Banke Adebola shares her experience of moving from London to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after her husband accepted a job offer. Despite her initial apprehension about living as a Christian Black woman in a conservative country, she has grown to appreciate her new life. Adebola discusses the expat community's preference for living in compounds due to amenities and fewer dress restrictions, as well as the city's reliance on cars and limited walkability. She notes improvements like the new metro station and ongoing efforts to enhance greenery in the city.
I had no idea what it would be like living here as a Christian Black woman, but my tune has changed. I've surprised myself with how much I like it here.
Expats tend to flock to compounds because there are no dress restrictions and there are amenities. Europeans, Americans, and people from all over the world live in a compound.
The Riyadh Metro Station opened last year, which is quite popular, but you still have to drive to the metro.
The Saudi government is trying to add more greenery, but it's not really a walkable city yet.
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