I am from the east of France but moved to Saudi Arabia from Paris in 1990. I worked for a princess as a French language tutor. I was young and single. I thought it was very exotic and mysterious. I lived in a palace. I left Saudi Arabia in 1992 and came back in 2009 with my husband Tom, and son Max, from Hong Kong. I started to look into setting up a fitness business, as I was told that Saudi women were lazy. From my experience as a trainer, this is just not true.

My coming back in 2009 was a professional opportunity for my husband (he is a banker), but to me it was also a chance to discover and explore a new region, language and culture. We are a French/American family and after years in France and Asia (South Korea and Hong Kong), it was time to move on.

My family was not thrilled but I had been here before, so I knew what to expect. I was the one who encouraged my husband and son to give living in Saudi Arabia a chance. It was not always easy but after a few unhappy weeks, our son settled in beautifully in the compound and the school, from where he graduated. My husband opened a new chapter in his career and discovered other interests, like roaming the desert with 4x4 enthusiasts and friends.

And here we are, seven years later. I find that Riyadh has expanded, there are lots of new malls and highways, but other than that, not much has changed.

The difference this time about living in Saudi Arabia is that I had a chance to meet and work with Saudi women, make Saudi friends and explore the country. My husband and I just came back from four days in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al-Khali).

I am a fitness trainer and Riyadh has been a great learning and teaching opportunity. I got ready for my first semi-marathon here, running like a gerbil around the compounds and the Diplomatic Quarter. I met wonderful like-minded women, Saudi and expats, have been a consultant to a couple of gyms (established or newly opened) and have witnessed with pleasure the growing awareness about healthy eating, organic products, fitness and wellness.

I learned to be more flexible and “chilled” here, the “InshaAllah” attitude that used to bug me has become my motto now as after all, it is true, and we don’t control everything.

— Evelyne Fallows is a fitness trainer. She is from France and is based in Riyadh.