Saudi by Latifa: Moving Your Work Life from London to Riyadh
Latifa’s whirlwind journey from working in the heart of the City of London to the glittering high-rises of Riyadh has been one of growth, transformation, and plenty of good food! Known to her fans as Corporate Latifa, she serves up priceless advice on job hunting, work-life balance, travel, and health in her uniquely honest (and effortlessly stylish!) way. But Latifa is so much more than her job! Did you know she studied African and Middle Eastern history at university, for instance?
It’s been a year since her big move, so we caught up with her to get a little more perspective on Latifa and her new life in Riyadh.
Q: Lovely to have you with us, Latifa! Tell us a bit about you and what brought you to Saudi.
A: Hi! I’m Latifa, and I moved to Saudi Arabia about a year ago for a career opportunity. I work as a compliance specialist and started my career in London around eight years ago, specifically in tax compliance. When the opportunity came up, it felt like the right moment professionally, even though it felt like a big change at first.
Q: What were your expectations before making the move?
A: To be honest, the job interview was comprehensive in figuring out whether we were a good fit, and so I didn’t feel rushed into such a big life move. I’ve always been a traveler at heart, so I took my time to do some research and learn about the Kingdom. There was definitely a lot of excitement about the pace of change and the way Riyadh is really putting itself on the map, both as a place to do business and see some world-class sport and entertainment.
Q: How did the reality compare once you arrived?
A: It genuinely exceeded my expectations, both professionally and personally. Having grown up in London and then worked in the City, corporate culture had become second nature to me, but it’s been surprising to see how things are done here. I’ve been surrounded by incredibly ambitious, forward-thinking people who are actively driving change, which is refreshing, because things sometimes get a bit jaded if you don’t love what you do. Over here, you’re not just maintaining systems, you’re helping build and shape them as the country evolves.
Q: Your job is a big part of your online identity – what’s your day-to-day like in Riyadh?
A: I’m still in compliance, but I work at a law firm now, so my job involves making sure that we and our clients are balancing business objectives with the law and regulations so that everything is above board and reputationally sound.
Q: What stands out to you most about the professional environment in Saudi Arabia?
A: Like anywhere in the world, no two work environment is the same, but I’m really happy with mine. Saudi Arabia is going through a major transformation, and you feel that every day at work. With so many international firms setting up operations here, there’s a real demand for skilled talent, both locally and globally, and people appreciate your contributions. It creates an environment that’s dynamic, challenging, and incredibly exciting.
Q: How has living in Saudi Arabia been outside of work?
A: That’s been one of the nicest surprises. Beyond work, I’ve really enjoyed discovering the lifestyle side of Saudi Arabia, from weekend trips exploring different parts of the country to getting to know the café scene, restaurants, and social life in the cities. There’s always something new to discover, and as a woman I truly value feeling safe going out alone, even at night, and that’s priceless, really.
Q: What about the social side — was it easy to settle in?
A: Very much so. There’s a real sense of community wherever you go. People are welcoming and genuinely interested in connecting. That makes settling in much easier, especially when you’re moving somewhere new. I’m fortunate also to be so centrally located now, meaning I can jet off to Africa, Europe, and Asia for a long weekend with my partner and not dread the jetlag when I eventually head back to Saudi!
Q: Looking back, what would you say to other professionals considering a move to Saudi Arabia?
A: I’d say don’t let uncertainty hold you back. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be here, especially from a career perspective. The growth, innovation, and opportunities are unlike anything I’ve experienced before. If you’re open-minded and curious, it can be both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
Q: What keeps you excited about staying?
A: Being part of a journey that’s still unfolding. There’s a feeling that this is just the beginning — and being able to contribute to that transformation, while also building a fulfilling life outside of work, makes it a really special place to be.
Watch Latifa’s story and learn more about transforming your work-life balance in Saudi Arabia
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