Over 10,000 residents call the DQ home. Meet Your Neighbor profiles interesting people in our international DQ Community. Learn about the diverse experience, interests, and backgrounds of DQ dwellers. Read on, and Meet Your Neighbor.
Tell us about yourself?
I have spent most of my life in Saudi Arabia, but I love to travel and do so at every opportunity. I studied abroad in the UK and New Zealand and have traveled extensively around Asia and Europe. One of my favorite places to visit is London. The cafes and shopping are world class, and I enjoy shopping where the shops line the street. I like the convenience of public transportation and am a fan of the overcast weather; a sharp contrast to what I’m used to.
What brought you to Riyadh?
I was actually born in Riyadh. My family moved to Dammam for some time and then I came back to Riyadh again to study at King Saud University. I also started my career here working with the Saudi Industrial Development Fund. How long have you lived in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ)? I have been living in the DQ for 2 years.
What were your first impressions of the DQ?
I have fond memories of coming the DQ when I was young to enjoy the sports facilities. My family would also barbeque at the various parks in the DQ. What’s your day like in the DQ? I wake up and have a light breakfast and coffee around 7am. Some mornings I go for a 15 minute run on the trails across from my house. I come home and get ready for work to be in the office by 9am. Work days are long; lasting until 6pm. After work, I stop by the InterContinental Hotel Men’s Fitness Center for a quick workout or swim. Then I go home for dinner and sometimes meet friends before retiring around 11pm.
What do you like most about the DQ?
I like the greenery in the DQ, the safety, and the quiet time on the weekends. I also enjoy the mix of nationalities that live together in the DQ. What is something you wish the DQ had, but currently doesn’t? I wish the DQ has an electronics shop and car wash. Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh? I enjoy going to Al Dir’iya and Thumama for the fresh air and camping.
Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?
Get involved. Join the facilities in and outside the DQ. Experience Kindy Plaza and Fazari Plaza and the new developments inside the DQ. Also take advantage of the new boosts in local tourism. Even though I know Riyadh quite well, I’ve enjoyed joining some of the tours to places like The Edge of the World.
