Saudi Arabia has a way of drawing people into chapters they never expected to write. Some arrive for work, others for travel, and end up leaving with something far bigger. Community, faith, or a new sense of who they are. For Alex Tashbaeva, that story began on a tennis court. She came to coach, but the journey didn’t stop there. The Kingdom opened doors to projects in sports and events, to work in marketing and business, and to a community she built by sharing her everyday life. Somewhere along the way, faith found its place in her heart, too.

Here’s what Alex Tashbaeva had to say about her journey, the moments that stayed with her, and how Saudi keeps impressing her.

You often say, ‘Saudi keeps impressing me.’ How has that ongoing sense of wonder shaped your life and experiences here?

Saudi always has such a big vision for everything that it also shaped my life to dream big. I came as a tennis coach and evolved into working on big projects for sports, events, business development, and marketing. And of course, I grew a little community where I love sharing my life, and that opens a lot of doors.

You’ve shared that you feel safer here than in Europe or America. Can you tell us about a moment or an everyday habit that really made you feel that way?

I’m not sure if I should say this here, haha, but I don’t always lock my door anymore. I can keep my phone in my pocket, or I can reserve a table with my phone, or just leave my bag anywhere.

When you compare Saudi cities to places like New York or Venice, what’s the reaction you get from people? And which comparison surprised you most and why?

People are surprised because they didn’t think Saudi is this diverse. In the beginning, they wouldn’t believe it, but now that Saudi has become more well-known, they’re excited.

Take us back to your very first moment seeing AlUla’s landscape. What was running through your mind, and how do you paint that picture for someone who’s never been?

It felt like I was on another planet. It was unbelievably peaceful, and just the overall vibe is very unique.

What’s the most memorable meal or cultural experience you’ve had in each Saudi region?

The most memorable meal is from my first day in Saudi, in Riyadh. We tried kabsa and Saudi coffee, and I immediately loved it.

You visited the Prophet’s Mosque as a non-Muslim. Can you put into words how that moment felt and what you noticed about the atmosphere there?

I actually just converted to Islam, Alhamdulillah. That was a step that brought me closer to my faith. The moment I can’t describe. It was very emotional.

You’ve lived through Saudi weather in every mood. After the heat, how does it actually feel stepping into Taif’s cool air?

I’m going again this weekend because Taif is an escape with fresh air and mountains, and the weather is lovely.

What’s your favorite memory from staying at Habitas AlUla that you wish everyone could experience?

When you stay on the terrace at night, stargazing. No sound, just you and the beautiful landscapes in a luxurious setting.

When you think of Riyadh, what’s the first image, sound, or even smell that flashes in your mind?

The first image is the Kingdom Tower. Girls in beautiful black abayas. And strong oud smells.

If you could sum up living in Saudi Arabia in one feeling, what would it be?

I would say gratitude. Because I’m grateful, I received lots of love from people. I also found faith, and of course, lots of opportunities to grow.

A Home Between Moments

Alex Tashbaeva’s time in Saudi Arabia has been marked by many firsts: her first taste of kabsa and Saudi coffee, her first trip to AlUla, her first steps into new work beyond the tennis court, and her first visit to the Prophet’s Mosque after finding faith. Each moment folded into the next, becoming part of a bigger journey.

What stays with her most is gratitude. Gratitude for the safety she feels each day. For the friendships and community she has built. For the chance to grow in ways she never imagined.

And perhaps that is Saudi Arabia’s greatest gift: it doesn’t just change what you see, it quietly changes how you see yourself.

Follow us on Instagram for daily travel inspiration and untold stories from the Kingdom. Want more? Explore more experiences and stories in our Lifestyle and Wellness category. 
This article is brought to you by Soul of Saudi (a Saudi travel blog dedicated to uncovering the beauty, heart, and soul of the Kingdom).