Advertise on podcast: Saudi Life: Unpacked

Here we have our SLU x NICHE Wellness, Wellness Girlie Edit. A short episode of 3 Jeddah wellness inspirational ladies in one mini episode, in collaboration with NICHE Wellness.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Soraya, Yara and Sara, three women helping shape Jeddah's growing wellness scene.From Pilates and Lagree to slow mornings, seaside walks and building businesses, we explore what wellness really looks like in the city by the sea. We talk about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, finding your community, and why taking care of yourself doesn't have to mean expensive routines or picture-perfect lifestyles.Plus, our guests share their favourite ways to unwind, recharge and make the most of life in Jeddah.Whether you're new to the city, curious about its wellness scene or simply looking for a little inspiration to slow down, this one's for you. SHOWNOTES: The rise of Pilates, Lagree and wellness culture in Jeddah.How Soraya, Yara and Saira built their wellness businesses.Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship and self-care.Why wellness doesn't have to be expensive or complicated.The importance of community and connection through fitness.Simple daily rituals, from slow mornings to seaside walks.Favourite wellness spots and experiences around Jeddah.Why Jeddah's slower pace makes it a unique place to live.PRODUCT AND RECOMMENDATION:Sauce Club / Lagree with Sauce – Lagree studio(https://www.instagram.com/lagreewithsauce/) Pilatiq Studio – Pilates studio(https://www.instagram.com/pilatiqstudio/) The Pilates Room – Pilates studio(https://www.instagram.com/the_pilatesroom) Pure – Gym and weight trainingThe Yoga House – Wellness studio in RiyadhRed light therapy – At-home skincareFacials – Monthly skincare treatmentsMatcha and protein shakesCandles and incense – RelaxationJeddah Corniche – Walking and outdoor wellnessJeddah beach clubs – Relaxation and beach daysPadel – Fitness and recreationStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What happens when you leave behind the life you know and start again in a new country?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Diala Fawaz, founder of Cook Craft, to talk about starting over in Saudi Arabia, building a family, and creating a business from a personal need.Diala shares her journey from Dubai to Riyadh, moving to Saudi as a single woman and building a new life in the Kingdom.She opens up about finding community, meeting her husband, embracing motherhood and eventually taking the leap into entrepreneurship.After years working in strategy and operations, Diala turned a challenge she experienced in her own home into Cook Craft - a food brand designed to make everyday family life easier while keeping quality and care at the heart of every meal.A conversation about reinvention, ambition, motherhood and building something meaningful in Saudi Arabia.SHOWNOTES: Diala Fawaz’s journey from Dubai to Riyadh and starting a new life in Saudi ArabiaMoving to Saudi as a single woman and building community in the KingdomHow motherhood inspired the idea behind Cook CraftTurning a personal challenge into a business opportunityBuilding a food brand designed around modern family lifeThe realities of balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship and ambitionFemale entrepreneurship and the opportunities for founders in Saudi ArabiaWhy solving real problems is the key to building a meaningful businessThe future vision for Cook Craft and creating convenience for familiesPRODUCT AND RECOMMENDATION:Cook Craft Frozen RangeCook Craft Deli LineCook Craft Meal KitsStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What does it really take to build a beauty brand that feels authentically made for the women of the region?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Sara Al Rashed, Saudi entrepreneur and founder of Asteri Beauty, for a conversation about beauty, business, identity and building a brand with the Arab woman at its heart.Sara shares the story behind Asteri - from the early idea to creating a homegrown beauty brand designed specifically for the region, its climate and the women who live here.She talks about the inspiration behind the brand, the importance of seeing Arab women properly represented in the beauty industry and what it takes to turn a creative vision into something real.But this episode goes far beyond makeup. Frankie and Sara talk about entrepreneurship, building a business from the ground up, trusting your instincts, navigating challenges, sisterhood and the realities of growing a brand in a rapidly changing Saudi Arabia.They also explore what it means to be part of a new generation of Saudi founders creating businesses that feel proudly rooted in the region while thinking much bigger than it.An inspiring conversation about beauty, ambition, representation and having the courage to create what you believe is missing.SHOWNOTES: The story behind Asteri Beauty and how the brand beganWhy Sara wanted to create a beauty brand specifically for women in the regionBuilding products designed to work in the Middle East’s climateThe importance of Arab representation in the beauty industryTaking Asteri from an idea to a growing Saudi beauty brandThe realities of entrepreneurship and building a business from scratchLearning to