Inside Saudi Arabia
Inside Saudi Arabia is a podcast that offers a glimpse into everyday life in the Kingdom, covering culture, family, style, wellness, and more. Hosted by expats Carly Overman and Vesna Petrovic, each episode shares personal experiences and observations about the country's transformation. The show is aimed at those moving to Saudi Arabia, already living there, or simply curious about life in the Kingdom.
Episodes
How to Make Friends and Build Community in Saudi Arabia (also a studio sneak peek)
A year in, and Inside Saudi finally has a real studio.
In this update episode, Carly and Vesna welcome you to Chapter 2 of Inside Saudi from their brand new studio at Colabs, and catch you up on everything happening in their world and their community.
We cover the women only pool party that sold out, how women's events actually work in Saudi, why it is so hard to make friends as an expat (and
How We Are Launching a Business in Saudi Arabia (It's Not What You Expect)
How do you actually launch something in Saudi Arabia? The honest answer surprised us too.
In this (bed) episode, Carly and Vesna share what really helped them build Inside Saudi over their first year, and it is not the business advice you would expect. It is about patience, relationships, gut feeling and serving people first.
We cover the advice that is more nuanced, why we run everything on v
What We Got WRONG About Saudi Arabia (1 Year Later)
One year ago, we packed our bags and moved to Saudi Arabia. In our very first episode, we shared everything we thought we knew. Now, 365 days later, we're revisiting every claim, do we still stand by them?
From compound life and close friendships to the heat, the winter cold, bringing dogs, plant-based food struggles, the cost of living, and whether you should really "just pack two suitcases and g
Living in Saudi: Driving, Loneliness, and What No One Tells You
Living in Saudi is not always the highlight reel. This week we get honest.
Carly and Vesna talk through the hard parts of living in Saudi Arabia, the things nobody posts about. From the fear of driving in Riyadh, to the loneliness of expat life, to the real struggle of starting a business here.
If you are moving to Saudi Arabia or already living in Riyadh, this episode covers what it is actually l
We Toured EVERY Compound in Riyadh (Honest Review + Q&A)
We toured every compound in Riyadh, so you don't have to.
In this Inside Saudi episode, Carly and Vesna give an honest review of the best compounds in Riyadh, from Flow Granada to Palma 2, Vives, Wadi Qortuba, Al Nakhla and more, then answer your questions in a full Q&A.
If you are moving to Saudi Arabia or living in Riyadh, this is your guide to compound life: what it really costs, the Ejar r
Our Goodbye Episode...
This one is bittersweet. It is our goodbye episode.
Carly and Vesna are back from summer and packing up their studio for the very last time. In this catch up they get into everything that went down over the break, the good, the dramatic, and the completely ridiculous.
From the nanny who left the baby home alone and then did a runner, to a 300 year old house falling apart, kids catching 12 fish spe
The Truth About Child Safety in Saudi Schools with Sajid Khan
This might be the most important conversation we have had on Inside Saudi.
We sit down with Sajid Khan, a child safeguarding and education expert who moved from Birmingham to Riyadh at 24 and has spent over a decade protecting children in schools across the Kingdom. We get into what safeguarding really means, why Saudi can feel safer than the UK, the neglect cases that changed how he sees parentin
We Went to Saudi Weddings, Here's What Shocked Us
We went to our first Saudi weddings, and nothing could have prepared us.
This week Carly and Vesna break down everything they have learned about Saudi weddings and gatherings, from a total newbie point of view. Dinner served at 2:30 in the morning, glam that rivals the Met Gala, and the unspoken rules of what to wear.
We get into the real flow of a Saudi wedding, why you can never overdress, the c
Couture, Burnout, and Building a Fashion Brand with Pacinthe
From night classes in Cairo to a runway at Paris Fashion Week. This week Carly and Vesna sit down with Pacinthe, the Egyptian couture designer behind two Vogue Arabia covers, a Paris Fashion Week show, and a client list full of Arab stars and red carpet moments.
