Moving to any new city can be daunting. Among the top questions and concerns that come up once you arrive in the destination city are: How can I make friends outside of work? How can I connect with locals? Are there hobby groups I can join? What’s the social scene like? Where do I spend my weekends?
As a supporting spouse who moved to Riyadh seven years ago, these were the very questions I asked myself.
Today, as an Expat Integration Coach, I still hear them from new arrivals and long-term residents alike. That’s what inspired Club DQ Living and me to curate an event bringing together nine thriving Riyadh communities under one roof – showcasing just how many opportunities exist to connect through art, books, culture, business, fitness, and adventure.
At first glance, Riyadh’s social scene can seem centred around cafés and malls. But in reality, the city is home to a growing network of communities built around shared interests.
Writers in Riyadh
WiR was initiated by a fellow expat spouse as a creative community for writers, storytellers, poets, and curious creatives in Riyadh. It began with a simple idea: to build the kind of creative space where people could connect, experiment, and feel part of something. The community has organically grown to 3000+ members and I’d highly recommended attending their weekly workshops and Open Mic events!
AlJalees
A vibrant community that brings together readers and literary enthusiasts every week. It aims to promote reading, meaningful dialogue, and cultural engagement through bilingual (Arabic and English) events like Mind Jams, Literary Circle, book readings, author talks and book swaps. @WadiBookClub and Riyadh Page Turners are some other book clubs to engage with.
Synergy Art Hub
Founded in 2015, Synergy Art Hub in Diriyah is a space where art, culture, and community intersect. It offers pottery, painting, exhibitions, corporate team-building, and cultural events that welcome artists, beginners, families, and professionals alike. If you’re looking for art communities, do check out @sketchbookclub_riyadh, @miskartinst, @artists.tble, and @just_scrapss.
Bonjour Arabia
Bonjour Arabia is a cultural travel and experience design house based in a restored 150-year-old mud house in Diriyah. It curates cultural workshops, heritage tours and networking events that introduce locals, expats, and travelers to Saudi Arabia through authentic, people-centered experiences. Guests at our event also enjoyed a glimpse of Bonjour Arabia’s weekly improv workshop – a fun and engaging session that highlighted practical skills for effective workplace communication and everyday interactions. Other Saudi cultural immersive experiences I’d recommend are Hadyyah and HiHome.
Alliance Francaise
Alliance Française in Saudi Arabia is a leading language institute and cultural centre offering French, Arabic, and Spanish language programs. It also hosts exhibitions, concerts, talks, workshops, and Francophonie celebrations that promote French culture and cross-cultural dialogue. Other language exchange communities worth checking out are @riyadhleorg and @goetheinstitut_saudiarabiaen.
Saudi Culture Club
SCC is a community dedicated to celebrating Saudi culture through shared experiences and meaningful connections. What began as a small multinational gathering in 2021 has grown into an inclusive community that welcomes members from diverse backgrounds. Through outdoor adventures, coffee clubs, and social events, the club offers opportunities to explore Saudi traditions, build friendships, and foster greater cultural understanding.
RGBB
For more than 35 years, the British Business Group Riyadh has brought together British professionals, business leaders, and organizations to strengthen commercial and professional ties in Saudi Arabia. In partnership with the British Embassy’s Department for Business and Trade, it offers networking events, industry briefings, and discussions on topics shaping Saudi Arabia, from Vision 2030 to tourism, heritage, sport, and investment. Some other business groups to engage with are Riyadh Business Network, @wib.ksa @kingdomcreativeslabs, @womeninpowerksa.
Riyadh Rovers
Riyadh Rovers are a group of like-minded individuals who enjoy driving 4WD vehicles. This volunteer-run community brings together around 200 members from diverse nationalities through year-round day trips, camping weekends, and longer expeditions across Saudi Arabia. Guided by an eight-member committee, it also hosts monthly meetings from September to June.
R7
R7 Run Club is an inclusive community run club based in Riyadh. It started when a couple of runners got together in Wadi Hanifah in April 2018. Over the following months, they ran into more runners and invited them to join along. This culture of inclusiveness helped R7 grow into a community of 1500+ diverse members today across genders and age groups. Other Riyadh-based running groups are @adidasrunners, @rwg_community, @werun_sa, @rur_sa.
Riyadh’s community landscape has evolved tremendously over the past few years. Sometimes, it just takes a coffee meet-up with someone you met at a pottery or Improv workshop to find a friend, grow your business or land an exciting new opportunity.
Stay tuned for our free ‘Thriving in Riyadh’ interactive webinar and Connect & Belong 2.0 event in the upcoming months.
