ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Saudi Times was created by me, Dahlia Rahaimy - a Saudi national born in Vienna.

I have also lived in Germany and Jeddah, and studied both at King Abdulaziz University and Trinity College, Dublin; my background meaning I’m able to give a realistic portrayal of Saudi Arabia and convey the cultural discrepancies I constantly experience. 

This is what Saudi Times aims to do; explore what Saudi Arabia and its people are really like.

Saudi Times will always provide truthful and factual information to those who are open to learning or thinking about Saudi Arabia - both inside and outside the country. 

Saudi Times is more than a blog. It applies the journalistic rigour I learned as a reporter, editor and pagemaker at Arab News, the first and most widely circulated Saudi Arabian English language newspaper.

I’ve also written for its Arabic language sister publications Alsharq-Alawsat and Alriyadiah and contributed to German publications such as Kicker and Tageszeitung on sport and Saudi social affairs. 

Earlier in my career, I was recruited by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA, today’s Ministry of Investment), first as a press advisor, then as the country director for Germany.

Having an understanding of two different societies and being equally at home in both, I developed the ability to communicate and translate both sides’ perceptions. It became part of my character, making me proud to bear the flags of two different cultures.

Saudi Times exists, too, as a way of finding a balance between these perspectives. I am more than aware of the importance and need in today’s world to overcome polarising misconceptions and find a path to better understanding. 

That’s why I’m delighted to engage with audiences via Saudi Times but also share insights about my culture through other media, via interviews with German TV (DW), BBC and other outlets. 

I am married with a daughter and a son.