We get into how she built her fashion house from the ground up, her signature draped corsets and sustainable line, dressing for weddings
10 Lessons From Our First Year in Saudi Arabia
One year in Saudi, and we finally figured a few things out. In this episode, Carly and Vesna swap the ten lessons they learned after their first year living in Riyadh, going back and forth without knowing each other's list.
We get into being kind to yourself through the move, whether you really need the big compound, why making Saudi friends changes everything, the truth about getting help at home
The World Will Come to Learn From Saudi: Victor Barrero on Expo 2030 & the Riyadh Boom
We've never done a two-parter, but there was too much to cover. In Part 2, Victor Barrero is back to talk about the next chapter: Vision 2030, Expo 2030, and what it actually takes to build a country at the speed Saudi is moving.
Victor helped launch Flow in Riyadh, close to 1,000 households across four communities, stood up in a matter of months after landing. In this conversation he pulls back
A Year of Nanny Mistakes: What We'd Do Differently
One of us has had a live-in nanny since September. The other has a cleaner for three hours a week and a robot vacuum called Robbie, who has just broken down.
A year into life in Riyadh, Carly and Vesna compare notes on help: how to find it, how to manage it, and what it costs you when you refuse it.
Carly walks through the two routes to finding a nanny in Riyadh, why she asks to see an iqama live
Google Told Him Not to Come to Saudi. One Message Changed Everything. (Victor Barrero, Part 1)
In the summer of 2009, Victor Barrero typed "life in Saudi Arabia" into Google and got scared. He came anyway, on an eight-week flynas internship, a 25-year-old from Mexico who packed a camera and a checklist: camel market, old Diriyah, the grand bazaar. None of it looked like the photos. Diriyah was boarded up. He got into Kingdom Tower only because a guard mistook him for a diplomat.
Then a frie
How Much It Really Costs to Live in Riyadh (2026 Update)
A year in, Carly and Vesna re-priced their whole life in Riyadh: what's gone up, what surprised them, and what they'd tell someone running the numbers before a move.
This is the granular version of the cost conversation, from the two biggest line items down to the ones nobody warns you about. They walk through compounds across four tiers, from the common 300 to 350K range to the half-million luxe
Your Neck Pain Starts In Your Gut? Wellness in Riyadh (Peter, Tonic The Method)
Your neck pain and your gut might be the same problem. This week we sit down with Peter from Tonic The Method on what wellness actually looks like in Riyadh right now.
Peter is a physical therapist and Chinese-medicine specialist who moved here from Lebanon expecting wellness to rank near the bottom of people's priorities. He was wrong. We get into the nerve that connects your neck to your stoma
Wedding at the Ritz, Summer Plans & Why We Chose Riyadh
After a run of guest episodes, we did something different.. a live summer Q&A on TikTok, answering your questions in real time, and turned it into this week's episode. No guest, just us catching up before the summer break.
We get into what a Saudi wedding at the Ritz-Carlton is actually like, the malls worth your time in Riyadh, the Saudi and Gulf abaya designers we actually buy from, learning
Everything You Got Wrong About the Saudi Sun
Saudi Arabia had no sunscreen of its own, in one of the hottest climates on earth. Ghadi Alshehri spent three years fixing that.
Ghadi is the founder of Borderline Beauty, the first homegrown Saudi sunscreen. She sat down with Carly and Vesna in Riyadh to talk about the gap she found, the science most of us were never taught, and what it takes to build something Saudi-made right now.
In this e
The Premium Residency Episode: All 7 Routes
There are seven routes to Saudi Premium Residency. Most people only know about one or two of them, and almost everyone thinks Vesna got hers because of Instagram. This week, Carly and Vesna walk through all seven, what each costs, what each unlocks, and what they wish they'd understood before they started navigating it themselves.
Vesna holds Premium Residency as a secondary, sponsored by her husb
He Said No To Saudi Three Times. Then He Stayed 5 Years | Cedric Dahmoun
Cedric Dahmoun said no to Saudi three times before he came. He stayed five years.
He's a Belgian-Algerian content creator with 600,000 followers, most of whom found him through TikToks showing what life in Saudi actually looks like. He came during COVID from Dubai, with no Arabic, no plan, and a feeling that he'd run out of versions of himself to try in Europe.
