Saudi Life: Unpacked – Details, episodes & analysis

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Saudi Life: Unpacked

Lily Moffatt & Frankie Hilton

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 92

Welcome to Saudi Life Unpacked, the podcast where we literally unpack the expat life in Saudi Arabia.Are you Saudi quisitive? Whether you’re already here or considering making the move, this podcast is your go to resource for everything you need to know about life in Saudi Arabia.Moving to Saudi Arabia can feel like an unknown. We are here to demystify the desert and explore the vibrant and dynamic experiences of expats living in the kingdom.Frankie and Lily are here to answer your burning questions about being an expat in Saudi, as well as shining a light on the many positive aspects of living and working in this fascinating part of the world.

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Data updated on 10/09/2026

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Score global : 59%

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Ep 91. Building a Saudi Beauty Brand: Purpose, Representation & Growth with Sara Al-Rashed

Season 1 · Episode 91

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 13:11

What does it really take to build a beauty brand that feels authentically made for the women of the region?I

n 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 began
Why Sara wanted to create a beauty brand specifically for women in the region
Building products designed to work in the Middle East’s climate
The importance of Arab representation in the beauty industry
Taking Asteri from an idea to a growing Saudi beauty brand
The realities of entrepreneurship and building a business from scratch
Learning to trust your instincts as a founder
Navigating challenges, mistakes and lessons along the way
Sisterhood and the influences that shaped Sara and the Asteri brand
Building a brand that feels authentically Saudi while thinking globally
The rise of female entrepreneurship in Saudi ArabiaSara’s perspective on ambition, resilience and creating with purpose
What’s next for Asteri Beauty

PRODUCT AND RECOMMENDATION:
Asteri MascaraDesert
Twist Fixing Spray
Nourish Tinted Serum
Spectrum Palette

Stay Connected:
📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

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Ep 90. Building with Purpose: Motherhood, Entrepreneurship & Life in Saudi Arabia with Lujain Abulfaraj

Season 1 · Episode 90

Thursday, August 13, 2026 • Duration 41:54

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 Saudi
Why she chose to return home and build in Saudi Arabia
How motherhood inspired the creation of Akwan
Helping children connect with Arabic through play
Raising children with a strong sense of culture and identity
Building her first branding business by accident
The realities and lessons of entrepreneurship
The rise of female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia
Why growth mindset plays such a big role in her life

Ep 89. Expat Motherhood in Saudi Arabia: Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond with Lina and Christie

Season 1 · Episode 89

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 • Duration 35:00

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 Arabia
Choosing the right maternity hospital in Riyadh
Two mums, one due date, and an unexpected friendship
Building a support system while living far from family
Honest birth stories, C-sections, and labour experiences
Postpartum recovery and the importance of supporting mums
Breastfeeding, newborn care, and preparing for motherhood
Why Saudi Arabia surprised them as a place to raise a family

PRODUCT AND RECOMMENDATION:
GermaCare Baby Wash
GermaCare Baby Shampoo
GermaCare Baby Lotion
GermaCare Baby Oil
GermaCare Baby Cream
GermaCare Baby WipesT
he Mum's Way
Yasmin (Doula)
Prenatal Classes
Breastfeeding Class

Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

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Ep 88. Pregnant in Saudi Arabia: What It's Really Like Having a Baby in the Kingdom with Nikki

Season 1 · Episode 88

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • Duration 39:41

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 Arabia
What it's really like being pregnant in Saudi Arabia
Giving birth in the Kingdom and why she chose to stay
Navigating Saudi's maternity healthcare system
Finding the right doctor and hospital
Building a support network as an expat mum
Raising young children in Riyadh
Compound life vs. living outside a compound
Postpartum support and motherhood abroad
The biggest surprises about family life in
Saudi ArabiaAdvice for families considering a move to the Kingdom
Why Saudi Arabia now feels like home

PRODUCTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Weleda Skin Food
Weleda Skin Food Lip Balm
Weleda Mother & Baby range
Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil

Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Ep 87. Perimenopause, Hormones & HRT in Saudi: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. May & Dr. Laura

