American expatriates feel Saudi Arabia as second home
As Saudi Arabia continues its
sweeping transformation under Vision
2030, the Kingdom is becoming more than a workplace for many expatriates —
it is increasingly being seen as a true home away from home.
Arab News spoke
with several Americans living in Saudi Arabia who say they feel a deep
sense of belonging, citing the country’s renowned hospitality, strong safety
standards, expanding economic prospects, and rising quality of life.
John Pagano, CEO of Red
Sea Global, recently received Saudi citizenship — a moment he described not
only as a personal honor but also as a symbol of the Kingdom’s evolving
landscape.
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“I was honored to have been granted
Saudi citizenship, and I am grateful to King
Salman and Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman for bestowing this honor upon me,” Pagano said
during an appearance on Arab News’ current affairs program Frankly Speaking.
Pagano, who has lived in the Kingdom
for nearly eight years, added: “I have grown to love the country and its
people. To be part of the Kingdom’s transformation as a Saudi citizen is an
immensely proud moment for me.”
He emphasized the warmth of the
Saudi people: “They have embraced me. The number of congratulatory messages I
received was overwhelming. They make me feel at home — I feel part of society
here, and I am absolutely thrilled.”
Maria Cometti, cofounder of DQ
Living Magazine, echoed this sentiment. Speaking previously to Arab News,
she described Riyadh as a place defined by optimism and momentum. “There’s a
spirit of positivity and a unified drive toward progress, led by the crown
prince and Vision 2030. It’s inspiring and a privilege to be part of a society
actively shaping its future.”
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As an American married to a Saudi
national, Cometti added that she particularly values the sense of safety and
the strength of Saudi–US ties, which she says provide reassurance and stability
for her family.
Saudi Arabia’s accelerating drive to
become a global aviation and logistics hub is further strengthening
connectivity for international travelers. The Kingdom recently surpassed its
original tourism goals under Vision 2030 and has now increased its target to 150
million visits by 2030.
In a major step toward enhancing
US–Saudi travel links, Delta Air Lines has announced a new direct route from
Atlanta to Riyadh — its first entry into the Saudi market. The airline aims to
better integrate the Kingdom into one of the world’s largest aviation networks.
Delta
CEO Ed Bastian, speaking at the Fortune Global Forum 2025 in Riyadh,
expressed confidence that more Americans will be drawn to the Kingdom.
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“They will be,” he said when asked
if Americans are ready to visit Saudi Arabia. “When people come here and see it
for themselves, they discover areas of genuine interest.”
Bastian added: “What you see in
Riyadh and across Saudi Arabia is an amazing display of development, tourism,
and opportunity. But beyond all of that, it’s the people — the culture, the
warmth, the authentic hospitality.”
Source: Arab News
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