trust your instincts as a founderNavigating challenges, mistakes and lessons along the waySisterhood and the influences that shaped Sara and the Asteri brandBuilding a brand that feels authentically Saudi while thinking globallyThe rise of female entrepreneurship in Saudi ArabiaSara’s perspective on ambition, resilience and creating with purposeWhat’s next for Asteri BeautyPRODUCT AND RECOMMENDATION:Asteri MascaraDesertTwist Fixing SprayNourish Tinted SerumSpectrum PaletteStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What does it really look like to build a business, raise a family and dream bigger in Saudi Arabia?In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Lujain, Saudi entrepreneur and founder of Akwan, for a conversation about motherhood, entrepreneurship, identity and being part of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly changing story. After growing up between Jeddah, Kuwait and Dubai, Lujain returned home to Saudi with a completely new perspective - and a desire for her children to grow up connected to their country, culture and language.She shares how watching her own son struggle with Arabic became the inspiration behind Akwan, a children’s brand designed to make learning Arabic feel creative, playful and fun rather than something children have to do. But this episode goes far beyond business.We talk about raising children with a strong sense of identity, building a company without having all the answers, the rise of female entrepreneurship in Saudi, learning from failure, protecting your energy, motherhood, growth mindset and why sometimes you simply have to start and figure things out along the way.Lujain’s philosophy is simple: just because you can’t do something now doesn’t mean you can’t do it — you just haven’t learned it yet. An uplifting conversation about building with purpose, staying curious and raising the next generation in a Saudi Arabia full of possibility. SHOWNOTES: Lujain’s journey from Jeddah to Kuwait, Dubai and back to SaudiWhy she chose to return home and build in Saudi ArabiaHow motherhood inspired the creation of AkwanHelping children connect with Arabic through playRaising children with a strong sense of culture and identityBuilding her first branding business by accidentThe realities and lessons of entrepreneurshipThe rise of female entrepreneurship in Saudi ArabiaWhy growth mindset plays such a big role in her lifeBalancing business, motherhood and personal wellbeingProtecting your energy and learning when to disconnectRaising the next generation to dream biggerPRODUCT AND RECOMMENDATION:AkwanPinterestOpalAcupuncture matStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What if your closest mum friend was due to give birth... on exactly the same day as you?In this episode, Frankie sits down with Lina and Christie, two expat mums who met in Riyadh, discovered they shared the exact same due date, and welcomed their baby boys just two days apart.Together, they share their honest experiences of pregnancy, giving birth in Saudi Arabia, navigating the healthcare system, choosing the right hospital, and building a support network while living far from family. They also open up about postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and why looking after mums is just as important as looking after babies.Whether you're expecting your first child or considering a move to Saudi Arabia, this episode is packed with practical advice, reassurance, and heartfelt stories from two mums who have been through it all.SHOWNOTES: The realities of pregnancy and giving birth in Saudi ArabiaChoosing the right maternity hospital in RiyadhTwo mums, one due date, and an unexpected friendshipBuilding a support system while living far from familyHonest birth stories, C-sections, and labour experiencesPostpartum recovery and the importance of supporting mumsBreastfeeding, newborn care, and preparing for motherhoodWhy Saudi Arabia surprised them as a place to raise a familyPRODUCT AND RECOMMENDATION:GermaCare Baby WashGermaCare Baby ShampooGermaCare Baby LotionGermaCare Baby OilGermaCare Baby CreamGermaCare Baby WipesThe Mum's WayYasmin (Doula)Prenatal ClassesBreastfeeding ClassStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Would you move to Saudi Arabia... and have a baby there?When Australian mum Nikki first heard about moving to Saudi Arabia, she never expected it would one day feel like home.Fast forward a few years, and she's now raising her family in Riyadh and preparing to welcome her third child in the Kingdom.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie is joined by Nikki, an Australian mum who shares her honest journey of relocating to Saudi Arabia, navigating pregnancy in the Kingdom, and why she chose to have her third baby here instead of returning home. From navigating Saudi's healthcare system and finding the right doctor to building a support network as an expat mum, Nikki opens up about the realities of family life in Riyadh and how the Kingdom's welcoming community and family-friendly lifestyle have exceeded every expectation.Whether you're expecting a baby, planning a move to Saudi Arabia, or simply curious about what family life is really like in the Kingdom, this episode offers practical advice, honest reflections, and a reassuring look at building a life and growing a family in Saudi Arabia.SHOW NOTES