Expat Tales: Experiencing ‘history in the making’ in Saudi Arabia

Sunday, 2 February 2025

Kimberly Eyles said the huge economic and cultural shifts underway in Saudi Arabia make it an exciting place to be.

Originally from Christchurch, Kimberly Eyles feels fortunate to be living in Saudi Arabia at a time of rapid transformation.

Expat Tales is a Stuff Travel series featuring Kiwis who’ve made new lives for themselves overseas. If you’d like to take part, email us at travel@stuff.co.nz

What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?

I relocated to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in February 2024 because I was eager to join the company I work for. It wasn't until I secured the role and began preparing for the move that I realised it's not just the company I'm working for that’s making history. Living in the Kingdom right now is experiencing history in the making.

Can you tell us a bit about where you live?

I live inside a compound in Riyadh, a city of 8.5 million people which is growing rapidly.

Riyadh is undergoing a major transformation as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan. This is a long-term effort to diversify the economy and reduce the country's dependence on oil.

Many expats are able to afford luxuries they wouldn’t have back home in NZ, Kimberly says.

Culturally, there's a shift towards greater openness, with new entertainment options like concerts, sports events, and festivals that were previously limited.

Women now have more rights, including the ability to drive and work in more sectors. The city is becoming more modern and cosmopolitan, with new skyscrapers, shopping centres and cultural landmarks changing the skyline and the way people live.

Did it take long to settle in?

Kimberly enjoys the Kingdom’s mix of tradition and modernity.

I felt like I hit the ground running almost immediately after arriving. I've been fortunate to make incredible friends who are similarly driven, and together we're embracing the easily accessed travel and top-tier events that seem to happen every week here.

Living in a compound means my apartment is part of a community of 400 tenants, many of whom have become close friends. Imagine living in a resort with a group of your friends every day - that’s what compound life feels like.

What are the biggest advantages of living there?

Kimberly prefers autumn when the heat is less intense.

People from all over the world are flocking to the city to be part of its new vision, creating a vibrant melting pot of diverse, talented, and driven individuals. You never know who you’ll meet from one day to the next.

Any disadvantages?

The intense heat over the summer period, when temperatures usually soar well over 40 degrees. But it’s a dry heat, making it more bearable than that of more humid climates.

How expensive is it compared to New Zealand?

The cost of living in this region can be just as challenging as in New Zealand, particularly with the high rents and imbalance between demand and supply. However, many contracts include benefits such as accommodation, transportation and healthcare allowances.

Many people here can easily afford services like personal drivers, cleaners, car washers, and nannies at a fraction of the cost in NZ. And I don't think it is a secret that the Middle East attracts expats with its competitive salaries.

How do you spend your spare time?

Bahrain is a neighbouring country only a five-hour drive away. Whereas Riyadh is landlocked, Bahrain is coastal with crystal-clear, warm waters. I try to get away once a month with friends for the weekend to Bahrain. We drive across the border, rent a holiday home and enjoy the days boating and beaching.

Kimberly recommends trying the dates, with more than 300 varieties available.

What is the local delicacy, and would you recommend it?

The dates, of course! It's impossible to think about the Middle East without considering their dates. There are over 300 varieties, and you'll find them available in nearly every building or room you enter.

Expats look forward to being able to run and walk outside in autumn, Kimberly says.

Easiest way to get around?

One of the biggest challenges of living in Riyadh is the traffic. It's a vast city with millions of people trying to get around, and during peak times, you can find yourself stuck in traffic for long stretches. To make the most of this, I prefer having a driver, so I can use the travel time to get work done on my mobile devices. However, the new Metro public transport system just opened, and we're all hoping it will reduce the number of cars on the road..

Best after-dark activity:

Everything in Riyadh comes alive after dark! Due to the heat, the Saudi way of life is to rest during the day and go out at night. Malls are empty during the day, but if you go at 1am, you’ll have a hard time finding parking. I was lucky enough to get tickets to see Tyson Fury in a boxing match here, and he entered the ring at 2am. You can even get a haircut at midnight if you feel like it!

Family and friends aside, what do you most miss about home? Crisp cold tap water, the lush greenery with grass and trees, and the convenience of getting around a city quickly and easily.

Staying safe: New Zealanders are advised by SafeTravel to exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia, with a ‘do not travel’ alert within 30km of the Yemen border. See safetravel.govt.nz for the latest information.