Saudi Times: An Authentic Portrait of Saudi Arabia

Illustration of a stylized Gulf map with Oman highlighted in red-orange, surrounded by VAT receipts and a large income tax document — symbolizing Oman’s 2028 income tax policy and its ripple effect across the region.

A Gulf First: Oman Embraces Income Tax

For decades, the idea of personal income tax in the Gulf felt distant — a concept reserved for foreign travel or dual citizenship obligations. Now, with Oman set to introduce the region’s first such tax in 2028, the conversation is no longer hypothetical. What seemed taboo is becoming a new regional reality, with broader implications for how Gulf citizens view spending, subsidies, and their role in sustaining national budgets.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 18th Jul 2025

Two children inside a Saudi baqala (corner shop), one pushing a small shopping cart and the other browsing shelves filled with snacks and groceries.

Baqalas Are fading — And With Them, A Piece of Saudi Neighborhood life

Once a trusted part of daily life, Saudi baqalas are quietly disappearing. Their decline marks not just a retail shift—but the fading of neighborhood familiarity.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 15th Jul 2025

Shallow turquoise waters and rocky outcrops at Umluj Beach on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, known for its clear waters and untouched landscapes.

How Saudis Travel Now

There was a time when travelling within Saudi Arabia meant packing like you were heading into the unknown — snacks, patience, and low expectations. Buses were uncomfortable, flights overpriced, and trains nonexistent. Today, that’s changing fast. With new routes, faster connections, and a shift in how Saudis see travel, the once-daunting domestic journey is becoming part of everyday life.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 8th Jul 2025

Illustration of a Saudi man in traditional dress shrugging with a confused expression, a large question mark beside him, symbolizing ambiguity in Saudi social communication.

The Art of Disappearing: Why 'Yes' Often Means 'Maybe' in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi society, silence can speak louder than words—and sometimes, a “yes” is just a courteous way of saying “not really.” This reflection explores the quiet dance between politeness and avoidance, and why disappearing without a trace might just be a culturally accepted art form.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 7th Jul 2025

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, showcasing Qatar’s use of art in cultural diplomacy.

Influence by Design: Art’s Rising Role in the Gulf

Once seen as the domain of elites, contemporary art is now emerging as a powerful force in the Gulf—engaging the public, shaping minds, and becoming a central part of civic and cultural discourse. In this essay, Dr. Khawla Almarri traces how Qatar is leading this quiet revolution and why it matters for the region.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 5th Jul 2025

A multigenerational Saudi family celebrates together in a living room, sharing tea, sweets, and gifts. Adults and children wear traditional attire, surrounded by balloons and decorations, symbolizing cultural warmth and family connection amid societal cha

A Quiet Generational Shift Is Reshaping Saudi Society

What are young Saudis like now? Behind the reforms and rapid change lies a quieter story—of families, expectations, and a generation learning to redefine tradition.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 3rd Jul 2025

Prince Turki AlFaisal speaking at a public event, wearing traditional Saudi attire and addressing regional political developments.

Prince Turki and the Saudi View on War and Stability

What does the war look like from inside Saudi Arabia? In this rare interview, Prince Turki AlFaisal shares a voice that reflects a broader societal mindset.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 28th Jun 2025

Stone-columned courtyard with arched walkways and a bookshelf, evoking an Abbasid-era setting where women’s intellectual and cultural roles unfolded beyond royal courts.

The Forgotten Elite

Who counted as “elite” in Abbasid society? Not just queens and concubines, argues Reem Alrudaini, a Kuwaiti scholar who is rethinking women’s roles in Islamic historiography. Her work invites Arab societies to reconsider how gender, knowledge, and influence shaped cultural legacy—and why those narratives still matter.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 28th Jun 2025

Printed business charts on a reflective office table with three Saudi men in traditional attire having a discussion in the background, symbolizing modern work culture in Saudi Arabia.

Why Saudis Are Redefining Ambition

The stereotype that Saudis are not eager to work lingers in some circles. But in today’s Saudi Arabia, that view is increasingly out of date. Across the Kingdom, a new generation is stepping up—not just to take jobs, but to reshape what work means. Ambition is no longer just about climbing a ladder; it's about building one.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 26th Jun 2025

Crowd of pilgrims surrounding the Kaaba in Makkah, touching its golden door, during Hajj or Umrah season.

How Rules Are Easing the Pressure on Makkah

In Saudi Arabia, the pilgrimage to Makkah has long been a journey of devotion—and for those nearby, a rhythm of daily life. But today, even for Jeddah’s residents, that rhythm is changing. What was once spontaneous is now scheduled, managed through apps and permits. This shift isn’t just about crowd control; it’s a window into how Saudi Arabia is redefining access, identity, and the very structure of public life.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 17th Jun 2025

A minimalist doorway opens onto a vast desert under soft golden light, symbolizing the psychological weight of social expectations in Saudi Arabia and the quiet hope of change.

Error Is a Luxury Few Saudis Can Afford

Mistakes are inevitable — but in Saudi society, they are rarely treated that way. Instead of offering space for growth, they often signal shame, not just for the individual but for families, communities, and entire identities. This article explores the emotional cost of error in the Kingdom, and why a quiet shift in how Saudis relate to pain may mark the beginning of a cultural reset.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 16th Jun 2025

A Saudi family of three generations gathers in a living room decorated with balloons and gifts. Men, women, and children dressed in traditional attire share food, tea, and presents, reflecting both festive warmth and the generational bonds that shape Saud

Generation X in Saudi Arabia: The Silent Adapters

They are neither nostalgic boomers nor digitally fluent Gen Z. In Saudi Arabia’s generational saga, Generation X often fades into the background—overlooked, overburdened, and under-celebrated. Yet this middle cohort holds a mirror to the nation’s transformation, bridging the values of yesterday with the demands of today.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 10th Jun 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.

A Gulf First: Oman Embraces Income Tax

Baqalas Are fading — And With Them, A Piece of Saudi Neighborhood life

How Saudis Travel Now

The Art of Disappearing: Why 'Yes' Often Means 'Maybe' in Saudi Arabia

Influence by Design: Art’s Rising Role in the Gulf

A Quiet Generational Shift Is Reshaping Saudi Society

Prince Turki and the Saudi View on War and Stability

The Forgotten Elite

Why Saudis Are Redefining Ambition

How Rules Are Easing the Pressure on Makkah

Error Is a Luxury Few Saudis Can Afford

Generation X in Saudi Arabia: The Silent Adapters

Saudi Arabia

DAHLIA RAHAIMY

The author

THE AIM OF SAUDITIMES

DISCOVER SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI

JEDDAH

FRANKFURT

A Gulf First: Oman Embraces Income Tax

Baqalas Are fading — And With Them, A Piece of Saudi Neighborhood life

How Saudis Travel Now

The Art of Disappearing: Why 'Yes' Often Means 'Maybe' in Saudi Arabia

Influence by Design: Art’s Rising Role in the Gulf

A Quiet Generational Shift Is Reshaping Saudi Society

Prince Turki and the Saudi View on War and Stability

The Forgotten Elite

Why Saudis Are Redefining Ambition

How Rules Are Easing the Pressure on Makkah

Error Is a Luxury Few Saudis Can Afford

Generation X in Saudi Arabia: The Silent Adapters

Saudi Arabia

DAHLIA RAHAIMY

The author

THE AIM OF SAUDITIMES

DISCOVER SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI

JEDDAH

FRANKFURT

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