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 was born in the heart of Sweden and had a big family. I grew up in the countryside playing sports. Much like Saudi, so much of our life revolved around the seasons – you had to make the most of the weather. The winters were dark, cold and snowy; and summers were light, warm and sunny. And if you didn’t like the weather, well, just wait a minute.
I left Sweden when I was only 20 years old and have only lived there for two years since. I go back whenever I can to see my family and friends. My time abroad has been incredibly fulfilling. I have been fortunate in my career to have traveled much, learned many languages and cultures, and made so many international friends. I even met my husband in the USA while shopping in IKEA.
How would family and friends describe you?
I think that it is hard for some people to comprehend how I can just pick up and move every five years to a different region of the world. Most people live within a short distance to where they were born. I would say that most of my family and friends have traveled enough to understand me.
Who or what have been the strongest influences in your life?
I think my mum was my biggest and strongest influence in my life. How she managed to have five kids while being a big sport icon. I don’t know how she made it, but she did.
What brought you to Riyadh?
I’ve been here for 2 years and 4 months. What brought me here was my work at the Swedish Embassy. I don’t always get my first choice when considering my next posting but I have been lucky in that regard. I was in South Africa when Nelson Mandela was elected president. I was in Germany when the Berlin Wall came down. I was in America when Barack Obama was elected. And now I am in Saudi when so much change is happening. I don’t think I would want to be anywhere else.
What led you to your career and how has Saudi Arabia helped you in your career goals?
I wanted to pursue a career that had meaning to me while helping others. Having the opportunity to travel and experience so many ways of life has been the blessing. Saudi has taught me patience.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
To start, I am the first Swedish female driver in Saudi. Haha, but true. I think that it is so important to get out of the DQ and meet the people and experience the culture. I am proud to have met so many Saudi and international friends for life. I have learned to set up a proper desert campsite and cook a really good kabsa.
What are your thoughts and insights on being a resident of Saudi Arabia?
It is nothing like I heard. I was quite lucky to come at a time when we had so many fantastic events in Riyadh Season and Diriyah Season. I experienced most of these and was delighted to witness the reaction of the Saudi crowd. It wasn’t all perfect, but it is certainly going in the right direction.
Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?
The joke is, “What is the best thing about Riyadh? Bahrain.” Of course I would disagree as Riyadh has so much to offer. I feel the number one asset is the people. I am so lucky to have so many warm and generous friends that have added depth and meaning to my experience here. I have been invited to so many homes, farms, break houses and desert trips; and I am so grateful. If I had to give you one answer, it would be the desert.
What were your first impressions of the DQ?
At first it was the security, speed bumps, circles, walls, and of course cats. Once settled, you realize that the DQ has a local and international presence and culture that is so diverse, interesting, and adventurous.
What do you like most about the DQ?
I enjoy the trails and quiet streets. I can bike, take long walks and be out and about in the surrounding. I liked the Farmer’s Market and I hope they bring that back. The Tamimi was a nice addition.
We have also attended many programs and events here in the DQ including some fabulous live music. There is a lot of growth and construction happening now. I hope that they will be able to find a balance.
Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?
The DQ is a community – but you have to work to become a part of it. If you do, you will really get a lot in return. Some of our best friends started with a simple greeting.
