An Irishman in Riyadh
An Irishman in Riyadh
It’s been over a month now since I landed in King Khalid International Airport, and sure as the day is long, I felt a bundle of excitement mixed with nerves. A lad from the sticks in Ireland, finding himself in a massive sprawling city that could easily be called the new “Land of Opportunity,” a place that he’s been dreaming of ever since he became Muslim back in 2015.
Now, I may be from the mountains in Ireland, but I’ve spent a fair chunk of my life in the capital cities of Northern Ireland and England – Belfast and London – so city life isn’t exactly new to me. But this is a city like no other, a capital that’s heading sky-high just like the country it belongs to. A city and country that’s moved up the ranks in innovation and continues to do so with the help of the visionary HRH Prince Mohammad Bin Salman حفظهم الله, while still holding tight to its religion, principles, and culture.
The people in Riyadh are mighty welcoming, with a real sense of community that took me back. I didn’t expect everyone to be so friendly and down-to-earth, but sure as God made little green apples, they are. I still remember my first days in London over ten years ago, and it was the complete opposite – I was trying to say hello and ask people how they were, and they looked at me as if I had two heads. In Ireland, we’d greet random folks and ask how they’re getting on, saying “Hello, how are you?” or “What’s the craic?” depending on where you are. But walking down the streets of London asking everyone how they were just got me some strange looks, so I learned to keep my gob shut.
Family life is similar to Ireland, and to be honest, it’s something I missed dearly during my decade in London. I’m still waiting for my family to come over after my kids finish their school year, but oddly enough, I’m probably talking to them more now than when I was in London, thanks to FaceTime. Seeing kids playing outside in the parks or just on the street every evening is a lovely sight. Safety and the sanctity of life here are similar to what you’d find in rural Ireland.
I’m fascinated by Saudi’s love for sport too, go to any multi-sports facility at night and it is normally full, even during Ramadan! In Ireland it is similar, sport is an integral part of life on our little Island, particularly Gaelic Games (google it if you don’t know), soccer and Rugby (currently number 1 in the world!). Personally I am more of a soccer player and I’m looking forward to testing myself against the local Saudi talent, in London I’m affectionately known as Keano but don’t be scared of that, I’ll take it easy.
And when it comes to food and coffee, Riyadh is an oasis for foodies and coffee lovers like myself. They go together like a horse and carriage, don’t they? The selection of top-notch food outlets and restaurants is incredible, and most days, I spend an hour just deciding where to eat from. And the cost is surprisingly reasonable, even compared to London. Some of my favourites so far are Smokey Beards (I love brisket – in Ireland we are big meat eaters, especially beef), Beyzade, and of course, Al Baik. I’d heard so much about Al Baik from mates in London who’d been here or lived here, and I thought it would be just another overhyped joint, but it was even better than I’d imagined. I’m sure I’ll find plenty more (feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments). If anyone knows where I can get some Irish potato bread please let me know!
As for coffee, I’ve tried a fair few places, though that’s been limited with Ramadan. So far, my favourite is definitely Analysis Coffee Roasters in An Nafl. You’ll find me there every day after Salat ul Maghrib, or early evening outside of Ramadan. I’m also fond of Jolt, but for now, Analysis is my local.
Apologies, fasting’s making me waffle on about food and coffee, but living and working in Riyadh or Saudi in general with a company like Abiliti ابيليتي is a real thrill. They’re a team built on innovation with world-class talent from all across the globe mixed with the undoubted talent already available in Saudi, in a country that is really pushing to be the most innovative across all sectors of the economy and has the fastest growing economy in the developed world. Together we can make the Vision 2030 a reality and put this beautiful land at the forefront on the world stage.
