A Saudi woman smiles while watching a television cartoon showing two men arguing over paperwork, echoing the style and humour of the Saudi satire Masameer.

Masameer and the Art of Saudi Self-Mockery

Once a scrappy YouTube series, Masameer has become Saudi Arabia’s cultural mirror—an animated satire where laughter doubles as quiet critique. By turning everyday frustrations into comedy, it captures the Kingdom’s shifting social mood, where self-reflection now comes with a punchline.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 6th Nov 2025

Entertainment

Riyadh Comedy Festival Draws Global Debate

When the Riyadh Comedy Festival opened in late September, its laughter carried more than amusement. Featuring 50 global comedians, the two-week event turned Riyadh into a world stage — and a flashpoint for debate. For Saudis, it marked cultural progress; for critics abroad, a question of free speech and image.

Oct 7, 2025

Traditional Saudi majlis interior, representing spaces that may be adapted for public dining as cultural norms gradually evolve in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Homes Turn Into Restaurants as Culture Opens Up

Saudi Arabia’s transformation is often measured in giga-projects and reform plans, but sometimes the more revealing shifts begin quietly — like the decision to turn your family’s old majlis into a dining room for strangers.

Apr 29, 2025

Image of Asghar Farhadi, the acclaimed Iranian director, known for his films A Separation and The Salesman, which explore complex human emotions and societal issues. (Source: Shutterstock)

Iranian Movies At Red Sea Festival: A Cultural Bridge in the Making

The inclusion of Iranian films at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival marks a powerful moment of cultural diplomacy, showcasing how cinema can transcend political divides. This step highlights a growing cultural exchange between two historically estranged nations, opening new pathways for understanding and dialogue.

Nov 19, 2024

Maraya, a mirrored concert hall in Ashar Valley, Al-Ula, reflecting the desert landscape and hosting cultural events in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Hits a High Note: Opera Finds Its Stage in the Kingdom

Opera is striking a new chord in Saudi Arabia, where the genre—once unfamiliar—is now making its debut with ambitious projects like the Diriyah Opera House and trailblazers like Sawsan Al-Bahiti. But will Saudis embrace this high-drama art form in their rapidly evolving music scene?

Sep 10, 2024

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a notable destination for the film industry, with locations like AlUla offering cultural and historical significance for productions.i

Saudi Cinema: Spotlighting a Cultural Revival

Saudi Arabia's film industry has grown into a thriving cultural force, gaining local and global recognition. What’s next for this promising sector?

Aug 5, 2024

Metallica performing at their historic Riyadh concert during the Soundstorm Festival, fulfilling a long-time dream for Saudi fans.

Metallica Rocks Riyadh: From Banned to Headliner

Once banned and underground, rock music took center stage in Saudi Arabia as Metallica brought their iconic sound to Riyadh’s Soundstorm Festival, marking a milestone in the Kingdom’s evolving music scene.

Dec 2, 2023

A film reel or movie scene, symbolizing the growing film industry in Saudi Arabia, where films and movies once banned are now becoming a major part of the cultural scene.

Saudi Filmmaking Sparks a Revival in Motion

Explore the rise of Saudi Arabia’s film industry, its cultural revival after decades of dormancy, and the global impact of local stories.

Apr 26, 2023

A lively music festival at MDL Beast in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the energy and creativity of young Saudi artists.

The Emerging Saudi Music Ecosystem: Youth, Culture, and Challenge

Saudi Arabia’s music scene is witnessing a groundbreaking transformation, driven by platforms like XP Music and MDL Beast. These initiatives not only reflect the creative energy of the nation’s youth but also mark a bold new chapter in the Kingdom’s cultural identity.

Jul 2, 2022