Nikki's journey from Australia to Saudi ArabiaWhat it's really like being pregnant in Saudi ArabiaGiving birth in the Kingdom and why she chose to stayNavigating Saudi's maternity healthcare systemFinding the right doctor and hospitalBuilding a support network as an expat mumRaising young children in RiyadhCompound life vs. living outside a compoundPostpartum support and motherhood abroadThe biggest surprises about family life in Saudi ArabiaAdvice for families considering a move to the KingdomWhy Saudi Arabia now feels like homePRODUCTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:Weleda Skin FoodWeleda Skin Food Lip BalmWeleda Mother & Baby rangeWeleda Stretch Mark Massage OilStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Brain fog. Mood swings. Poor sleep. Fatigue. Sound familiar?Many women assume it's simply stress, a busy season of life or just part of getting older. But what if it's something more?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie is joined by Dr. May and Dr. Laura from Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital to unpack one of the biggest conversations in women's health today: perimenopause, menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Together, they discuss the symptoms women often dismiss, why awareness around perimenopause is growing, what HRT actually is, and how women's healthcare in Saudi Arabia is evolving to better support women at every stage of life.Whether you're in your 30s, 40s or beyond, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you better understand your hormones, advocate for your health, and realise you don't have to "just put up with it."SHOW NOTES What is perimenopause?Early signs and symptoms to watch forPerimenopause vs menopauseIs it stress, burnout or hormones?Understanding HRT and who it's forWomen's healthcare in Saudi ArabiaPreventative health checks every woman should bookVitamins and supplements that support hormone healthLifestyle changes that make a differenceGLP-1 medications and women's healthFertility, hormones and ageingWhy you don't have to "just put up with it"How to advocate for your healthExpert advice from Dr. May & Dr. LauraPRODUCTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:Fem Fresh – Intimate WashFem Fresh – Intimate WipesVitamin DVitamin B12MagnesiumOmega-3 SupplementsStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Thinking about moving to Saudi Arabia... but worried you'll feel lonely?One of the biggest questions we hear is: "How do you actually make friends in Saudi Arabia?" In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie is joined by Sarah, Victoria and Jules, three women at very different stages of their Saudi journey, to talk honestly about building a life in the Kingdom. From arriving with no support network to finding lifelong friendships, they share the highs, the challenges and the unexpected moments that transformed Saudi Arabia from somewhere they moved for work into a place they now call home.Together, they discuss the reality of making friends as an adult, raising families far from home, compound life versus living off compound, navigating loneliness, and why having a strong community can completely change your expat experience.Whether you're moving on your own, relocating with children, or simply looking to feel more connected, this conversation is packed with practical advice and reassurance from women who've lived it.  SHOW NOTES Why finding your tribe is one of the most important parts of moving to Saudi ArabiaSarah, Victoria and Jules share their unique expat journeysThe reality of making friends as an adult in a new countryCompound life vs living off compoundCoping with loneliness and building a support systemHow motherhood can help (or complicate) making new friendsWhy so many expats end up staying longer than plannedPractical tips for meeting people and creating meaningful friendshipsNavigating the highs and lows of expat life in RiyadhAdvice for anyone considering a move to Saudi ArabiaProduct Recommendations:Batiste Dry Shampoo (Brunette)Batiste Dry Shampoo (Tropical)Batiste Dry Shampoo (Original/Classic)Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Thinking about having a baby in Saudi Arabia? Wondering what breastfeeding support is really like?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Dr. Eman, a pharmacist, certified lactation consultant, VBAC educator, and pediatric nutritionist, to answer the questions every new and expectant mum has.Together, they discuss what breastfeeding looks like in Saudi hospitals, whether you can breastfeed in public, the biggest myths surrounding breastfeeding, and why so many mothers struggle with pain, milk supply, and confidence during their feeding journey.Dr. Eman also shares her own personal experience with postpartum depression, how it inspired her to become a lactation consultant, and why every mother deserves breastfeeding support before leaving the hospital.Whether you're expecting your first baby, relocating to Saudi Arabia with a young family, or simply looking for expert breastfeeding advice, this episode is packed with practical guidance and reassurance.SHOW NOTES Dr. Eman shares her journey to becoming a lactation consultant.Breastfeeding support available in Saudi Arabia.Can you breastfeed in public in Saudi?Common breastfeeding challenges and myths.Tips for