Banke Moves to Riyadh: One Londoner’s Journey to a Lifestyle Upgrade
When Banke’s husband was offered a job in Saudi, she initially thought, “Great, two years and we come back to London, right?” Living in London with a career of her own and a tight-knit community of friends and family, Banke didn’t know what to expect at first. Never one to shy from a challenge though, she took the plunge and never looked back!
With so much to see, a culture that embraced her, and enough firsts to fill a timeline, Banke started documenting her time in Riyadh on social media. She’s a one-woman expat resource now—talking everything from historical sites and souks to tennis matches and UFC fights—you name it, Banke has done it in Riyadh!
Q: So, Banke, tell us a bit about yourself and about life before Riyadh.
My name’s Banke Adebola. I’m a Londoner through and through, and my unique name points to my Nigerian roots. Before my husband got offered a job here, I worked as an accountant—in fact I still do, just remotely and in sunnier weather now.
Q: Don’t leave us in suspense! How’d the move go?
Initially, I was reluctant, and it was mostly to do with not knowing much about Saudi Arabia. At first, I had to adjust to the weekend being on Friday and Saturday, or Ramadan timings, but in general I felt welcomed. Saudis are curious and courteous, and if you go into it with an open heart and mind, people are always eager to show you new things and learn from you too. Seeing how people celebrate their culture and traditions in Saudi has also inspired me rediscover and take pride in my faith and roots.
Q: A year into life in Riyadh, what’s changed in your daily life?
Riyadh has shaken up my routine and definitely for the better. I just find the pace of life here is more up to my speed. I was always rushing to get to the next milestone in London, whereas here I feel like I’ve got more time to myself. I don’t get the seasonal depression I used to have in the UK either, because the weather is mild enough in winter that I don’t have to be cooped up at home. The days are longer, the shops and cafes are open later, the sun is out most of the year, and there’s always something I can get up to.
Q: What’s does a typical day in the life of Banke look like these days?
I still do all the things I loved doing back home. So, a chill morning is getting some pilates, a matcha, and a quick tour of the shops in during the day. But I’m always up for mixing it up and trying something new, and there’s no shortage of that here in Riyadh. Recently I went to Lip Luster and made my own lip gloss, which was quite the experience, because no matter how good the branded options are, every girl knows her skin tone best!
Q: It’s clear you love exploring Saudi—any highlights of late?
Definitely! My husband and I tried archery at Bullseye the other day, which was so much fun. I held my own for the first round, but that man—in another life, I think he could’ve gone pro with his archery! I’m always asking for suggestions and spreading the word about things to try. Some of my most popular content has been showing my visits to the Riyadh Metro or Diriyah, sides of old and new Saudi that most people just haven’t come across, and my husband enjoys just as much as I do!
Q: A lifestyle upgrade, then?
Definitely. Sometimes, when I rave about how much I like it here, people get the impression I’m putting down the UK, which is so not the case! In fact, I only just recently flew back to London to visit friends and family. That’s another plus living in Saudi—it often feels like you’re in the center of the world because Europe, Asia, North Africa are all a relatively short, affordable flight away.
Q: You do quite a bit around town, but putting on your accountant’s cap—what’s the bottom line been like?
Surprisingly affordable, and as an accountant, that’s something I always come back to in my videos. Groceries are cheaper without comprising on quality, rent is cheaper and I live in a nicer place, petrol is cheaper so I can get around quite easily. It’s nice that we always have a little extra to left over to eat out, shop, and travel guilt-free.
Q: Still want to leave in “just two years?”
I think I’ll be sticking around for a while yet! In the short time I’ve been in Riyadh, I’ve honestly experienced so much. The city is diversifying so fast, the entertainment scene just keeps getting better, and there’s still so much for me to discover all around Saudi. I still can’t get AlUla out of my head, for example—between the natural beauty, the ancient architecture, and the out of this world creature comforts, it’s really made me want to explore all Saudi has to offer.
Watch Banke’s story and explore the vibrant life in Saudi Arabia
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