Saudi Times: An Authentic Portrait of Saudi Arabia

A music studio with an oud, qanun, electric guitar, and keyboard, symbolizing cultural fusion.

Alya Fetyani: Building Bridges in Saudi Arabia’s Soundscape

Alya Fityani once worked at Spotify—a “music place,” as her mother called it. Now, as a Label Services Project Manager at Vydia, she stands at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s evolving music scene, bridging tradition and innovation.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 7th Feb 2025

An artistic tree with branches symbolizing tradition, modernity, community, and individuality, rooted in desert sand and reaching toward a futuristic skyline.

A Saudi Paradox: The Struggle to Belong at Home

Saudi Arabia’s sweeping reforms have reshaped its economy and infrastructure, but societal attitudes remain a battleground between tradition and modernity. For those who have long hoped for greater openness, the reality is more complex. While change is evident, deeply ingrained norms continue to define who truly 'belongs.' Having returned from Germany as a child, I learned firsthand how cultural expectations shape identity—and how difference is often tolerated rather than embraced.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 4th Feb 2025

A beautifully designed beige abaya with intricate embroidery displayed in a bright workspace featuring a sewing machine and green plants.

Saudi Fashion Gets a Sustainable Makeover

Who would have thought that reusing and repurposing clothes would become part of Saudi life? Just a decade ago, the idea of wearing someone else’s clothes—or even passing down kids’ outfits—was unthinkable for most Saudis, often seen as a sign of poverty. Today, sustainable fashion is not only trendy but also a reflection of Saudis adapting to global challenges while staying rooted in their traditions.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 23rd Jan 2025

Futuristic view of Saudi Arabia featuring a large solar power plant in a desert setting, with rows of solar panels extending to the horizon. A modern skyline with wind turbines and greenery symbolizes the country's sustainable energy future.

Saudi Arabia’s Path to Sustainability

Saudi Arabia is navigating the complex shift from oil dependency to a sustainable future, with ambitious projects like the Al Henakiyah solar plant leading the way.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 21st Jan 2025

A split image showing a Saudi man in traditional attire working on a laptop in a modern home office on the left, and a Saudi woman in a contemporary abaya working with a tablet in her stylish home office on the right. The scene highlights balance, profess

Freelancing in Saudi Arabia: Reinvention or Safety Net?

A decade ago, freelancing in Saudi Arabia was seen as unstable and unconventional. Today, with over 2.25 million freelancers contributing significantly to the economy, it’s reshaping both the labor market and societal perceptions.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 16th Jan 2025

A person holding a blue umbrella walks along a narrow, elevated pathway surrounded by floodwaters, highlighting the impact of rare rainfall in Saudi Arabia.

Rain in Saudi Arabia: When Puddles Become a Party

In most parts of the world, a rainy day is an inconvenience. In Saudi Arabia, it’s an occasion. Last week’s rare downpour turned streets into playgrounds, brought families outdoors, and reminded Saudis of life’s simplest joys.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 14th Jan 2025

A room symbolizing Saudi-Iranian unity, featuring Saudi coffee pots, Persian rugs, and Islamic geometric patterns with warm ambient lighting.

Yazdanshenas: Bridging Misunderstood Cultures Between Iran and Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia and Iran rebuild diplomatic ties, a new chapter of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connections emerges. This interview with Assistant Professor Zakiyeh Yazdanshenas explores how shared values, evolving youth norms, and grassroots initiatives are reshaping perceptions and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 7th Jan 2025

A conceptual illustration of diplomacy showing a symbolic bridge connecting two cultures, with a traditional Middle Eastern door and palm tree on one side and a globe on the other. Two hands reach out in the center, symbolizing mutual understanding and co

A Handshake That Shook a Debate

When Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Shar declined to shake German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s hand, it sparked a storm of criticism, exposing the fragility of cultural understanding in diplomacy.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 5th Jan 2025

Traditional giant coffee pot sculpture in Jubbah, Hail Province, Saudi Arabia, symbolizing the region's heritage of hospitality.

From Dallah to Cold Brew: How Coffee Fuels Saudi Life

In Saudi Arabia, coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s a cultural cornerstone that bridges centuries-old traditions with the pulse of modern life, creating connections in every sip.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 24th Dec 2024

DAHLIA RAHAIMY

The author

My name is Dahlia Rahaimy, and I founded SaudiTimes to shed light on a society often viewed through stereotypes. The platform aims to provide a balanced, well-researched insights into Saudi Arabia, exploring the cultural complexities of a nation in transformation.

Born in Vienna and raised across Germany, Jeddah, and living in Dubai, I bring a lifetime of cross-cultural experiences to my work.

Far from a personal blog, SaudiTimes is rooted in journalistic discipline. It digs into the intrcacis of Saudi society, challenging preconceptions and fostering meaningful dialogue. I aim to offer an authentic glimpse into Saudi society – its foundations, its present realities, and the forces shaping its future.

Beyond my work on SaudiTimes, I am a wife and a proud mother of a daughter and a son.

THE AIM OF SAUDITIMES

My features, analysis, stories, interviews, and pictures of Saudi Arabia and society create an understanding of Saudi Arabia in the Western world.

DISCOVER SAUDI ARABIA

My writings deliver authentic, detailed, and local information to help you understand all aspects of Saudi society.

Alya Fetyani: Building Bridges in Saudi Arabia’s Soundscape

A Saudi Paradox: The Struggle to Belong at Home

Saudi Fashion Gets a Sustainable Makeover

Saudi Arabia’s Path to Sustainability

Freelancing in Saudi Arabia: Reinvention or Safety Net?

Rain in Saudi Arabia: When Puddles Become a Party

Yazdanshenas: Bridging Misunderstood Cultures Between Iran and Saudi Arabia

A Handshake That Shook a Debate

From Dallah to Cold Brew: How Coffee Fuels Saudi Life

Saudi Arabia

DAHLIA RAHAIMY

The author

THE AIM OF SAUDITIMES

DISCOVER SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI

JEDDAH

FRANKFURT

Alya Fetyani: Building Bridges in Saudi Arabia’s Soundscape

A Saudi Paradox: The Struggle to Belong at Home

Saudi Fashion Gets a Sustainable Makeover

Saudi Arabia’s Path to Sustainability

Freelancing in Saudi Arabia: Reinvention or Safety Net?

Rain in Saudi Arabia: When Puddles Become a Party

Yazdanshenas: Bridging Misunderstood Cultures Between Iran and Saudi Arabia

A Handshake That Shook a Debate

From Dallah to Cold Brew: How Coffee Fuels Saudi Life

Saudi Arabia

DAHLIA RAHAIMY

The author

THE AIM OF SAUDITIMES

DISCOVER SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI

JEDDAH

FRANKFURT

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