Season 1 · Episode 87

Friday, July 17, 2026 • Duration 37:19

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 for
Perimenopause vs menopauseIs it stress, burnout or hormones?
Understanding HRT and who it's forWomen's healthcare in Saudi Arabia
Preventative health checks every woman should book
Vitamins and supplements that support hormone health
Lifestyle changes that make a differenceGLP-1 medications and women's health
Fertility, hormones and ageing
Why you don't have to "just put up with it"
How to advocate for your health
Expert advice from Dr. May & Dr. Laura

PRODUCTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Fem Fresh – Intimate Wash
Fem Fresh – Intimate Wipes
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Magnesium
Omega-3 Supplements

Stay Connected:
📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

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Ep 86. Building Your Tribe in Saudi Arabia: Real Expat Stories with Sarah, Victoria and Jules

Season 1 · Episode 86

Friday, July 10, 2026 • Duration 42:39

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 Arabia
Sarah, Victoria and Jules share their unique expat journeys
The reality of making friends as an adult in a new country
Compound life vs living off compound
Coping with loneliness and building a support system
How motherhood can help (or complicate) making new friends
Why so many expats end up staying longer than planned
Practical tips for meeting people and creating meaningful friendships
Navigating the highs and lows of expat life in Riyadh
Advice for anyone considering a move to Saudi Arabia

Product Recommendations:
Batiste Dry Shampoo (Brunette)
Batiste Dry Shampoo (Tropical)
Batiste Dry Shampoo (Original/Classic)

Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Ep 85. Breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia: Expert Advice for New & Expecting Mums with Dr. Eman Galal

Season 1 · Episode 85

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 • Duration 16:29

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 Bottle
Lansinoh (nipple cream, breast pumps, milk storage bags, nursing pads)
Haakaa Pump
Nursing Pillow
Breast Pump
Nursing Cover

Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

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Ep 84. Moving to Saudi Arabia: Fitness, Confidence & Building a New Life with Milla Aguiar

Season 1 · Episode 84

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • Duration 35:05

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 Arabia
Moving to the Kingdom without speaking English
How Saudi Arabia's fitness scene has evolved over the past six years
Building healthy habits that actually last
Why strength training is essential for women
Finding a workout routine you genuinely enjoy
Social media, body image, and fitness expectations
Mila's thoughts on Ozempic and quick-fix weight loss trends
The importance of hormones, recovery, and sleep
Staying active during the Saudi summer
Skincare, hydration, and wellness tips for life in Saudi Arabia
How fitness can help build confidence and community
Why Saudi Arabia changed Mila's mindset and perspective on life
Advice for women starting their fitness journey
Lessons learned from living and thriving in Saudi Arabia as an expat

Product Recommendations:
Femfresh
Huda Beauty
Forme
CrossFit
Lagree

Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Ep 83. Frankie and Lily Catch Up: AlUla, Red Sea & Exploring Saudi More

Season 1 · Episode 83

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • Duration 23:05

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 booming
Why more expats are staying local for EidAlUla, Red Sea & Saudi travel experiences
Female travel & road trips around the Kingdom
Saudi culture, hospitality & traditions
Family travel & creating core memories Life lately in Riyadh
School decisions, health & routines
Why expats should explore Saudi more

Stay Connected:
📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

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Ep 82. The Red Sea Saudi Arabia: Inside The Kingdom’s Most Luxurious Destination with Olly Wood

Season 1 · Episode 82

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • Duration 52:26

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 attention

SHOW NOTES

Why Saudi’s Red Sea is unlike anywhere else in the region
The vision behind The Red Sea destination development
Desert Rock, Six Senses, SLS, St. Regis Shura Island explained
The stories and Saudi culture behind the architecture
What “hafawa” means and why Saudi hospitality feels different
Adventure experiences: surfing, diving, wakeboarding golf
The upcoming wellness destination Amala explained Yacht clubs, wellness retreats luxury travel in Saudi
Why expats are now choosing Saudi for staycations Eid escapes
What’s opening at The Red Sea this year Family-friendly experiences Eid activations Olly's personal recommendations for where to stay
Why Saudi tourism is moving faster than anywhere else in the world
The future of travel in Saudi Arabia

Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

Saudi Life: Unpacked – Details, episodes & analysis

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Saudi Life: Unpacked – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other3

Apple Podcasts

Spotify