something children have to do.

But this episode goes far beyond business.We talk about raising children with a strong sense of identity, building a company without having all the answers, the rise of female entrepreneurship in Saudi, learning from failure, protecting your energy, motherhood, growth mindset and why sometimes you simply have to start and figure things out along the way.Lujain’s philosophy is simple: just because you can’t do something now doesn’t mean you can’t do it — you just haven’t learned it yet.

An uplifting conversation about building with purpose, staying curious and raising the next generation in a Saudi Arabia full of possibility.

SHOWNOTES:

What if your closest mum friend was due to give birth... on exactly the same day as you?

In this episode, Frankie sits down with Lina and Christie, two expat mums who met in Riyadh, discovered they shared the exact same due date, and welcomed their baby boys just two days apart.

Together, they share their honest experiences of pregnancy, giving birth in Saudi Arabia, navigating the healthcare system, choosing the right hospital, and building a support network while living far from family. 

They also open up about postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and why looking after mums is just as important as looking after babies.

Whether you're expecting your first child or considering a move to Saudi Arabia, this episode is packed with practical advice, reassurance, and heartfelt stories from two mums who have been through it all.

SHOWNOTES:

Would you move to Saudi Arabia... and have a baby there?

When Australian mum Nikki first heard about moving to Saudi Arabia, she never expected it would one day feel like home.Fast forward a few years, and she's now raising her family in Riyadh and preparing to welcome her third child in the Kingdom.

In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie is joined by Nikki, an Australian mum who shares her honest journey of relocating to Saudi Arabia, navigating pregnancy in the Kingdom, and why she chose to have her third baby here instead of returning home. From navigating Saudi's healthcare system and finding the right doctor to building a support network as an expat mum, Nikki opens up about the realities of family life in Riyadh and how the Kingdom's welcoming community and family-friendly lifestyle have exceeded every expectation.

Whether you're expecting a baby, planning a move to Saudi Arabia, or simply curious about what family life is really like in the Kingdom, this episode offers practical advice, honest reflections, and a reassuring look at building a life and growing a family in Saudi Arabia.

SHOW NOTES

Brain fog. Mood swings. Poor sleep. Fatigue. Sound familiar?
Many women assume it's simply stress, a busy season of life or just part of getting older. But what if it's something more?

In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie is joined by Dr. May and Dr. Laura from Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital to unpack one of the biggest conversations in women's health today: perimenopause, menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Together, they discuss the symptoms women often dismiss, why awareness around perimenopause is growing, what HRT actually is, and how women's healthcare in Saudi Arabia is evolving to better support women at every stage of life.

Whether you're in your 30s, 40s or beyond, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you better understand your hormones, advocate for your health, and realise you don't have to "just put up with it."

SHOW NOTES

Thinking about moving to Saudi Arabia... but worried you'll feel lonely?

One of the biggest questions we hear is: "How do you actually make friends in Saudi Arabia?" In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie is joined by Sarah, Victoria and Jules, three women at very different stages of their Saudi journey, to talk honestly about building a life in the Kingdom. From arriving with no support network to finding lifelong friendships, they share the highs, the challenges and the unexpected moments that transformed Saudi Arabia from somewhere they moved for work into a place they now call home.

Together, they discuss the reality of making friends as an adult, raising families far from home, compound life versus living off compound, navigating loneliness, and why having a strong community can completely change your expat experience.

Whether you're moving on your own, relocating with children, or simply looking to feel more connected, this conversation is packed with practical advice and reassurance from women who've lived it.
 

SHOW NOTES

Thinking about having a baby in Saudi Arabia? Wondering what breastfeeding support is really like?

In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Dr. Eman, a pharmacist, certified lactation consultant, VBAC educator, and pediatric nutritionist, to answer the questions every new and expectant mum has.

Together, they discuss what breastfeeding looks like in Saudi hospitals, whether you can breastfeed in public, the biggest myths surrounding breastfeeding, and why so many mothers struggle with pain, milk supply, and confidence during their feeding journey.

Dr. Eman also shares her own personal experience with postpartum depression, how it inspired her to become a lactation consultant, and why every mother deserves breastfeeding support before leaving the hospital.
Whether you're expecting your first baby, relocating to Saudi Arabia with a young family, or simply looking for expert breastfeeding advice, this episode is packed with practical guidance and reassurance.

SHOW NOTES

Moving to Saudi Arabia changed Mila's life in ways she never expected. 

In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with the Brazilian fitness coach to explore her journey from teaching CrossFit to becoming a leading voice in women's fitness and wellness in the Kingdom. We explore the realities of relocating to Saudi, building a new life from scratch, finding community, adapting to cultural differences, and why so many expats end up staying far longer than they originally planned.

