Saudi Times: An Authentic Portrait of Saudi Arabia

Biotechnology’s ambitions meet the people they are meant to serve.

Saudi Arabia’s Biotechnology Future Begins at Home

Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology ambitions promise billions in economic growth. Their value will also be measured closer to home: in marriage decisions, access to cancer treatment and the futures families can imagine.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 21st Sep 2026

Al-Amiriah School, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia: A bilingual road sign points to one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest public schools, a landmark in the kingdom’s early development of formal education.

Saudi Women Were Never Starting from Zero

Saudi women’s opportunities make headlines; the schools that prepared them rarely do. Princess Lulwah’s recent interview is a reminder that today’s progress has deep educational roots—a history I share as a Dar Al-Hanan alumna.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 9th Sep 2026

A new reality: Visitors explore virtual-reality attractions at a gaming centre in Saudi Arabia.

What Role Do Gaming and Apps Play in Young Saudis’ Lives?

From gaming and delivery apps to new career opportunities, discover how technology and social change are shaping everyday life and the ambitions of young Saudis.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 9th Sep 2026

Saudi Arabia’s defence drive will be judged not by the targets it meets, but by the skills, careers and industries it leaves behind.

How Regional War Could Reshape Saudi Skills and Careers

War has imposed a heavy human and economic cost on Gulf societies. Yet Saudi Arabia’s response could leave a lasting domestic legacy by expanding technical knowledge, creating meaningful careers and building the national capabilities needed for an uncertain future.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 8th Sep 2026

Dr Hanan Balkhy’s nomination to lead the World Health Organization is a notable achievement—but securing its top job will be a demanding contest.

From a Jeddah Classroom to a Global Health Role

Saudi Arabia’s nomination of Dr Hanan Balkhy for WHO director-general is a milestone rooted in professional achievement, social change and, for one former Jeddah schoolmate, personal pride.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 27th Aug 2026

Diriyah’s mud-brick buildings reflect the architectural traditions of Najd and mark the birthplace of the first Saudi state.

What Does Saudi Arabia’s Hidden History Reveal About the Country Today?

Saudi Arabia’s history did not begin with oil. From AlUla’s ancient tombs to Diriyah, Historic Jeddah and the mountain villages of Asir, the country contains layers of history that many international visitors are only beginning to discover.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 26th Aug 2026

Riyadh: Dr Nadjia. Managing the shifting architecture of global displacement from a Gulf vantage point.

How Saudi Arabia’s Social Transformation is Reshaping its Approach to Refugee Aid

For a lawyer trained in European asylum law, working across global displacement zones is standard fare. Doing so from Riyadh, however, o#RefugeeAid – Targets global audiences, organizations, and researchers looking specifically into humanitarian relief, aid work, and displacement policies.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 24th Aug 2026

Crowds fill a heritage district in Jeddah. Growing cultural diversity and social interaction can enrich communities—but also increase the potential for misunderstanding.

What Do Outsiders Get Wrong About Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is often viewed through assumptions that no longer reflect daily reality. While many outsiders still picture a socially uniform or isolated country, visitors frequently discover a far more diverse, connected and dynamic society. From modern city life and evolving social norms to strong traditions and renowned hospitality, experiencing Saudi Arabia firsthand often challenges long-held stereotypes and changes perceptions in unexpected ways.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 17th Jun 2026

Saudi Arabia’s World Cup begins against Uruguay, with Spain and Cape Verde completing a deceptively competitive Group H.

A League Transformed, a National Team Unconvinced

Saudi football has never been more ambitious. Yet growing investment, international stars and global attention have not ended questions about whether the national team is progressing at the same pace.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 16th Jun 2026

Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation is increasingly provoking debates over language, identity and modernity.

Saudi Arabia’s New Arts University Opens an Identity Debate

The controversy over English-language teaching at Riyadh University of Arts reflects deeper Saudi anxieties over identity and modernisation.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 15th Jun 2026

Newcomers to Saudi Arabia often find a society more reserved—and more welcoming—than expected.

What Most Surprises Foreigners About Saudi Arabia?

Many foreigners moving to Saudi Arabia are initially struck by how deeply family ties influence daily decisions and social life. Privacy is highly valued, shaping interactions in ways that differ from other cultures. Informal social rules guide respectful behavior, while genuine hospitality and a strong sense of safety create a welcoming environment. Over time, newcomers find that trust and community emerge through patience and cultural understanding, making life in Saudi Arabia both unique and

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 10th Jun 2026

Corina Goertz examines the cultural complexity of Saudi Arabia at a moment of profound national transformation.

Saudi Arabia Is Not One Culture — And That Matters More Than Ever

Saudi Arabia is often seen as culturally uniform, but the Kingdom is far more diverse than many outsiders realize. From Hijaz to Najd, Asir to the Eastern Province, regional identities, traditions, and histories continue to shape how Saudis live, connect, and see themselves — making cultural understanding more important than ever.

by Corina Goertz | 8th Jun 2026

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.

Saudi Arabia’s Biotechnology Future Begins at Home

Saudi Women Were Never Starting from Zero

What Role Do Gaming and Apps Play in Young Saudis’ Lives?

How Regional War Could Reshape Saudi Skills and Careers

From a Jeddah Classroom to a Global Health Role

What Does Saudi Arabia’s Hidden History Reveal About the Country Today?

How Saudi Arabia’s Social Transformation is Reshaping its Approach to Refugee Aid

What Do Outsiders Get Wrong About Saudi Arabia?

A League Transformed, a National Team Unconvinced

Saudi Arabia’s New Arts University Opens an Identity Debate

What Most Surprises Foreigners About Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia Is Not One Culture — And That Matters More Than Ever

Saudi Arabia

DAHLIA RAHAIMY

The author

THE AIM OF SAUDITIMES

DISCOVER SAUDI ARABIA

ATHENS

JEDDAH

FRANKFURT

Saudi Arabia’s Biotechnology Future Begins at Home

Saudi Women Were Never Starting from Zero

What Role Do Gaming and Apps Play in Young Saudis’ Lives?

How Regional War Could Reshape Saudi Skills and Careers

From a Jeddah Classroom to a Global Health Role

What Does Saudi Arabia’s Hidden History Reveal About the Country Today?

How Saudi Arabia’s Social Transformation is Reshaping its Approach to Refugee Aid

What Do Outsiders Get Wrong About Saudi Arabia?

A League Transformed, a National Team Unconvinced

Saudi Arabia’s New Arts University Opens an Identity Debate

What Most Surprises Foreigners About Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia Is Not One Culture — And That Matters More Than Ever

Saudi Arabia

DAHLIA RAHAIMY

The author

THE AIM OF SAUDITIMES

DISCOVER SAUDI ARABIA

ATHENS

JEDDAH

FRANKFURT

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