Category: guide

How Expats with Dependent Iqama can apply for Saudi Driving License

Great news for women in Saudi Arabia who are under their husbands or fathers sponsorship, and previously unable to register online to apply for Saudi driving license. There has been an issue with so called “dependent iqama” holders, in other words women who are under their fathers,Read more

How to Apply for the Saudi Driving License (for women)

Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving on the 24th of June 2018 and Saudi driving licenses are now being issued to women. In this guide you will find the necessary info how to apply for the Saudi Driving license for women. The process explained here is valid for expat and Saudi women how toRead more

Janadriyah Festival Guide

The Janadriyah festival in Riyadh is an annually held cultural heritage festival of Saudi Arabia THIS GUIDE HAS BEEN UPDATED FOR 2018 / 2019 schedules and visiting days for men and families. The biggest cultural event of Saudi Arabia, the Janadriyah Cultural heritage festival is just around theRead more

Top Ten Things To Do At Janadriyah Festival

“Top Ten Things To Do At Janadriyah Festival” is a quick guide and tips on the most interesting things to do in the festival area. The annually held Cultural Heritage festival Janadriyah is undeniably one of the most important cultural events of the year and a must visit for all expatsRead more

How To Attend A Theatre Show In Saudi Arabia

Last week a Finnish friend and I attended the VIP opening of the iLuminate show in Riyadh. The show itself was spectacular and no doubt worth the trip all the way to the Princess Noura University. The talented performers and genius orchestration of the lights to sync with the music and danceRead more

Ten Beautiful Places to Discover in Riyadh’s Desert

The desert. It’s just rocks and sand right? How can that be beautiful? They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to me the desert is just such a magical, peaceful and beautiful place. It’s really amazing what kind of beautiful places really awaits just a short drive out ofRead more

How to Import Pets into Saudi Arabia

Planning to relocate to Saudi Arabia and want to bring your beloved pet with you? Dogs and cats are like family members and often the best solution for them is to relocate to the new home along with their families. You’ll find all the detailed information how to import cats and dogs intoRead more

12 Tools You Need To Start a Successful Blog

Every now and then I get asked questions about my blogging resources and what tools I’m using. I’m surprised to find myself giving advice to newbie bloggers because I never thought of myself as a person in a position to give advice on blogging. I suppose that after 6 years of blogging,Read more

20 Blogs From Saudi Arabia You Should Be Reading In 2016

Here are 20 blogs from Saudi Arabia you should be reading in 2016. All of them give a unique glimpse into life in Saudi Arabia from different perspectives. Back when I started writing the Blue Abaya blog in 2010, the Saudi blogosphere was still relatively quiet, but blogging has since become moreRead more

My First Ebook Guide- The Secret Lake Riyadh’s Hidden Gem

I have some very exciting news, I’ve finally finished my first ever e-book, a guide to the Secret Lake! The Secret Lake is a seasonal lake in the middle of steep desert valleys just outside Riyadh. It’s the perfect picnic spot and because of its secluded location, the lake area hasRead more

Riyadh Bisht Souk- Winter Coat Shopping in Saudi-Arabia

Believe it or not, it gets cold enough in Saudi Arabia for wearing winter coats! Although admittedly, for a Finn such as myself, the +24C temperatures feel more like the perfect summers day weather, whereas in Saudi Arabia you will start seeing people in wool coats around then. Did you know that inRead more

Visit Riyadh’s Date Souk

The Riyadh date and vegetable market, also known as the date souk or fruit souk, is located off exit 14. It’s THE place to go for some serious date-shopping and to get on a natural sugar high! Even if you’re not a fan of dates, which I guarantee you will become after visiting thisRead more