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 in five words.
Happy, positive, joyful, and have love in my life!
Tell us about your career.
I currently work at the British Embassy – which I really enjoy -working with a great team within the Department for International Trade. In the past, I ran my own training business for 20 years, where we trained journalists, designers and creative people. Having my own business kept my career active while I moved around the world as an army wife following my husband.
What hobbies are you into?
I’m into yoga and meditation which help me keep a sense of calm and relaxation. I write in my website http://findingthejoy. info/. It’s my medium to spread love, kindness, wonder and joy. I also go camping and spend most of my time with my family and friends.
Tell us about your experience in moving to the Kingdom
I am from the UK and Iíve been living in Saudi Arabia for nine amazing years now. My husband Peter was offered a job in Riyadh in 2010 and we followed. Our four teenage children, Ryan, Vicki, Soph and Will, were excited at the thought of coming to stay with us during their school holidays and have fun in the sun!
What changes have you seen in Riyadh since you first came here?
We have watched the evolvement of social change and the impact of Vision 2030! Iíve noticed the ease of access through the airports, the fast growth of the city with new compounds, restaurants and shopping areas popping up almost daily, visible signs of the new metro (canít wait to travel on it, itís something my husband is working on), restoration of Diríayah UNESCO site and Al Bujairi Square and so much more.
What were your first impressions of the DQ?
I’ve been living in the DQ for 3 and a half years and itís been amazing! The DQ is such a relaxed, green space where we can walk freely and enjoy the amenities, spas, parks, trails and buzz of Oud Square! I love it!
What ís your day like in the DQ?
Every morning starts with a loving cup of tea brought to me by my husband followed by 20 minutes of yoga. Depending on the heat outside, my commute to work is either a 25 minute walk or a 7 minute car ride. I am so excited to be driving now! My day is often full of internal / external meetings and it ís great to have the option to hold some of these at the new cafes and hotels in the DQ, makes it so easy! After work or over the weekend, we enjoy having our friends over at home, eat out and sometimes I go to Al Manahil, Four Spa and Oz Yoga. What more could one want to relax!
What do you like most about the DQ?
The green parks and their symmetry, the happy buzz around Oud Square, being able to walk without an abaya, and everything is within easy walking/cycling/driving distance.
What is something you wish the DQ had, but currently doesn’t?
A bakery, a rickshaw style local taxi service and a resident permit for getting in and out of DQ security with ease.
Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?
Old Diríayah, Karim Beirut restaurant, La Cucina restaurant, the Riyadh Metro Visitor Centre, the gold souk ñ we all love that! Horse racing at the weekend is another family favorite.
Lastly, would you like to share any tips for your DQ neighbors?
Explore the walking tracks and parks as soon as possible and find your favorite spot.
