The true Transformation of Saudi begins within each one

Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I often found myself frustrated by the restrictions and traditions that shaped our daily lives. Whenever I voiced these frustrations, my father would remind me: “The government can’t change everything. It’s up to us, as individuals, to create change and progress.” It took time, but I came to see the wisdom in his words.

Changing Times

Today, Saudi Arabia is witnessing remarkable progress across various aspects of life. Women are making strides in the workforce, entertainment festivals are thriving, and new projects are injecting fresh energy into the nation. Expats are contributing to the economy in diverse roles, schools are broadening their curricula, and there’s a growing interest in activities like book clubs and outdoor adventures. These changes have undeniably enriched Saudi life, offering countless opportunities for personal and societal growth.

Still the same old Issues

However, amid these transformations, one critical area remains largely unaddressed: psychological tolerance. While our society has opened up in many ways, the ability to accept and embrace these different ideas, perspectives, and emotions is still somewhat limited.

In Saudi Arabia a deep-seated narrative persists, one that struggles to accommodate thoughts or behaviours that challenge established norms. This rigidity often arises from a psychological barrier, where any deviation is seen as a threat to one’s identity.

At the core of this issue is a strong focus on the self - the “me” - encompassing ego, emotions, thoughts, and intellect. For many Saudis, personal identity is closely tied to societal expectations, leading to a defensive stance against anything that might seem to undermine one’s sense of self. This mentality is deeply rooted in the way people are brought up in the region.

Traditionally, parenting in Saudi Arabia has not always prioritised nurturing a child’s individual capacities or allow them to explore their emotions and thoughts freely. Instead, there has often been a tendency for parents to project their own aspirations and emotions onto their children, sometimes with little regard for the child’s unique needs and potential.

This approach creates a limited emotional palette, much like an artist given only a few colours and expected to mix their own shades to express a broader range of emotions.

A Saudi Issue?

This isn’t specific to Saudi necessarily - one might also see a parent in the UK dream for their child to be a footballer, for example, fostering expectations they can’t possibly meet. But in Saudi, this constrained emotional environment can lead to significant psychological challenges.

When individuals aren’t taught to acknowledge and express their feelings healthily, they may resort to less constructive behaviours to communicate their needs. If emotions cannot be articulated in a socially acceptable language or manner, people may turn to more extreme or indirect methods of expression. This often results in interpersonal conflicts or passive-aggressive behaviour, symptoms of deeper psychological unrest.

Furthermore, because this approach to emotional expression does not encourage open communication or self-awareness, it can have a lasting impact on mental health. These unhealthy patterns of emotional management affect not only the individual but can also ripple across generations, perpetuating cycles of misunderstanding and intolerance.

How to be tolerant

So in many ways, this lack of psychological tolerance hinders the nation’s broader goals of modernisation and global integration. As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself on the world stage, engaging in international business, education, and culture, the ability to navigate diverse viewpoints and adapt to new ways of thinking becomes increasingly crucial. But there is a risk that our society’s outward progress may be undermined by internal tensions and resistance to change.

Moreover, fostering tolerance is not just about accepting different perspectives but also about encouraging innovation and creativity. When people feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment or reprisal, they are more likely to contribute new ideas and solutions.

This openness can lead to breakthroughs in various fields, from technology to the arts, and can help propel Saudi Arabia toward becoming a more dynamic and resilient society.

Education plays a pivotal role in this transformation. By incorporating emotional intelligence and critical thinking into our educational curricula, we can equip future generations with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. Teaching young people to understand and manage their emotions, appreciate diverse viewpoints, and engage in constructive dialogue is essential for building a more tolerant and inclusive society.

Community initiatives and public discourse also have a part to play. Encouraging open conversations about mental health, cultural differences, and the importance of psychological resilience can help break down barriers and reduce stigma. These efforts can create a more supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to explore their identities and challenge societal norms without fear of rejection or marginalisation.

Necessary Steps

So while Saudi society has embraced many changes, the challenge of psychological tolerance remains a significant frontier. Addressing this issue requires a shift in how we understand and express emotions and individuality. Moving towards a more open and supportive environment, where differences are not just tolerated but valued, is essential for our continued progress.

As Saudis work together to build a more tolerant society, we must remember that true transformation begins within each  - with a willingness to listen, to empathise, and to grow beyond the limits of our current understanding.

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