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.
Describe your personality in 5 words.
Ambitious, Outgoing, Extroverted, Adventurer, and Traveler, I enjoy meeting new people from different places and connecting with them through culture, tradition, history, and food. I also enjoy being outdoors and trying new things that scare me.
What hobbies are you into?
Why do you love doing it/them? I love to travel. I have spent my entire life traveling the world. I have lived in 6 countries and visited many more. I enjoy travel to experience different cultures. I am also into photography. I started the hobby when I was living in New York City and would always be capturing something unique. You can see some of my photos on my Instagram (@mohammadali921). I also play soccer. I moved to England when I was 6 years old and will never forget the soccer culture. It was more than just a sport. It was a way of life and I began to support Manchester United. I loved how the game could bring people from all backgrounds together and for 90 minutes, the only thing that mattered was a ball.
From which country are you from?
I was born in Pakistan but only lived there for 6 years. I spent the rest of my life abroad and have lived in England, Romania, Mexico, United States, and Saudi Arabia.
What brought you to Riyadh?
I came to Riyadh about 6 months ago. I am visiting my family who lives here (my father is an ambassador). I’m also currently looking for a job.
What changes have you seen/experienced in Riyadh since you first came here up to now/today?
I have only been here for 6 months but one of the notable changes I have seen is the number of foreign celebrities coming to Saudi (singers, wrestlers, soccer stars, etc.). I grew up watching WWE and to see the superstars in Saudi was an incredible experience.
What were your first impressions of the DQ?
The Diplomatic Quarter is very impressive. I really like the close knit community and family-oriented aspect of the DQ. It’s very easy to meet new people and connect with other expats. I was also impressed by the running paths, parks, and community centers such as Oud Square, Kindi Plaza, and Tuwaiq Palace.
What’s your day like in the DQ?
I usually wake up around 9 in the morning and go to the gym. After that, I come home and eat lunch and then spend most of the day in Oud Square working on an app with a friend that will connect locals and expats to events in Saudi. The app will be called “Aware” and it will be available for both iOS and Android soon. After working on the app, I try to do some photography followed by a run with a DQ running group.
What is something you wish the DQ had, but currently doesn’t?
I would really like to see some more community and embassy events that bring expats together. I would love to learn more about some of the countries that are represented in the DQ. I hope they create a monthly international fair where one country can share its culture, history, food, tradition with the residents of DQ and Riyadh.
Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?
I like visiting Diriyah, Kingdom Tower, Arch of Riyadh, the malls and the sand dunes.
Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?
I would highly recommend going out and meeting as many people as you can.
