Laura Alho

Early life and career After completing her graduation, Laura started working as a nurse in her home country. She wanted to become a wildlife photographer as a child and study Egyptology but ended up in the medical field. She moved to Saudi Arabia in 2008 on a short-term assignment. She started blogging as a hobby, but travel writing became a full-time job.

In 2010, she launched her website called Blue Abaya, when she witnessed a lack of channels informing people about tourism in Saudi Arabia. The name Blue Abaya came from the blue color of Finland's flag and Abaya, a full-length outer garment worn by women in Saudi Arabia. The website was started with the purpose of promoting Saudi tourism and heritage sites to audiences worldwide. The website garnered millions of views from across the world. Best Asian & Middle Eastern Weblog 2013 at The Weblog Awards (Bloggies).

In 2014, Ahlo was a finalist in the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards (SETA) as the best website promoting tourism. In 2017, she was named one of the top 10 most influential expats residing in the Arab world who brought positive change. In 2021, Laura was named 'Travel Media Influencer of the Year' at The Wanderlust Travel Awards by Wanderlust magazine.

Laura Alho has written guidebooks and travel guides about Saudi Arabia

Personal life She is married to a Saudi with whom she has two kids.