Mila reflects on arriving in Saudi without speaking English, watching the country's fitness culture evolve, and helping women build strength, confidence, and healthier relationships with their bodies. 

This episode covers everything from workout routines and motivation to sleep, recovery, hydration, skincare, hormones, body image, and the growing pressure many women feel to achieve unrealistic beauty standards. 

This is a conversation about wellness, resilience, and creating a life you love in Saudi Arabia. 

SHOW NOTES

What 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:

You 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 attention

SHOW NOTES

You 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 NOTES

What 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:

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 NOTES

What 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:

What 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:

What’s really hidden inside Old Riyadh?

In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Fatimah Abusrair, a licensed tour guide, communication consultant and cultural storyteller who is helping people experience a different side of the city.Fatimah runs the first tip-based walking tour in Saudi Arabia, guiding guests through the historic Qasr Al-Hukm district - home to Masmak Fort, traditional souqs, Friday auctions and some of Riyadh’s most fascinating cultural stories.

Through her tours, she brings the history, traditions and everyday life of the area to life in a way many visitors and even long-term expats often miss.In this conversation we talk about the inspiration behind her tours, the cultural details hidden in plain sight around Riyadh, and why understanding the roots of the city can completely change how you see Saudi Arabia today.

If you’ve ever driven past Old Riyadh and wondered what’s actually there, this episode might just inspire you to go and explore it for yourself.

SHOW NOTES

• Meet Fatimah Abusrair and her unique tip-based tour concept

• Exploring the historic Qasr Al-Hukm district in Old Riyadh

• The cultural stories behind Masmak Fort and the surrounding souqs

• Why authentic walking tours are still rare in Saudi Arabia

• The famous Friday antique auctions in Old Riyadh

• Why tipping culture feels unusual in Saudi

• Understanding Saudi traditions and everyday cultural moments

• Keeping up with the rapid changes happening across Riyadh

• Fatimah’s vision to inspire more local tour guides in the Kingdom

Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What would you do if your life changed overnight?

In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with artist Aida Murad, whose life changed overnight when she became partially paralysed with rheumatoid arthritis in her early twenties. Instead of focusing on what she had lost, she chose to focus on the 1% she could still use - and that decision led her to a completely new purpose through art.

Now based in Saudi Arabia, Aida is an artist-in-residence at the St. Regis, a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, and an advocate for creativity as a tool for healing, innovation and personal growth.We also explore what it’s really like building a creative career in Saudi today - the opportunities, the relationship-driven culture, the need for patience and flexibility, and why this moment in the Kingdom feels like a once-in-a-generation opportunity for creatives and entrepreneurs.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build a creative life in Saudi Arabia - this episode is for you.

SHOWNOTES

What does it really look like to build a company, raise a family, and make Saudi home - all at the same time?

In this episode, Frankie and Lily were joined by Kris Stephan - a business owner, mum of two, and CEO in the fast-growing esports industry.Kris shares her journey from growing up in Saudi as an expat child to returning years later as a founder and working mum.

We talk about what it’s really like to set up a business in the Kingdom, the opportunities Saudi currently offers entrepreneurs, and how she balances motherhood with building a company in a male-dominated industry.

This is an inspiring conversation for anyone considering starting something of their own in Saudi - especially mums wondering if it’s possible to do both.

SHOW NOTES
Growing up on a compound in Saudi - then returning as an adult

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

Stay Connected: 📍

Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What is it really like living and working in Saudi Arabia as an expat woman in leadership?

In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie Lily sit down with Noirin Hegarty, Editor-in-Chief of List Magazine Saudi, who shares her honest journey from once believing the media stereotypes about Saudi Arabia… to now calling it one of the most exciting places she’s ever lived and worked.

We talk about women in leadership in Saudi, the reality of expat life in Riyadh, misconceptions about Islam and Saudi culture, and what it’s like moving to the Kingdom when you’re the one with the big career opportunity - and your husband is the “supportive spouse.”Noirin also gives us an insider look at Saudi’s rapidly growing media and tourism industries, why Vision 2030 feels different on the ground, and the destinations in Saudi Arabia she believes the world is seriously sleeping on including the Red Sea luxury resorts, AlUla, and beyond.

If you’ve ever wondered what life in Saudi Arabia is truly like for expats, professionals, and families, this episode is for you.

