Riyadh

It was early May, and the sun was already showing its teeth.

With Eid al-Adha just around the corner, the first twenty days of my arrival in Riyadh were rough. The heat wasn’t just hot; it was aggressive. It hit different than any place I’d been before.

Why This Hit Different

I’ve traveled to plenty of new places. Moving cities isn’t new to me. But this time felt unique.

I am, by nature, a T-shirt and jeans guy. I’m used to tropical climates, humid seaside breezes, and adventurous green mountains. Suddenly, I was in the desert, expected to wear formal shirts, tailored trousers, and leather shoes.

The journey from Chennai to Riyadh began not with plane tickets, but with a WhatsApp message on March 4th. “This is Sahil (name redacted for privacy) from XYZ Enterprises, Mumbai,” the message read. “We have received your contact number from Employer (my employer name)/visa sponsor Consultancy Name Co., KSA, regarding your medical and visa process.”

And just like that, my Saudi relocation adventure began.

Passport Renewal

The first challenge arrived immediately - my passport was in renewal. “My passport renewal is in progress,” I replied. “I am expecting it in my hand this week. In sha Allah!”