In this episode he tells us about th
From Pro Tennis to Saudi: Alex Tashbaeva on Building a Life She Never Planned
Alex Tashbaeva stopped going to school at twelve. She'd already been on a tennis court eight hours a day since she was five, and her Uzbek-Soviet parents had decided she was going to be a champion. By sixteen she'd left home; by nineteen she was the only girl on a ten-person coaching team flying to Riyadh to build out the Saudi national tennis programme.
She said yes on a phone call. She knew noth
From Goldman Sachs & KPMG to Saudi’s Biggest Modest Swim Partnership
How do you transition from the intense world of derivatives trading at Goldman Sachs and private client tax at KPMG to launching a global luxury swimwear brand? In this episode of Inside Saudi, we sit down with Katleya Nielsen and Ayesha Mahomed, the visionary founders of Lanuuk.
They pull back the curtain on the "maternal shift" that led them to leave their 10-year corporate careers to solve a ma
Saudi Content Creator Explains Taboos, Slang & Life in Saudi Arabia
What is life in the Kingdom actually like when you step outside the "compound bubble"?
In this episode of Inside Saudi, we sit down with viral creator Senan, a "Westernized Saudi" who has mastered the art of explaining his culture to the world.
We start with a quick story about how an internet misunderstanding actually brought us together, but the real conversation begins when we dive into the loc
Why Understanding Saudi Culture Is the Key to Business Success (with Mahmoud Moamenah)
What does it really take to succeed in Saudi Arabia?
In this episode, we sit down with Mahmoud Moamenah, founder of Sudasi Business Solutions, to explore why understanding Saudi culture is the key to both life and business here.
From growing up in Saudi and living abroad, to helping expats and businesses navigate the market, Mahmoud shares insights on integration, identity, and why many people nev
Three Perspectives, One Conversation About Life in Saudi | Inside Saudi Live
Saudi Arabia is changing fast, and people around the world are starting to pay attention.
In this first ever Inside Saudi Live, we bring together three very different perspectives on what life in Saudi is actually like.
Ali Almeshaal is a Saudi media professional and tourism entrepreneur who began his career in television and now works across communications and tourism in the region.
Micah Nicole
We're Fasting for Ramadan in Riyadh… Here’s What Surprised Us
It’s just us, Carly Overman and Vesna Petrovic, for a real time Ramadan catch up in Riyadh.
We’re recording on Day 6 of Ramadan and yes, we’re fasting, with a short pause while traveling. In this episode we share what it actually feels like as non Muslim expat moms. No water. No coffee. The midday slump. Breaking fast with our kids. Ramadan events. And the unexpected reset we didn’t see coming.
We
He Started With 1 Penny… Now He Has 400K Subscribers | Rayan Shaded
He started with one penny.
At 16 years old, Rayan set himself a challenge to turn a single penny into something bigger. That decision changed his life.
From couch surfing in New York to almost playing Cristiano Ronaldo for 1 million dollars, to gaining 100,000 subscribers from one short, this is one of the wildest creator journeys we have heard.
In this episode we talk about:
• The 1 penny challen
Saudi on Fast Forward: 17 Years Building Creativity & Community in Riyadh | Brandie Janow
Brandie Janow moved from Tennessee to Riyadh in 2009.. long before Saudi’s creative boom, design strategy conversations, or packed cultural calendars.
In this episode, she shares what early Riyadh was really like (when grocery stores were the hangout), how she founded Smuug to celebrate Saudi culture through design, and how she's part of building the foundation of design and the creative economy
Riyadh Author Reveals How Her English Novel Became a #8 Bestseller in Saudi
Mariana De’ Carli Orti is a Riyadh-based author and publisher with a global story that runs from Brazil to London to Saudi Arabia. In this episode, she explains how her English novel hit #8 on Saudi’s bestseller list, what publishing really pays authors, and why Riyadh feels like home. We also dive into AI in books, the future of publishing, and the Riyadh Writers Conference (Feb 6–7).
