Traveling Saudi Arabia: Beyond the Resorts and Uncovering Hidden Gems with Izabella Rekiel

Description

What if the most interesting place to travel right now… isn’t somewhere you fly to - but somewhere you live? Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about destinations in the world, yet for many, what travel here actually looks like still feels unknown. In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Izy - a sports media presenter whose journey in Saudi started with motorsport, but evolved into something much deeper. After first arriving for Formula E, Izy quickly realised that the reality of Saudi Arabia was completely different from what she expected. What began as short work trips turned into a full life in the Kingdom - one that’s taken her far beyond the cities, into remote landscapes, hidden heritage sites, and parts of Saudi most people never see. From road trips through Ha’il to discovering ancient rock art dating back thousands of years, this conversation explores how living in Saudi changes the way you experience it. We talk about what it really means to travel Saudi as an expat, why the country feels so different from anywhere else, and how culture, community, and curiosity shape the experience in ways you can’t plan for. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to live, explore, and discover Saudi Arabia from the inside, this episode offers a perspective you rarely hear. SHOW NOTES: - Izzy’s journey into life in Saudi Arabia - Expat life as a single woman in the Kingdom - Traveling Saudi beyond the cities - Hidden destinations: Ha’il, AlUla, Jeddah - Discovering Saudi’s ancient history & heritage - How living here changes the way you travel - Tourism, culture & Vision 2030 - The reality of Saudi hospitality and community - Why Saudi is more than most people expect Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.