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 am from Lebanon and have been in the Kingdom for almost five years now. I have been working for the German Embassy since 2014 and am also a photographer for 13 embassies within the DQ. I would describe myself as adventurous, courageous, gregarious, and ambitious.
Tell us about your hobbies.
I really enjoy photography. I love how the camera is like a save button and it enables you to freeze the nice moments in life. I have my own studio to book photo sessions now and you can see and follow my work on Facebook and Instagram (facebook.com/Hachem.Photography and instagram.com/Hachem.Photography)
I also enjoy jogging. I’m in love with all the trails we have within the Diplomatic Quarter. I go for jogs with my colleagues once a week and it’s such a great experience.
What brought you to Riyadh?
I got an offer while I was studying in Syria to work at the German Embassy in Riyadh. My contract was for four months. My plan was to save some money to buy my dream camera. When I returned to Syria, I wanted to open a small photography business while finishing my Masters degree. However, I was offered a fixed contract to continue working at the embassy in Riyadh. I decided to stay and fulfill what I had planned to do in Syria here in Saudi Arabia instead.
What changes have you experienced in Riyadh since you first came here?
To be honest, my first year in Saudi was not the best until I was able to create a network with the different embassies; it’s getting better everyday. Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has become a more fun place with a lot of amazing events and activities.
What were your first impressions of the Diplomatic Quarter?
I moved to the DQ in November 2018. Moving to the DQ made my life much easier. I live a five minute walk away from my work and it takes minutes to get to any embassy here. I also now own a place to setup my studio and do photo sessions here.
What do you like most about the DQ? What is something you wish the DQ had, but currently doesn’t?
I really like that all the embassies are located here. I also really like the trails and the gardens around the DQ. I really wish the DQ had its own group of photographers.
Lastly, do you have any tips for your DQ neighbors?
Send your embassy an email that you are living in the DQ and would like to get invited to their events if possible. Once you attend, don’t forget to give out your business cards because they’re very useful to know more people. Once you start your journey of building connections and making friends, you will enjoy your life in Saudi Arabia more. Don’t forget to invite me to your events!
