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 a Saudi American who was born and raised in Riyadh. I graduated from Penn State University with a double major in International Relations and Journalism. Until recently, I was living and working in New York City.
How would family and friends describe you?
My family and friends would describe me as adventurous, honest, and determined. I am always open to exploring new destinations, having unique experiences, and meeting different people. Some of my favorite memories and closest friends are from my solo trips abroad. I am an optimistic realist who believes in the power of the truth, so I don’t shy away from sharing my thoughts. When something is important to me, I don’t give up until I have accomplished what I set out to do.
What have been the strongest influences in your life?
Both the experience of growing up in Saudi Arabia as a female, especially during the 90s, and living in New York City have been the strongest influences on me. Collectively, these experiences allowed me to see and live life from very different perspectives and identify positive elements of each culture.
What brought you back to Riyadh?
Opportunity. I returned to Riyadh to reconnect with my roots and be a part of the Kingdom’s historical transformation.
What led you to your career and how has Saudi Arabia helped you in your career goals?
I enjoy finding solutions to complex problems, and ultimately, helping make the world a better place. As a government strategy and policy advisor, I get to do just that for high-profile projects and ambitious clients. There is no shortage of interesting projects in the Kingdom. With a lot of the work here, you really get to help build something from scratch and play a key role in producing visible impact for your clients. This is really an exciting time to be working in Saudi Arabia, and I feel privileged to be contributing to a bright future for us all here.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
I am proud of making some bold, challenging decisions that led me to where I am today. I said yes to opportunities that allowed me to grow.
What are your thoughts and insights on being a resident of Saudi Arabia?
Life in Saudi Arabia is always an adventure! The people are kind. You will probably end up staying longer than you planned. When you leave, most of your friends and family back home won’t understand what you experienced here because they believe a narrative from the news more than a personal account from you. You will continue to travel to different countries and live in different cities, but you’ll soon discover that those places are “simply not Saudi.”
Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?
I have a soft spot for Tahlia Street and Olaya Street since those are the areas where I grew up, and some of the best restaurants and shops in Riyadh are located there.
How long have you lived in the DQ?
I have been living in the DQ for nearly 6 months now.
What do you like most about the DQ?
I like that the DQ is a cultural oasis in Riyadh. The DQ is a welcoming place where you can comfortably enjoy one of the many parks, hiking the trail, or reading at a café. The DQ is also a place where both Saudis and expats live, work, and socialize together. This results in an energetic, international scene. The DQ is mix of city and nature as well as local and foreign – all things I value in a neighborhood.
Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?
My advice would be to take time to positively contribute to building a quality community and sustainable environment. This could be as simple as greeting your neighbors, throwing away your trash in designated bins, caring for the cats that live on your block, or driving safely. The little things add up.
Your experience in Saudi Arabia will be heavily defined by who you spend your time with and the level of effort you put into exploring and understanding the country and its people. Take time to get out and about. Encourage yourself to have meaningful conversations and interactions. Push yourself to have experiences outside of your comfort zone.
