Saudi Arabia speaks in quiet moments — the call of the desert wind, the soft glimmer of lanterns in old souqs, the simple warmth of a shared meal, and the sprawling modern skylines that are a call to the world.

Travel has a way of shifting perspectives, and when a seasoned explorer like Michaela steps into Saudi Arabia, the journey becomes more than just a collection of places. At Soul of Saudi, we have shared the flavors of the Kingdom through its best breakfast spots, seafood treasures, sushi havens, and even the karak tea culture that sparks late-night conversations. Yet travel is never only about food or sights; it’s about how each moment makes you feel, how a place shapes your sense of discovery.

In this spirit, we sat down with Michaela, a traveler whose curiosity and openness bring a fresh perspective to the Kingdom. Through her words, we glimpse not only the grandeur of Saudi Arabia’s landscapes but also the smaller details – the warmth of the people, the pulse of tradition, and the thrill of adventure. 

1. You split your time between the UK and Saudi Arabia. How does moving between these two places influence the way you see and share the world?

Being between the UK and Saudi has completely reshaped the way I see the world. London is a place for the tough – crowded and competitive, especially in the entertainment industry. You have to fight hard just to be noticed, so the City teaches you to be hard and resilient. Saudi, on the other hand, is a land full of possibilities. 

There’s an incredible appetite for innovation and new ideas, and locals are genuinely excited about what’s ahead for their country. Coming from New Zealand, I’ve always valued openness and community, and that perspective helps me connect with people wherever I go. Experiencing both the UK and Saudi gives me perspective: one environment pushes me to sharpen my skills, while the other inspires me to create and contribute to something new and exciting.

2. What’s the biggest adjustment you make each time you switch from London life to life in Saudi Arabia and vice versa? 

The biggest adjustment is how business and daily life operate. In Saudi, everything is done face-to-face – meetings, networking, even decisions. You could argue London is fast-paced, but I’d actually say Saudi is faster in its own way. There’s also a real sense of support in Saudi; people genuinely want to elevate you and see you grow and succeed in your profession.

3. You’ve attended some incredible events in Saudi, which one left the strongest impression on you, and why?

One of the events that left the strongest impression on me was an embassy event I attended. What stood out wasn’t just the setting, but the way it brought together both Saudis and expats. There was this natural mixing of cultures – sharing food, stories, and ideas – and it felt like the best of both worlds coming together. It reminded me that Saudi today isn’t just about looking inward, it’s about opening up and connecting globally while still holding onto its traditions.

4. When you share about Riyadh Season and other cultural celebrations, what do you want people to understand about the energy here?

The energy during Riyadh Season is infectious. What strikes me most is how much people genuinely engage — families, friends, youth, everyone plays a part in creating the atmosphere. There’s a real sense of community that runs through it all, and that’s what makes it feel so special.

5. Saudi Arabia is changing quickly, especially in technology and entertainment. What’s one innovation or development you’ve seen here that excites you the most?

What excites me most is how Saudi is approaching entertainment with the same boldness as its mega projects. I look at places like Qiddiya and imagine the role theatre and live performance will play in shaping these new cultural spaces. In London, theatre is a tradition, but in Saudi, there is the opportunity to introduce the art form from a clean slate, for instance, with true innovation and yet still deeply connected to the local culture.

6. Have you noticed a shift in how people, both locals and expats, talk about the future of the country?

I used to sense a little hesitation when people spoke about the future here. But now, they’re filled with positivity and ambition. The youth, especially, are excited about their role in shaping the country’s future. Expats, too, feel like they’re part of something transformative. It’s a collective sense of momentum.

7. You’ve documented so many places in Saudi Arabia. Which one feels the most special to you, and what makes it stand out?

Shebara has been the most special place for me so far. I went there with no specific expectations and yet was still completely blown away. I never imagined I’d find crystal clear water and white sand beaches in Saudi. Snorkeling there was incredible – the fish were so calm and unbothered because not many people have discovered it yet. It felt untouched, almost like a hidden secret, and that’s what made the experience unforgettable.

8. If a friend from the UK visited for the first time, where’s the first place you’d take them to truly experience Saudi life?

Honestly, I wouldn’t take them to a landmark or a tourist site – I’d take them into a Saudi home. Being invited for dinner in a traditional household is one of the most special experiences you can have here. The generosity is overwhelming; you’re treated like an honoured guest. But more than the food, it’s the way you’re welcomed – you’re not just visiting, you’re brought into the family, even if only for a night. That warmth and hospitality is something I think every visitor should experience, because it shows you the heart of Saudi life more than anything else can.

9. What’s something about day-to-day life in Saudi Arabia that surprises your audience in the UK the most?

What surprises my UK audience the most is the nightlife here. In Saudi, so much happens late at night – shops are open, people are out and about, and it completely threw me at first because you can almost miss it entirely, if you don’t happen to know about it! Even things like having dinner at 2 am were a shock to the system. It makes sense once you think about it, for instance, given the heat during the day. But it’s a completely different rhythm of life, and it’s fascinating to experience.

10. Through your content, what message do you hope people take away about living here as an expat?

Even though I don’t live here full-time as an expat, I believe modern Saudi Arabia is not what the media portrays. Most of those narratives are written by people who’ve most likely never been here. Through my videos and content, I aim to share the excitement of what’s happening and the warmth of the people making it happen – the projects, the events, and the youthful energy driving Vision 2030. I also want to give an honest insight into my own journey of trying to ‘make it’ in Saudi Arabia, sharing both the challenges and the opportunities as I hope to meaningfully contribute to the inspiring future of the Kingdom myself.

The Kingdom Through A Soulful Lens

Michaela’s words remind us that Saudi Arabia is more than a destination; it’s an unfolding story. The Kingdom’s deserts whisper of timeless journeys, its seas sparkle with hidden worlds, and its cities pulse with creativity and tradition side by side. 

When voices like Micheala join the journey, their lens doesn’t just capture what is seen, but what is felt from the soul of a place alive in every frame, to every word, and every moment.

This is what Soul of Saudi celebrates: the beauty of heritage, the spirit of exploration, and the human stories that make the Kingdom unforgettable.

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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).