Living across continents often sounds glamorous, but for Lily Moffatt, it has been a journey of resilience, curiosity, and storytelling. From the vibrant streets of Melbourne to the skyscrapers of Dubai, and the cultural heart of Riyadh, Lily has mastered the art of adapting, learning, and sharing experiences that connect people across the world. Today, she stands as a celebrated journalist and co-host of Saudi Life Unpacked, a podcast she presents alongside Frankie Hilton, that sheds light on life in Saudi Arabia through a global lens.
Through her words and voice, Lily has become an advocate for understanding, empathy, and cultural dialogue—an expat who is not just living abroad, but truly thriving abroad.
Early Life and the Spark of Storytelling
Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Lily Moffatt grew up surrounded by diverse cultures and ideas. From a young age, she was fascinated by stories stories of people, their dreams, and their journeys. Journalism came to her not just as a profession but as a purpose. It was a way to explore humanity, to capture the heart of a place through the people who live there.
Her love for storytelling eventually pushed her beyond familiar borders. What began as a career in Australian media turned into a lifelong adventure, taking her to the Middle East and Europe, where she would not only report stories but live them.
The Leap of Faith: Moving to the Middle East
For many, relocating to a completely different culture can be daunting. But for Lily, it was an opportunity to grow. When she first moved to Dubai, she found herself in a melting pot of nationalities and perspectives. The city’s dynamism matched her own energy and curiosity. It wasn’t long before she started exploring stories about expat life, cultural exchange, and personal reinvention topics that would soon become her trademark.
Her time in Dubai also opened doors to new professional ventures and meaningful friendships. She immersed herself in the vibrant creative community, engaging with people from different backgrounds, and capturing the nuances of life in a city where East meets West.
A New Chapter in Riyadh
Today, Lily calls Riyadh home. Living in Saudi Arabia has given her a deeper appreciation of cultural transformation. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has undergone rapid modernization while holding onto its deep-rooted traditions. Through her podcast Saudi Life Unpacked, which she co-hosts with Frankie Hilton, Lily offers a refreshing and authentic look into what it’s truly like to live there as an expat.
The podcast has become a hit among both expats and locals. It discusses everything from cultural etiquette and social changes to daily experiences and personal stories. Lily’s warm voice and honest perspective—complemented by Frankie’s engaging presence—resonate with listeners who are eager to understand Saudi Arabia beyond headlines. She doesn’t shy away from addressing misconceptions or exploring sensitive topics, but she always does so with empathy and respect.
Behind the Microphone: Connecting Cultures Through Conversation
At the heart of Lily’s work is connection. Whether she’s interviewing guests for her podcast or writing an article, her mission is to bridge cultural gaps and highlight shared human values. Her style is open, conversational, and deeply human qualities that make her storytelling so relatable.
Through Saudi Life Unpacked, Lily has helped demystify what it means to live in Saudi Arabia, especially for foreigners. The show has become a window into modern expat life where differences are celebrated, and understanding grows through conversation. She brings her natural curiosity to every episode, asking the questions many people want to know but don’t always get to ask.
The Challenges Behind the Success
While Lily’s career seems polished and exciting from the outside, it has come with its share of challenges. Moving between countries, adapting to new customs, and maintaining a career in media can be overwhelming. She has spoken candidly about the loneliness and uncertainty that sometimes come with expat life. But rather than seeing these as setbacks, Lily views them as lessons in resilience.
For her, each challenge has been a reminder of why storytelling matters. It’s through vulnerability that true connections are made. And it’s through shared experiences that people feel seen and understood no matter where they come from.
A Global Perspective Rooted in Humanity
What makes Lily Moffatt’s journey truly inspiring is her ability to remain grounded while navigating a global lifestyle. She splits her time between cities like Melbourne, Dubai, London, and Riyadh, each of which has shaped her identity in unique ways. From Australia’s easy-going spirit to the Middle East’s cultural richness and Europe’s historical charm, Lily carries pieces of each place in her heart.
Her Instagram page reflects this mosaic of experiences capturing moments from her travels, snippets from her podcasting work, and glimpses into her daily life abroad. Through her posts, followers get to see the beauty and complexity of being an expat woman balancing work, creativity, and self-discovery.
Inspiring the Modern Expat Generation
In an era where people are increasingly exploring life beyond their home countries, Lily Moffatt has become a voice for the modern expat. She doesn’t portray the lifestyle as a glossy dream but as a real, evolving experience full of learning and growth. Her words encourage others to step out of their comfort zones, embrace cultural diversity, and build meaningful connections wherever they go.
Through her podcast, writing, and social media presence, Lily has created a community of listeners and followers who relate to her honesty. She reminds people that being an expat isn’t just about travel or luxury it’s about understanding the world and, in turn, understanding oneself.
What’s Next for Lily Moffatt
As Lily continues to expand her career, her focus remains clear: to tell stories that matter. She is exploring new content ideas for Saudi Life Unpacked, planning collaborations with other creatives, and continuing her mission to showcase life abroad with authenticity. Her journey is ongoing, and like any good storyteller, she is constantly evolving.
In her own words, the joy of being an expat lies in seeing the world through new eyes, every single day. That curiosity continues to fuel her passion for journalism and storytelling.
A Life Worth Sharing
Lily Moffatt’s journey is more than just a story of career success it’s a story of courage, connection, and cultural curiosity. From the classrooms of Melbourne to the studios of Riyadh, she has built a life defined by purpose and exploration. Her ability to embrace change, learn from challenges, and connect with people across cultures makes her a powerful voice in today’s interconnected world.
For anyone dreaming of a life that blends passion with purpose, Lily’s story serves as a reminder that the world truly opens up when you do. She proves that being an expat is not just about moving to a new country it’s about moving forward, with an open heart and an unshakable belief in the power of storytelling.
Do follow her on Instagram
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