SHOWNOTES

- From media stereotypes to real life in SaudiExpat life in Riyadh: expectations vs reality

-When the wife moves for work: the supportive spouse dynamic

-Loneliness, community, and life beyond the compound

-Compound vs city living in Saudi ArabiaWomen in leadership in the Kingdom

-Working culture and gender perceptions

-Misconceptions about Islam and Saudi society

-Hospitality, family values, and daily life

-Storytelling and media from inside Saudi

-The shift from print to digital in the region

-Vision 2030 and Saudi national prideLiving in a fast-changing, future-focused country

-Saudi’s growing global cultural and entertainment scene

-Travel highlights: Red Sea, AlUla, Abha and beyond

-Raising global families and redefining “home”

Resources Recommendations

List Magazine Saudi – English-language luxury lifestyle, culture, and travel publication based in Saudi

SRMG (Saudi Research Media Group) – The media group behind List Magazine

Tahlia Street, Riyadh – Central lifestyle area known for cafés, restaurants, and walkable city living

SoMatcha / café co-working culture in Riyadh – Example of modern social/work spaces in the city

Saudi Compounds – Referenced in discussion about expat housing and community living

Lamb Bakery, Paris – Bakery founded by a Saudi former doctor (story featured in List, tied to Saudi pride)

Stay Connected:

📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Welcome back, it’s our first catch up of 2026 and we’re kicking off the year with a proper life update!

Frankie and Lily kick off the new year with big updates - including Saudi Life: Unpacked officially launching on YouTube and a brand new recording space in the works before diving into a real, honest catch-up on winter break travels (UK + Ireland), expat family life, and the reality of getting back into routine after the holidays.

We also get into the stuff no one really talks about: post-travel reset with kids, screen time culture shocks, and the emotional side of expat life - all while keeping it light, funny, and very us.Plus, we answer your burning questions about moving to Riyadh - from short-term rentals and job hunting, to how to meet people as a newcomer (especially if you’re arriving solo).

SHOWNOTES:
- Our first catch up of 2026 + what’s been happening behind the scenes
- SLU updates: YouTube launch + a new recording space coming soon
- Winter break travel recap: UK highlights, Ireland trip, and expat holiday realities
- Frankie’s renovation / project house update (and the chaos that comes with it!)
- The post-travel routine reset: kids, emotions, and back-to-school transitions
- Screen time culture shocks + parenting abroad
- Why Saudi winter is an underrated time to explore (or stay put)
-QA: Your burning questions
Do you need a “perfect plan” before moving?
Short-term accommodation options in Riyadh
Job hunting in Saudi - what the market feels like right now
How to make friends and build community as a newcomer (at any age)

Resources Recommendations:
Opal (screen time + focus app)
Pinterest (vision boards / goal setting inspiration)
Fairmont (near Olaya / Ramla Plaza) - long-stay studio apartment area option
Antara Compound - short-term compound stay option
The Botanist (mentioned as an example of a small business journey)

Stay Connected:
📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What does it really take to walk across Saudi Arabia on foot - as a woman?

In this extraordinary episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Lily sit down with Alice Morrison, a British explorer, journalist, and adventurer who has just completed a world-first journey: walking 2,195km across Saudi Arabia over 112 days, from the Jordan border all the way down through the Kingdom.

Recorded only moments after she finished (still in her desert expedition gear!), Alice takes us behind the scenes of one of the most ambitious overland journeys ever attempted in Saudi Arabia. We talk about the reality of daily life in the desert - no bathrooms, limited water, blistered feet, survival logistics and the deep human moments that made it unforgettable.

Along the way, she shares what she learned about Saudi hospitality, cultural respect (ehdram), the kindness of strangers, and why Saudi Arabia felt not only welcoming but surprisingly safe - even as a solo female traveler.

If you’ve ever been curious about Saudi Arabia beyond the headlines, this episode is a rare window into the country’s landscapes, people, and spirit - told through a journey few could imagine.Listen now, and if you’re navigating life in Saudi (or thinking about moving), this one will leave you inspired.

SHOW NOTES:
Walking across Saudi Arabia solo: route + logistics
Desert survival: water, navigation the role of her support team
The mental game of solitude and endurance
Camel culture (yes, emotional support camels!)
Saudi hospitality, safety what locals really thought of the expedition
What Alice is doing next (book + possible TV series)

What is life in Jeddah really like - beyond the stereotypes?

In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie Lily sit down with Rawan Al-Turki, a Saudi photographer born and raised in Jeddah, to explore the city through truly local eyes. From the historic streets of Al-Balad to fish markets, fashion shoots, and everyday moments most visitors never see, Rawan shares how photography has become a way to tell Saudi Arabia’s untold stories.

