Book cover of Dr. Mark C. Thompson’s exploration of Saudi Arabia’s societal changes, focusing on shifting gender roles.

Dr. Mark C Thompson Explores Saudi Arabia’s Transition and Shifting Gender Roles

British academic Dr. Mark C Thompson delves into Saudi Arabia’s rapid societal changes, focusing on the overlooked role of young men amid the nation’s shift in gender dynamics, socio-economic pressures, and evolving cultural identity.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 26th May 2022

Conversations

Jeddah's historic architecture, showcasing its role as a cultural melting pot shaped by centuries of migration and trade along the Red Sea.

Jeddah’s Historic Role: Lessons in Integration from Ulrike Freitag’s "A History of Jeddah"

German historian Professor Ulrike Freitag, director of the Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient in Berlin, spoke to SaudiTimes in her latest book “A History of Jeddah: The Gate to Mecca in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries’’ published in February 2020. Speaking about a historical melting pot like Jeddah in days, when immigration, tolerance, and togetherness are more than ever central issues in worldwide discussions beyond countries’ borders and people’s mind, is of special significance.

Dec 29, 2020

Angeles Espinosa speaking at a podium, highlighting her decades of reporting on the Arab world and her recognition for impactful work. (Source: nuevecuatrouno)

Angeles Espinosa Explores Saudi Arabia’s Tourism and Social Change

Spanish journalist Angeles Espinosa, a seasoned correspondent for El País, reflects on her experiences covering the Middle East and her first touristic visit to Saudi Arabia, exploring the kingdom's transformative social reforms and the breathtaking site of Mada’in Saleh.

Jun 1, 2020

A nostalgic depiction of 1970s expatriate life in Saudi Arabia, featuring traditional compounds, vintage cars, Arabic patterns, and desert surroundings.

Elizabeth Frost’s Memoir on Expat Life in Saudi Arabia

Elizabeth Frost’s memoir unravels the complexities of expat life in Saudi Arabia, offering a rich blend of personal stories, cultural insights, and reflections on a rapidly evolving society.

May 5, 2020

Lucas Skrobot interviewing Dahlia Rahaimy about the transformation of Saudi Arabia's education and culture.

In Conversation with Lucas Skrobot on Education and Culture in Saudi Arabia’s Future

What role do education and culture play in Saudi Arabia’s transformation? Lucas Skrobot shares his insights in this compelling interview.

Apr 19, 2020

A crescent moon and star atop a building, with a hot air balloon in the background, reflecting the intersection of tradition and modernity in the Middle East.

Gudrun Harrer: The Journalist Bridging Austria and the Arab World

Austrian journalist Gudrun Harrer’s writings on the Arab world combine poetic prose with incisive political analysis. Her deep expertise, cultivated over decades, bridges complex geopolitical narratives with accessibility, making her a leading voice on Middle Eastern affairs. In this exclusive interview, Harrer reflects on Saudi Arabia’s reforms, Austria’s perception of the Kingdom, and the enduring challenges of mutual understanding between Europe and the Arab world.

Oct 13, 2019

BBC Radio interview discussing Saudi women’s independent travel and empowerment under Vision 2030. (Source: Shutterstock)

Saudi Women’s Independent Travel: Insights from My BBC Interview

The recent policy shift in Saudi Arabia granting women the freedom to travel independently represents a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s journey towards gender equality. This change, discussed on BBC Arabic Radio’s Alkhalij Haza AlIsbugh, raises important questions about Saudi society's readiness to fully embrace these reforms.

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World map highlighting Saudi Arabia, illustrating its transformative reforms and their impact on society and economy. (Source: Pexels)

How Saudi Arabia’s Reforms Are Redefining Progress – Insights by Dahlia Rahaimy

In an exclusive interview with Cinzia Blanco for the EU-Gulf Info Center, we discuss the transformative reforms reshaping Saudi Arabia’s economy, society, and culture—reforms that are redefining policies and daily life, marking a pivotal moment in the Kingdom's evolution.

Apr 24, 2019

Dahlia Rahaimy discusses Saudi women’s empowerment during her interview with DW’s Dbate, with a map of Saudi Arabia symbolizing the focus on local perspectives and reforms. (Source: Pexels)

Dahlia Rahaimy’s Insights on Saudi Women and Empowerment

In an interview with DW’s Dbate, Dahlia Rahaimy shares her local perspective on the changing status of women in Saudi Arabia. Challenging common misconceptions, she provides a deeper understanding of the strides being made toward gender equality and empowerment in the Kingdom.

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A film tape roll, symbolizing Amr Alkahtani's journey from hobbyist to movie producer. (Source: Shutterstock)

Lights, Camera, Action: Amr Alkahtani on Saudi Arabia's Film Revolution

Saudi Arabia's film industry is entering a new era, driven by the opening of cinemas and relaxed regulations. Amr Alkahtani, a trailblazing producer, shares his perspective on Saudi filmmaking’s past, present, and promising future.

Mar 22, 2019

A sign reading 'Cinema' symbolizes Saudi Arabia's embrace of a new era of cultural openness. (Source: Shutterstock)

Saudi Arabia’s Cinematic Shift

In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Dahlia Rahaimy delves into the significance of reopening cinemas in Saudi Arabia, highlighting their role in cultural modernization and the broader socio-economic transformation of the Kingdom.

Apr 21, 2018