Steffen Hertog: The Quiet Reordering of Saudi Society

Saudi Arabia’s biggest changes are not only in its skyline but in its labour market and social fabric. Economist Steffen Hertog explains how Saudis are adapting to private sector realities, new reforms, and shifting ideas of what a good life means.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 31st Aug 2025

Conversations

Shubhda Chaudhary seated at Suwaidi Park during Riyadh Season, wearing a mustard yellow blouse and olive green pants, smiling at the camera in front of a branded backdrop featuring the park and event logos.

Reframing Saudi Arabia: An Indian Perspective by Shubhda Chaudhary

Indian scholar Shubhda Chaudhary arrived in Riyadh expecting complexity — and found far more. Her journey revealed a vibrant, welcoming Saudi society that defies outside narratives.

Aug 5, 2025

Saudi actor Aziz Gharbawi, dressed in a black suit, standing on a grand staircase in a historic building—part of a new generation of performers shaping Saudi Arabia’s emerging film industry.

Aziz Gharbawi: Not Just Acting

Aziz Gharbawi isn’t chasing fame. He’s chasing a better version of himself. From engineering school in Canada to complex screen roles in Rashash and Last Light, the Jeddah-born actor is part of a new generation shaping Saudi cinema—without losing sight of identity, integrity, or emotional depth. In this exclusive Saudi Times interview, Gharbawi opens up about growth, duality, and the stories he’s ready to tell.

Jun 29, 2025

Prince Turki AlFaisal speaking at a public event, wearing traditional Saudi attire and addressing regional political developments.

Prince Turki and the Saudi View on War and Stability

What does the war look like from inside Saudi Arabia? In this rare interview, Prince Turki AlFaisal shares a voice that reflects a broader societal mindset.

Jun 28, 2025

Close-up of a studio microphone symbolizing a BBC Radio interview on President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

BBC Radio Interview on Trump Visit

As President Trump arrived in Riyadh for his second official visit, I joined BBC Radio 5 Live’s Gulfcast with Matt Chorley. Our conversation focused on the political aims of the five-day Gulf tour—and, more importantly, on how Saudi society, particularly its youth, perceived the event. For many, the spectacle was less about diplomacy and more about concrete hopes: international exposure, economic opportunity, and future mobility.

Jun 18, 2025

Byron Cooke, host of MBC Loud, in a white shirt and jeans, standing in studio—embodying the international energy of contemporary Saudi broadcasting.

Broadcasting Change: An Australian Voice in Riyadh’s New Soundscape

Saudi radio is getting a fresh voice—and it speaks with an Australian accent. Byron Cooke, now hosting MBC LOUD FM’s flagship show, shares how Riyadh became his new home and why English-language radio matters in today’s Saudi Arabia.

May 6, 2025

Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi bin Zager stands in front of portraits of Saudi leaders and the national flag in Tokyo.

Building a Strategic Partnership: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan on the Future of Bilateral Ties

As Saudi Arabia and Japan mark 70 years of diplomatic ties, Ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr outlines a shared future built on innovation, culture, and strategic cooperation beyond oil.

Apr 8, 2025

Jubail Industrial City, one of the world's largest industrial hubs, is central to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. It hosts major petrochemical and manufacturing facilities, driving non-oil revenue growth.

Industrial Policy: Making It Work for All Saudis

Saudi Arabia’s industrial policy has always aimed high, but success now depends on making it practical and inclusive. As global economic strategies evolve, the challenge is to turn grand visions into community-driven realities.

Mar 25, 2025

Bedouins with camels walking across a golden sand dune at sunset, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle and the spirit of integrity and trust that defined life in the Arabian Peninsula. The warm glow of the sun highlights their journey, symbolizing resilience

A Remarkable Story of Trust and Integrity

In an age before written contracts and formal guarantees, honesty and trust formed the foundation of business dealings in Saudi Arabia. This true story from the 1950s, passed down from my father, offers a powerful reminder of how character and integrity shaped relationships across generations.

Mar 21, 2025

A German businessman in a suit and a Saudi man in a traditional white thobe and red ghutra shake hands in front of blurred city buildings, with faint German and Saudi flags in the background.

Building Bridges, Striking Deals: Lena Gliem on German Growing Ties with the MENA Region

Germany and the MENA region are forging deeper economic and cultural connections. Lena Gliem, a consultant specializing in cross-border collaborations, shares insights on how businesses can navigate these dynamic markets.

Mar 11, 2025

A music studio with an oud, qanun, electric guitar, and keyboard, symbolizing cultural fusion.

Alya Fetyani: Building Bridges in Saudi Arabia’s Soundscape

Alya Fityani once worked at Spotify—a “music place,” as her mother called it. Now, as a Label Services Project Manager at Vydia, she stands at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s evolving music scene, bridging tradition and innovation.

Feb 7, 2025

A room symbolizing Saudi-Iranian unity, featuring Saudi coffee pots, Persian rugs, and Islamic geometric patterns with warm ambient lighting.

Yazdanshenas: Bridging Misunderstood Cultures Between Iran and Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia and Iran rebuild diplomatic ties, a new chapter of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connections emerges. This interview with Assistant Professor Zakiyeh Yazdanshenas explores how shared values, evolving youth norms, and grassroots initiatives are reshaping perceptions and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.

Jan 7, 2025

The Ithra building in Dhahran, home to cultural and educational spaces, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to knowledge and heritage. (Source: Shutterstock)

Rainer Hermann on How Saudi Arabia is Shaping Its Future

Saudi Arabia’s transformation extends beyond its skylines to its intellectual and cultural dynamics. Rainer Hermann, former Middle East correspondent for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), analyzes how the Kingdom is balancing tradition with modernity and fostering a new era of global engagement in this interview with Saudi Times.

Dec 3, 2024