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

Culture

Dr. Lisa Urkevich speaking at a podium with a microphone, facing a large audience of Saudi men and women in traditional dress at an evening cultural gathering in 2024.

The Scholar Reviving Saudi Arabia’s Musical Tradition

In the early 1990s, before heritage preservation was on the national agenda, Dr. Lisa Urkevich arrived in Khamis Mushait with a scholar’s eye and a musician’s ear. Far from seeing a closed society, she discovered a living archive of sounds and traditions. Her decades-long journey would make her the foremost authority on Saudi music, capturing a cultural legacy once hidden from view.

Jun 3, 2025

A high-resolution aerial view showing Saudi Arabia’s diverse regions: green terraced hills, rugged mountains, sweeping desert dunes, and a coastal city along the shoreline, all captured under soft golden light.

Many Faces, One Kingdom

Often seen as a uniform nation, Saudi Arabia is in fact a vibrant mosaic of regions, dialects, and traditions — a diversity that’s now being proudly celebrated across the country.

May 30, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Film Ambitions: From Shorts to Strategy

Saudi Arabia’s Cannes moment isn’t just about flashing lights—it’s a statement of intent. With its first official entry, Norah, on the international stage and a robust network of funding, studios, and infrastructure taking shape behind the scenes, Saudi Arabia's five-year-old film industry is no longer playing catch-up; it’s setting its own pace.

May 27, 2025

Modern science buildings at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) campus, showcasing advanced architecture and research-focused infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

Educating a Nation: How Saudi Arabia Is Rethinking the Classroom

In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, a quiet transformation is taking place—not in skyscrapers or stadiums, but in classrooms. Saudi Arabia is reimagining how it educates its youth, blending cultural values with global ambition. From kindergarten to university, the shift is reshaping minds, futures, and the country itself.

May 13, 2025

From Dunes to Rivers — and Back Again?

A wide view of Al-Asfar Lake (Yellow Lake) near Al-Ahsa in eastern Saudi Arabia, surrounded by desert terrain and sparse vegetation, showing the contrast between water and arid land.

May 8, 2025

Black and yellow Keram coins line the corner of a wooden board, suggesting a momentary break in a game that blends strategy with subtle skill.

What Saudis Are Playing Again

Long before screens dominated social life, Saudis gathered around game boards. Now, a new generation is rediscovering the quiet joy of playing face to face.

May 2, 2025

A large pile of freshly picked pink Taif roses in front of burlap sacks filled with more roses, set outdoors in soft natural light.

Perfume and Persistence in the City of Roses

While Saudi Arabia charges ahead with bold reforms and towering skylines, a quieter story unfolds each spring in Taif, where millions of Damask roses bloom. For the farmers who rise before dawn to harvest them, these roses are more than flowers—they are a way of life, a source of pride, and now, a fragile tradition facing the growing pressures of climate and change.

Apr 23, 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.

Mar 27, 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.

Mar 18, 2025

A tranquil oasis surrounded by sand dunes in the Empty Quarter desert under a clear sky.

Crossing the Empty Quarter: A Saudi Rediscovery

Badr Al-Shaibani’s trek across the Empty Quarter is more than an adventure—it’s a powerful symbol of Saudi Arabia’s rediscovery of its rich heritage. As the Kingdom embraces modernity, journeys like his remind us of the profound stories buried within its vast landscapes.

Dec 18, 2024

A modern Saudi Arabian restaurant blending traditional architecture with contemporary design. The scene includes elegantly plated Saudi dishes like jareesh and seafood, with soft lighting, Arabic calligraphy, and a view of Riyadh's historic Diriyah distri

How Saudi Cuisine Got a Modern Makeover

Saudi cuisine is taking center stage on the global culinary map, serving as a flavorful ambassador of a nation reconnecting with its heritage while embracing the future. Restaurants like Takya in Riyadh are not just redefining traditional dishes but also reshaping how the world sees Saudi Arabia—one plate at a time.

Dec 17, 2024

A rare winter scene in Saudi Arabia with snow-covered desert landscapes transformed by unexpected snowfall.

An Icy Mirage in the Arabian Desert: Rare Snow Sparks Climate Questions

Snow in the Arabian desert? Saudi Arabia's Al-Jawf region saw a rare and stunning snowfall, transforming its arid landscape into a winter scene. This unexpected event has sparked discussions about climate change and its impact on Saudi society. As the Kingdom modernizes, how will shifting weather patterns shape its future and sustainability efforts?

Nov 9, 2024