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 a 32-year-old Ukranian who came to Saudi Arabia three years ago for work. I graduated almost 10 years ago. Since then, I have worked with the design of public open spaces, urban environment, and private residences in my home country and abroad. In Saudi Arabia, I have been working since 2018.
How would family and friends describe you?
My family and friends would describe me as someone who is creative, attentive to details, motivated, and hardworking.
What have been the strongest influences in your life?
I am sure that every day and every moment, something might happen that could be a valuable experience for you or that could change your life completely; you just need to be open to the opportunities and be brave enough to come out of your comfort zone.
What led you to your career and how has Saudi Arabia helped you in your career goals?
I was always dreaming of creating something beautiful. What could be more beautiful than a functional and healthy environment? I am getting inspiration from the working process. Even now, when I get to see pictures of another project, I think, “It would be great to be a landscape architect… Oh wait, I am a landscape architect!” It is still surreal and I am still in awe.
Saudi Arabia gives me an opportunity to do something really impressive like large-scale projects which have their own soul and character. Enough space and spirited and diligent people around make these projects possible.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
I am proud that I have more than 700 happy clients across the world already.
What are your thoughts on being a resident of Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is a huge country with big potential and full of opportunities. All of us can achieve amazing results in its development. I like the local culture, the people, nature, architecture, food, clothes, and even the weather. I like that everything is so different here.
Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?
My favorite places are the Edge of the World and the Globe Restaurant because they are such wonderful places with amazing views. I really admire their gorgeous heights, strong wind, and mystic horizonless nature.
How long have you lived in the DQ?
I have been living in the DQ since 2018. In the beginning, I was very lucky to stay a few months at Tuwaiq Palace. What a magnificent place with the organic shapes of building harmoniously blending with the surrounding fairy gardens and desert spaces. I hope that reconstruction will be finished very soon and more people can enjoy this fabulous hotel.
What is a typical day like for you?
My working schedule changes every day. But usually, my day starts around six in the morning. Working hours is from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM at the office and at the construction site. Sometimes I have overtime at work or I go for a walk at the nearest garden in the DQ or to the Wadi trails. I also go out to meet my friends.
What do you like most about the DQ?
What I like the most are the gardens in the DQ, all those sustainable exotic trees and smart planning. Each of the gardens is unique. I remember when I visited for the first time in August, the weather was so hot. I spent four hours in one of the gardens and I was so surprised why it was so empty. During winter, I understood more why.
What is something you wish the DQ had, but currently doesn’t?
I like the open air DQ squares and areas for gathering, but lately it is becoming so crowded. It is not possible to find a parking spot in the evening or on weekends. I think DQ should have its doors open for everyone who wants to spend their time here but we need more public spaces then. And as I know now, a new sports center is opening soon. I hope it will be for ladies as well.
What are you looking forward to in the coming season?
In the coming season, I am looking forward to nice hot evenings in the open air public spaces without any restrictions. I wish that all of us would be safe and healthy.
