Ep 66. Leading List Magazine in Saudi Arabia with Noirin Hegarty

What is it really like living and working in Saudi Arabia as an expat woman in leadership?

In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie Lily sit down with Noirin Hegarty, Editor-in-Chief of List Magazine Saudi, who shares her honest journey from once believing the media stereotypes about Saudi Arabia… to now calling it one of the most exciting places she’s ever lived and worked.

We talk about women in leadership in Saudi, the reality of expat life in Riyadh, misconceptions about Islam and Saudi culture, and what it’s like moving to the Kingdom when you’re the one with the big career opportunity - and your husband is the “supportive spouse.”Noirin also gives us an insider look at Saudi’s rapidly growing media and tourism industries, why Vision 2030 feels different on the ground, and the destinations in Saudi Arabia she believes the world is seriously sleeping on including the Red Sea luxury resorts, AlUla, and beyond.

If you’ve ever wondered what life in Saudi Arabia is truly like for expats, professionals, and families, this episode is for you.

SHOWNOTES

- From media stereotypes to real life in SaudiExpat life in Riyadh: expectations vs reality

-When the wife moves for work: the supportive spouse dynamic

-Loneliness, community, and life beyond the compound

-Compound vs city living in Saudi ArabiaWomen in leadership in the Kingdom

-Working culture and gender perceptions

-Misconceptions about Islam and Saudi society

-Hospitality, family values, and daily life

-Storytelling and media from inside Saudi

-The shift from print to digital in the region

-Vision 2030 and Saudi national prideLiving in a fast-changing, future-focused country

-Saudi’s growing global cultural and entertainment scene

-Travel highlights: Red Sea, AlUla, Abha and beyond

-Raising global families and redefining “home”

Resources Recommendations

List Magazine Saudi – English-language luxury lifestyle, culture, and travel publication based in Saudi

SRMG (Saudi Research Media Group) – The media group behind List Magazine

Tahlia Street, Riyadh – Central lifestyle area known for cafés, restaurants, and walkable city living

SoMatcha / café co-working culture in Riyadh – Example of modern social/work spaces in the city

Saudi Compounds – Referenced in discussion about expat housing and community living

Lamb Bakery, Paris – Bakery founded by a Saudi former doctor (story featured in List, tied to Saudi pride)

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