Split table showing a lavish Saudi feast on one side and a minimalist meal on the other, highlighting the contrast between excess and restraint.

A Tradition of Plenty, A Moment for Restraint

Weddings in Saudi Arabia are showcases of generosity—but with much food uneaten, some are rethinking the meaning of abundance. A new regulation may help families be thoughtful hosts without breaking tradition.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 10th Jul 2025

Society

A multigenerational Saudi family celebrates together in a living room, sharing tea, sweets, and gifts. Adults and children wear traditional attire, surrounded by balloons and decorations, symbolizing cultural warmth and family connection amid societal cha

A Quiet Generational Shift Is Reshaping Saudi Society

What are young Saudis like now? Behind the reforms and rapid change lies a quieter story—of families, expectations, and a generation learning to redefine tradition.

Jul 3, 2025

A Saudi family of three generations gathers in a living room decorated with balloons and gifts. Men, women, and children dressed in traditional attire share food, tea, and presents, reflecting both festive warmth and the generational bonds that shape Saud

Generation X in Saudi Arabia: The Silent Adapters

They are neither nostalgic boomers nor digitally fluent Gen Z. In Saudi Arabia’s generational saga, Generation X often fades into the background—overlooked, overburdened, and under-celebrated. Yet this middle cohort holds a mirror to the nation’s transformation, bridging the values of yesterday with the demands of today.

Jun 10, 2025

DJ performing under colorful laser lights in front of a cheering crowd, representing the growing legitimacy of creative careers once considered unconventional.

When the DJ Has a PhD

A former university lecturer trading academia for the DJ booth might have once drawn disapproval in Saudi Arabia. Today, it draws curiosity—and quiet respect. As creative and athletic careers gain visibility, the Kingdom is reassessing what counts as meaningful work.

Jun 7, 2025

Saudi men and women working together in a modern office setting, wearing headsets and engaging at computer desks, symbolizing the changing dynamics of Saudi Arabia’s labor force.

Saudi Women Have Moved On. Has the World?

Saudi women no longer fit the old narratives. As social and economic change reshapes daily life, the world is slow to catch up.

Jun 1, 2025

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.

May 22, 2025

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