Saudi Times: An Authentic Portrait of Saudi Arabia

Trade is booming and handshakes abound, but EU-GCC relations remain more cordial than concrete—still waiting for people, not just policies, to cross borders.

Bridging the People Gap in EU-GCC Relations

High-level dialogue between the EU and GCC surged in 2024, but behind the headlines lies a familiar problem: too much ceremony, not enough substance. As 2025 begins, only action—on trade, energy, and people—can prevent this relationship from drifting into irrelevance.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 2nd Apr 2025

Elegant Arabic calligraphy with lantern decorations, celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia, symbolizing warmth, family, and tradition.

Eid in Saudi Arabia: A Festival of Faith and Family

Eid in Saudi Arabia is more than just a holiday; it’s a vivid celebration of faith and family. As the crescent moon signals the end of Ramadan, streets come alive with festive decorations, families rush to prepare, and the nation unites in prayer and generosity. From communal gatherings to cherished traditions, Eid al-Fitr is a time of renewal, reflection, and joy.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 27th Mar 2025

Traditional lantern glowing at sunset on a wooden pier, symbolizing peace and reflection during Ramadan.

Ramadan Redefined: Saudi Art Gets a Soulful Twist

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia slows life to a thoughtful pace, blending tradition with calm reflection. Now, a new wave of Saudi artists is capturing this spirit through modern, soulful art—portraying the feelings of peace and renewal that define the holy month.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 26th Mar 2025

Jubail Industrial City, one of the world's largest industrial hubs, is central to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. It hosts major petrochemical and manufacturing facilities, driving non-oil revenue growth.

Industrial Policy: Making It Work for All Saudis

Saudi Arabia’s industrial policy has always aimed high, but success now depends on making it practical and inclusive. As global economic strategies evolve, the challenge is to turn grand visions into community-driven realities.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 25th Mar 2025

Bedouins with camels walking across a golden sand dune at sunset, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle and the spirit of integrity and trust that defined life in the Arabian Peninsula. The warm glow of the sun highlights their journey, symbolizing resilience

A Remarkable Story of Trust and Integrity

In an age before written contracts and formal guarantees, honesty and trust formed the foundation of business dealings in Saudi Arabia. This true story from the 1950s, passed down from my father, offers a powerful reminder of how character and integrity shaped relationships across generations.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 21st Mar 2025

A film crew sets up equipment in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, surrounded by traditional mudbrick buildings and dramatic rock formations. The scene highlights the Kingdom's growing film industry and its use of historic landscapes as cinematic backdrops.

Saudi Arabia’s Film Industry Reclaims Its Narrative

For decades, Saudi Arabia’s image was defined by oil, geopolitics, and external narratives. Now, film is changing that—giving Saudis the platform to tell their own stories and reshape global perceptions.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 18th Mar 2025

A professional Saudi woman in a modern office, symbolizing the rise of women in the Saudi workforce.

Saudi Women at Work: A New Chapter, But Not the Final One

Saudi women’s workforce participation has surged, yet leadership roles remain largely male-dominated. Is this the start of lasting change, or are women simply filling labor gaps?

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 14th Mar 2025

A professional business handshake between a German and a Saudi professional, symbolizing economic collaboration. The German wears a modern business suit, while the Saudi wears a traditional thobe and ghutra. The background is blurred, featuring a blend of

Building Bridges, Striking Deals: Lena Gliem on German Growing Ties with the MENA Region

Germany and the MENA region are forging deeper economic and cultural connections. Lena Gliem, a consultant specializing in cross-border collaborations, shares insights on how businesses can navigate these dynamic markets.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 11th Mar 2025

A professional film set featuring Saudi men in traditional attire working with a production crew. The setup includes cameras, lighting equipment, and boom microphones, illustrating the growing Saudi film industry.

Training Fuels Saudi Arabia’s Film Industry

Storytelling has always been central to Saudi culture, but now it’s finding a new medium—film. The Red Sea Labs – The Lodge workshops in Jeddah, held in partnership with TorinoFilmLab, are training a new generation of filmmakers, turning instinctive storytelling into cinematic craft.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 27th Feb 2025

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.

Bridging the People Gap in EU-GCC Relations

Eid in Saudi Arabia: A Festival of Faith and Family

Ramadan Redefined: Saudi Art Gets a Soulful Twist

Industrial Policy: Making It Work for All Saudis

A Remarkable Story of Trust and Integrity

Saudi Arabia’s Film Industry Reclaims Its Narrative

Saudi Women at Work: A New Chapter, But Not the Final One

Building Bridges, Striking Deals: Lena Gliem on German Growing Ties with the MENA Region

Training Fuels Saudi Arabia’s Film Industry

Saudi Arabia

DAHLIA RAHAIMY

The author

THE AIM OF SAUDITIMES

DISCOVER SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI

JEDDAH

FRANKFURT

Bridging the People Gap in EU-GCC Relations

Eid in Saudi Arabia: A Festival of Faith and Family

Ramadan Redefined: Saudi Art Gets a Soulful Twist

Industrial Policy: Making It Work for All Saudis

A Remarkable Story of Trust and Integrity

Saudi Arabia’s Film Industry Reclaims Its Narrative

Saudi Women at Work: A New Chapter, But Not the Final One

Building Bridges, Striking Deals: Lena Gliem on German Growing Ties with the MENA Region

Training Fuels Saudi Arabia’s Film Industry

Saudi Arabia

DAHLIA RAHAIMY

The author

THE AIM OF SAUDITIMES

DISCOVER SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI

JEDDAH

FRANKFURT

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