How expats are discovering a home away from home in Riyadh

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Hana Nemec adopted the Saudi culture in almost all aspects of her life, from how she dresses, speaks and eats. (Supplied)
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French expat Arthur Rossi describes culture as an invisible thread that connects us all, transcending geographical boundaries. (Supplied)
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French expat Arthur Rossi describes culture as an invisible thread that connects us all, transcending geographical boundaries. (Supplied)
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Hana Nemec adopted the Saudi culture in almost all aspects of her life, from how she dresses, speaks and eats. (Supplied)
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Hana Nemec adopted the Saudi culture in almost all aspects of her life, from how she dresses, speaks and eats. (Supplied)
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Hana Nemec adopted the Saudi culture in almost all aspects of her life, from how she dresses, speaks and eats. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 September 2023
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How expats are discovering a home away from home in Riyadh

  • Newcomers and residents share their experiences of forging cross-cultural bonds of friendship
  • Despite cultural and language differences, Saudis have shown tolerance and acceptance of expatriates

RIYADH: Expatriates in Saudi Arabia often find themselves in a position where they can adopt and embrace the rich and fascinating culture of the country.

Culture sparks curiosity, ignites imagination and fosters understanding, allowing people to connect with their roots and the wider world. It is a living, breathing force that shapes our shared humanity.

Assimilation is vital as expatriates take part in local traditions, customs and values. By engaging with the local community, expats gain a deeper understanding of the Saudi way of life, forging bonds of friendship and respect. However, it is important to recognize that culture is dynamic in nature, evolving as it is passed down through generations.

Hana Nemec, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, told Arab News: “I moved here in April 2015 before Vision 2030 and the changes. I consider myself a ‘Saudi hipster’ because I moved here before it was cool.”

Nemec, who has family roots in the Czech Republic, spoke about the tolerance and acceptance she experienced from the Saudi people.

“From the moment I landed, I felt this sense of home I had never felt before. For the first time, I felt like I fitted in somewhere.

“Because I’m so deeply passionate about Saudi Arabia, its people and its culture, Saudis are usually shocked to learn that I’m not originally Saudi.

“They are even more surprised when I tell them I’m American.”

She added: “When they do realize that I’m ‘really American,’ they share stories about their time spent studying in the US, or their favorite travel spots in the States. It’s been a pleasure to develop our relationships and friendships, and hear more about how much we love and respect one another’s cultures.”

Nemec has embraced Saudi culture in almost all aspects of her life, from the way she dresses and gestures with her hands while speaking, to her love for authentic Saudi dishes such as jareesh and mutazeez.

She refused to allow the language barrier to stop her from assimilating.

“I enjoyed learning Arabic, specifically with a Saudi dialect, traveling to delve deep into the traditions and cultures of each region, and integrating into an incredible network of Saudi friends.”

She has been encouraging expats from all over the world to explore the opportunities she has enjoyed. Alongside Vision 2030, Nemec is looking forward to seeing the next generation of expats “join me here in the Kingdom to contribute to its goals — not only temporarily but long term.”

She said: “I have fallen in love with the Kingdom, its people and its culture, and I am confident that other expatriates coming for their first time, whether to visit or work, will share my sentiment.” 

French expat Arthur Rossi describes culture as “an invisible thread that connects us all, transcending geographical boundaries.” He made the decision to move from Paris to Riyadh to work at the Saudi Central Bank.

“Before coming to Riyadh, I worked in Washington D.C., in Frankfurt, Paris and in London, and it is in Saudi Arabia that I have found the kindest and most welcoming people,” he told Arab News.

Rossi adopted the Saudi culture in numerous ways. “I watch Saudi shows like ‘Masameer’ — my favorite character is Turad.” He also occasionally wears traditional male, tailor-made thoub and shemagh.  

He is learning Arabic and has begun following the Saudi football league and Al-Ittihad. “I am trying to learn more about Islam and Arabic calligraphy, and I also often visit architectural landmarks such as Diriyah, which is the heart of the Kingdom in Riyadh.”

Saudi citizen Sarah Khaled told Arab News: “Culture in our household became a mixture of Saudi and Spanish traditions. That is mainly because my neighbors moved from Spain to Riyadh in 2022.” 

She said that every Friday, her 5-year-old twins wake to the smell of paella, the Spanish rice dish. “Our children have even mingled and played a lot in the past year and started teaching each other their respective languages.

“Despite cultural and language differences, we as Saudis have shown remarkable tolerance and acceptance toward expatriates, inspiring coexistence and harmony toward a joyous societal blend.”

Indian resident Faiz Al-Najdi arrived in Riyadh in April 1997 when he began his career with Saudi Oger Ltd. He now lives and works in Yanbu as a senior structural engineer with Egis, a project management consultancy for SEVEN, which is responsible for Saudi entertainment ventures mandated by the Public Investment Fund.

“The first thing that I had noticed about the local people, both Saudis and expats, was how particular they are about performing prayers five times a day, even during office hours.

“Frankly speaking, I was not at all mindful about prayers. However, as time passed, I also changed myself and began to adapt and became a regular visitor to mosques,” he said.

Expatriates in Saudi Arabia often develop a deeper appreciation of the values and teachings of Islam as they immerse themselves in the nation’s culture. This trend reflects the power of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding and bridging gaps. It also highlights the open-mindedness and acceptance within Saudi society, creating an ideal environment for expats seeking a spiritual awakening.

Al-Najdi said that a profound spirituality permeates the country, whether it is the serene atmosphere of the holy cities or the echoes of the adhan (call to prayer) in the streets.

Culture is a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, customs, arts and beliefs that reflect the uniqueness of each society, a kaleidoscope of creativity that celebrates human diversity and illuminates our lives.


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Updated 04 November 2024
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Updated 04 November 2024
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.