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, and how they’ve changed daily life and parenting in Saudi Arabia. The conversation rounds out with a look at cleaners, home routines, and the small comforts — like in-home massages — that make family life in Riyadh a little easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a move or just curious about what day-to-day life looks like for expat families in Saudi, this episode offers an honest and practical look at the support systems that make life in Riyadh run smoothly.   Episode Breakdown: 0:00 — Intro 1:12 — Nanny vs. No Nanny 8:31 — Finding a Nanny in Riyadh 11:25 — Common Issues to Watch Out For 13:43 — Influenza A Update 14:41 — Did We Make the Right Nanny Decision? 20:41 — Nanny Judgement 22:03 — Drivers in Riyadh 26:15 — Driving Culture and Daily Realities 28:28 — Our Experience with Drivers 32:00 — How Having Help Has Changed Our Parenting 33:43 — Cleaners and Home Help 37:52 — Massages and Small Luxuries

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 we’d packed (and what we really didn’t need). Join Carly and Vesna for a conversation that’s equal parts style, self-care, and cultural discovery — all Beyond the Abaya. Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction 01:48 — Dressing Differently in Saudi 04:55 — Semi-Permanent Beauty Treatments 06:12 — Riyadh’s Salon Scene 08:10 — Women-Only Spaces & Girls’ Days Out 08:55 — Million Dollar Facials & Lip Blushing 11:51 — Botox in Riyadh: What’s the Norm? 14:10 — Nails, Manicures & Local Trends 15:42 — Hot Beauty Tips We’ve Learned 17:29 — Fashion Finds & Souk Al Zal 18:49 — What Not to Pack for Riyadh 22:53 — What You Should Pack Instead 24:58 — Shops & Local Brands We Recommend 26:36 — Hot Fashion Tips to Live By

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 honest insights, helpful visa tips, emotional moments, and everything in between.   If you’re considering a move to Saudi — or just curious what life looks like behind the compounds — this one’s for you.   You can watch the full video on our youtube channel Listen on Apple or Spotify  And follow us on TikTok and Instagram    Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:45 The moment we found out 4:43 The waiting game (contracts, visas & planning through unknowns) 7:52 Visa nightmares 11:30 Getting help from agencies 13:19 Our visa tips 13:55 Arriving on tourist visas 17:24 Juggling Carly’s job while maybe moving 19:33 Was it emotional to leave? 25:26 Flying the moms out 26:43 Sell it all 28:25 How we’re bringing the dogs 30:25 Agency timelines & tips 33:54 Checking contracts — can you leave the country?

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, and the moments that made us feel at home.