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.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 6th May 2025

Conversations

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

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