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.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 21st Mar 2025

Conversations

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

Aerial view of a highway intersection in Riyadh’s desert, symbolizing the Gulf’s transformation from tradition to modernity..

Palaces, Deserts, and a Thousand Years of Gulf Identity

The Gulf is often seen through narrow stereotypes, but its identity is far richer. Hadi Al-Anizi highlights the historical, cultural, and economic forces that have shaped Gulf societies, where Bedouin heritage and modern urban life intertwine.

Nov 5, 2024

A map of Saudi Arabia showing its geographical borders and location in the Middle East.

Francesco Schiavi on Saudi Arabia’s Path: Balancing Ambition and Change

Francesco Salesio Schiavi shares his insights on how Saudi Arabia is shaping its global presence through ambitious mega-projects and strategic investments in sports, culture, and tourism, amidst regional competition.

Oct 16, 2024

A professional office setting featuring a man in a suit and a woman in traditional Saudi attire engaged in a dialogue. The background showcases a panoramic view of Riyadh's skyline, including the iconic Kingdom Tower. (Source: DALL-E)

Sebastian Sons: Bridging Perspectives on Saudi Arabia

In an era of growing polarization, Sebastian Sons emphasizes the power of healthy dialogue in bridging cultural gaps, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia's social development and Vision 2030.

Aug 27, 2024

Désirée Kaiser discusses Saudi Arabia's socio-economic transformations and changing German perspectives.

Inside Saudi Arabia's Transformation: Insights from Middle East Consultant Désirée Kaiser

Désirée Kaiser, an expert in international politics and socio-economic research, offers insights into Saudi Arabia’s modernization and empowerment, highlighting women’s roles and the Kingdom’s ambitious transformation.

Jul 13, 2024

A farming field in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the country’s focus on food security through advanced agriculture and water management.

Saudi Arabia’s Agricultural Shift: A Necessity of Survival

Farming was once an unlikely profession in Saudi Arabia, but climate change and rising food prices are driving a cultural shift. From cucumbers to grapes, locally grown produce is gaining traction, reflecting the Kingdom’s push for food self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.

May 24, 2024

A theater curtain symbolizing the growth of Saudi Arabia's theater industry and cultural development.

Soha Khan: Leading Saudi Arabia’s Theatre Revolution

Soha Khan is at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s emerging theatre scene. As the founder of Falla Factory, the first dedicated theatre production company in the Kingdom, she reflects on her journey, her passion for theatre, and her vision for building a thriving creative industry.

May 22, 2024

Map of Saudi Arabia and the world, with Guido Steinberg discussing Middle Eastern politics, Gulf tensions, and the internationalization of Islamist terrorism. (Source: Pexels)

Guido Steinberg on Understanding Islamist Terrorism

Read about the complexities of Saudi Arabia, guided by the expertise of Islamic, Middle East and terrorism researcher Guido Steinberg.

Feb 25, 2023

A group of tribal men sitting together, symbolizing the continued influence of tribes in shaping Gulf societies and politics, preserving traditions while impacting modern governance.

Tribal Dynamics in the Gulf: A Legacy of Influence

Tribes have long shaped the Gulf's political and social fabric, serving as a powerful force in Arab society and continuing to influence modern relations within the GCC.

Jul 6, 2022