Category: Saudi-Arabia

Twelve Reasons You Should Learn Arabic!

Are you a new expatriate arrival in the Saudi Kingdom? Already been in Saudi Arabia for years, but never thought you should learn Arabic? Read these 12 points why you should learn the local language and get motivated to start today! 12 reasons you should learn Arabic: Make new friends and connectRead more

Sinta, The Indonesian Prisoner-Housemaid, Part One

When I first met Sinta, an Indonesian housemaid turned into a prisoner of a hospital room, her entire being had an effect on me that I’ll never forget. Sinta’s sincerity was so genuine it made her appear almost child-like in her trust of others. The kindness of her heart shone throughRead more

Blue Abaya Ramadan Giveaway!

I’m excited to announce some new developments for Blue Abaya! Some of you may have noticed that “Blue Abaya Photography” has started a fan page on Facebook. Blue Abaya has also opened a store on Society6, a network where artists all over the world sell their artworks. The BlueRead more

Blue Abaya- A Finnish Expat Blogging in Saudi Arabia

The following article takes a look at and analyzes a group of well-known blogs written by foreign wives of Saudis, the three popular expat blogs about life in Saudi Arabia; two American bloggers American Bedu, Susie of Arabia and one blogger hailing from Finland; the Blue Abaya blog. The articleRead more

Riyadh’s Lake Kharrarah Park And Hifna Waterfall

Lake Kharrarah Park and Hifna Waterfall in Riyadh Saudi Arabia A lake and a waterfall in the desert, in Saudi Arabia? Yes! Believe it or not such gems do exist and of all places, in the middle of the desert. The magnificent red sand dunes outside Riyadh’s city limits hide this surprising andRead more

Top Ten Things To Do In And Around Abha

Blue Abaya’s Top 10 list of tourist attractions and sightseeing activities in city of Abha in Asir Province of Saudi-Arabia, and its surroundings including Asir National Park, Jebel Al Soudah, Khamis Mushayt and Rijal Al Ma’a. Click here to read more Blue Abaya travel articles andRead more

The Najdi Village Restaurant in Riyadh

Have you been to the Najdi village restaurant in Riyadh yet? I would highly recommended visiting this amazing Saudi restaurant that serves traditional Saudi dishes in a heritage house built like the old houses of the Najd region. Visiting Najd Village restaurant would be a great a learningRead more

Why I Love The Janadriyah Cultural Heritage Festival

It’s almost time for the annual Janadriyah Cultural Heritage festival, organized in 2013 for the 28th time. I for one have been waiting for this festival for months. I truly love going to Janadriyah and have been there every year since I came to Saudi in 2008 and some years I went on severalRead more

Darbawiya-The Saudi Punks

Darbawi- The Saudi Punks. Remember the “Anonymous Saudi Man” who shared with us his insightful thoughts on tribalism, love and marriage in Saudi Arabia? (You can read that post here.) I’m so excited to share Saudi Man’s candid thoughts on Blue Abaya for the second time. IRead more

Riyadh’s Hidden Gems-The Diplomatic Quarter Gardens

Riyadh expatriates are always on the lookout for new and refreshing things to do on weekends.  There are many places in and around Riyadh which remain mostly unknown to the public, to find some of these ideas for weekend activities go to Blue Abaya’s Things To Do in Riyadh page. One suchRead more

Breakfast In Riyadh: PAUL’s Restaurant And Bakery

One of the nicest things to do in Riyadh during the weekends is having breakfast out. There are many places around town to enjoy a great start for the day with a cup of coffee and delicious breakfast for relatively affordable prices. One of the newest additions to Riyadh’s breakfast scene isRead more

The Top 14 Most Romantic Restaurants In Riyadh

Riyadh and Romance don’t exactly go hand in hand do they? Despite its boring reputation, Riyadh has some surprisingly romantic restaurants where lovers can find a nice quiet spot. I’ve noticed that some of the best restaurants in Riyadh are also the most romantic. With the upcomingRead more