Footprints across a rippled sand dune at sunset, symbolizing the traditional desert navigation methods once used by Bedouin guides like Khamis Rimthan in pre-oil Saudi Arabia.

Before The Oil, There Was The Compass Man

Saudi Arabia’s first oil discovery didn’t begin with machines. It began with a Bedouin guide named Khamis Rimthan, whose desert knowledge changed the country’s fate.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 22nd May 2025

Society

An old Saudi Arabian one-riyal banknote displaying Arabic text, an intricate border, and a detailed architectural illustration of a government building. The banknote includes handwritten serial numbers and official signatures.

From Coins to Clicks: Saudi Arabia’s Payroll Shift

For much of the 20th century, salaries in Saudi Arabia were a tangible affair—literally. Workers at Aramco once received their wages in sacks of silver riyals, a practice now preserved in the Aramco Community Heritage Exhibition. These archival images capture a time when financial transactions were physical, and payroll was a manual process, reflecting the Kingdom’s economic transformation.

Feb 21, 2025

A woman in a dark hijab, wearing gold and gemstone jewelry, holds a black perfume bottle. The image highlights the intersection of modern luxury and traditional style.

Fashion’s New Front Row: Will the Middle East Take a Seat?

Fashion Trust Arabia is redefining Middle Eastern fashion by championing emerging designers. While talents like Mohammed Ashi gain global attention, breaking into luxury markets remains a challenge. Can Arab couture claim its place on the world stage?

Feb 18, 2025

An abstract illustration showing the shift in mental health awareness in Saudi Arabia, contrasting traditional support through family and faith with modern therapy and digital tools.

Mental Health in Saudi Arabia: Breaking the Tabo

For much of Saudi Arabia’s history, mental health was not an individual matter—it was a family concern, often addressed by elders or religious figures. Therapy, if considered at all, was a last resort, viewed with skepticism. But as the country modernizes, younger Saudis are rewriting the narrative. Social media movements, digital therapy platforms, and evolving government policies are reshaping perceptions, making mental health a topic of open discussion rather than quiet struggle.

Feb 10, 2025

A beautifully designed beige abaya with intricate embroidery displayed in a bright workspace featuring a sewing machine and green plants.

Saudi Fashion Gets a Sustainable Makeover

Who would have thought that reusing and repurposing clothes would become part of Saudi life? Just a decade ago, the idea of wearing someone else’s clothes—or even passing down kids’ outfits—was unthinkable for most Saudis, often seen as a sign of poverty. Today, sustainable fashion is not only trendy but also a reflection of Saudis adapting to global challenges while staying rooted in their traditions.

Jan 23, 2025

A person holding a blue umbrella walks along a narrow, elevated pathway surrounded by floodwaters, highlighting the impact of rare rainfall in Saudi Arabia.

Rain in Saudi Arabia: When Puddles Become a Party

In most parts of the world, a rainy day is an inconvenience. In Saudi Arabia, it’s an occasion. Last week’s rare downpour turned streets into playgrounds, brought families outdoors, and reminded Saudis of life’s simplest joys.

Jan 14, 2025

Traditional giant coffee pot sculpture in Jubbah, Hail Province, Saudi Arabia, symbolizing the region's heritage of hospitality.

From Dallah to Cold Brew: How Coffee Fuels Saudi Life

In Saudi Arabia, coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s a cultural cornerstone that bridges centuries-old traditions with the pulse of modern life, creating connections in every sip.

Dec 24, 2024

This image symbolizes resilience and progress, reflecting Saudi Arabia's approach to addressing addiction. (Source: DALL - E))

Saudi Arabia’s Fight Against Drugs: Reforming Justice, Saving Lives

Saudi Arabia’s "war on drugs" is as visible as it is complex. Beneath the headlines of crackdowns and trafficking, the Kingdom faces a deeper challenge: balancing strict enforcement with compassion as it grapples with rising addiction rates and societal transformation.

Dec 9, 2024

The Red Sea off the coast of Jeddah, a setting for Saudi Arabia's first underwater wedding, symbolizing the nation's balance between tradition and modernity.

Making Waves: Saudi Arabia’s Underwater Wedding

When a Saudi couple exchanged vows beneath the waves of the Red Sea, their ceremony became a striking example of how celebrations in the Kingdom are evolving, set against the stunning backdrop of Jeddah’s waters.

Oct 24, 2024

Selfridges department store in London, recently linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund acquisition.

Saudi Arabia’s PIF Steps Into Selfridges

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has acquired a 40% stake in Selfridges, one of the UK’s iconic department stores, in a move that extends the Kingdom’s economic reach into global retail. Partnering with Central Group, the deal highlights a strategic shift toward lifestyle investments, aiming to rejuvenate the renowned brand while aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader economic transformation goals.

Oct 10, 2024

Arranged marriages in Saudi Arabia are the original offline Tinder.

Tinder, but Make It Traditional: How Saudis Find Their Match

When it comes to marriage, Saudi Arabia blends time-honored traditions with modern sensibilities. Surprisingly, the process of finding a spouse in Saudi society isn’t so different from swiping on Tinder—both prioritize compatibility and preferences, albeit with a unique cultural twist.

Jul 23, 2024

A man threading a bisht, a traditional garment now required for officials, reflecting Saudi cultural identity.

Wrapped in Authority: The Bisht’s Symbolic Power in Saudi Arabia

From a Bedouin winter garment to a symbol of authority, the bisht continues to play a central role in Saudi Arabia, uniting tradition with state representation.

Jul 3, 2024

Saudi legal reforms clarify Sharia, granting women greater rights in divorce, child custody, and finances.

Saudi Lawyer Creates App for Women's Rights

In 2016, Saudi lawyer Nasreen Alissa launched a mobile app to educate women about their rights under Sharia law. Her work highlights both the challenges and progress in women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, where misconceptions about guardianship often overshadow the real protections enshrined in Islamic principles.

May 21, 2024