ABOUT
Erika is 49 years old and has lived in many countries in Europe. She says that she is having the time of her life, living a beautiful experience in Riyadh right now. She moved there 12 years ago with her French husband and the reason was that he got a job opportunity there. They didn’t know what to expect and it turned out to be the best choice for them. She feels blessed. 🙂
Moving to Riyadh
Tell us a little about you:
I come from a big traditional Mexican family. I have 4 sisters and a brother. Since a very young age I’ve loved creating and changing things around me. I have a big passion for transforming anything that catches my eye. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. But I grew up in Acapulco. I’m a self-made, autodidact artist! I speak English, French and Spanish.
What is Riyadh famous for?
Riyadh is famous right now for all the changes happening. Three years ago, Riyadh was not as modern and open as it is now. Especially for all women, this is a wonderful time for all of us, as we gained more freedom.
What surprised you about life there when you first arrived?
It was an emotional shock for me not to see women’s faces and to see them dressed in black everyday.
How to find a job in Riyadh?
Now it’s easier for anyone to work. But you need a contract before moving here. It is open to the public now with a tourist visa only, if anyone wants to come. But work is not possible without official documents.
Did you experience any cultural shock?
I actually experienced more culture shock coming back stateside than I did coming to the UAE. It’s very easy to fit in there and make friends. The population is about 80% expatriate, so there are plenty of people from all over to create your circle.
How did you get set up?
My husband’s company set us up completely: a place to stay, medical insurance, phone plan and bank accounts.
What did you bring with you?
I didn’t bring much as I was planning to stay for only 3 years. Now I have a lot after 12 years of living here.
Living in Riyadh
What are your favorite restaurants and bars in Riyadh?
There are many restaurants now with a huge variety of international and national food. My favorite restaurants are La Petite maison, Cipriani, and the Billionaire. There aren’t any bars as alcohol is not allowed in this country.
Do you need to speak Arabic to live in Riyadh?
You don’t need to speak Arabic as everyone here speaks English, it’s the second language.
What are your favorite things to do in Riyadh specifically?
The desert is one of the attractions, especially on the weekend. Everyone gets together, family and friends, and there’s lots of historical places to visit too. My favorite historical places to visit are Diriya, Old Riyadh Town. The modern places to visit include the Sky Bridge of Kingdom Tower, the Saqer-Aljazirah Aviation Museum, the Edge of the world, The Saudi National museum, the Al Faisaliyah Tower, the National park and zoo, the wadis, art galleries and a lot more.
When’s the best moment to visit Riyadh?
The best moment to visit will be winter from October to March as it can get very hot here, which makes it harder to go out.
Where is the best area to live in Riyadh?
The best place to live in Riyadh it’s in the compounds, especially if you have kids. I like Al Nakhla compound the best, but there are also many new ones. To meet new people and for adults it’s the best place to start a new life.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Riyadh?
Riyadh used to be an inexpensive place to live but now it is starting to get expensive. I think it depends on your personal lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Can you tell us something else about Riyadh that we might not know?
Really I’ve learned a lot about me as a person and what I want out of life. I’ve learned to ignore social norms and do what is good for you in the long run. I’ve learned a lot about my home country that you don’t really notice when you’re living there as well.
Any plans for the future?
Right now I’m just painting for myself to enjoy my time here and sharing my passion. And in the future I’d like to open my own business wherever I go next.
What are the main differences between Mexicans and Saudis?
Us Mexicans, we don’t care much about what others think and we love to just have fun. And Saudis are more reserved.
Thank you, it looks like quite an interesting place to live! I am glad you are feeling everything easier with time and with the recent changes. Staying 12 years in one place like that, it must have been so cool to see the changes over time! I wish you to keep thriving professionally and personally, all the best Erika!
Her IG: Here
