Saudi Life: Unpacked

Lily Moffatt & Frankie Hilton
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 20h ago

    Ep 90. Building with Purpose: Motherhood, Entrepreneurship & Life in Saudi Arabia with Lujain Abulfaraj

    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: Lujain’s journey from Jeddah to Kuwait, Dubai and back to SaudiWhy she chose to return home and build in Saudi ArabiaHow motherhood inspired the creation of AkwanHelping children connect with Arabic through playRaising children with a strong sense of culture and identityBuilding her first branding business by accidentThe realities and lessons of entrepreneurshipThe rise of female entrepreneurship in Saudi ArabiaWhy growth mindset plays such a big role in her lifeBalancing business, motherhood and personal wellbeingProtecting your energy and learning when to disconnectRaising the next generation to dream biggerPRODUCT AND RECOMMENDATION:AkwanPinterestOpalAcupuncture matStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

    Ep 90. Building with Purpose: Motherhood, Entrepreneurship & Life in Saudi Arabia with Lujain Abulfaraj

  2. Aug 4

    Ep 89. Expat Motherhood in Saudi Arabia: Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond with Lina and Christie

    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: The realities of pregnancy and giving birth in Saudi ArabiaChoosing the right maternity hospital in RiyadhTwo mums, one due date, and an unexpected friendshipBuilding a support system while living far from familyHonest birth stories, C-sections, and labour experiencesPostpartum recovery and the importance of supporting mumsBreastfeeding, newborn care, and preparing for motherhoodWhy Saudi Arabia surprised them as a place to raise a familyPRODUCT AND RECOMMENDATION:GermaCare Baby WashGermaCare Baby ShampooGermaCare Baby LotionGermaCare Baby OilGermaCare Baby CreamGermaCare Baby WipesThe Mum's WayYasmin (Doula)Prenatal ClassesBreastfeeding ClassStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

    Ep 89. Expat Motherhood in Saudi Arabia: Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond with Lina and Christie

  3. Jul 22

    Ep 88. Pregnant in Saudi Arabia: What It's Really Like Having a Baby in the Kingdom with Nikki

    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 Nikki's journey from Australia to Saudi ArabiaWhat it's really like being pregnant in Saudi ArabiaGiving birth in the Kingdom and why she chose to stayNavigating Saudi's maternity healthcare systemFinding the right doctor and hospitalBuilding a support network as an expat mumRaising young children in RiyadhCompound life vs. living outside a compoundPostpartum support and motherhood abroadThe biggest surprises about family life in Saudi ArabiaAdvice for families considering a move to the KingdomWhy Saudi Arabia now feels like homePRODUCTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:Weleda Skin FoodWeleda Skin Food Lip BalmWeleda Mother & Baby rangeWeleda Stretch Mark Massage OilStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

    Ep 88. Pregnant in Saudi Arabia: What It's Really Like Having a Baby in the Kingdom with Nikki

  4. Jul 17

    Ep 87. Perimenopause, Hormones & HRT in Saudi: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. May & Dr. Laura

    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 What is perimenopause?Early signs and symptoms to watch forPerimenopause vs menopauseIs it stress, burnout or hormones?Understanding HRT and who it's forWomen's healthcare in Saudi ArabiaPreventative health checks every woman should bookVitamins and supplements that support hormone healthLifestyle changes that make a differenceGLP-1 medications and women's healthFertility, hormones and ageingWhy you don't have to "just put up with it"How to advocate for your healthExpert advice from Dr. May & Dr. LauraPRODUCTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:Fem Fresh – Intimate WashFem Fresh – Intimate WipesVitamin DVitamin B12MagnesiumOmega-3 SupplementsStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

    Ep 87. Perimenopause, Hormones & HRT in Saudi: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. May & Dr. Laura

  5. Jul 10

    Ep 86. Building Your Tribe in Saudi Arabia: Real Expat Stories with Sarah, Victoria and Jules

    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 Why finding your tribe is one of the most important parts of moving to Saudi ArabiaSarah, Victoria and Jules share their unique expat journeysThe reality of making friends as an adult in a new countryCompound life vs living off compoundCoping with loneliness and building a support systemHow motherhood can help (or complicate) making new friendsWhy so many expats end up staying longer than plannedPractical tips for meeting people and creating meaningful friendshipsNavigating the highs and lows of expat life in RiyadhAdvice for anyone considering a move to Saudi ArabiaProduct Recommendations:Batiste Dry Shampoo (Brunette)Batiste Dry Shampoo (Tropical)Batiste Dry Shampoo (Original/Classic)Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

    Ep 86. Building Your Tribe in Saudi Arabia: Real Expat Stories with Sarah, Victoria and Jules

  6. Jun 30

    Ep 85. Breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia: Expert Advice for New & Expecting Mums with Dr. Eman Galal

    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 Dr. Eman shares her journey to becoming a lactation consultant.Breastfeeding support available in Saudi Arabia.Can you breastfeed in public in Saudi?Common breastfeeding challenges and myths.Tips for pumping and returning to work.Why maternal mental health matters.Advice for new and expecting mums living in Saudi.Product Recommendations:Pigeon Softouch BottleLansinoh (nipple cream, breast pumps, milk storage bags, nursing pads)Haakaa PumpNursing PillowBreast PumpNursing CoverStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

    Ep 85. Breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia: Expert Advice for New & Expecting Mums with Dr. Eman Galal

  7. Jun 23

    Ep 84. Moving to Saudi Arabia: Fitness, Confidence & Building a New Life with Milla Aguiar

    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 Mila's journey from Brazil to Saudi ArabiaMoving to the Kingdom without speaking EnglishHow Saudi Arabia's fitness scene has evolved over the past six yearsBuilding healthy habits that actually lastWhy strength training is essential for womenFinding a workout routine you genuinely enjoySocial media, body image, and fitness expectationsMila's thoughts on Ozempic and quick-fix weight loss trendsThe importance of hormones, recovery, and sleepStaying active during the Saudi summerSkincare, hydration, and wellness tips for life in Saudi ArabiaHow fitness can help build confidence and communityWhy Saudi Arabia changed Mila's mindset and perspective on lifeAdvice for women starting their fitness journeyLessons learned from living and thriving in Saudi Arabia as an expat Product Recommendations:FemfreshHuda BeautyFormeCrossFitLagree Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

    Ep 84. Moving to Saudi Arabia: Fitness, Confidence & Building a New Life with Milla Aguiar

  8. May 12

    Ep 83. Frankie and Lily Catch Up: AlUla, Red Sea & Exploring Saudi More

    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: 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.

    Ep 83. Frankie and Lily Catch Up: AlUla, Red Sea & Exploring Saudi More
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Lily Moffatt & Frankie Hilton
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Saudi Life: Unpacked

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