We talk about growing up in Jeddah, the city’s deep cultural mix, the role of women in Saudi’s creative industries, and how heritage and modern life coexist in powerful, unexpected ways. Rawan also reflects on how Saudi Arabia has changed over the years - especially for women and why storytelling through art matters now more than ever.

This conversation is an honest, inspiring look at Jeddah’s culture, creativity, and people and a reminder that Saudi Arabia is far more layered than many imagine.This episode is a must-listen for expats, creatives, and anyone curious about modern Saudi Arabia, female perspectives, and the beauty found in everyday moments.

Shownotes:
- What it is really like to grow up and live in Jeddah as a Saudi woman
- Why Jeddah feels culturally different from other Saudi cities
- The history and beauty of Al-Balad and Hijazi architectureHow photography became a storytelling tool for capturing Saudi life
- The rise of female creatives in Saudi ArabiaShooting fashion, heritage, and everyday life - from old houses to fish markets
- Why art, culture, and people are central to understanding modern Saudi Arabia
- How Saudi stereotypes fall apart when you experience daily life on the ground

What happens when life forces you to stop - and start again?

In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie Lily sit down with Umniah Alzahery, a Saudi entrepreneur based in Jeddah, to talk about career ambition, burnout, illness, and building a business that brought joy back into her life.

Umniah shares her journey from a high-pressure corporate HR career to surviving cancer during the pandemic - and how that experience completely reshaped her relationship with work, health, and success. We explore what it is really like to navigate Saudi Arabia’s corporate world, the healthcare system, and female entrepreneurship, and how a simple love of food evolved into a taco truck business that went all the way to Formula 1 events.This is an honest, powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what life and business can look like when you choose purpose over pressure.

A must-listen for those at a crossroads - For anyone feeling burned out, rethinking their career, building something new, or finding their place in Saudi Arabia.

SHOWNOTES:
- Working in Saudi Arabia’s corporate world and the pressure to succeed
- Burnout, health challenges, and navigating cancer during COVID
- The Saudi healthcare system and personal care experiences
- Leaving corporate life and redefining success
- Building a food truck business in Jeddah from scratch
- Turning a side hustle into a Formula 1-level business
- Female entrepreneurship and startup culture in Saudi Arabia
- Life lessons on resilience, purpose, and starting again

For community questions tips, join our Whatsapp community here:
Khobar; https://chat.whatsapp.com/K8Dk4iX50tNLukqgHHLnvV?mode=ems_copy_c
Jeddah; https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kv6MxVrWKwG3pjv2XXFciH?mode=ems_copy_c
Riyadh; https://chat.whatsapp.com/DysXvVVswHoHhUNMxALH1s?mode=ems_copy_c

In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down for an honest, end-of-year conversation about expat life in Saudi Arabia - the highs, the challenges, and the moments that make the Kingdom start to feel like home.

They share personal life updates, winter travel plans, parenting reflections, and what it really looks like to raise happy children while living abroad. The conversation also dives into community questions, including practical expat topics like shipping, Christmas traditions, events, and navigating everyday life in Saudi.Frankie and Lily pull back the curtain on building Saudi Life Unpacked as a podcast, business, and community platform - from authenticity and monetisation to why listening to the community has shaped everything they do. They also reflect on expat wins, buying property, finding identity after moving countries, and the small moments that signal you are no longer just visiting, you belong.

A thoughtful, reassuring listen for anyone living abroad, re-evaluating their journey, or stepping into a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.

Show Notes:
- Expat family life, parenting, and school holidays
- Winter travel plans and life updates
- Community QA on shipping, Christmas, and everyday logistics
- Building Saudi Life Unpacked as a podcast, business, and community
- Events, WhatsApp groups, and bringing Saudis and expats together
- When Saudi Arabia starts to feel like home
- Personal wins, identity, and settling into life in the Kingdom

For community questions tips, join our Whatsapp community here:
Khobar; https://chat.whatsapp.com/K8Dk4iX50tNLukqgHHLnvV?mode=ems_copy_c
Jeddah; https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kv6MxVrWKwG3pjv2XXFciH?mode=ems_copy_c
Riyadh; https://chat.whatsapp.com/DysXvVVswHoHhUNMxALH1s?mode=ems_copy_c

Can you drink the tap water in Saudi Arabia? 

And what’s actually the safest, healthiest option for your family?In this research-led episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie and Lily deep dive into one of the most asked (and most misunderstood) expat topics: water quality in Saudi Arabia. 