pumping and returning to work.Why maternal mental health matters.Advice for new and expecting mums living in Saudi.Product Recommendations:Pigeon Softouch BottleLansinoh (nipple cream, breast pumps, milk storage bags, nursing pads)Haakaa PumpNursing PillowBreast PumpNursing CoverStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Moving to Saudi Arabia changed Mila's life in ways she never expected. In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with the Brazilian fitness coach to explore her journey from teaching CrossFit to becoming a leading voice in women's fitness and wellness in the Kingdom. We explore the realities of relocating to Saudi, building a new life from scratch, finding community, adapting to cultural differences, and why so many expats end up staying far longer than they originally planned.Mila reflects on arriving in Saudi without speaking English, watching the country's fitness culture evolve, and helping women build strength, confidence, and healthier relationships with their bodies. This episode covers everything from workout routines and motivation to sleep, recovery, hydration, skincare, hormones, body image, and the growing pressure many women feel to achieve unrealistic beauty standards. This is a conversation about wellness, resilience, and creating a life you love in Saudi Arabia. SHOW NOTES Mila's journey from Brazil to Saudi ArabiaMoving to the Kingdom without speaking EnglishHow Saudi Arabia's fitness scene has evolved over the past six yearsBuilding healthy habits that actually lastWhy strength training is essential for womenFinding a workout routine you genuinely enjoySocial media, body image, and fitness expectationsMila's thoughts on Ozempic and quick-fix weight loss trendsThe importance of hormones, recovery, and sleepStaying active during the Saudi summerSkincare, hydration, and wellness tips for life in Saudi ArabiaHow fitness can help build confidence and communityWhy Saudi Arabia changed Mila's mindset and perspective on lifeAdvice for women starting their fitness journeyLessons learned from living and thriving in Saudi Arabia as an expat Product Recommendations:FemfreshHuda BeautyFormeCrossFitLagree Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What if the best family memories you’ll make in Saudi are the ones just a road trip away?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down for a catch-up episode reflecting on a whirlwind few weeks of recording, exploring, and experiencing more of Saudi Arabia than ever before.From AlUla and The Red Sea to authentic Saudi homes, desert discoveries, local restaurants, family travel, and female solo adventures - this episode is all about why now feels like the most exciting time yet to properly explore the Kingdom.We chat about why domestic tourism in Saudi is booming, the destinations expats are loving right now, why more people are staying local for Eid, female travel and road trips around the Kingdom, what’s surprised us most about Saudi culture, creating family memories while living here, life lately in Riyadh, and why expats really shouldn’t wait to properly experience Saudi.We also reflect on the incredible guests we’ve recently spoken to -  from exploring ancient archaeological sites and hidden desert gems, to learning about Eid traditions, Saudi hospitality, food, and the rapid transformation happening across the country.This episode is your reminder to stop putting Saudi travel off and start exploring the incredible experiences right on your doorstep.SHOW NOTES: Why domestic tourism in Saudi is boomingWhy more expats are staying local for EidAlUla, Red Sea & Saudi travel experiencesFemale travel & road trips around the KingdomSaudi culture, hospitality & traditionsFamily travel & creating core memories Life lately in Riyadh School decisions, health & routinesWhy expats should explore Saudi moreStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

You can visit Saudi’s Red Sea - and still have no idea how big it really is.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Olly from The Red Sea to unpack what’s really happening behind one of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects. From Desert Rock and Six Senses to SLS, St. Regis and the upcoming wellness destination Amala, this conversation goes far beyond beautiful resorts. We explore the stories behind the architecture, the meaning of Saudi hospitality and “hafawa,” the untouched landscapes of the Red Sea, and why this destination feels completely different from anywhere else in the region.We also dive into the adventure side of The Red Sea from surfing and diving to yacht clubs, wellness retreats, golf courses and family Eid escapes, and why so many expats are now choosing to holiday within Saudi instead of flying abroad.If you’re planning your escape for Eid, this episode might just convince you to book The Red Sea next. This episode is a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Saudi Arabia is building an entirely new luxury travel destination in real time - and why the rest of the world is starting to pay attentionSHOW NOTES Why Saudi’s Red Sea is unlike anywhere else in the regionThe vision behind The Red Sea destination developmentDesert Rock, Six Senses, SLS, St. Regis Shura Island explainedThe stories and Saudi culture behind the architectureWhat “hafawa” means and why Saudi hospitality feels differentAdventure experiences: surfing, diving, wakeboarding golfThe upcoming wellness destination Amala explained Yacht clubs, wellness retreats luxury travel in SaudiWhy expats are now choosing Saudi for staycations Eid escapesWhat’s opening at The Red Sea this year Family-friendly experiences Eid activations Olly's personal recommendations for where to stayWhy Saudi tourism is moving faster than anywhere else in the worldThe future of travel in Saudi ArabiaStay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

