Saudi by Tricia: A Globetrotting Malaysian’s Journey to Riyadh
Family-oriented by nature, Tricia didn’t expect she’d be working abroad someday, far from the friends and sights she grew up with. But if every journey begins with a leap of faith, then Tricia landed in just the right place for her upbeat, and endlessly curious personality! Tricia lives and works in Riyadh now, and she’s the source for living like a local – from key Arabic phrases to the right time to sit down for a real Saudi dinner (spoiler: it’s not 6:30!).
We sat down with Tricia between her world-spanning trips and culinary excursions, to find out how she’s created a whole new life for herself in Saudi while keeping her Malaysian cool about her.
Q: Hello, Tricia, lovely to have you with us! Why not start with your origin story?
A: Hala wallah! (Hello!) I’m Tricia Ooi, a Malaysian, and a florist, who’s lived in Riyadh for… Wow, the time flies by – it’s been four years! I come from a small town called Banting, where I had honestly the most idyllic childhood, but I think it also planted the seed – no pun intended! – in me to want to see the world.
Q: What were your first impressions touching down in Saudi?
A: Well, the weather, for starters! Malaysia is rather hot and humid all year round, with a rainy season toward the end of the year. Riyadh was a whole different story. You’ve got something closer to four seasons, and when it’s cold, it’s really cold! That’s not something you expect at first, but coming from a hot country, I was so up for upgrading my winter wardrobe, so that worked out beautifully.
Q: Was it hard to make sense of the culture and the day-to-day at first?
A: Not really, and it’s not that I’m super-special, it’s just that Malaysia is such a diverse, multilingual and multifaith country, so we grow up learning to respect different cultures and traditions. The hardest thing I think for most people moving abroad isn’t usually culture shock, it’s missing your friends and family.
Q: How did you manage the distance from home?
A: I’m quite fortunate in that I have a very strong support network back home who were so happy for me to finally realize my dreams and see the world. And of course, I’ve made so many Saudi friends! Saudi hospitality is the real deal, man, and in no time, I was being invited to family dinners, weddings, group outings to see the sights. It’s been so gratifying to learn the language, make new friends, and see the country through their eyes.
Q: So, you’ve had a local’s view! What has struck you the most about Saudi culture?
A: It’s definitely a bonus that people here are quite warm and family-oriented, so it’s made it so much easier for me to pick some Arabic – always a plus when you’re bargaining at the souk! But what surprised me is how much Saudis love their nightlife. The first time I was invited to a Saudi family dinner, I told my friend, “OK, see you at 6:30, girl.” She just burst out laughing. Dinner was at ten, kids included!
Q: Tell us more about Riyadh nightlife, then.
A: I did not expect the restaurants and cafes to be open till midnight and beyond, which was a shock at first. We have night markets in Malaysia, and of course eating late is definitely the thing done in Ramadan, but this was daily life in Saudi. I love my late-night drives through Riyadh now, especially when there’s a football game or a national holiday. The atmosphere is unlike anything else I’ve experienced. It’s also quite convenient, because after a long day at work, you have time to hit the gym or the salon, and still make it downtown for a nice, long dinner with friends – or a Saudi wedding!
Q: Have you been able to connect with some fellow Malaysians in Saudi, too?
A: Yes! It’s always nice to feel connected to my roots, and the Malaysian community here is really tight knit, too. Just last year when outdoor events started up for autumn, the Malaysian community had massive folk festival in Riyadh with all kinds of authentic street foods, drinks, and music. It really was such a good time for everyone.
Q: Do you think you’ll be here a while?
A: Oh, yeah. I’ve made so many friends for life and I’m always learning something new, seeing something no one back home has seen. And when I feel like having a new adventure, Saudi is so well located I’m always just a short flight away from the Gulf, from Europe, from Africa. What’s not to love?
Watch Tricia’s story and learn more about starting your own adventures in Saudi Arabia
Explore more real stories and bold creators shaping the future on Truly Saudi.