From desalinated tap water and delivery gallon bottles, to glass spring water and under-sink filtration systems, they break down the pros, cons, costs, and health considerations of each option.Lily shares the months of independent testing she carried out  including third-party lab testing,  to understand what’s really in common household water sources in the Kingdom. 

They also discuss microplastics, TDS (total dissolved solids), chlorine, and why water safety can feel different in a desert climate.Whether you’re new to Saudi or have lived here for years, this episode will help you make informed decisions about drinking water, filtered water systems, bottled water, and family health in the region.

SHOW NOTES:
- Why Saudi tap water is desalinated and why most residents avoid drinking it
- The pros and cons of gallon bottled water (cost, convenience, microplastics)
- Glass bottled spring water as an alternative
- What microplastics are and why heat can make plastic bottles a concern
- What TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) means when testing water quality
- Installing an under-sink home filtration system and how it works-
 Independent lab testing results for filtered vs. tap water
- Cost comparison between bottled water and filtration systems
-  Other home water considerations like shower filters and hard water

Resources & Recommendations
Water Filtration & Testing
-  Brita – Popular pitcher and faucet-mounted water filters
- TDS Meter – Handheld Total Dissolved Solids tester for home water checks
-  Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) System 
– Whole-home/under-sink filtration option

Bottled Water Options
- Glass Spring Water 
– Recommended to avoid microplastics and heat leaching
-  Delivered Gallon Water Containers 
– Common expat water delivery choiceHealth & Safety
- Third-Party Water Lab Testing – For accurate analysis of minerals, TDS, and contaminants

Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Ep 59. Rozana Albanawi: The Heartbeat of Human-Centred Leadership (and golden Insights into Jeddah!)

Ep 58. From Identity to Anxiety: Psychologist, Carl Garner on the Real Emotional Impact of Moving Abroad 

Ep. 57 "So Here's the tip...." We answer some FAQ's & give some tips on 'what to wear' to 'how to drive' (and all in-between)

In this special episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie is joined by her husband Michael for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it’s really like moving to Saudi Arabia as a married couple and raising a young family in Riyadh. 

From long-distance marriage during the transition and early culture shock, to career growth in the Kingdom, compound life, having children in Saudi, and watching the country transform under Vision 2030, they share the highs, the challenges, and the mindset shifts that made the move life-changing.

If you’re considering relocating to Saudi, navigating expat family life, or curious about working and building a future in the Kingdom, this episode offers practical advice and real lived experience from people who’ve been through it.

SHOW NOTES:
- Relocating to Saudi and managing long-distance during the transition
- Adjusting to Saudi work culture and why the Kingdom can accelerate your career
- Compound life, community, and building a support system as expats
- Raising children in Riyadh, international schools, and family lifestyle
- Having a baby in Saudi and navigating healthcare
- The mindset needed to make relocation work
- How life in Saudi has transformed in recent years

RESOURCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
- The 5AM Club – Robin Sharma (mindset & routine) 
- AlUla (favorite Saudi travel spot) 
- Kingdom Hospital, Riyadh (maternity care) 
- Strava (fitness tracking)

Stay Connected:
📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Ep. 54 Bonjour Arabia! Frankie Lily sit down with Cecilia Pueyo, co-founder CEO of Bonjour Arabia (formally 'Bonjour Saudi') - expert on cultural experiences in Saudi.

The Stories Behind the Hosts – Frankie & Lily’s Path to Saudi Arabia 

Ep 53. Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Dr Felwa AlMarshad joins Lily & Frankie for a practical and honest discussion on her mission to educate (Men & women) in the region.

Ep 52. Frankie & Lily catch up - Start of a new school year and we're off and running! Events, concierge and Riyadh season (and great weather!)

Ep.51 *Special SLU update* SL Concierge Launch! - hear about how 'Saudi Life: Unpacked' is expanding

Ep 50. Q A with Lama Alhamawi: Saudi journalist, Head of Diplomacy Foreign Affairs at Arab News, and founder of the Discussions podcast - to unpack her powerful career journey. If you're still bringing assumptions about the Kingdom in your carry-on, this episode will change that.

Ep 49. Q A with Tulin Meric Sahin, makeup artists and skincare professional - talking bringing up children through their formative years in Saudi, practical tips tricks on everything from skin care to parenting grounded children - we cover it all.

Ep 48. Q & A with Palavi Kele, Cross-cultural Psychologist. We discuss her work helping individuals and organisations navigate the rich and nuanced cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia.

Frankie & Lily 'post summer' catch up - Changing schools & feelings about returning to Saudi after a long summer break abroad.

Get to know us, your hosts. How did we end up living in Saudi Arabia and what our own experience as expats has been.