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.
How would you describe yourself? How would family and friends describe you?
I am fun to be around, friendly, open-minded, and occasionally funny. I would like to think that my family and friends would describe me in the same way, though they would most likely change the order.
Who or what have been the strongest influences in your life?
It is difficult to say. I do recall some choice moments that may have had more of an impact than initially intended. A line from a teacher, some advice from my dad, the words of an old, or in some cases, new friend, had huge impacts. I remember the specific moments — most of them positive, some of them negative. I’ve tried to learn from them all. Aside from people, it is the moving around, living in different countries, and doing very different jobs under different circumstances, including my time in Riyadh, changed my life and I feel very fortunate for these opportunities.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
Making more friends than enemies! It sounds simple and most people achieve it. But I hope that where I have been and to the people that I have met, I’ve left more positive impressions with some lasting friendships. I would be thrilled to know that I have impacted someone in a hugely positive and influential way. I’ll only know if someone tells me, but I like to think it has happened.
What brought you to Riyadh?
A job and an opportunity and I’m glad to say that it has been excellent so far.
What are your thoughts and insights on being a resident of Saudi Arabia?
In the 18 months that I have been here, I have seen a lot of changes. The country has really opened up. Tourist visas are available! There is a whole lot of the county I have yet to see, but Al Ula was sensational and the Diriyah Season with the Anthony Joshua fight was amazing and very special.
How long have you lived in the DQ?
Since I arrived in September 2018.
What were your first impressions of the DQ?
They like this color of brick don’t they?
What is a typical day like for you?
Long hours working in and out of the office, hopefully followed by dinner with friends at home or a restaurant.
What do you like most about the DQ?
That I can walk around it. I love walking around cities; it gives you a feel for them. Unfortunately, Riyadh isn’t set up like that (the hot weather doesn’t help) but the DQ is!
What is something you wish the DQ had, but currently doesn’t?
A coffee shop, only kidding; Oud Square has approximately 53 already. A shisha cafe would be excellent and a casual performance space.
Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?
There are a couple of cheap restaurants that I VERY much enjoy visiting. I’m not sharing where; they’re busy enough already. Otherwise I regularly visit the AMC cinema; it has a beautiful screen.
Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?
Remember there is a world outside the DQ. As nice as ours is, get out and discover Riyadh and elsewhere. There is a whole world of nature and beauty about 40 minutes away by car. Do it.
