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 an Omani Peruvian architect working and living in Riyadh. I have two children who are going to school in the DQ. I love the outdoors and the ocean. I love making new friends and trying new things. I also love my alone time and am known for indulging in a weekend of bear-like hibernation.
How would family and friends describe you?
I think they would say I am friendly, easy going, have a nice smile, loves good food and music, always willing to try something new, and can sometimes be stubborn and judgmental.
Who or what have been the strongest influences in your life?
My parents, their courage in allowing themselves to fall in love, move to Oman, and raise a ‘hybrid’ family in the 70s has had the biggest influence on me and all my life choices.
What brought you to Riyadh?
The Kingdom’s grand vision and strong leadership birthed magnificent irresistible opportunities to step out of my comfort zone to explore, expand, and make new friends.
What led you to your career and how has Saudi Arabia helped you in your career goals?
Choosing to be an architect was my inability to choose between the sciences and the arts. I quickly discovered the difference between architectural engineering and architecture. I chose architecture, became the first chartered Omani architect, set up an architecture studio and in a nutshell became synonymous with well-designed, appropriate to place, culturally, and environmentally sensible boutique ‘small’ projects. Saudi Arabia has given and continues to give me the opportunity to lead larger projects and step out of my ‘small and boutique’ comfort zone, to contribute in a meaningful way to the Kingdom’s grand vision and aspirations of the Saudi people. I am grateful for these opportunities every day.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
Being a mother, best friend, and confidant to my children is high on the list. Surviving the pandemic as a small enterprise in Oman is borderline fictional. Being a WEF YGL and having an inspiring global network is a blessing, especially when I moved to Riyadh. I am also very proud of my ability to choose myself, my well-being, and my dreams and align them with my career goals.
What are your thoughts and insights on being a resident of Saudi Arabia?
I love living in Saudi Arabia. I keep telling family and friends that if they had asked me 4 years ago if I would have ever imagined myself living here, I would have said no way! It’s a privilege and delight to be here during this moment in history. I am loving it and I am in awe of all my Saudi friends who are living and shaping the new Saudi.
What do you like most about the DQ?
I love that I don’t need a car, even in the summer. I love the shaded walkways and the squares and the unlimited options on offer for leisure.
Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?
I have made my best friends on the streets of DQ, make time for walking, smile, and start up conversation.
