Moving to Riyadh and wondering how to make friends as an expat? You’re not alone. In this episode of Inside Saudi, we break down the real ways people build community in Saudi Arabia — from WhatsApp groups and fitness classes to saying “yes” more often and pushing past that initial loneliness.

We talk about:

✨ Why making friends in Riyadh is easier than you think

✨ How warm, open, and welcoming Saudis truly are

✨ Where expats meet people (walking groups, compound life, events, cafés)

✨ Our own story of meeting and starting this podcast

✨ How to put yourself out there — even when it feels scary

✨ What we’d do differently if we moved here again

✨ How living in Saudi Arabia changes you (in the best ways)

If you’re new to Riyadh, preparing for your move, or already here and craving deeper community — this episode is your guide.

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Podcast Chapters: 

0:11 Why Making Friends in Riyadh Matters (The Honest Truth)

1:43 Starting Over Abroad: The Reality of Building Community

3:34 Are Saudis Friendly? Our Real Experiences

4:45 How WhatsApp Groups Help Expats Find Their People

6:00 The Mindset Shift That Helps You Make Friends Faster

7:00 How We Met: From Compound Boot Camp to Close Friends

8:22 Turning a Friendship Into a Business & Podcast

11:50 Big News: Events, Meetups & Community Coming Soon

15:30 The Hard Part: Loneliness as a New Expat in Riyadh

17:55 Making the Most of Saudi Life (Say Yes!)

20:06 If We Moved to Riyadh Again, We'd Do This Differently

23:19 How Living in Saudi Arabia Changes You