Topics cov
Why We Chose Homeschooling in Riyadh (School Fees, Safety & Identity) | Yasmin Rehman
In this episode of Inside Saudi, we're joined by Yasmin, a Muslim expat mother who has lived in Riyadh for five years and made the bold decision to homeschool her children.
We talk honestly about why international school fees, often 40–75k SAR per year, and long school hours didn’t feel right for their family, why she chose no nanny, and how homeschooling has changed their daily life.
Yasmin also
How a French Entrepreneur Built Bonjour Arabia & Is Redefining Saudi Tourism (Vision 2030) | Cecilia
Cecilia, the French founder of Bonjour Arabia, shares how she built a cultural tourism business in Saudi Arabia—from early exploration trips to launching in Riyadh and expanding into AlUla. We talk the realities of starting a company, building community outside compounds, creating heritage-based experiences (food, crafts, desert nights), and how tourism is growing under Vision 2030—plus a viral mo
From Hustler to Housewife in Saudi Arabia | Mama Sandie, Unfiltered
In our first-ever guest episode, we sit down with the one and only Mama Sandie. The Realest Housewife of Riyadh.
From becoming a mother at 18, to building a career, surviving sepsis, a spinal fracture, and eventually relocating to Saudi Arabia, Mama Sandie shares her unfiltered story with honesty, humor, and depth.
We talk about:
Identity loss and reinvention after moving to Saudi
Postnatal de
2026 Goals & Reset: Wellness, Family & Building a Life in Saudi Arabia
In this episode of Inside Saudi, we’re sharing our 2026 goals and intentions — from wellness and family life to growing a podcast and building a business in Saudi Arabia.
After a huge year that included moving to Saudi, growing our families, launching Inside Saudi, and navigating burnout, we both felt the need for a reset. This episode is an honest, reflective conversation about health, motherhood
The Riyadh Edit: Our Favourite Things of 2025 | Cafés, Shopping, Beauty & Life in Saudi
Welcome to The Riyadh Edit: Our Favourite Things of 2025.
In this episode of Inside Saudi, we’re sharing our most-loved places, finds, and everyday favourites from living in Riyadh — from cafés and coffee spots to beauty, shopping, furniture, kids’ activities, and wellness.
Think of this as our insider edit: the places we take visitors, the brands we actually shop, the beauty treatments we lov
A Little Year-End Thank You (Before We Log Off)
A short year-end chat on what this year brought us, what we’re grateful for, and why we’re so excited for 2026. Thank you for being here — we’ll see you in the new year 🤍
What It’s Really Like Being a Woman in Saudi Arabia (Misconceptions vs Reality)
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 ta
Making Friends in Riyadh: What Every New Expat Needs to Know About Building Community
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 Sau
If You’re Moving to Riyadh in 2026 (What You ACTUALLY Need to Know)
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 Resid
We Worried About Raising Kids in Riyadh — Here’s the Truth
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 grat
Moving to Riyadh: Your Biggest Questions on Schools, Compounds, Visas, Salaries & Expat Life
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
Vision 2030: Why the Whole World Is Watching Saudi Arabia
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
Winter Season in Saudi Arabia: Top Things to Do During Riyadh Season
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 Dir
How Expensive is Life in Saudi, Really?
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 ev
Nannies, Drivers, Cleaners - Oh My!
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,
Beyond the Abaya — Fashion, Beauty & Modesty in Riyadh
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
Wait, Why is Everyone Moving to Saudi Arabia?
This week on Inside Saudi, we’re diving into the question everyone keeps asking — why are so many families, expats, and professionals moving to Saudi Arabia right now?
Carly and Vesna share their real-life story of finding out about the potential move, navigating contracts, visas, and goodbyes — from the moment they found out they might move, to flying out with kids (and dogs!) in tow. Expect ho
Everything We Got Wrong About Saudi Arabia
When we first moved to Riyadh, we carried every misconception you can imagine: the heat, abayas, women’s freedom, whether our kids would settle, even if our dogs could adapt. In the first episode of Inside Saudi, we share what we thought life here would be like—and the reality instead. From our first Saudi National Day to shopping for abayas at Andulas Mall, it’s a mix of culture shock, surprises,
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