About this episode

The episode explores the arrival of two young Saudis in San Diego in the early 2000s and the help they receive from a neighbor.

In early 2000, two young Saudis arrive in San Diego. They had never been to America, speak almost no English, and have no idea how to open a bank account or rent a flat. But one Arabic-speaking neighbour offers help, putting his name on the lease to secure their tenancy. A BBC News Long Form Audio production. Host: Jane McMullen Series producer: Neal Razzell Additional production: Sally Abrahams, Keiligh Baker, Nik Sindle Editor: Matt Willis Music: Thomas Ross-Fitzsimons Sound design: Charlie Brandon-King Production management: Phoebe Lomas Radio 4 commissioning executive: Tracy Williams Radio 4 commissioning editor: Dan Clarke

People in this episode

Host: Jane McMullen

Topics covered

• 9/11
• immigration
• cultural integration
• neighborhood support
• Saudi Arabia
• San Diego

Keywords

• 9/11
• Saudi Arabia
• San Diego
• immigration

Mentioned in this episode

Places: San Diego, America

More episodes of Intrigue

• A 9/11 Story: 10. A Quarter Century · September 11, 2026 · 15 min
• A 9/11 Story: 9. The Puzzle · September 11, 2026 · 14 min
• A 9/11 Story: 8. The Party · September 9, 2026 · 14 min
• A 9/11 Story: 7. Secret Weapon · September 8, 2026 · 14 min
• A 9/11 Story: 6. More Questions than Answers · September 7, 2026 · 14 min
• A 9/11 Story: 5. Mosque and State · September 4, 2026 · 15 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Intrigue podcast page.