You can live in Saudi for years -  and still never experience this.What if the most authentic way to understand Saudi Arabia isn’t through what you see, but through who you sit with?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily step inside a Saudi family home joined by their host Fatima through the Hi Home experience and it completely shifts their perspective on what Saudi hospitality really means. From the moment you’re welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, to trying on traditional dress, cooking together, and sitting down for an open, honest conversation,  this is a rare, immersive look at Saudi culture that most expats never get to experience.We unpack the traditions, the generosity, and the deeply rooted values behind Saudi homes  and why experiences like this are changing the way people understand life in the Kingdom.If you’ve ever felt like Saudi culture is hard to fully grasp from the outside, this episode brings you one step closer to understanding it from within.SHOW NOTES What the Hi Home experience is and how it worksWhat it’s like to be welcomed into a Saudi family homeThe role of the majlis in Saudi cultureTraditional Saudi hospitality rituals (coffee, dates, incense)Trying on regional Saudi dress and learning traditional skillsCooking Saudi dishes like mandi, sayadiya, and sambosaFood culture and how meals are shared in Saudi homesCultural etiquette: what to bring when visiting a Saudi homeThe meaning of generosity and gift-giving in Saudi societyHow Vision 2030 is opening up cultural experiencesWhat Eid really looks like inside a Saudi familyWhy community and hospitality are central to Saudi lifeStay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What is Saudi cuisine really like - and what should you expect when dining in Saudi Arabia?   In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily head to Maiz restaurant in Bujairi Terrace for a special on-location episode, sitting down with Chef Elia Kaady to explore the richness of Saudi food, culture, and tradition.   From iconic dishes like jareesh, salig, and kubeba to the role of dates, Arabic coffee, and sharing-style dining, this episode breaks down what makes Saudi cuisine so unique. We also explore how modern Saudi dining is evolving - balancing tradition with fine dining, and catering to different dietary needs including vegetarian options.   We also talk about: The diversity of Saudi cuisine across its 13 regionsWhat expats should expect when exploring Saudi foodThe importance of hospitality and communal diningHow Eid is celebrated through food and family gatheringsMust-try dishes if you’re visiting Saudi Arabia  Whether you're living in Saudi, planning a move, or just curious about the culture - this is your inside look at one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the Middle East.     SHOW NOTES Recording at Mays, Bujairi TerraceChef Elia Kaady's journey to Saudi cuisine KeySaudi dishes: jareesh, salig, kubebaRegional diversity of Saudi foodSharing-style dining and hospitalityVegetarian options and modern twistsCamel, dates, and traditional ingredientsEid traditions and family food cultureMust-try dish: kubeba Experiencing Saudi culture through food Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What is it really like to move to Saudi Arabia with children and can you actually travel to places like AlUla as a family? In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily are joined by two expat mums at different stages of their journey - Cami recently moved from Sydney with her family and is navigating the early stages of settling in, while Emma, originally from the UK, has been in Saudi for over a year and a half and offers a more established perspective on expat life. Together, they share an honest conversation about raising children in Saudi, the realities of adjusting to a new culture, and the role community plays in making the transition easier. The conversation also explores their recent Eid trip to AlUla - covering everything from travel logistics and where to stay, to whether AlUla is truly family-friendly and what there actually is for kids to do.If you’re considering a move to Saudi, navigating expat life, or planning a trip to AlUla with children, this episode offers a real and practical perspective from those living it. SHOW NOTES: Meet Cami and Emma and their move to Saudi Relocating with kids and early adjustment stagesWhat surprised them most about life in Saudi Safety, community and compound livingKids settling in and making friends Traveling within Saudi and why it’s growingTheir Eid trip to AlUla Is AlUla family friendly Where to stay and what to expectTop things to do in AlUla Travel tips for families visiting AlUlaFinal thoughts on life in Saudi as an expat family Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.